15 Movies, Shows, and Albums to Stream Over the Holidays
Although you probably started celebrating the holiday season on November 1 (hey, the red coffee cups gave you permission to do so), we are certainly officially in the holiday season now. Christmas and Hanukkah are just days away, schools are finally on winter break, and the malls are guaranteed to be packed with last-minute shoppers.
This time of year usually requires us to spend extra time at home, and no matter how much we love our families, they’re bound to get on our nerves eventually. That’s just what happens when you spend too much time together. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 movies, TV shows, and albums to keep you occupied when you need a break from the fam, or better yet, to listen to together. 'Tis the season for bonding around the fireplace, and these picks will help make for a very merry holiday.
1/15Watch: The Holiday
The Holiday is required viewing every winter. Just a warning, it might make you tempted to rent an Airbnb across the world, or hope that you’ll have a “meet cute" before winter's over. It’s a side effect.
Where to stream it: Netflix
2/15Listen: Christmas and Chill, by Ariana Grande
What’s better than an Ariana Grande playlist? Duh, an Ariana Grande holiday playlist. This is the perfect album to listen to in your room when you’re trying to zone out after a long fam dinner.
Where to listen: Spotify
3/15Watch: Barry
Okay, Barry isn’t a holiday film, but it dropped on Netflix last week and is a must-see this season. The movie follows Barack Obama throughout his college years and explores his life before he became the politician we know today.
Where to stream it: Netflix
4/15Listen: Under the Mistletoe, by Justin Bieber
If you close your eyes while listening to the Biebs’s holiday album, it almost feels like he’s serenading you. Almost.
Where to listen: Spotify
5/15Watch: Love Actually
After you finish watching The Holiday, this movie will probably come up in your “suggested films” queue, so you might as well watch it next. It’s a classic for a reason.
Where to stream it: Netflix
7/15Watch: Frozen
No, we won't "let it go!” Honestly, if you’re going to watch a Disney cartoon this holiday season, it feels almost wrong to watch anything BUT Frozen. And, just so you’re aware, you will have to sing along.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, iTunes
8/15Watch: Fuller House
Although Fuller House isn’t technically holiday-themed, season 2 was released around the holidays, so it’s close enough. If you need an escape from the fam that will last all afternoon, a binge-session of Kimmy Gibbler has got you covered.
Where to stream it: Netflix
9/15Listen: 8 Days of Christmas, by Destiny’s Child
Throw it back to Beyoncé’s formative years with the holiday album from Destiny’s Child. Highlights include Solange singing “Little Drummer Boy,” and Bey’s rendition of “Silent Night.”
Where to listen: Spotify
10/15Watch: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
If you can’t get tickets to see the Rockettes IRL, the movie version is the next best thing. You’ll want to grab your besties and practice your kickline immediately.
Where to stream it: Netflix
11/15Watch: Noel
You probably forgot about this movie, but it stars Penélope Cruz and Paul Walker (RIP) and is set in New York City on Christmas Eve. In similar fashion to Love Actually, it contains several storylines that intersect with one another as the movie goes on.
Where to stream it: Netflix
12/15Listen: Home For Christmas, by *NSync
Honestly, no one does holiday music like a good old fashioned boy band. And *NSync’s song “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” just feels like wintertime.
Where to listen: Spotify
13/15Listen: The Christmas Collection, by Boyz II Men
And speaking of boy bands, Boyz II Men made the ULTIMATE holiday album with their Christmas Compilation. You really cannot beat those harmonies.
Where to listen: Spotify
14/15Watch: Serendipity
If you don’t believe in signs or fate, you definitely will after watching this classic holiday movie. Starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale, Serendipity will make you want to fall in love, go ice skating, drink hot cocoa, or all three.
Where to stream it: Netflix
15/15Watch: The Disney Parks’ Presents: Magical Christmas Celebration
On Christmas Day, you’ll be able to watch this magical Disney event hosted by Julianne and Derek Hough. It will feature performances by Sofia Carson, Kelly Clarkson, and Jordan Fisher, and it will definitely make you want to book a trip to Disney, stat.
Where to watch: ABC, 10:00 a.m. ET on December 25.
