Movies That Mention Christmas But Aren't Christmas Movies: The Definitive List
- Veeeeeee...
- Dec 24, 2025
- 16 min read
First off, this list should have gone up a whole while ago, but 2025 did what the other 2000's apparently couldn't have and so here I am catching upon whatever deadlines I can :)
So anyway, you've watched Die Hard for the fifteenth time this December (and yes, we're opening that can of worms), you've survived the Griswolds' family chaos, and you're ready to admit that maybe, just maybe, you need something different this holiday season. Something that has the Christmas vibes without being, you know, an actual Christmas movie.
Well, buckle up, because the fine folks of Reddit have delivered, and I've compiled the ultimate list of films that mention, reference, or are set during Christmas but absolutely are NOT Christmas movies. (Though we'll debate a few of them, because that's half the fun.)
Quick Navigation
What Makes a Christmas Movie "Not a Christmas Movie"?
Before we dive in, let's establish some ground rules. A movie makes this list if:
Christmas is mentioned or visible but incidental to the plot
The movie could take place at literally any other time of year without changing the story
Nobody's learning the "true meaning of Christmas"
Santa isn't a plot point (with some exceptions for the truly bizarre)
The movie's not about family togetherness, holiday miracles, or saving Christmas
One Redditor put it perfectly about Lethal Weapon: "Nothing is centered around the holiday. They use the tree and note to Mr. Joshua as a prop, but that's it. They could have left a plastic pumpkin with candy and a note saying 'no treats, only tricks for the bad guys' and it would be the exact same."
The Die Hard Debate (Let's Settle This... Or Not)
"Now I have a machine gun. Ho-Ho-Ho."
Die Hard (1988)
"All the cops are into something. It's Christmas, you can steal city hall."
The eternal question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? According to Bruce Willis himself: no.
According to the internet: YES, and we'll die on this hill.
Here's what makes it Christmas-adjacent rather than a full Christmas movie: The entire theme is about moving forward and not being stuck in your ways. John McClane is stuck in his old patterns, but through the events of the movie, he realizes his wife is more important than his ego. One Redditor brilliantly noted: "He's basically Scrooge in the beginning and by the end he's a changed man like Scrooge. Powell is Tiny Tim. The movie does not work thematically without its Christmas setting."
Another perspective: "It starts off with mandatory attendance at a party nobody wants to go to, then turns into a hostage situation that devolves into escalating violence until there is no other option than to blow up the building. That sounds a lot like Christmas with my family."
The Verdict: It's set at Christmas, uses Christmas symbolically, but the plot could technically happen during any office party. However, the themes of family and redemption give it Christmas movie energy. We'll call it Schrödinger's Christmas Movie- it both is and isn't until you observe someone's opinion about it.
Die Hard 2 (1990)
Set at Christmas again, because why mess with a formula?
Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
Summer. Moving on.
Fun Fact: According to one dedicated Redditor, the Die Hard series breakdown is:
Die Hard - Set at Christmas
Die Hard 2 - Set at Christmas
Die Hard with a Vengeance - Summer
Live Free or Die Hard - Summer
A Good Day to Die Hard - Summer
Then the next seven have Christmas scenes, and the last one doesn't. The franchise really committed to that Christmas energy early on.
The Shane Black Christmas Collection
If there's one filmmaker who has a thing for setting movies during Christmas without them being Christmas movies, it's Shane Black. Literally, someone commented: "Pretty much all the Shane Black movies have Christmas setting" and "Everything written or directed by Shane Black."
Lethal Weapon (1987)
"It's goddam Christmas!" shoots TV
That's Gary Busey's character, not the movie's thesis statement, but it gives you the vibe. Lethal Weapon opens with "Jingle Bell Rock" over a suicide, which is... a choice. Christmas decorations and music are sprinkled throughout, but it's still very much an action movie at its core. The holiday setting emphasizes loneliness (Riggs) versus family (Murtaugh), making it thematically relevant even if not traditionally festive. The film ends with Riggs having Christmas dinner with the Murtaughs, giving it just enough holiday warmth to sneak onto this list.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of. I go home, kiss my kids, the wife, have a beer. It's Christmas." And also, one commenter noted the bullet through a carton of eggnog was the most Christmas-specific detail possible.
