What Truly Makes a Christmas Movie šš
- MJ Smith
- Dec 24, 2025
- 5 min read
Every year, the holiday season brings back the same question. What actually makes a movie a Christmas movie? Is it the setting, the music, the themes, or simply the fact that we watch it every December because it feelsĀ right? The holiday genre extends further than we tend to think.
A childhood classic like Home Alone taps into the chaos and comfort of family, while a timeless staple such as The Grinch reminds us why traditions matter. Then, there are the films that spark debate at every holiday dinner table. Films like Die Hard or Edward Scissorhands were never intended to be traditional Christmas films, yet theyāve somehow earned a place in the seasonal rotation. These movies resonate with audiences because they reflect emotions people associate with the holidays, expanding the definition of what a Christmas movie can be. They also prove that a film doesnāt need to revolve entirely around Christmas. To better understand what qualifies a movie as a Christmas film, it helps to look at a few different elements: music, themes, physical holiday elements, and, obviously the big man himself, Santa. Using these elements, weāll compare official Christmas movies with more debated titles + see where they overlap, revealing why some unexpected films may still deserve a place in the category.
How the Grinch Stole ChristmasĀ is one of the most beloved Christmas films + clearly checks every box in the Christmas movie metric. For starters, the title literally includes the word Christmas, which is already a pretty strong indicator. The entire soundtrack is packed with Christmas-oriented music, including iconic songs like āYouāre a Mean One, Mr. Grinchā and āWhere Are You Christmas?ā These songs are holiday staples on their own + instantly put the film in Christmas mode.
At its core, the movie is about finding happiness within and the power of kindness. Its central themes revolve around love, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing that the holiday is about connection rather than material gifts. Visually, the film is overflowing with Christmas imagery, from snow-covered streets to decorated homes + towering trees in the whimsical town of Whoville. Honestly, Whoville feels exactly like where Santaās elves would live if they had their own village.
Santa also plays a role in the story, most memorably when the Grinch disguises himself as Santa in an attempt to steal Christmas. Before he sets out on his journey, the Grinch dresses up his dog Max in full Rudolph attire, complete with a red nose and an antler (very cute, I might add). In true fashion the first house the Grinch visits ends with him stuck in the chimney. This whole sequence puts this film on the Christmas classic list. Nothing says holiday spirit quite like a fake Santa struggling in a chimney and a very āover itā dog.
Home Alone also checks off all the Christmas boxes. The filmās score carries a warm, nostalgic Christmas tone that enhances the emotional moments throughout the story. The themes focus on family, togetherness, and appreciation for loved ones, which are central to the holiday season. Physically, the movie is filled with classic Christmas visuals, including snow-covered neighborhoods, holiday travel chaos, decorated homes, and twinkling lights. Santa is present in a meaningful way, for example, when Kevin talks with Santa in a church scene, expressing his wish for his family to return home. Santa later indirectly grants that wish, further tying the film to Christmas tradition and belief.Ā
Die Hard, while often debated, still meets several parts of the Christmas movie metrics. From beginning to end the composer reaffirms the holiday music and sounds throughout. At the start of the film sleigh bells can be heard when Bruce Willisās character arrives at the airport. When picked up, his driver plays āChristmas in Hollisā by RUN-DMC. When Bruce asks if the driver has any Christmas music, the driver replies, āThis is Christmas music.ā To be honest, I agree with Argyle the driver. In one scene, Argyle saves the day + during this sequence Christmas-esque bells are heard. āWinter Wonderlandā is sprinkled throughout the film, reminding viewers that the story takes place during the holidays. Although the film takes place in Los Angeles, the ending recreates a snowy Christmas scene when paper falls from the building representing snow. The film closes with āLet It Snowā playing, leaving no doubt about its seasonal timing.
The themes of this one focus on reconciliation, love, and family, as John McClaneās primary goal is to reunite with his wife. Early in the film, he carries a giant teddy bear as a gift for his child, subtly establishing Christmas time. Physically, the entire movie takes place during a Christmas Eve office party, complete with decorative trees, festive office dĆ©cor, and seasonal imagery. There are also visual nods to Santa, including scenes involving a Santa hat. While Santa isnāt an active character, these symbolic references strengthen the filmās connection to Christmas, even within its action-driven plot.
Edward Scissorhands is another film that doesnāt revolve entirely around Christmas, but still aligns closely with the holiday. The musical score has a magical, emotional quality that evokes a Christmas-like feeling. Edward himself embodies the spirit of the holidays through his kindness + desire to belong.
One of the most memorable moments comes when Edward creates ice sculptures, covering the town in snow. Snow becomes symbolic in the film, tying directly to Christmas feelings + a sense of wonder. As the final narration explains, āBefore he came down here, it never snowed. And afterwards, it did.ā That idea alone makes snow feel like a gift. It serves as a reminder that Edward was there and proof that something truly special existed. Like Christmas itself, the snowfall holds onto memory, longing, and belief. Sprinkling a touch of magic over an otherwise ordinary town.
Aesthetically, the movie leans into Christmas through its setting. The suburban town is glowing with lights, decorated houses, and festive details that place the story within the season. While the film has a gothic tone, typical of director Tim Burtonās darker fairytale style, it feels less like a Halloween movie + more like a Christmas fairytale. Thereās no physical Santa present in the movie, but the magic Edward brings to the town fills that role symbolically. It may not be a full-blown traditional Christmas movie, but it carries enough emotional, visual, and symbolic weight to comfortably live in the Christmas category.
At the end of the day, whether a film is unquestionably a Christmas movie or is endlessly debated on Reddit, the thread that ties them together is the feeling they create. Christmas movies are less about strict rules + more about emotion, tradition, and shared experience aka āthe vibe.ā If a film captures the heart, magic or meaning of the season, itās earned a spot in the Christmas lineup, and Iāll be watching every year!
Written By: MJ Smith
MJ is the Executive Assistant at Onni Creative. She has a deep love for film, writing, photography, poetry, and being outdoors. She enjoys supporting creative ideas and making things happen behind the scenes. Outside of work, she's exploring new places, meeting new people, dancing to music, or probably lying on the beach somewhere.
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