8 New Movies To Stream This Holiday Season
The best Thanksgiving tradition is binge watching *all* the new holiday movies that drop in November.
The greatest Thanksgiving tradition doesn’t involve turkey or pumpkin pie: It’s binging all the new holiday movies that arrive in November. This year, there are several notable Christmas movies that will grace the small screen, including Lindsay Lohan‘s much-hyped return.
From festive rom-coms to poignant dramas to a superhero holiday special, there’s plenty of onscreen cheer ready to stream. Whether you’re a fan of Christmas or just want something hopeful to watch, these holiday-themed flicks offer an opportunity for some cozy escapism. While they may not be Oscar winners, they are solidly entertaining.
Grab a cup of hot chocolate and your warmest blanket, and queue up one of these Christmas movies. Here are eight of the best new holiday movies to watch this season.
RELATED: 20 Best Date Night Movies to Watch With Your Partner
1. Falling For Christmas
Lindsay Lohan‘s first major film role in over a decade sees the actress playing spoiled hotel heiress Sierra Belmont, who loses her memories after a skiing accident. Chord Overstreet co-stars as Jake Russell, a bed and breakfast owner who takes Sierra in.
It’s no spoiler to say sparks fly as Sierra learns a few things about Christmas and love. It’s a mildly entertaining holiday flick perfect for a cozy Sunday afternoon in bed.
On Netflix now.
2. Spirited
The latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol pairs Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, who have transformed the tale into a modern-day musical. Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, who visits the wrong guy Scrooge — a man named Clint Briggs, who turns the tables on the ghost.
Expect laughs, songs, and a great supporting cast, which includes Octavia Spencer, Rose Byrne, and Judi Dench.
On Apple TV+ now.
3. The Noel Diary
What are the holidays without a few family secrets? This bittersweet drama stars Justin Hartley as an author who returns home on Christmas to settle his estranged mother’s estate. There he discovers a diary with discoveries about his past.
There is also, obviously, a romantic storyline, with everyone eventually finding the closure they need.
On Netflix November 24.
4. A Christmas Story Christmas
For many, 1983’s A Christmas Story is one of the most memorable holiday movies of all time. Its new sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, picks up years later, with the original protagonist Ralphie all grown up. Now Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, hopes to give his own kids the Christmas he never had.
Antics ensue, of course. Those who grew up with the first movie will love revisiting Ralphie, while younger viewers can discover the story for the first time.
On HBO Max now.
5. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Yet another adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol reimagines the story as a family-friendly animated film with musical numbers.
The voice cast includes Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Coleman, Jonathan Pryce, and Johnny Flynn, so it will likely appeal to kids and adults alike. Expect hard-learned lessons and heart-warming holiday cheer.
On Netflix December 2.
6. The Guardian of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Marvel’s eccentric Guardians of the Galaxy are back for their first-ever holiday TV special. The 40-minute episode, written and directed by James Gunn, sees the rag-tag heroes searching for a present for their leader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt).
Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Michael Rooker, and Zoe Saldaña all reprise their film roles, while Kevin Bacon and Maria Bakalova have joined in the Christmas fun.
There will be laughs, but also a poignant conclusion to Phase Four of the MCU.
On Disney+ November 25.
7. Hip Hop Nutcracker
Going to a live performance of The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition all over the world. Even if you know the music and dances by heart, that magical moment when Clara’s new toy comes to life just never gets old.
But we’re always here for an adaptation with a twist — especially when it stars the likes of Rev Run, Stephen twitch Boss, and So You Think You Can Dance alum and HP Instant Ink spokesperson Allison Holker-Boss.
“It’s a new take on The Nutcracker that’s all about celebrating dance and music, but pays homage to the original in such a new-age way,” Holker-Boss tells HelloGiggles.
On Disney+ November 25.
8. Hotel for the Holidays
Madelaine Petsch stars as Georgia, a New York City hotel manager, in this light-hearted holiday rom-com. As the Christmas season descends, the hotel is filled with lively guests, including a prince, a pop star, and, of course, possible romance.
Aladdin‘s Mena Massoud rounds out the cast as the hotel’s chef, who hopes to win Georgia’s heart. Somehow, it makes NYC seem charming in cold, snowy weather.
On Freevee December 2.