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
"Are you going to be nice, or you going to be naughty?"
Set during December leading up to Christmas, Shane Geena Davis discovers her assassin past while baking Christmas cookies and being a wholesome suburban mom. Features spectacular Christmas-set action scenes. plays an assassin with amnesia, and Christmas is merely the backdrop for espionage and explosions.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Christmas is incidental here—it's a noir detective story that happens to take place during the holidays. But that's peak Shane Black for you.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
"It's Christmas. Can I get a quick photo?"
Set explicitly during Christmas. Tony gives Pepper a giant stuffed bunny for Christmas (the wrong holiday, but still). The film deals with PTSD and isolation during what's supposed to be a festive time. The climax happens around Christmas/New Year's. Multiple characters reference the holiday throughout such as Tony Stark at his most vulnerable while terrorists attack during the holidays. Very Shane Black, even within the MCU.
The Nice Guys (2016)
Another Shane Black joint, another Christmas setting. It ends during Christmas time, but again, it's a detective noir that could have been set anytime.
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Shane Black wrote this one too, and yep, Christmas vibes throughout.
The Pattern: Shane Black clearly has childhood Christmas trauma and works it out through violent, witty action movies. We respect it.
Action Movies That Happen to Be at Christmas
Batman Returns (1992)
It's winter, there are Christmas decorations everywhere, and the Penguin is running for mayor while Catwoman seeks revenge. Christmas is the aesthetic, not the plot. One Redditor noted: "Much of Batman Returns takes place over the Christmas holiday season." This is basically Tim Burton's gothic Christmas aesthetic in full force.
The Dark Knight (2008)
There's literally a character with a phone in him who says something about Christmas. That's it. That's the connection.
Rambo: First Blood (1982)
Takes place around Christmas. Yes, really. Nothing says "happy holidays" like PTSD and small-town police brutality.
Rocky IV (1985)
The movie starts two days before Thanksgiving with Rocky defeating Spider Rico. The fight between Apollo and Rocky is on January 1st. Paulie has his violent freakout on Christmas. Rocky IV has the big fight on Christmas Day. So yeah, Christmas is there, but you're really watching for the Cold War allegory and robot butlers.
Cobra (1986)
During the beginning of the movie, a shootout occurs in a grocery store with Christmas decorations, and a Toys R Us Christmas ad plays later.
First Blood (1982) and RoboCop 3
Both take place at Christmas. Both are extremely violent. Both prove Christmas doesn't discriminate when it comes to action franchises.
Trading Places (1983)
Takes place between Christmas and New Years. Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd swap lives, and Christmas is the timeline, not the story. One Redditor declared it "the best Christmas movie" while another noted: "Trading Places is incidentally my favourite Christmas one."
Rent (1996/2005)
Starts on Christmas Eve and ends a year later on Christmas. A Redditor noted: "It is one of my favourite movies and I watch it every Christmas break though." Musical theatre fans know this one well—"Seasons of Love" and all.
The Ref (1994)
On multiple lists and clearly beloved.
On Deadly Ground (1994)
Steven Seagal kicks ass for the environment. At Christmas. Because why not.
Definitely-Not-Hallmark Winter Romance
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A rom-com that spans the holidays but is not the main focus. Sandra Bullock pretends to be engaged to a coma patient, chaos ensues, Christmas is just the backdrop.
The Holiday (2006)
Overlaps with Christmas, but I don't think of it as a Christmas movie so much as a romance/winter movie. Takes place over Christmas vacation, but it's about two women swapping houses and finding love, not about Christmas itself.
Serendipity (2001)
Takes place over a year, Christmas decorations appear, but it's really about fate and whether John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale should be together.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Starts with a Christmas party, but it's a rom-com about Bridget's life over a full year.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Multiple Redditors mentioned this one. It spans years, includes New Year's Eve as a key moment, and there are Christmas scenes throughout.
