The 20 Best Free Christmas Movies You Can Stream Right Now + Rentals Under $5
Christmas movies are a holiday staple, and fortunately, you no longer need a massive DVD collection and clunky technology to get your movie fix. Here are 20 free Christmas movies that can be streamed right from your favorite platform.
Christmas movies, hot chocolate, fuzzy blankets — gathering up for a Christmas movie is a cherished tradition for many families. Not only does a Christmas movie just make us feel good, but according to experts, the ritual, routine, and familiarity of holiday movies also have a soothing effect on our nervous system, providing a sense of order and calm; something most of us need at the end of the year!
The only thing that might make Christmas movies even better is being able to watch them for free. Fortunately, there are many movie titles you can stream—both from subscription-based and free TV apps—during the holidays.
Free Hallmark Christmas Movies
If you have Hallmark TV, Fubo, Sling, YouTube, Peacock, or any other streaming service with the Hallmark channel, you're in luck. Hallmark has produced dozens of Christmas movies over the years and most, if not all, of the older ones can be streamed for free. Here are some Hallmark titles you can stream right now.
1. An American Christmas Carol (1979)
Movie summary: This adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" is set in Depression-era New England. The story follows Benedict Slade, a heartless financier, who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, leading to a transformation of his character.
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
2. The Man in The Santa Clause Suit (1979)
Movie summary: This movie revolves around three different men who, by chance, end up wearing the same Santa Claus suit. Each man's life is affected by the suit in a unique way, leading to heartwarming and comedic situations.
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
3. Finding Santa (2017)
Movie summary: In this romantic comedy, a woman named Grace is tasked with finding a replacement Santa for her town's Christmas parade. She meets a man named Tom, who seems to be the perfect fit for the role, but as they work together, they find themselves drawn to each other.
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
4. Christmas in the Smokies (2015)
Movie summary: This movie tells the story of a woman named Shelby who must find a way to save her family's berry farm from a big corporate company. With the help of her neighbor, Luke, and her family, she works to preserve their traditions and save the farm.
IMDB Rating: 5.8/10
5. Holiday Engagement (2011)
Movie summary: The plot revolves around a woman named Hillary who, after being dumped by her fiancé, hires an unemployed artist to pretend to be her fiancé over the holidays to impress her demanding mother. As they spend time together, they begin to develop real feelings for each other.
IMDB Rating: 6.0/10
6. Christmas in Evergreen (2017)
Movie summary: In this movie, a veterinarian named Allie returns to her hometown of Evergreen for Christmas. She is tasked with looking after a dog named Tilly, and in the process, she finds herself caught up in the town's Christmas traditions and rekindles a romance with an old flame.
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Free Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime
Finding free Christmas movies is a breeze for Amazon Prime members. From Christmas movie classics, like Miracle on 34th Street, to family favorites like Elf, Amazon Prime's free Christmas movie collection rivals any other out there. Here are just a few titles you can expect to find on Prime.
7. Elf (2003)
Movie summary: "Elf" is a heartwarming comedy about Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. Upon discovering his true identity, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father and spread Christmas cheer.
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
8. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Movie summary: This classic film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who, with the help of an angel, sees what life would have been like if he had never existed. It's a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the impact of one person's life on others.
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
9. White Christmas (1954)
Movie summary: "White Christmas" is a classic holiday musical film that revolves around a successful song-and-dance team. The story follows the duo, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they team up with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn owned by their former commanding general.
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Movie summary: "Miracle on 34th Street" revolves around a man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. As he works as a department store Santa, he spreads joy and Christmas spirit, leading to a trial to determine his authenticity.
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
11. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Movie summary: This unique stop-motion animated film follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring Christmas to his spooky world, with unexpected and humorous results.
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
12. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Movie summary: This comedy film follows the Griswold family as they prepare for a big family Christmas, which quickly turns into a series of comedic mishaps and chaos, capturing the ups and downs of holiday celebrations.
IMDB Rating: 7.5/10
13. The Holiday (2006)
Movie summary: Starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, "The Holiday" is a romantic comedy about two women who swap homes for the holidays and unexpectedly find love. It intertwines the lives of characters from different backgrounds and locations, emphasizing the magic of the holiday season.
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Free Christmas Movies on YouTube
YouTube is a hub for all kinds of free movies and videos, and free Christmas movies can't be excluded. If you don't have a paid streaming membership, head over to YouTube to catch some of the best free Christmas movies available. Here are a few titles you can cozy up to for free on YouTube this holiday season.
14. Noel (2004)
Movie summary: "Noel" is a Christmas drama that intertwines the lives of several New Yorkers, played by Susan Sarandon, Penelope Cruz, and Paul Walker, during the holiday season. The film explores themes of love, forgiveness, and hope as the characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways.
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
15. A Christmas Memory (1997)
Movie summary: Based on a true story by Truman Capote, A Christmas Memory follows the experiences of seven-year-old Buddy as he's sent to the Depression-era South from New York during Christmas after his parents split.
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
16. The Christmas Candle (2013)
Movie summary: The Christmas Candle follows the challenges of a pastor in 19th-century England who tries to lead a village that believes a candle can bring forth miracles.
IMDB Rating: 6.2/10
17. Crazy for Christmas (2005)
Movie summary: Viewers go on a wild ride with Crazy for Christmas when a wealthy older man hires a single mother to chauffeur him around town on Christmas Eve. At first, it seems normal, but when the man begins to give cash away to complete strangers, she begins to wonder who he is.
IMDB Rating: 6.3/10
18. A Christmas Carol (1984)
Movie summary: This adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" is a made-for-TV movie that follows the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
19. On the 2nd Day of Christmas (1997)
Movie summary: A girl and her aunt are caught stealing in a department store just before Christmas. Just as they're faced with the prospect of spending Christmas in social services, the store's security guard becomes the pair's custodian.
IMDB Rating: 6.1/10
20. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
Movie summary: In this heartwarming holiday film, a single mother's life is turned upside down when her uncle brings a new man into her life. As the family comes together for Christmas, unexpected romance and joy unfold.
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Christmas Movies For Rent on Prime For Under $5
If the free Christmas movies don't exactly appeal, there are many Christmas movies you can rent very cheaply. Here are a just few titles you can rent for under $5.
- Frozen (2013) - $3.99 to rent
- The Polar Express (2004) - $3.79 to rent
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - $3.79 to rent
- The Santa Claus (1994) - $3.79 to rent
- Home Alone (1990) - $3.99 to rent
Other Ways To Save This Holiday Season
Saving some cash by selecting from free Christmas movies is just one great way to cut back on spending this holiday season. To really maximize your budget, here are some other tactics you can employ:
- Shop the cheapest grocery stores for all of your holiday gathering needs.
- Catch the newest holiday movie at the theaters for less with one of these 16 solid ways to get free movie tickets.
Lastly, be sure to follow MySavings on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more money-saving tips all year-round.