10+ Best Christmas Movies to Watch on Netflix This December 2025

December 2025 is here, and Netflix is delivering a sleigh-full of festive cheer with its holiday lineup. Whether you’re craving heartwarming rom-coms, animated magic, or a dash of holiday heist action, the streamer’s library has something for every cozy night in. According to Netflix’s Tudum guide and Rotten Tomatoes’ top-rated holiday picks, these films blend viewer favorites with fresh releases—perfect for family movie marathons or solo eggnog sessions.

We’ve rounded up over 10 of the best, including five hot-off-the-press originals dropping this month, ranked by a mix of critic scores, viewer buzz, and holiday spirit. Grab the hot cocoa—these are the ones to queue up before New Year’s.

The Ultimate Netflix Christmas Movie Lineup for December 2025

Here’s a quick-reference table of our top picks, complete with Rotten Tomatoes scores (where available), runtimes, and why they shine this season. All are streaming now or arriving fresh in December—check Netflix for exact availability in your region.

Rank	Movie Title	Release Year / Netflix Drop	RT Score	Runtime	Why It’s a Must-Watch This December
1	Klaus	2019 / Streaming Now	95%	96 min	A hand-drawn masterpiece that reimagines Santa’s origin story with stunning animation and heartfelt lessons on kindness—pure holiday magic for all ages.
2	The Princess Switch	2018 / Streaming Now	71%	89 min	Vanessa Hudgens triples the fun in this royal rom-com swap; it’s the gateway to Netflix’s beloved holiday trilogy, full of mistaken identities and snowy romance.
3	Falling for Christmas	2022 / Streaming Now	19%	93 min	Lindsay Lohan’s triumphant comeback as an amnesiac heiress finding love in a cabin—cheesy, feel-good escapism that’s climbed the charts for its Y2K nostalgia.
4	Single All the Way	2021 / Streaming Now	71%	89 min	Netflix’s first LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com follows a man faking a boyfriend for Christmas; Michael Urie’s charm and family drama make it a modern classic for inclusive viewing.
5	Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey	2020 / Streaming Now	82%	123 min	A dazzling musical adventure with Forest Whitaker as a toymaker rediscovering joy; its original songs and diverse cast earned it spot on Rotten Tomatoes’ top holiday list.
6	Carry-On	2024 / Streaming Now	N/A	117 min	Taron Egerton’s TSA thriller turns Christmas Eve into high-stakes chaos—think Die Hard in an airport, blending action with holiday heart for thrill-seekers.
7	A Merry Little Ex-Mas	2025 / Nov 12	65%	95 min	Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson as exes faking family bliss one last time—laugh-out-loud awkwardness meets heartfelt reconciliation in this fresh rom-com hit.
8	Champagne Problems	2025 / Nov 19	70%	98 min	Minka Kelly falls for a champagne heir (Tom Wozniczka) amid Paris deals gone wrong—effervescent romance with vineyard vibes, already a viewer favorite at 20.5 million views.
9	Jingle Bell Heist	2025 / Nov 26	75%	92 min	Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells pull off a department store caper on Christmas Eve— a rom-com heist that’s equal parts sneaky and swoony, refreshing the genre.
10	My Secret Santa	2025 / Dec 3	N/A	92 min	Alexandra Breckenridge in a Mrs. Doubtfire-style disguise as a dad in a Santa suit to win back her kids—prosthetics, laughs, and holiday redemption await.
11	Goodbye June	2025 / Dec 24	88%	105 min	Kate Winslet’s directorial debut: a poignant family reunion amid grief, blending humor and tears for a sophisticated holiday drama that critics are calling “emotionally ambitious.”

*Scores from Rotten Tomatoes (as of Nov 2025); N/A indicates pending reviews for new releases. Viewer data via Netflix Top 10 and Parade reports.

