From classic sitcoms to contemporary streaming hits, Christmas specials often showcase beloved characters in stories that capture the spirit of the season. These episodes endure because they blend festive tradition with memorable storytelling.
Here are 25 Christmas episodes worth revisiting.
Friends – “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”
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This fan-favorite episode from Season 7 blends humor with a lesson about cultural inclusivity as Ross tries to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah. When his Santa costume falls through, he improvises by dressing as the “Holiday Armadillo,” creating one of the show’s most memorable festive moments. The episode strikes a balance between playful chaos and genuine warmth.
The Office (U.S.) – “Christmas Party”
Season 2’s “Christmas Party” is widely considered one of the series’ strongest early episodes, centered around a chaotic Yankee Swap gone wrong. Michael’s impulsive decision to turn the gift exchange into a contest for something more expensive leads to hilarious tension among coworkers. Despite the antics, the episode grounds itself in small gestures that highlight the budding connection between Jim and Pam.
The Simpsons – “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”
The very first full-length episode of The Simpsons, which aired in 1989, doubles as a Christmas special. It follows Homer’s attempt to salvage the family holiday after learning he won’t receive his expected work bonus. The introduction of Santa’s Little Helper adds emotional weight, marking the beginning of the series’ long-running blend of satire and sentiment.
The Big Bang Theory – “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis”
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This Season 2 Christmas episode is celebrated for Sheldon’s unexpectedly heartfelt reaction to Penny’s thoughtful gift. The storyline contrasts Sheldon’s rigid logic with the emotional significance of holiday traditions, resulting in one of his most human and memorable moments. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Leonard and a visiting colleague adds comedic tension to the festivities.
Doctor Who – “A Christmas Carol”
As one of the show’s most acclaimed Christmas specials, this 2010 episode reimagines Dickens’s classic story through a sci-fi lens. The Doctor attempts to change the heart of a bitter industrialist to save a crashing spaceship and its passengers. The episode’s blend of time travel, emotional storytelling, and festive atmosphere makes it a standout in the series’ long history of holiday adventures.
Black Mirror – “White Christmas”
“White Christmas,” the 2014 feature-length installment of Black Mirror, stands as one of the anthology’s darkest and most complex holiday entries. Told through interconnected stories, it examines themes of digital consciousness, isolation, and moral consequence in a snowbound outpost. The episode’s unsettling revelations challenge traditional Christmas-special expectations, making it a standout for viewers who prefer their festive storytelling with a chilling twist.
Seinfeld – “The Strike”
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This Season 9 episode introduced the now-iconic holiday of Festivus, created by Frank Costanza as an alternative to the commercial pressures of Christmas. Featuring rituals such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength,” the episode embodies the show’s signature absurdist humor. Its cultural impact endures, with Festivus becoming a widely referenced pop-culture phenomenon long after the series ended.
Bob’s Burgers – “The Plight Before Christmas”
In this festive entry, the Belcher family splits up to attend multiple school holiday events scheduled at the same time. The episode blends heartfelt moments with the show’s trademark musical touches as each family member navigates their own small seasonal dilemma. Its warm portrayal of parental effort and sibling support highlights why Bob’s Burgers remains a reliable source of holiday charm.
Doctor Who – “The Husbands of River Song”
This 2015 Christmas special pairs the Twelfth Doctor with River Song in a fast-paced, comedic adventure set on a luxury starship. The episode dives into River’s complicated romantic history while giving the Doctor a rare chance to see events from her perspective. Its blend of farce, sentiment, and a quietly powerful final scene on Darillium makes it one of the most emotionally resonant holiday outings in the series.
Downton Abbey – “Christmas at Downton Abbey”
Airing in 2011, this feature-length episode closes Season 2 with a mix of winter elegance and dramatic resolutions. Set against the backdrop of holiday festivities at the estate, it explores Anna and Bates’ legal struggles, Mary’s conflicted emotions, and shifting social expectations. The snowy final moments mark a major turning point in the show’s central romance, adding to the episode’s enduring appeal.
Euphoria – “Trouble Don’t Last Always”
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Released as a bridge between Seasons 1 and 2, this special focuses almost entirely on Rue during a quiet Christmas Eve conversation with Ali. The episode steps away from the show’s usual flashy style to deliver a grounded, introspective character study. Its exploration of addiction, self-worth, and redemption offers a stark yet meaningful contrast to typical holiday storytelling.
New Girl – “The 23rd”
In this early-season favorite, the loft crew attends Schmidt’s office Christmas party, where Jess tries to create the perfect holiday memory for her boyfriend. The episode mixes awkward comedy with genuine affection as the group rallies around Jess after her night takes an unexpected turn. Its lighthearted tone and ensemble chemistry make it one of the series’ most replayed festive entries.
