The holiday season brings more than delicious food and gift giving. It gives us time with loved ones and a craving to stream our favorite holiday classics. According to a 2025 report from Nielsen, streaming viewership climbed 9% in December 2024 compared to that November, marking the biggest monthly jump among measurement periods and helping streaming collectively reach a record 43.4% share of all TV watch time.
With households juggling 4K movies, smart TVs, Wi-Fi-powered decorations, and family video calls all on their devices, high-speed fiber internet is equipped to support a strong connection all month long. With Wi-Fi you can count on, it’s time to press play on your holiday movie marathon. Need some inspiration for your watchlist? Check out this roundup of must-see films, ranging from quote-worthy comedies to feel-good romances.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A beloved holiday classic, this film tells the story of George Bailey, played by James Stewart, learning the value of his life when an angel shows him a world where he was never born.
Did you know: To capture the scene where Clarence, the angel, reveals an alternate world, the crew used practical effects and miniatures, as CGI didn’t exist until decades later.
A Christmas Story (1983)
This holiday comedy keeps audiences coming back year after year, following along with Ralphie as he makes it his mission to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
Did you know: The iconic leg lamp in Ralphie’s family living room was inspired by a real lamp that sat in the director’s mother’s home.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
With a talented cast led by Chevy Chase, this movie follows Clark Griswold’s comical, disastrous efforts to create the perfect family Christmas.
Did you know: To set the stage for one of the film’s most memorable scenes, the Griswold house was covered in thousands of Christmas lights that equated to 25,000 individual bulbs.
Home Alone (1990)
Consistently serving as one of the most-watched holiday favorites year after year, families love revisiting this classic and its sequels, capturing a young kid hilariously outsmarting burglars.
Did you know: The iconic scream that Kevin, the star of the film played by Macaulay Culkin, lets out after applying aftershave wasn’t scripted. The actor improvised to create one of the most recognizable movie moments.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Another classic offering multiple sequels, this film is a nostalgic favorite where Tim Allen’s character must take on the role of Santa before the next Christmas arrives.
Did you know: The title of the movie is meant to be a pun, referring to the contract that the main character signs when he agrees to transform into Santa Claus.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey, who plays the Grinch, knows how to bring the holiday spirit to life, even when his character loathes the cheerful celebrations that take over Whoville every Christmas season.
Did you know: For every day that Jim Carrey filmed, he had to start by sitting in the makeup chair for about 3 hours, which he prepared for by training with a CIA torture resistance expert.
Elf (2003)
A modern classic starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, this comedy showcases the journey that a human, who was raised by elves in the North Pole, takes to New York City to find his dad.
Did you know: While filming the scene where Buddy pours maple syrup on his spaghetti, Will Ferrell actually ate those heaping spoonfuls of sugary pasta.
The Polar Express (2004)
In this popular children’s holiday movie, watch as a boy embarks on a magical train ride to the North Pole, learning about friendship, courage and the spirit of Christmas.
Did you know: Tom Hanks took on multiple roles within the film, six to be exact, including the main character, the train conductor, and Santa Claus.
Love Actually (2003)
This festive, heartwarming film follows multiple interconnected stories of love, heartbreak, and friendship, set in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Did you know: The famous airport reunion scenes at the beginning and end use real, unscripted footage of families reuniting at London’s Heathrow Airport.
In case you need a few more ideas, honorable mentions go to Miracle on 34th Street (1947), White Christmas (1954), Frosty the Snowman (1969), and The Holiday (2006). Which of these festive favorites will you be adding to your lineup this year?
Make sure your home is ready for all the streaming with a fiber-powered connection, so you can enjoy every classic without lag or buffering. To see if Ripple Fiber is in your neighborhood, check availability and discover the package that will keep your household running smoothly all year long.