Holidays are a great time to catch up on TV. Every year, I rewatch all the Christmas episodes of my favourite shows. Christmas episodes are always the best. Warm, hearty, cheerful, and make you appreciate your family and friends. Here is my list of the best holiday TV episodes to add to your list:
Note: This is not a ranking, too hard to pick amongst some of these. They are all a great watch!
1. The Plight Before Christmas: Season 13, Episode 10 – Bob’s Burgers
Plot Summary (Disney+): Bob and Linda try to attend all three kids’ holiday performances at the same time.
I cannot say enough good things about this episode. I was expecting another classic Bob’s Burgers episode- funny, lighthearted, and festive, but this episode blew me away and made me sob. It was incredibly well-written and well-executed. This show is so good with character development and moments that tug at your heart despite being animated. This is one of the best holiday TV episodes I have watched.
2. Express Christmas: Season 3, Episode 10 – Modern Family
Plot Summary (IMDb): Phil proposes that the entire family celebrate “Express Christmas” together on December 16, when they discover that they won’t be spending Christmas Day together.
The three families realize that they will not be celebrating Christmas together so they decide to celebrate an early Christmas with a mad dash to get their presents, decorations, and food ready within a day. This episode is equal parts funny and touching. What I like about this episode is the unusual character pairings like Phil and Manny, and Gloria and Luke and we get to see all of them at their comedic best – definitely among the best holiday TV episodes.
3. Christmas Party: Season 2, Episode 10 – The Office (U.S)
Plot Summary (Netflix): Flush with cash from a recent bonus, Michael throws an office Christmas party. Jim begins planning the perfect Secret Santa gift for Pam.
Have you been subjected to the most awkward Christmas parties at your workplace? Picture that with 1000 times the awkwardness. This episode really captures the essence of an “Office” Christmas. Michael Scott always brings drama to every holiday party and this one is no different. We get to see some old technology – the video iPod. This episode is undeniably one of the best holiday TV episodes, featuring the very famous teapot and the heartwarming moment between Jim and Pam. Michael does redeem himself by amping up the party in the end and all is well in the Office universe.
4. Yippie Kayak: Season 3, Episode 10 – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Plot Summary (Netflix): A last-minute Christmas shopping trip lands Jake, Gina and Charles in the middle of a “Die Hard”- like hostage crisis.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine usually does Halloween the best with their heist episodes but this Christmas episode is a great tribute to Die Hard. Jake goes last-minute Christmas shopping with Boyle and Gina but they unexpectedly get stuck in a hostage situation. Jake gets to live out his Die Hard dreams. The episode ends on a very sweet note despite being action-packed. Brooklyn Nine-Nine only has 4 Christmas episodes! This one is the best in my opinion.
5. Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose: Season 4, Episode 13 – Schitt’s Creek
Plot Summary (IMDb): Johnny is hoping to ring in the holidays with a traditional Rose Christmas party like they used to. However, getting everyone to participate will be easier said than done.
This is one of the most heartwarming pieces of television I have watched. We get a peek into the Rose family’s Christmas pre-embezzlement and poverty and while it is grand and gorgeous, it is cold and lonely. The way the town comes together to throw the perfect Christmas party is so lovely. The setting is gorgeous and this episode makes you feel all warm and fuzzy – definitely one of the best holiday TV episodes.
6. The One with the Creepy Holiday Card: Season 8, Episode 11 – Friends
Plot Summary (IMDb): Ross’ new girlfriend Mona orders Christmas cards with a photo of them on the cover. Rachel’s pregnancy hormones are affecting her psychologically. Chandler’s boss causes him to see what his life would be like without Monica.
I rewatched this episode after a long long time and I found it so funny and entertaining. This episode is not sappy or emotional like other Christmas episodes and movies but still has a great festive feel to it and Ross delivers some of his comedic best in this episode. Would you be willing to send out a joint holiday card with someone you have been seeing for a few months? Rachel’s storyline in this episode was also very funny. Overall, a great, light-hearted episode to watch this holiday season.
