We love a good list during the holidays. Everywhere you turn, it’s gift guides this and best-of lists that. So, we rounded up our team to create a list of favorite holiday movies. Admittedly, I thought we’d escape without a mention of Die Hard, but—sweet hot spiked apple cider by the fireplace—it made the cut. Take notes, and next time you see one of us at a pop-up, drop a deep-cut reference to one of these picks!
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Nick West
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The holiday season isn't the same for me without the peanut gang ultimately hyping up the very much down-bad Charlie Brown, all to an absolute banger of a soundtrack by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
Favorite Quote
Lucy Van Pelt: I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.
Charlie Brown: What is it you want?
Lucy Van Pelt: Real estate.
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Anya Nayak
Polar Express
Polar Express is all time Xmas movie because it perfectly captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season. The animation, story about believing in the impossible, and that iconic train ride to the North Pole. Plus, who doesn't love Tom Hanks playing multiple characters!
Favorite Quote
"Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart."
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Nicole Horsford Holley
Die Hard
As a family joke we always watched "Die Hard" after "A Christmas Story" or "This Christmas". Nothing like popcorn, a cold beverage and once of age being able to quote Bruce Willis on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Favorite Quote (s)
"Does It Sound Like I'm Ordering A Pizza?"
"If This Is Their Idea Of Christmas, I Gotta Be Here For New Year's."
"Yippee-Ki-Yay, Motherfucker."
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John Rice
A Year Without A Santa Clause
A 1970's stop motion banger. The Heat Miser and Snow Miser are such great characters.
Favorite Quote
Mrs Clause: No Fighting!
Snow Miser: Well, if I cant have any fun I might as well leave
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Emily Shaw
Home Alone
Kevin: "A lovely cheese pizza. Just for me."
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Grace McCarty
Elf
I identify with both [of these quotes] - who doesn’t love leaning into christmas music this time of year!!
Favorite Quote
Buddy: "The best way to spread Christmad cheer is singing loud for all to hear"
Buddy: "Son of a nutcracker!"
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Ardith Singh
Home Alone
Gotta love having to share rooms/beds with cousins that may or may not be notorious bed wetters lolllll
Favorite Quote
"Easy on the Pepsi fuller"
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Nick Wey
The Nightmare Before Christmas
A Tim Burton classic. Hard to say if it's really a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, but it's always special stepping into Burton's hauntingly beautiful world.
Favorite Quote
Mother: And what did Santa bring you, honey?
[kid shows parents his present - a shrunken head; parents scream]
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Joe Andrews
The Ref
The Ref is a sleeper—think dark comedy wrapped in a Christmas movie. Sharp dialogue and brilliantly memorable auxiliary characters (think Fargo).
Favorite Quote
"Don’t make me nuts today, it’s Christmas," delivered with Christine Baranski's deadpan perfection.
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Tim Rossi
Elf
Cause Buddy is an icon and I rewatched it recently and realized frequently the movie is quotes and referenced daily.
Favorite Quote(s)
"Bye, Buddy! I Hope You Find Your Dad"
"You Sit On A Throne Of Lies"
"You Did It! Congratulations! World's Best Cup Of Coffee. Great Job Everybody!"
"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup"
