Holiday TV
ry ups the ante when Santa himself comes to the rescue.
Where to watch: Vudu
‘A Christmas Carol’
In this 1999 adaptation, Patrick Stewart brings the tried-and-true story to light with a grimmer, more adult aspect. Movies aimed at children are wonderful, but it’s nice to watch a holiday classic without anxiously awaiting the moment every character will burst into song. Stewart, with his live theater bona fides, turns an incomparable performance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
‘Olive, the Other Reindeer’
Olive isn’t a Jack Russell terrier who wants to be a reindeer; she actually is a reindeer. Or, so she thinks. When she finds her owner inconsolable over Christmas’ cancellation, she takes it upon herself to fix things. After all, didn’t Santa say he needs the help of “Olive the other reindeer”? With Drew Barrymore in the lead voice role, this 2D-animated kids’ musical from 1999 packs in heaps of cuteness and charm.
Where to watch: Youtube
The holiday movies that made us
In its third season, Netflix’s “The Movies That Made Us” features smartly edited 45-minute documentaries that pull back the curtain on the making of culturally iconic films. The episodes on “Elf ” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” – originally packaged as “The Holiday Movies that Made Us” and now separate episodes – shed light on these two staples of holiday watch lists. A Christmassy bonus: the “Home Alone” episode in season one.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘A Muppet Family Christmas’
In a kind-hearted gesture, the Muppets surprise Fozzie Bear’s mother with a visit for Christmas. As all of the Muppets gather for Christmas, Kermit becomes more worried about Miss Piggy, who’s late due to a photo shoot. It’s a
sweet snapshot of a lovable and hectic family holiday, and the beloved cast of “Sesame Street” makes an appearance.
Spoiler alert: Not even Christmas can cheer up Oscar the Grouch.
Where to watch: Youtube
‘Dash & Lily’
This 2020 romantic comedy series, which unfortunately lasted only one season, focuses on the titular characters passing notes across various locations in New York. Over eight episodes, the whimsical holiday-set love story can be watched in the week leading up to Christmas or binged in one go on Christmas Day. This one’s ideal for teenagers who might have outgrown the kids’ stuff.
Where to watch: Netflix
Raising Hope, ‘The Chance Who Stole Christmas’
When Burt Chance, the grandfather in this 2010s Fox network family drama, gets named interim mayor, he soon learns that power and responsibility aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Should he save the community pool, or save Christmas? The show pokes fun at “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” in a lighthearted reminder of the holidays’ true meaning.
Where to watch: Hulu