You've Got Mail (1998)
"Spans the holiday season but it's really about bookstore wars and email romance in the '90s."
Christmas-Adjacent Horror & Thrillers
Gremlins (1984)
"The most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs... never feed him after midnight."
"Gizmo is a Christmas present," the main connection. The entire plot unfolds during the Christmas season in a small town. Features one of cinema's most traumatic Christmas monologues when Phoebe Cates explains why she doesn't celebrate Christmas (her father died in the chimney dressed as Santa). This is a dark, twisted Christmas movie, but it's definitely a Christmas movie.
Warning: Multiple Redditors noted this tells kids there's no Santa. Watch accordingly I suppose :)
Batman Returns (1992)
Yes, it's also an action movie, but it's definitely got that gothic horror vibe. Belongs in both categories.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Starts off at Christmas. Art the Clown apparently doesn't take holidays off.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Stanley Kubrick's final film is set around Christmastime, with Christmas decorations everywhere, but it's really about marriage, temptation, and creepy masked orgies. Very festive!
The Ice Harvest (2005)
Takes place at Christmas but doesn't celebrate it. It's a neo-noir crime thriller where Christmas is just a cold backdrop.
Bell, Book, and Candle (1958)
Feels like a Halloween movie but it's set at Christmas for a good bit of the movie. Even the springtime scenes feel like Halloween. Christmas is just visually there.
A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
"It's a Halloween movie," declared one Redditor, and honestly, they're not wrong. Jack Skellington discovers Christmas, but the movie's heart is pure Halloween.
Ghostbusters 2 (1989)
Same as Trading Places but halfway through. The climax takes place on New Year's Eve, so we know it's during the Christmas season, but Christmas vibes are minimal.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
"Apparently has Christmas elements? Horror doesn't take a holiday break."
Comedy & Drama With a Side of Tinsel
Goodfellas (1990)
The Christmas party scene is iconic. As one Redditor beautifully put it: "I watch it on Xmas eve. What the fuck is wrong with you? I told you not to buy anything!" Christmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!
The Apartment (1960)
Billy Wilder's classic takes place over Christmas, but it's really about corporate ladder-climbing and unrequited love.
Mean Girls (2004)
Famous Christmas concert scene with the Santa dance, but Christmas is definitely not the main plot. One Redditor noted they'd include it because of the rendition of the Santa song.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
"The snow... it's so beautiful. Like magic."
The entire framing device is about explaining why it snows. Edward creates ice sculptures that make snow for Kim. There are Christmas activities and decorations in plenty. The ice angel scene - where Edward sculpts an angel and the shavings create snow for Kim - is one of cinema's most romantic moments. Would it be the same for a different season with snow? Let me know...
Almost Famous (2000)
Mentioned by Redditors as having Christmas elements.
Rushmore (1998)
Wes Anderson's prep school drama with Christmas scenes.
Field of Dreams (1989)
"Ray Kinsella sits at the window looking out at his snow covered baseball field, while behind him his family celebrates Christmas." That's the Christmas connection—poignant, brief, and not at all what the movie's about.
Brazil (1985)
Terry Gilliam's dystopian masterpiece is set in the Christmas season. Features Christmas decorations, shopping, and carolers in a dystopian bureaucratic nightmare. The juxtaposition of festive imagery with oppressive totalitarianism creates a unique atmosphere. Christmas is everywhere but means nothing in this world. And also; Father Christmas arrives while children shelter with the Beavers, and shopping or general consumerism during the holidays.
Redditor Note: "Be prepared to not know what you're watching the first time. Possibly the second or even third. A hallmark of a Terry Gilliam film."
The Family Man (2000)
Nicolas Cage in a movie that's sort of about Christmas but really about life choices. "... the best remake of It's a Wonderful Life," one person noted.
