There’s no better way to spend the days leading up to Christmas than watching (what we believe are) the BEST holiday movies. With 12 days left until the big day, we’ve compiled a list of festive films that get more and more Christmas-y with every passing day. We’ve got everything from new to vintage, kid-friendly to horror, friendly to romantic, sexy to cozy, to queer.

These movies are the perfect way to connect with friends, family, and lovers while you get into the Christmas spirit. We hope you enjoy!

  1. Little Women (2019) 

Today we start with modern classic Little Women by Greta Gerwig. Based on the famous book by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women tells the tale of the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy as they journey from childhood to adulthood (as most of you already know). We love watching this film around the holidays. It’s so unbelievably cozy and features some winter shots and Christmas-time turbulence, so we like to qualify it as a holiday flick. With feminist undertones and amazing acting from some of our faves, Little Women is the perfect way to ease into the holidays. 

Watch on Netflix until December 21.

  1. Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)

A new rom-com released on Netflix this November, Meet Me Next Christmas follows Layla, who with 24 hours to spare must race through New York City to get her hands on the hottest ticket in town: the sold-out Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert. All for the chance to meet up with the man of her dreams. Sweet, funny, and full of adventure (and acapella), this cute Christmas movie is the 11th pick on our list. 

Fun fact: the film was shot in Toronto! So if you want to adventure around your city (just like Layla), check out Netflix In My Neighbourhood to see where the film was shot and visit some iconic Toronto locations! 

Watch on Netflix. 

  1. It’s A Wonderful Knife (2023)

For fans of classic Christmas tales and horror, It’s a Wonderful Knife is a fresh take on It’s a Wonderful Life, with more corrupt mayors, teen lesbian romance, and murder! Shot in Vancouver, this is a great alternative to the classic holiday fare we’re used to around this time of year.

Rent on Prime Video or Apple TV+.

  1. A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter (2024)

Day 10 was a little bit spooky, now it’s time to laugh and relax. A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter is a fun and campy Christmas special featuring one of our fave popstars—Sabrina Carpenter! This special will feature musical and comedic guests, performances of Carpenter’s holiday EP fruitcake, iconic chart-topping holiday covers,  unexpected duets, and many more surprises and fun cameos. It’s nonsense, and we’re here for it. 

Watch on Netflix. 

  1. Last Holiday (2006) 

We love love love this movie. Salesperson Georgia Byrd leads a life full of unfulfilled desires and is suddenly left shocked when she discovers a terminal illness. To combat the feeling of never having lived the way she envisioned, Georgia quits her job, gathers her savings and sets out on a luxurious trip to Europe during the height of the holiday season. Starring Queen Latifah, this film is funny, sweet, and a lesson on how to live your life to the fullest. 

Rent on Prime Video or Apple TV+.

  1. Happiest Season (2020) 

Ready to propose at the holiday gathering, Abby (Kristen Stewart) runs into a problem when her partner Harper (Mackenzie Davis) reveals that her family has no idea that they’re gay. With a star-studded cast and a little bit of edge, this queer Christmas movie is a must-watch—and what better time than 7 days away from when you’re set to bring your boo home for the holidays? 

Watch on CBC Gem.

  1. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Based on the best-selling book, Bridget Jones’s Diary follows our titular character and the love triangle she finds herself in, with Mark Darcy, a childhood acquaintance, and  Daniel Cleaver, her boss. The film takes place over a year, bookended by the holiday season, as Bridget navigates love and her efforts to lose weight (very 2000s), and curb her drinking and smoking. This is a perfect romantic romp to laugh along to with friends over a tray of gingerbread cookies.

Watch on Netflix.

  1. Our Little Secret (2024)

Written by Hailey DeDominicis, our December Artist of the Month and former employee at Touchwood PR (our parent company), Our Little Secret is the perfect holiday film for 5 days leading up to the 25th. The story follows Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) who had the breakups of all breakups 10 Christmases ago. This year, they are faced with the craziest of fates when they go home for the holidays with their most recent significant others who… you guessed it… are SIBLINGS! The exes navigate secretly through the holidays trying to keep their past relationship hidden from their potential in-laws and partners. This story brings a whole new meaning to EX-mas. 

Watch on Netflix. 

  1. Carol (2015) 

Through a chance meeting at a department store during the holiday season, Therese finds herself enamoured, and ultimately in a forbidden affair with Carol, an older woman going through a difficult divorce. This is a tale of love, duty and the trials of the LGBTQIA+ community in the 1950s. This won’t be the jolliest movie on our list, but it’s definitely a holiday must-watch.

Watch on CBC Gem.

  1. The Holiday (2006) 

In this star-studded movie written and directed by Nancy Meyers, two women take a chance on a home swap (and love!) over the holiday season. Iris, played by Kate Winslet, travels from London to LA to get over her newly-engaged ex-boyfriend while Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz, travels from LA to Surrey to escape her cheating ex-boyfriend. This is another classic holiday rom-com to get cozy under a blanket and watch over some hot cocoa.

Available to rent on most platforms. 

  1. The Polar Express (2004) 

This animated holiday movie tells the story of the Polar Express, a train full of children bound for the North Pole to visit Santa Claus, who is preparing for Christmas. We’ve watched this magical movie since we were children and it really is the perfect Christmas Eve tale to help bring back nostalgic memories and keep the Christmas spirit alive. Our December 24th pick. 

Watch on Prime Video.

  1. Love Actually (2003) 

Our Christmas Day movie pick is none other than Love Actually. This beloved story follows many different kinds of relationships in their pursuit of true love: long-time married couples, newlyweds, best friends, colleagues, father and son, and budding romances. This Christmas classic will bring the whole family together. 

Watch on Prime Video.

A few honourable mentions that almost made our list:

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024) – in theatres now

The Family Stone (2005) – available to stream on Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – available to stream on Disney+

Let It Snow (2019) – available to stream on Netflix 

While You Were Sleeping (1995) – available to stream on Disney +

Gremlins (1984) – available to stream on Crave 

And there you have it! Our 12 holiday films to watch leading up to Christmas. Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a very merry New Year from all of us at SheDoesTheCity.