Christmas Movie Magic: 9 Festive Favourites For People of All Ages

It’s nearly that time again – the festive season! It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but the Christmas period is an exciting time to look forward to and brings an opportunity to get some much needed down time to relax, connect with family, and forget about the stresses of daily life.

If you are planning on spending time snuggled up by the fire over the holidays wherever you might be, watching Christmas movies are always a nice way to unwind. We have pulled together a list of our favourite Christmas movies. Grab some popcorn, a comfy chair and keep warm by the gas fire - its movie time!

For the little ones

1. Miracle on 34th Street – Whether you watch the original movie made in 1947 or the 1994 remake, Miracle on 34th Street is a superior Christmas movie. A charming Christmas classic about a department store Santa who helps to convince a little girl (Susan) to believe in Christmas. Full of warm-hearted magic and childlike wonder, Miracle on 34th Street is a must-watch this festive season.

    

2. The Grinch – The Grinch is the anti-hero of Christmas. Based on ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!’ by Dr. Seuss, the mean-spirited Grinch wants to bring a halt to the cheerful town of Whoville. When the citizens of Whoville decide to make Christmas bigger, better and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and bring an end to the festive cheer. But happiness and Christmas spirit prevail.

    

3. The Polar Express - Take a trip to the North Pole and step abroad The Polar Express! This movie gives you all the feels! With Tom Hanks as the conductor, his jolly charm and funny quips will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. And don’t we all need a little touch of magic this year? The Polar Express, an enormous train embarking on a journey to the North Pole is a true coming-of-age movie. A favourite amongst adults and children alike, I hope you can hear the bell ring!

Nostalgia

1. Home Alone – When the McCallister family jet off to France for the holiday period, we are all taken on a trip down memory lane. Home Alone is a Christmas classic from the early-90s. Similar to any family during the holiday season, the disorganisation of the McCallister family sees Kevin, the youngest son, Home Alone for Christmas. But it's not all fun and games when a pair of burglars target the house. With innovative stunts to protect his home, Kevin truly fulfilled every eight-year old’s fantasies to trap the pair. Who can truly say they haven’t imagined the ultimate boobie traps in their homes? Go on watch it again!

    

2. The Santa Clause – You can’t have a Christmas movie list without the main man, Santa! The heart-warming storyline sees Scott Calvin accidentally become Santa Claus. In the movie we see a regular father transform into Santa and the only person who believes him, is his son. This is one of Hollywood’s best depictions of Santa Claus through amazing costumes, a wonderland North Pole and funny elves. Nearly as good as the real thing.

    

3. The Snowman – The Snowman is a truly inspired movie which captures your imagination. The film is only 30-minutes in length, dialogue-free and based on Raymond Briggs' 1978 picture book. It features a beautiful tale of a snowman coming to life and taking his creator, a young boy, to meet Father Christmas. The film included the infamous song, “I’m Walking in the Air”, which tugs on your heartstrings. It is truly magical.

Guilty Pleasure

1. Love Actually – This star stunned rom-com has so many icon moments it’s hard to pick a favourite. Love it or loathe it, it is one of the most watched modern Christmas movies. From the Prime Minister dancing around Downing Street, to the silent declaration of unrequited love on a doorstep, it is hard to resist the cheesiness and underlying message of love.

    

2. The Holiday – After the two-lead actors are left heartbroken ahead of the holiday season, they decide the escape their surroundings and undergo a house-swap. This results in both of our female leads finding love where they least expected it. The Holiday is an easy-going romcom set at Christmas time.

    

3. The Knight Before Christmas – Vanessa Hudgens returns for a holiday movie, this time as a high school science teacher who runs into an actual medieval knight transported to present day. When watching the movie, see if you can pick out a location that’s closer to home, the movie features the beautiful Charleville castle in Co. Offaly.