The holidays are the perfect time to gather loved ones and settle in for a heartwarming holiday movie marathon. This is an excellent winter activity for seniors that combines entertainment, connection, and comfort between neighbors and across generations.
Holiday classic films hold special meaning for seniors—evoking nostalgia and cherished memories. Springpoint Senior Living is committed to empowering older adults to do more of what they love on their terms. We’ve put together a curated list of the best holiday movies across genres and decades. Each of these films can be enjoyed in any of our communities’ common areas or in the comfort of your home, with streaming links provided.
The Best Holiday Movies: Timeless Classics
Cozy up with these family-friendly holiday movies, ranging from holiday classics to animated favorites.
Golden Age Classics
From the 1940s, these classics have remained timeless delights for all ages, reminding us of the true spirit of the holidays.
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): George Bailey discovers just how meaningful his life has been when an angel shows him what his small town would look like without him. Featuring James Stewart, this masterpiece has touched generations with its powerful message about community, sacrifice, and second chances. Stream it on Prime Video.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947): When a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, a young lawyer must defend his identity in court in this enchanting holiday treasure. This heartwarming film celebrates the magic of believing and the importance of keeping wonder alive at any age. Watch the original 1947 version or the 1994 remake on Hulu.
Musical Favorites
Holiday musicals bring an extra sparkle to the season with unforgettable songs and dazzling performances. These beloved classics have earned their place in our hearts year after year.
- White Christmas (1954): Two talented song-and-dance men team up with a sister act to save their former commanding general’s struggling Vermont inn in this dazzling musical spectacle. With Irving Berlin’s iconic soundtrack and vibrant Technicolor cinematography, this film delivers pure nostalgic entertainment. Find it on Netflix.
- Holiday Inn (1942): Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire team up for this delightful musical about an inn that celebrates every holiday in style. It’s where the world first heard “White Christmas,” and the song-and-dance numbers are pure Hollywood magic. Rent it on Prime Video or Apple TV+.
Heartwarming Comedies
Sharing a laugh with family and friends is one of the best ways to connect. If you’re interested in something funny, you might find the perfect film below.
- A Christmas Story (1983): Set in 1940s Indiana, this nostalgic comedy follows young Ralphie Parker’s relentless quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas despite everyone’s warnings. The film’s humorous vignettes and memorable scenes (like the infamous tongue-on-a-frozen-pole incident) capture the wonder and hilarity of childhood holiday memories. Stream it on HBO Max or Hulu.
- Home Alone (1990): Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister must defend his family’s home from bumbling burglars after being accidentally left behind during Christmas vacation. Macaulay Culkin’s charming performance and the film’s clever comedy make this an endlessly rewatchable holiday favorite that celebrates resourcefulness and family bonds. Available on Disney+.
Romantic Classics
Looking for some romance to brighten the mood and tug on heartstrings? Check out one of these romantic classics.
- The Holiday (2006): Two women dealing with romantic disasters decide to trade houses for Christmas—and end up finding love where they least expect it. With an all-star cast and plenty of heart, this cozy rom-com is like a warm hug on a cold winter night. Watch it on Netflix or rent it on Prime Video.
- While You Were Sleeping (1995): Sandra Bullock’s character saves her crush from danger, but a case of mistaken identity leads her straight into his family’s holiday celebrations. What starts as an awkward situation blossoms into a charming love story about finding where you truly belong. Stream it on Disney+ or Netflix.
Animated Treasures
In the mood for traditional cartoons from holidays past? Don’t forget about these animated movies that have been loved across generations.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): When Charlie Brown questions the meaning of Christmas amid all the commercialism, his friend Linus delivers the true message of the season in this gentle, profound special. The award-winning soundtrack and tender storytelling have made this Peanuts classic an annual tradition for over 50 years. Stream it exclusively on Apple TV+.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This stop-motion animated classic tells the story of a young reindeer who turns his difference into his greatest strength on a foggy Christmas Eve. With memorable characters like Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, this special has delighted families for six decades with its timeless message about acceptance and belonging. Watch it on Netflix or Roku.
Planning Your Perfect Holiday Movie Marathon
Preparing for your movie marathon is half the fun. Now that you’ve decided which films you’d like to watch during your marathon, begin by setting up your space. Create comfortable seating with plenty of pillows and blankets, and adjust the lighting so it’s comfortable to view the movies without being too dark.
Prepare some festive refreshments for you and your crew. These can include popcorn, hot cocoa, holiday cookies, and other easy-to-eat finger foods that don’t require pausing the movie. Consider your guests’ and neighbors’ dietary preferences, and keep extra beverages within easy reach so you don’t have to get up to quench your thirst during the film.
Curate the perfect guest list by inviting friends or making it a multigenerational gathering. In between films, share favorite holiday memories that evoke nostalgia and foster togetherness, enriching the experience.
Plan out your holiday movie marathon. Decide whether to have a single-day marathon or spread films across several evenings. You can even make it an interactive experience by discussing favorite scenes or characters after watching, and voting on the next movie to watch together.
Kick Off the Season With the Perfect Winter Activity for Seniors<
These holiday classic films offer a perfect activity for seniors and their families. Holiday movie marathons bring joy, nostalgia, and connection, so grab a neighbor or two and pick a date to settle in for a cozy movie night.
Springpoint Senior Living’s mission is to help older adults live with purpose, passion, and possibility – including enjoying simple pleasures, like the best holiday movies, together. We are dedicated to providing comfort and wellness for our residents through our multi-dimensional LivWell wellness program, designed to help residents reach their goals through the seven dimensions of wellness. Our spacious common areas throughout the community make it possible to have year-round movie marathons.
We invite you to learn more about vibrant living at Springpoint. Contact the Springpoint team today or find a community near you to learn more about all Springpoint has to offer.