Little Women (1994)
Not a Christmas movie though it did come out on Christmas Day. The story spans years, Christmas appears, but it's about the March sisters' lives.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Takes place over the space of one year. Part of the movie takes place at Christmas, but it's not the focus.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Frank Abagnale's con artist adventures span the holidays but that's incidental to the story.
Tommy (1975)
The Who's rock opera has a Christmas scene but is definitely not a Christmas movie.
American Psycho (2000)
Set around Christmas, they have a Christmas party, but you're really there for Patrick Bateman's descent into madness.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
Lloyd Christmas. That's it. That's the joke. (The character's last name is Christmas.)
Carry-On (2024)
"It's like they made the movie and then Netflix said 'can you add a one-off line and some Christmas music so we can release it during the holidays?'"
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
"Trying to get home for Thanksgiving, not Christmas, but close enough that some people include it."
In Step Brothers (2008)
"Everything falls apart at Christmas."
A key scene where the family dysfunction reaches peak levels happens at Christmas. The holiday acts as a pressure point for the characters' immaturity.
The "Wait, That Had Christmas?" Category
These are the ones that surprised even me...
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Multiple Christmas scenes throughout, but you're not watching it for Christmas; you're watching it because you're a wizard, Harry.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005) and the Narnia Series by Extension
"Always winter, never Christmas"
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe features Father Christmas arriving as a sign that the White Witch's power is failing. Christmas represents hope and the return of good. Very Christmas, very fantasy.
Also, Santa shows up! But the movie explicitly says "it's always winter and never Christmas under the White Witch." So... Christmas-adjacent by technicality?
In Bruges (2008)
It's brought up at least once that the events are occurring close to Christmas but it's hardly the thrust of the plot.
Prometheus (2012)
Takes place the week of Christmas through the new year. Alien horror set during the holidays!
Star Trek: Generations (1994)
The scenes with Picard in the Nexus are all at Christmas time. Picard's Christmas experience in an alternate reality is quite touching.
Jurassic World (2015)
Set at Christmas but not mentioned after arriving at the park.
Crash (2004)
Takes place in December, and Christmas decorations can be seen, but it's about intersecting lives in LA, not the holidays.
The Thin Man (1934)
Takes place over the Christmas holiday.
Tangerine (2015)
Happens on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but the events aren't about Christmas. The time it's set in just kind of increases the bleakness of the main character's lives.
Longlegs (2024)
Takes place over Christmas. Nicolas Cage being creepy during the holidays.
Deadpool (2016)
Has a Christmas Day plan montage.
The Sound of Music (1965)
"Many people consider 'My Favorite Things' a Christmas song, just because Maria and the kids sang it at a Christmas party."
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)
Has Christmas elements in its sketch comedy format.
Life of Brian (1979)
Monty Python again. Opens at Christmas (different Christmas story though).
Hook (1991)
Takes place during Christmas season and even has a character representing Santa Claus, but it's primarily revolves around Jack Frost. The music is quite Christmassy though.
It Happened On 5th Avenue (1947)
A sorta Christmas movie that actually takes place over an entire winter season and ends after the new year.
Hogfather (1998)
Set in a different world where they celebrate Hogswatch, which is similar to but not Christmas. Death has to save the Hogfather (their Santa).
Classic Cinema Touches
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Has a scene during a Christmas party, but it's not viewed as a Christmas movie per se.
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
The main character is sent on a mission on Christmas Day as punishment for turning in a resignation letter.
29th Street (1991)
Starring Anthony LaPaglia and Danny Aiello.
The Lighthouse (2019)
"Lovely Christmas comedy" according to one sarcastic Redditor.
Blast of Silence (1961)
A hitman in Manhattan at Christmastime.
101 Dalmatians (1961 animation / 1996 live action)
Has its climax on Christmas Morning (animated version for sure, probably live action too).
Metropolis (1927)
The 1927 silent film, mentioned by a cinephile Redditor.
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
"Slit-my-wrist kind of cinema."
White Christmas (1954)
Wait, isn't this an actual— Oh, one Redditor noted it's "a war movie not a holiday one." Controversial take!
