In an era predating basic cable and the current dominance of streaming services, Christmas movies held a special place as an annual tradition on broadcast networks.

Families and holiday enthusiasts eagerly awaited the festive season to catch their favorite Christmas films for free, assuming they were home in time for the broadcast. However, the landscape has shifted, with free movie options dwindling on streaming platforms. Despite this, YouTube has emerged as a savior, offering a diverse collection of free Christmas movies for on-demand enjoyment.

As we usher in the holiday season, we’ve curated an updated list of the best free Christmas movies available on YouTube for 2023. This annual tradition, akin to Santa’s visit, ensures that the festive spirit endures, delivering additional Christmas cheer from one of the world’s largest streaming platforms.

1. A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004) Starring Kelsey Grammer as Ebenezer Scrooge, this musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale incorporates Alan Menken’s music, providing a fresh perspective on the classic story.
2. The Santa Box (2020) This heartwarming tale revolves around Kallie Watts, a young girl rediscovering the magic of Christmas through an unexpected Santa Box and a friendship with her elderly neighbor, Otto.
3. Christmas in Evergreen (2017) Ashley Williams stars as Allie, a veterinarian contemplating leaving her small hometown, Evergreen, leading to a charming holiday story intertwining lives.
4. Christmas Pen Pals (2018) Sarah Drew plays Hannah Morris, navigating Christmas matchmaking after being dumped, with a beautifully written letter and a potential reconnection with her high school boyfriend.
5. Die Hard (1988) Bruce Willis stars in this iconic action film set during the holidays, as John McClane battles terrorists to win back the heart of his estranged wife, Holly.
6. A Gift Wrapped Christmas Meredith Hagner portrays Gwen, a personal shopper on a mission to bring joy to an uptight businessman, Charlie, in a heartwarming and cozy tale.
7. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008) A Hallmark original featuring Brooke Burns as Jennifer Cullen, a single mother initially disliking Christmas until her uncle introduces her to a Christmas-loving stranger named Morgan.
8. Christmas Story (2007) This Finnish film narrates the origin of Santa Claus through the story of a young boy named Nikolas who spreads joy by secretly making presents.
9. Mary Christmas (2002) A made-for-television film revolving around reporter Mary, who covers a story about a widower and his daughter seeking a new mother for Christmas, with unexpected twists.
10. Christmas for a Dollar (2013) Inspired by a true story, this film portrays a poor family during the Great Depression, navigating the challenges of the season with a saved dollar for Christmas.
11. Get Santa (2014) A British holiday film that tells the touching story of Steve, a former getaway driver chosen by Santa Claus to save Christmas and mend his relationship with his son.
12. An American Christmas Carol (1979) Set in Depression-era New Hampshire, this modern take on Dickens’ classic features Henry Winkler as a grumpy old man, Benedict Slade, who undergoes a transformation after encountering three spirits.
13. Borrowed Hearts (1997) A heartwarming tale involving a factory worker and single mother, Kathleen, who, along with her daughter, pretends to be the family of her rich boss to secure a deal just in time for Christmas.
14. Black Christmas (1974) A pioneering entry in the slasher genre, this tense horror movie set during the festive season follows members of a sorority targeted by a psychotic killer, addressing relevant feminist messages.

While the list may evolve by 2024, YouTube’s commitment to providing free Christmas movies ensures that the holiday spirit remains accessible to all, continuing this cherished tradition.