Some of us are beginning our holiday traditions a little earlier than usual this year. That’s okay. Anything that brings you and your family even a little bit of joy – do it! We’ve opted to put up our Christmas Tree early. Once Thanksgiving hits, my family spends our evenings – weekends mostly – to sit in front of our fireplace and watch holiday shows and movies. It’s a different type of Netflix and chill. I’m sharing some new holiday movies to watch on Netflix as well as a few old favorites. Grab a cup of hot chocolate (or hot toddy for the adults) and get cozy to watch these holiday movies on Netflix.
Holiday Movies on Netflix with a Black Lead
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey takes place in the town of Cobbleton, following the legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder until his greatest invention is stolen by his apprentice. Years later, it’s up to his granddaughter who is quite the inventor and visionary herself, to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within.
Everything about Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey was amazing. The cast, the costumes, the music. It’s the type of Christmas movie we needed at this moment in time to remind us of the strength of family and the power of possibility. We sang. We danced. We forgot what was going on in the world for a moment. We enjoyed the movie so much we’ve watched it several times, and plan on watching it again throughout this holiday season.
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key
Holiday Rush
Last holiday season we enjoyed watching Holiday Rush. This Netflix movie is a great way to teach families the reason for the season: family. DJ Rush Williams, a popular New York radio DJ is raising his four kids after losing his wife. DJ Rush loses his job and can no longer afford their lifestyle, and move in with his mom. The experience of living a simpler life at first causes a rift but eventually pulls the family back together.
Starring: Romany Malco, La La Anthony, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Darlene Love
Dance Dreams Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Are you a fan of Shondha Rhimes? If so, you’re going to love that she has contracted with Netflix, and Dance Dreams Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is the first of many to come from her. This documentary shines a light on the work of Debbie Allen who is an icon in dance and film. This documents her reimagining of the classic ballet performed annually by the gifted students of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). We get a behind the scenes look at the three-month rehearsals and exclusive interviews with Debbie Allen. The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker has become a staple holiday performance in Los Angeles and the largest fundraising event on the school’s calendar. This documentary will inspire those young and old who want to pursue a dream where they are least represented.
Releases: November 27, 2020
Family Holiday Movies on Netflix
Klaus
This animated holiday comedy tells the tale of Jesper, the postal academy’s worst student. He was banished to Smeerensburg a frozen island above the Arctic Circle. His father thought that his experience there would teach Jasper a lesson in responsibility and hard work. This town has the worst post office. There, letters aren’t exchanged due to a longtime feud. That is until Jesper and a local teacher discover Klaus – a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore, and stockings hung by the chimney with care.
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones, J.K. Simmons
Alien X Mas
This animated movie showcases how the gift-giving spirit of Christmas and an alien named X save the world against a race of kleptomaniac aliens attempting to steal Earth’s gravity.
The Christmas Chronicles 2
Yes! I’ve been waiting for a part two for two years! The first Christmas Chronicles was so good.I anticipate this one will also be just as good. This action-packed holiday family movie follows the now older Pierce children, Teddy and Kate whose family dynamics have changed. Holidays are spent with her moms new boyfriend and his son, which to a teenager is the end of the world. So what do you do? You run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus
Starring: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Kamp, Judah Lewis, Jahzir Bruno,
Release date: November 25
Related: Christmas Movie Challenge Countdown Printable with 25 Titles
Angela’s Christmas Wish
Angela’s Christmas Wish is a heart-warming tale of a determined little girl who sets out to reunite her family in time for Christmas. Based on the characters from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, it is a tender and funny story about the importance of family and togetherness.
Releases: December 1, 2020
Holiday Movies on Netflix with a Touch of Romance
Operation Christmas Drop
I watched this over the last week. It’s a cute movie tugging on your heart strings following a do-good U.S. Air Force base captain as he helps those in need. Meanwhile, a congressional aid is sent to gather evidence to support the closing of this tropical U.S. Air Force base. In turn, she warms the captain and his generosity.
Dash & Lily
In this Netflix series, takes place in my hometown, New York City! In it a whirlwind holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations all across New York City – like the Strand bookstore – finding they have more in common with each other than they would have expected.
What are some of your favorite movies or shows to watch during the holidays?