The Untouchables (1987)
Malone says to Ness: "Well then a Merry Christmas," as he's about to provide some key information to help stop Capone.
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Epic Russian romance with Christmas elements.
The Baltimorons (2024)
Takes place on Christmas Eve into the next morning.
Aguirre, The Wrath of God (1972)
Fellowship departs on December 25th.
Donovan's Reef (1963)
John Wayne film with Christmas elements.
The War with Grandpa (2020)
Has a Christmas themed party, but takes place in summer.
Three Days of the Condor (1975)
CIA thriller set during Christmastime.
Paul Thomas Anderson Mini-Marathon:
Hard Eight (1996): Ends with a song by Aimee Mann and Michael Penn called "Christmastime"
Boogie Nights (1997): Has a sequence set around Christmas, including the donut shop scene with red and green frosted donuts
One Battle After Another: Features the Christmas Adventurers Club
Nicolas Cage Collection
Nicolas Cage seems to have a thing for Christmas-adjacent chaos:
Raising Arizona (1987)
The original bully is wearing a Christmas hat, and Cage's character is trying to close the sale before Christmas. Classic Cage energy with holiday trimmings.
The Family Man (2000)
As Redditor u/davidwal83 noted: "It the best remake of It's a Wonderful Life."
Surfer
The first Aussie bully to try kicking Nick off the beach is actually wearing a Christmas hat, and the house sale is being pushed to go through before Christmas.
Dance & Drama with Holiday Timing
Billy Elliot (2000)
The strikes are set around Christmas, and there's a significant Christmas scene. The story of a boy finding his passion for ballet happens against the backdrop of holiday-season labor disputes in 1980s England.
The Oddities & Wildcards
Hardware (1990)
"The consequences of Mo's choice of Xmas gift for Jill drives the plot. It's most definitely a Xmas film, albeit a deranged, dystopian one!"
Reindeer Games (2000)
"A young Ben Affleck. Takes places during Christmas with lots of imagery, but it's definitely not a Christmas movie."
Trancers (1984)
Takes place during Christmas season.
Wolves (2014)
Takes place around Christmas.
Legion (2010)
Paul Bettany. Takes place from December 23 through Christmas itself but it's never really explicitly mentioned.
Novocaine (2001)
Mentioned by multiple Redditors.
Seed of Chucky (2004)
Because killer dolls don't take holidays.
Love Story (1970)
The tragic romance has Christmas scenes.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
Set during a school year, includes Christmas.
Green Book (2018)
"The latter has significant Christmas vibes tho."
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Has a Christmas scene (and spawned actual Christmas specials, but the movies themselves aren't Christmas movies).
A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Wait— no, this one IS a Christmas movie. Someone was being cheeky.
The Princess Bride (1987)
"Fred Savage has a presumably school-made Santa decoration on his door and I am pretty sure that one of the houses across the street has a string of lights on it."
Sneakers (1992)
"The one glaring exception" according to one comprehensive lister.
Rent (Musical/Film)
"Not a Christmas story. But it starts on Christmas Eve and ends a year later on Christmas year."
Pottersville (2017)
Takes place during Christmas season, and even the movie posters make it look Christmas-themed, but the plot has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas.
Holidate (2020)
Starts and ends at Christmas, but also has multiple holiday dates throughout the year (hence the title).
The Holdovers (2023)
Set during Christmas break, but Christmas is just the setting.
Smoke (1995)
One Redditor gave this a passionate endorsement: "Great cast, great writing. Not a Christmas movie but has a wonderful tie in for Christmas in the film. Hard to talk about without a spoiler but it's a movie that my wife and I watch around Christmas because the movie finishes up around Christmas and the best part of the movie is the Christmas tie in. It's also not a cheesy tie in but fits beautifully for what the holidays should be about."
Danny Says - The Ramones
Features the lyric: "Hanging out in LA and there's nowhere to go, it ain't Christmas if there ain't no snow."
Da Kath and Kim Code
Australian comedy with Christmas elements.
