Christmas watch party

Tis’ the season to be jolly. It is now December and I have scoured the internet to find all types of Christmas movies for you to sit down and enjoy.

In this blog post I will be giving you some ideas to make the perfect Christmas movie marathon. This will be perfect whether you are still at uni or have gone back home. I’ve made sure to include some snack ideas at the end and have let you know where you can view these movies so you don’t have to search too far!

Films – From Festive Faves to Hidden Wonders

I love everything to do with Christmas and the movies are no different. I won’t say no to an animation, a romance, a cliche or an absolute classic. But if you are looking for a particular type of movie I have a few suggestions for you! I have split the films into three categories: Classic Carols, Family Favourites and Contemporary Candy Canes. I will be including films that are on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ as the main streaming services but also know that you can rent movies very cheaply on YouTube, Google and Amazon.

Classic Carols

For those who want the old, the traditional and the timeless films that encapsulate Christmas:

1. White Christmas (1954), Available to Rent – Two musical groups band together to save an inn. With a little romance on the side.
2. A Christmas Carol (1984), Available to Rent – Three ghosts and a Christmas turkey.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947), NowTV & SkyGo – A man claiming he is Santa is branded insane. Will anyone believe him?
4. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), NowTV & SkyGo – Just a film to make you believe that it is indeed a Wonderful Life.
5. Die Hard (1988), NowTV & SkyGo – I must say that this isn’t a Christmas film but the people have spoken.
6. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985), Available to Buy – Someone attempts to take over from Santa.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Available to Buy – Charlie Brown tries to find the deeper meaning of Christmas.
8. Holiday Affair (1949), Available to Buy – Love comes from a lost job and a mall.
9. Scrooge (1970), Amazon Prime – Musical retelling of the man who hates Christmas.
10. Christmas in Connecticut (1945), Available to Rent – A lie causes Elizabeth to prove she can host a perfect Christmas.

Family Favourites

For those who want some heartwarming moments that remind you of a crackling fire at home as the gingerbread is in the oven:

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), NowTV & SkyGo – The Grinch doesn’t lie. I can’t cancel dinner with me again.
2. Arthur Christmas (2011), Netflix – They missed a present and only have 2 hours to get it out on time.
3. Deck the Halls (2006), Amazon Prime – Can you see Christmas lights from space?
4. Elf (2003), Available to Rent – I surely don’t have to tell you what this movie is about?
5. Nativity (2009), Netflix – Sparkle and shine. A Christmas Nativity mixed with Hollywood.
6. Home Alone (1990), Disney+ – A family classic.
7. Jack Frost (1998), Available to Rent – Snowmen can be real.
8. Polar Express (2004), NowTV & SkyGo – A train to the North Pole. A golden ticket. Hot chocolate.
9. Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2 (2018 & 2020) Netflix – What would you do if you saw the real Santa Claus?
10. Klaus (2019), Netflix – The origin story of Father Christmas and how a letter has the power to changer everything.

Contemporary Candy Canes

For those who want trashy romance, Christmas parties, a funny night in and a dancing Prime Minister:

1. The Holiday (2006), Netflix, NowTV, Amazon Prime & SkyGo – A house swap when two women needed it most.
2. Bridget Jone’s Diary (2001), Netflix, NowTV & SkyGo – A classic for the love triangle and romcom fans.
3. Four Christmases (2008), Prime Video – Imagine having to be at four houses at once during Christmas.
4. Love Actually (2003), NowTV & SkyGo – Here is the dancing Prime Minister for you. Also Alan Rickman makes us all a little mad.
5. Last Christmas (2019) NowTV & SkyGo – If only we all knew working as an elf would fix everything.
6. The Night Before (2015), Amazon Prime – A Christmas Party to remember.
7. Just Friends (2015), Netflix & Prime Video – Are they just friends though?
8. Noelle (2019), Disney+ – Christmas takes teamwork.
9. Holidate (2020), Netflix – Plus ones for a year. Nothing too bad could happen.
10. Why Him? (2016), Available to Rent – Have your parents ever not liked someone you introduced them to?

Snacks – To Make for Others or Enjoy Yourself

I think every good watch party needs food. If you are hosting you can buy snacks or make some that I list below that I’ve found for some ideas. Remember to have them at a place where you can grab them and then be socially distanced when watching the movie.

1. Christmas Sugar Cookies

There are so many recipes of Christmas cookies online. If you have a family recipe you could do that instead. Or if you want to include various ingredients then go for it. I always think of cookies when Christmas comes around. If you do end up decorating some biscuits make sure to take photos and tag us in them (@uolstudentlife on both Twitter and Instagram).

2. Christmas Caprese Wreath

Feeling slightly host-ish and you want to create a nice starter for everyone to tuck into. Or you are planning a Christmas meal before the films start? Think tomato, basil and mozzarella in the shape of a wreath. Simple. Tasty. Christmassy goodness.

3. Christmas Hot Chocolate

Want something unbelievably easy and extremely Christmassy? If you follow the link there are multiple recipes for hot chocolate. Go crazy. Keep yourself warm. Sit back and watch to your hearts content! Make sure that there are marshmallows!

I hope this has given you some ideas for Christmas and that you have managed to find the perfect movie for you and your friends to watch. Let us know if you do have a Christmas movie marathon by tagging us in any photos on Instagram, and I hope you have the most festive holiday season that you possibly can!