Why These Movies Define Netflix’s 2025 Holiday Magic

Netflix’s December slate isn’t just quantity—it’s quality wrapped in tinsel. With over 28 holiday films in rotation (per Tudum), the platform leans into rom-coms (think exes-to-lovers tropes) while sprinkling in animation and thrillers for variety. New releases like A Merry Little Ex-Mas tap into post-divorce family feels, earning praise for Silverstone’s “effortlessly relatable” performance, while Jingle Bell Heist adds edge with its crime twist—ideal if you’re tired of pure fluff. Classics like Klaus hold strong with 95% on Rotten Tomatoes for its “exquisite” stop-motion, proving timeless tales still rule.

Have you ever debated if Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie? Carry-On settles it with airport mayhem on Christmas Eve, clocking 117 minutes of edge-of-your-seat tension that doubles as seasonal escapism. For families, The Princess Switch trilogy (start with the original) delivers Hudgens in three roles, complete with royal balls and body swaps—it’s binged by millions annually for its lighthearted charm.

This year’s drops reflect Netflix’s push for diversity: Single All the Way broke ground as the streamer’s first queer holiday rom-com, and Jingle Jangle shines with Black-led musical flair, scoring 82% for its “inventive” score and visuals. Viewer stats show rom-coms like Falling for Christmas (despite its 19% critics’ score) rack up 12+ million views weekly, proving heart trumps snark during the holidays.

Spotlight on December’s Fresh Releases: What Makes Them Special?

Netflix is dropping five originals this month alone, blending romance, comedy, and drama to keep things merry and bright. Champagne Problems (Nov 19) fizzles with Paris glamour—Kelly’s exec clashes with Wozniczka’s heir in a vineyard-set meet-cute that’s already Netflix’s No. 1 English film, with 20.5 million views and a 70% RT fresh rating. It’s like Emily in Paris but with more mistletoe.

Jingle Bell Heist (Nov 26) shakes up the formula: Holt and Swindells’ thieves bond over a botched robbery, delivering “fun, sneaky romance” that’s 75% on RT and a refreshing caper for heist fans. Critics call it Netflix’s “hottest streak” for 2025 holiday fare.

On Dec 3, My Secret Santa arrives with Breckenridge in full Santa drag—a gender-flipped Mrs. Doubtfire that’s “insanely premise-driven” and perfect for laughs with the in-laws. Finally, Goodbye June (Dec 24) offers depth: Winslet’s directorial bow follows a family’s raw Christmas amid loss, earning 88% for its “sharp humor and deep love”—a tearjerker to cap the season.

These aren’t just fillers; they’re tailored for 2025’s vibe—post-pandemic warmth with a nod to real-life messiness, like exes co-parenting or finding joy in chaos.

Easy Viewing Tips: Pairings, Pairings, and More Pairings

Maximize your binge with these foolproof combos. Start light: The Princess Switch + hot toddies for a tipsy royal escape. For families, Klaus pairs with gingerbread decorating—its animation rivals Pixar.

Feeling adventurous? Carry-On with mulled wine for thriller thrills. Rom-com night? Chain Falling for Christmas to A Merry Little Ex-Mas—Lohan-to-Silverstone handoff for ultimate ’90s-to-now nostalgia. End deep: Goodbye June solo with tissues, reflecting on the year’s highs and lows.

Pro tip: Netflix’s “Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas” docuseries (streaming now) inspires pre-watch decor—string lights mandatory. With 27+ holiday titles added in November alone, December’s lineup ensures zero FOMO.

Why It Matters: Holiday Movies as December’s Coziest Ritual

In a world of endless scrolls, Christmas movies on Netflix remind us why we gather—laughter, tears, and that warm glow of shared stories. Per Rotten Tomatoes, top-rated flicks like Klaus boost holiday moods by 40%, turning rainy Decembers into feel-good fiestas. This year’s mix, from heists to heartaches, mirrors life’s unpredictability while delivering the escapism we crave.

Key Takeaways

Netflix’s 2025 December lineup delivers over 10 must-watch Christmas movies, blending evergreen hits like Klaus (95% RT) with shiny new gems like Jingle Bell Heist and My Secret Santa. Rom-coms dominate, but thrillers and dramas add edge for varied tastes.

Fresh releases like Champagne Problems (20M+ views) prove Netflix’s holiday formula—romance + twists—still captivates, while classics ensure repeat joy. Pair with cocoa, family, or solitude for maximum cheer.