Boys Town (1938)
Not the one with Bing Crosby (that's a different film). However, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" was first sung in Holiday Inn (1942), written specifically for that film, then later used in the movie titled White Christmas (1954).
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Depression-era Christmas
Features brief Christmas references in this Depression-era odyssey. This is definitely an Anti-Christmas movie if ever there was one ☝️
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Christmas party at the asylum
Features a Christmas party scene at the mental institution. Enough said 😂🙌🏾
The Great Debates
Some movies sparked passionate discussions in the Reddit thread:
Is It's A Wonderful Life NOT a Christmas Movie?
One Redditor made a compelling argument that this isn't really about Christmas - the holiday is window dressing. The key themes (suicide, depression, the value of life, community) have nothing specifically to do with Christmas. It's loosely based on "A Christmas Carol" but transforms into something different.
Also,
Christmas is mostly background
Core themes aren't Christmas-specific
Became a Christmas movie due to public domain TV
Great film, but Christmas association may be circumstantial
Verdict: I think it's Christmas-themed and gets bundled with Christmas movies for the same reason some people believe without a doubt that "Halleluja" by Leonard Cohen is a Christian gospel song. Lyrics here if you want to do an evaluation ;)
Is Home Alone NOT a Christmas Movie?
"Home Alone isn't a Christmas Movie other than it takes place during Christmas." This take was... not well received. Christmas is literally the reason the house is empty. It's a Christmas movie.
Catch Me If You Can
"I personally call it a Christmas movie" vs those who think it's just set during the holidays. The debate continues.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, whether something is or isn't a Christmas movie is a matter of personal interpretation. Could Die Hard happen in July? Sure. Would it be the same movie? Absolutely not.
The beauty of these Christmas-adjacent films is that they give you the aesthetic, the timeline, maybe a decoration or two, without the pressure of enforcing any "Christmas spirit." Sometimes you want explosions with your eggnog. Sometimes you want existential dread with your mistletoe. And sometimes you just want to watch Batman fight the Penguin while Christmas lights twinkle in Gotham.
So this holiday season, if your family asks why you're watching The Long Kiss Goodnight instead of Elf for the fifth time, just tell them: "It's set at Christmas and so it has the Christmas Spirit."
Pro tip: use this list to start arguments and cause chaos in large gatherings; be in control of the discomfort and yelling this season!
Special thanks to the Reddit communities at r/flicks and r/movies for their passionate, extensive, and occasionally unhinged contributions to this list. Particular shoutouts to u/davidwal83, u/Jolly-Method-3111, and the hundreds of other Redditors who contributed their favorite Christmas-adjacent films alongside quotes from the films and opinions as well ❤️
The Verdict
So what makes a Christmas movie? According to this exercise: intention, integration, and importance.
Intention: Was Christmas chosen deliberately for thematic reasons? Integration: Is Christmas woven into the plot or just decoration? Importance: Would the movie fundamentally change without Christmas?
By these metrics:
Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Gremlins, Batman Returns = Christmas movies
Eyes Wide Shut, Brazil, Trading Places = Christmas-adjacent
Psycho, First Blood, Castaway = Barely Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life = Surprisingly debatable
Final Thoughts
This list was compiled from an amazing Reddit thread where people passionately defended their takes on what constitutes a Christmas movie. Special thanks to all the Redditors who contributed suggestions, corrected errors, and shared their holiday viewing traditions.
Whether you're looking for Christmas movies that aren't formulaic Hallmark fare, or you just want to confuse your family by insisting Die Hard is essential holiday viewing, this list has you covered.
Most Controversial Take: It's a Wonderful Life isn't actually about Christmas. Most Obvious Christmas Movie People Debate: Die Hard. Most Unexpected Christmas Movie: Prometheus (they decorate a tree in space!). Darkest Christmas Movie: Female Trouble or Gremlins (that Santa story).
Happy watching, and remember: every time a bell rings, John McClane kills a terrorist. Or something like that. 🎄🔫
Have a movie that mentions Christmas but isn't a Christmas movie? Drop it in the comments! Let's keep this list growing.
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