7. The Bracebridge Dinner: Season 2, Episode 10: Gilmore Girls
Plot Summary (IMDb): Lorelai invites the residents of Stars Hollow to an elaborate feast complete with Elizabethan costumes and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
This episode has the BEST Christmas vibes. It’s snowy, festive, and delightful. When the Bracebridge group cancels their dinner at the inn, Sookie and Lorelai bring the whole Stars Hollow and Emily and Richard to the inn. We get to see Paris and Jess make an appearance too. The town looks magical and this episode is full of cozy winter activities that will put you in a holiday mood – for sure on my list for one of the best holiday TV episodes. Warning – the episode ends a little dramatically, but nothing too crazy for the Gilmore Girls world.
8. A Benihana Christmas: Season 3, Episode 10: The Office (U.S)
Plot Summary (IMDb): Trouble among the members of the party planning committee results with Pam and Karen hosting a rival Christmas party, but Michael isn’t interested in celebrating being dumped by Carol.
Steve Carell is absolutely amazing in this hilarious episode. The whole scene with Michael being dumped and why he was being dumped is one of the funniest pieces of television. Don’t worry, this episode still has plenty of Christmas vibes with not just one, but two Christmas parties – one organized by the Party Planning Committee led by Angela and one organized by the Committee for Planning Parties led by Karen and Pam. We see a genuine friendship form between Karen and Pam and we get to see some Christmas karaoke, a Nutcracker Christmas, Christmas pranks, gift exchanges, and a fake CIA mission. Certainly of the best holiday TV episodes.
9. Christmas Eve: Season 3, Episode 7: Superstore
Plot Summary (IMDb): Trying to prove how “wild” she can be, Amy turns a boring Christmas Eve at Cloud 9 into a holiday adventure. Meanwhile, Jonah and Garrett’s roommate issues boil over. Glenn tries to prove to Mateo that Christmas is more than just “fine”.
Superstore is an underrated show. I genuinely think it is one of the funniest shows with some of the funniest characters. If you have ever worked retail or worked at a job where all your coworkers are different ages, this show is hilariously relatable and heartwarming. Dina, Cheyenne, and Amy come together to prove that Amy’s still got her wild side. Tune in for some laughs and some mid-western Christmas vibes
10. Yachty or Nice: Season 11, Episode 10 – Bob’s Burgers
Plot Summary (IMDb): Bob wonders if there’s a catch to the Belchers being invited to cater the Glencrest Yacht Club’s holiday boat parade; Louise has her eye on the Santa Schooner.
Every year I really look forward to the Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes. They are always so heartwarming and beautifully animated – among the best holiday TV episodes. This episode has some classic Bob-Jimmy rivalry. We get to see the kids having a Christmas redemption and Linda finally gets to see the Mayor!
Like this movie list? Check out my movie lists!
It’s Christmas Movie season! Here’s my list of top comfort Christmas movies to watch this year:
For Halloween and spooky movies! here’s my list of my top Halloween movies to watch:
Looking to cozy up for this Christmas? Check out my Christmas content!
For my DIY Christmas Decor blog, follow this link:
Still looking for a holiday party outfit? I’ve got you! Check out my Christmas Party Outfit Ideas blog here:
Want to have a cozy night in with your loved ones but have no ideas on what activities to enjoy? Check out my cozy holiday activity blog here:
Not a huge DIY-er but want to surprise your loved ones with thoughtful holiday gifts? Check out my gift idea blogs here:
- https://lifeinwords.ca/unique-christmas-gift-ideas-for-her-in-2023/
- https://lifeinwords.ca/christmas-gift-ideas-for-him-budget-and-bougie-ideas-2023/
Still working on making that perfect Christmas card for 2023? Check out my Christmas card ideas blog here:
