The holiday season calls for cozy nights with hot drinks and festive movies. If you’re tired of the usual classics, you’re in luck because it’s easy to find hidden gems and fresh Christmas films to add to your watchlist this year. Here’s how to find lesser-known holiday treasures that might become your new favorites.
1 Start With the Classics, but Don’t Stop There
It’s no secret that the holiday season includes lots of classic movies that have become key parts of traditions for many. While A Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street are great, why limit ourselves to the familiar?
There is a whole world of overlooked holiday classics from decades past that equally deserve our attention. One tip to find them is that you shouldn’t be afraid to dive into public-domain movies, such as the Christmas films you can buy or rent on YouTube. That’s where I watch Rudolph and Frosty with my kids each year. You might be surprised at all the old-school Christmas cheer you might find, free of charge.
Consider starting your search by looking for “forgotten Christmas movies” or user-made playlists that collect lesser-known films. Most of these movies go unnoticed by mainstream audiences. And for those interested in rare TV specials or regional Christmas films, you might find uploads when you couldn’t spot them anywhere else.
Physical media might seem a bit outdated nowadays, but I’ll be the first to say that DVDs still have value, especially rarer holiday movies that aren’t as readily available on streaming platforms. If you’re a collector or prefer a bit of nostalgia, watching movies on DVDs or Blu-rays can be a great way to branch out without breaking the bank.
To find some of these videos, check out eBay, Amazon, or even local thrift stores—you might be able to find seriously discounted physical copies. Better yet, look for box sets that include multiple holiday movies or short films.
3 Tap Into Free or Niche Streaming Services
While major streaming platforms offer a wide range of Christmas movies, I suggest exploring some of the smaller or niche streaming services. Consider platforms like Freevee, Tubi, Pluto TV, or Kanopy—they may not have as big a catalog, but often surprise with lesser-known holiday specials.
Make it a habit to check out their holiday sections or search by genre during December. You might be able to stumble across something you’ve never seen before, or that has gone under your radar, that’s perfect for this holiday season.
4 Explore International Options
While Christmas can seem like a very “American” holiday to those in the US, it’s celebrated in much of the world. This means many countries bring their unique perspectives to the holiday season, including via film.
Use this to your advantage! Explore international Christmas movies by searching for subtitled films on YouTube or niche streaming platforms that cater to a global audience.
5 Don’t Forget Local Libraries
I had overlooked my local library as a source for great Christmas movies, but it turned out to have some real gems. In fact, many libraries will curate special holiday movie displays during December, showcasing a collection of festive films you can borrow and enjoy at home.
Also, libraries often offer digital rentals through apps like Hoopla, which can provide even more access to a wide range of movies at no cost to you. Ask your librarian for recommendations—they’ll often know about lesser-known movies and can guide you toward ones worth your time.
Never underestimate the power of a community, especially when asking for media recommendations. Social platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and dedicated forums can be the perfect place to find passionate movie enthusiasts happy to share their recommendations.
Search for threads or groups dedicated to “obscure Christmas movies” or holiday traditions—you’ll likely find loads of discussions filled with suggestions from those who’ve already sifted through the chaff. I encourage you to scroll through, engage, ask questions, and share your own favorites. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded Christmas lovers and broaden your holiday horizons.
This holiday season, don’t settle for the same old classics—venture beyond! With hidden gems, forgotten treasures, and international delights, your watchlist can sparkle with new favorites. Whether you’re browsing thrift stores, streaming niche platforms, or exploring library collections, the options are endless. Start your search today, and make this year’s holiday movie nights unforgettable!