Schitt’s Creek – “Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose”
In this Season 4 holiday special, Johnny becomes determined to recreate the grand Christmas parties the Rose family once hosted. His enthusiasm clashes with the rest of the family’s reluctance, revealing how much their priorities have changed since arriving in Schitt’s Creek. The episode blends gentle humor with heartfelt moments, ultimately showcasing the deeper bonds the Roses have formed in their new life.
Supernatural – “A Very Supernatural Christmas”
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This Season 3 episode stands out for mixing festive tradition with the show’s signature horror elements. Sam and Dean investigate deadly holiday-themed attacks linked to a pair of pagan gods posing as cheerful suburban residents. The contrast between grisly folklore and childhood memories adds emotional weight, culminating in a rare, intimate Christmas shared between the brothers.
Ted Lasso – “Carol of the Bells”
A Season 2 highlight, “Carol of the Bells” channels the warmth of classic holiday specials through the upbeat optimism that defines the series. Ted struggles with homesickness while Rebecca steps in to lift his spirits, and elsewhere the Higgins family hosts an ever-growing Christmas gathering. The episode’s bright tone, thoughtful gestures, and community spirit make it a fan favorite.
This Is Us – “Last Christmas”
Set during a tense holiday in Season 1, this episode intertwines medical emergencies, family revelations, and emotional reconciliation. The Pearsons confront painful memories while finding reasons to hold onto hope and gratitude. Its balance of heartfelt drama and seasonal atmosphere reinforces the show’s reputation for blending relatable struggles with moments of genuine connection.
Modern Family – “Undeck the Halls”
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This early-series Christmas episode explores how each branch of the extended Pritchett-Dunphy family handles holiday stress. Claire and Phil cancel Christmas decorations until they can determine which child burned the couch, while Gloria navigates cultural misunderstandings with Jay. The episode’s mix of family conflict, humor, and resolution showcases why the show quickly became a holiday favorite.
The Middle – “The Christmas Wall”
In this festive entry, Frankie becomes determined to protect her cherished holiday display from change as the neighborhood evolves. Meanwhile, each Heck family member faces minor seasonal challenges that highlight their quirks and resilience. The episode balances heartfelt sentiment with the series’ trademark portrayal of everyday chaos in middle-class life.
Mad Men – “Christmas Waltz”
Set during the holiday season of 1966, this episode examines Don Draper’s renewed focus on work amid growing personal tension. As the agency faces instability, Don reconnects with Joan in a rare moment of candid friendship that offers emotional grounding. The backdrop of seasonal festivities contrasts with simmering dissatisfaction, highlighting the shifting cultural and professional landscape of the era.
Gilmore Girls – “The Bracebridge Dinner”
When a historic reenactment event is abruptly canceled, Lorelai transforms the occasion into a festive gathering for friends and neighbors at the Independence Inn. The episode captures the show’s signature blend of small-town charm, witty exchanges, and heartfelt community spirit. Snowy scenery and whimsical traditions make it one of the series’ most beloved holiday-themed hours.
Glee – “A Very Glee Christmas”
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This musically vibrant Christmas episode mixes heartfelt performances with the show’s characteristic blend of drama and comedy. Finn and Rachel’s strained relationship plays out against the backdrop of the glee club’s charitable efforts, while Sue Sylvester channels the Grinch in a memorable subplot. The episode’s holiday songs and emotional arcs helped make it a seasonal staple for fans.
The O.C. – “The Best Chrismukkah Ever”
Introducing the now-iconic hybrid holiday of “Chrismukkah,” this episode established one of the series’ most enduring traditions. Seth’s enthusiasm for his combined celebration contrasts with the darker family tensions simmering beneath the surface. Its mix of teen drama, humor, and warm holiday imagery helped turn Chrismukkah into a pop-culture phenomenon.
Abbott Elementary – “Holiday Hookah”
Set during the last day before winter break, this episode highlights the teachers’ exhaustion and the students’ mounting excitement. Janine’s attempt to organize a holiday gift drive intersects with awkward staff dynamics, resulting in a blend of earnestness and well-timed comedy. The episode captures the show’s sharp observational humor while emphasizing the community spirit at the heart of the school.
My So-Called Life – “So-Called Angels”
In this reflective Christmas episode, Angela becomes deeply concerned about a homeless classmate during a bitterly cold winter. The story combines realism with a touch of the supernatural as she confronts issues of empathy, responsibility, and family strain. Its focus on teen homelessness remains strikingly relevant, giving the episode a lasting emotional resonance beyond its brief series run.
The Bear – “Fishes”
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The Bear Season 2, Episode 6, titled “Fishes,” is a feature-length flashback episode that takes place about five years before the present-day events of the series, showing the Berzatto family’s traumatic Christmas Eve dinner and the Italian-American tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The entire episode is a high-anxiety pressure cooker centered on the family’s volatile and alcoholic matriarch, Donna Berzatto (Jamie Lee Curtis), as she frantically and belligerently attempts to cook the enormous meal.
