Best Streaming Platforms to Watch Holiday Movies This Christmas
I never imagined I would end up stuck in a snowstorm. I had driven my friend to visit her uncle, who lived in a cabin, and we were supposed to return the same day. However, the weather took a turn faster than we could have expected, and before I knew it, we were stranded in the tiny cabin.
With no way to leave and nothing else to do, I decided to make the best of it. I pulled out my phone, thankful that I had enough signal to browse. That’s when I started exploring streaming platforms and found some amazing holiday movies that made the whole situation a little brighter. It wasn’t how I thought my day would go, but it turned out to be a cozy, unexpected way to enjoy the time.
Whether you’re looking to save with free platforms or invest in premium subscriptions, this guide will help you find the best streaming services for holiday movies this Christmas.
Paid Streaming Platforms
If you’re willing to invest in premium streaming, these platforms offer extensive libraries of holiday favorites.
1. Netflix: Holiday Originals Galore
Netflix is a top choice for its extensive holiday movie catalog, including originals like The Christmas Chronicles and Klaus.
- Subscription Plans: Ranges from $6.99/month (Basic with Ads) to $19.99/month (Premium).
- Highlights: A wide variety of movies and personalized recommendations.
- Best For: Families, rom-com lovers, and fans of unique holiday stories.
Movies Recommendation
- The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2: A fun, family-friendly adventure with Kurt Russell as Santa Claus.
- Klaus: A heartwarming animated film about the origins of Santa Claus.
- Holiday in the Wild: A romantic comedy starring Kristin Davis.
2. Disney+: Nostalgic Christmas Classics
Disney+ shines with family-friendly classics like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and Frozen.
- Subscription Plans: $7.99/month (ads) or $13.99/month (ad-free).
- Highlights: Exclusive access to Pixar and Marvel holiday specials.
- Best For: Families and Disney fans seeking high-quality, nostalgic content.
Movies Recommendation
- Home Alone: A classic Christmas comedy about a young boy left home alone during the holidays.
- The Santa Clause: A heartwarming trilogy about a man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus.
- Frozen: A magical animated film about two sisters and their icy adventures.
3. HBO Max: Prestige Holiday Offerings
HBO Max combines mainstream hits like Elf and Miracle on 34th Street with curated holiday playlists.
- Subscription Plans: Starts at $9.99/month (ads) or $15.99/month (ad-free).
- Highlights: Premium selections and 4K streaming options.
- Best For: Viewers who prefer critically acclaimed or high-production-value films.
Movies Recommendation
- Elf: A hilarious comedy about an elf who travels to New York City.
- Miracle on 34th Street: A classic Christmas tale about a man who claims to be Santa Claus.
- Last Christmas: A romantic comedy set during the holiday season.
4. Amazon Prime Video: Buy, Rent, or Stream
Amazon Prime Video offers a versatile selection, from free titles included with Prime to rentable holiday blockbusters.
- Subscription Plans: $14.99/month for Prime or $8.99/month for standalone Prime Video.
- Highlights: Mix of free and pay-per-view options.
- Best For: Those seeking a one-stop shop for both classic and newer holiday movies.
Movies Recommendation
- A Christmas Carol: A timeless classic about a miserly man who is visited by three spirits.
- Jingle All the Way: A funny Christmas comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Love Actually: A romantic comedy featuring multiple intertwining love stories.
Free Streaming Platforms
If you’re on a budget, these platforms offer free holiday movie options, though they may include ads.
1. Tubi: Free and Festive
Tubi provides a surprising selection of holiday films, including family-friendly options and nostalgic classics.
- Cost: Completely free with ads.
- Highlights: Easy-to-use interface and zero subscription required.
- Best For: Budget-conscious viewers.
Movies Recommendation
- White Christmas: A classic musical featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
- The Bishop’s Wife: A heartwarming Christmas tale about a bishop who receives a divine visitor.
- The Polar Express: A magical animated film about a young boy who takes a train to the North Pole.
2. Crackle: Quirky Holiday Picks
Crackle is another free platform offering a mix of lesser-known holiday films and TV specials.
- Cost: Free with ads.
- Highlights: No sign-up needed, and it’s compatible with most devices.
- Best For: Those looking to explore indie holiday content.
Movies Recommendation
- The Night Before: A funny comedy about three friends who reunite for Christmas Eve.
- The Holiday Calendar: A romantic comedy about a photographer who receives a magical advent calendar.
- A Christmas Story: A classic Christmas comedy about a young boy’s desire for a Red Ryder BB gun.
3. YouTube: A Treasure Trove
YouTube is a great place to find free-to-watch holiday movies or short films uploaded legally by creators or channels.
- Cost: Free with ads (premium content available for rent or purchase).
- Highlights: Search for public domain classics like It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Best For: DIY movie nights without a subscription.
Movies Recommendation
- It’s a Wonderful Life: A timeless classic about a man who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve.
- A Christmas Carol (1938): A classic adaptation of the Dickens novel, starring Reginald Owen.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947): A classic Christmas tale about a man who claims to be Santa Claus.
Platforms Offering Both Free and Paid Features
Some platforms offer a blend of free and premium content, making them versatile options.
1. Peacock
Peacock’s tiered service includes both free content and premium plans, giving you access to a wide variety of holiday movies.
- Subscription Plans: Free tier with ads; Premium starts at $5.99/month.
- Highlights: Free tier includes holiday TV specials; Premium offers blockbusters like How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
- Best For: Viewers wanting flexibility.
Movies Recommendation
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: A classic animated film about the Grinch who hates Christmas.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: A hilarious comedy about a family’s chaotic Christmas.
- Meet Me in St. Louis: A classic musical set during the 1904 World’s Fair.
2. Amazon Freevee
Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) is Amazon’s ad-supported service, offering free movies alongside its premium Prime Video catalog.
- Cost: Free with ads (separate from Prime subscription).
- Highlights: Rotating selection of free holiday films.
- Best For: Viewers happy to sit through ads for free content.
Movies Recommendation
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- The Santa Clause (free episodes and movies)
- Frosty the Snowman
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
3. Roku Channel
Roku Channel combines free streaming options with premium subscriptions you can purchase directly on the platform.
- Cost: Free with ads; premium subscriptions vary.
- Highlights: Holiday-themed channels and playlists.
- Best For: Roku device users who want an all-in-one streaming solution.
Movies Recommendations:
- Christmas Crush
- A Holiday Engagement
- The Man Who Invented Christmas
- The Christmas Calendar
- An Evergreen Christmas
- Hulu: Hulu requires a subscription, but they offer a free trial for new users (usually around 30 days). After the trial, you’ll need to choose from different subscription plans, which may include ads or be ad-free.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which has a cost. However, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial for new members. After the trial, you would need to pay for the Prime membership or choose to subscribe to Prime Video alone for a lower fee.
How to Choose the Right Platform
- Determine Your Budget: Are you okay with a subscription, or do you want free options?
- Consider Your Preferences: Do you prefer classics, new releases, or a mix of both?
- Check Availability: Some platforms may not be available in your region.
References
- TechRadar, “Top Paid and Free Streaming Services for Christmas 2024.”
- Statista, “Trends in Holiday Streaming Preferences Worldwide.”
- The Verge, “Exploring Hybrid Streaming Platforms for Holiday Content.”
- Consumer Reports, “Best Free Streaming Platforms for Holiday Movies.”
- TV Guide, “What to Watch This Christmas: Paid vs. Free Options.”
