25 Best '80s Christmas Movies to Add to Your Holiday Watchlist

If Ebenezer Scrooge can get into the holiday spirit, so can you! This classic adaptation starring George C. Scott brings the heartwarming tale of redemption and festive cheer to life, complete with iconic ghostly visits that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas.

It may not be a Christmas movie in the traditional sense, but who could forget the charming Christmas festival scene and Shelby's holiday pregnancy announcement? Steel Magnolias truly is a movie for all seasons!

When it comes to the spirit of the season, we’d all do well to remember that money isn’t everything. And what better reminder than this hilarious tale of a wealthy executive (Dan Aykroyd) and a wily street hustler (Eddie Murphy) who switch lifestyles during the holidays? With plenty of laughs and lessons, Trading Places is an unexpected holiday charmer that’s sure to delight.

Follow the journey of a single mother navigating life in a new town while trying to create a magical Christmas for her daughter. It may not be on everyone’s radar, but this made-for-TV movie is a heartwarming gem with a delightful mix of laughter, love, and holiday magic.

A Christmas Story is the ultimate holiday throwback that’ll have you dreaming of Red Ryder BB guns and tongue-tastic snow antics. Who's ready for a little Christmas magic and a whole lot of laughs?

Switch things up by watching a western this holiday season! This one follows a cowboy angel who visits earth to save Christmas for a widow and her children.

Uh, Santa...is that you? This creepy twist on Christmas is one to watch after you put the kids to sleep.

A small, snowy town in Colorado is every Christmas lover's dream. That's exactly why this architect is willing to do just about anything to save the town from a real estate makeover.

Santa works hard (maybe a little too hard). But nothing will stop him from defeating a businessman with a plan to ruin Christmas.

The Griswolds are practically part of the family at this point! Chevy Chase will have you laughing for hours at all of his hysterical holiday mishaps in this classic.

One of Ree's favorite Christmas movies is actually not technically a Christmas movie—but it spans more than a decade, so there are a few holiday celebrations squeezed in. Plus, those cable-knit sweaters look so darn cozy!

A pair of truck-driving brothers are tasked with playing Santa and delivering Christmas presents to a small town that's fallen on hard times. This '80s favorite has romance, family drama, and a whole lot of holiday magic.

The tale of Scrooge is as old as time, but Bill Murray’s version is one of the best. He plays a cynical executive who learns some lessons the hard way after getting visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Mary Steenburgen plays a down-on-her-luck mother who needs the help from her daughter and an angel to remember the true meaning of Christmas. If you have a Disney+ subscription, you can watch it there, too!

This Brady holiday special will give you all those warm and fuzzy feelings, as they overcome the obstacles keeping the beloved family apart at Christmas.

A thief disguised as Santa breaks out of jail and finds his old loot. But his escape plan is thwarted when he meets two kids who believe he's the real deal.

Let's end the debate now: This is a Christmas movie, and Bruce Willis is the gift that keeps on giving. (Even now. Did you see that Die Hard commercial he was in!?)

Bet your bottom dollar that Annie will be a huge hit for the family at Christmas. The heartwarming story and sweet message will have everyone remembering what the season is all about.

A little Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves star in this delightful story about a girl who has to harness the power of believing in order to save Christmas.

Ernest is back, and this time he's on a mission to help Santa find his successor. If you've seen any of these movies, you know they're pretty wacky!