One of the best things about the festive season is watching all the Christmas movies and television episodes available. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from watching A Christmas Story again to try something a little shorter.
Most television series have at least one holiday-themed episode so it can be hard to decide which ones to watch. Those short on time and trying to figure out what episodes to fit into a Christmas-watching schedule should check out the best Christmas episodes from some of the best shows of all time.
Updated on December 20th, 2022 by Colin McCormick: While there is endless Christmas content to enjoy this time of year, fans still love returning to their favorite TV shows to enjoy some of their past holiday episodes. From classic sitcoms like Seinfeld to more intense dramas like The West Wing, there are even more Christmas episodes that deliver some festive storytelling in unique ways. So fans of all kinds will have no shortage of options when looking for the best Christmas episodes from great TV shows.
Superstore (2015-2021)
"Christmas Eve" (Season 3, Episode 7)
Despite being ripe for holiday content, Superstore aired its first holiday special during season 3. After overhearing her coworkers call her boring, Amy decides to let loose and have some fun on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, Jonah and Garrett get roped into taking pictures with kids while dealing with their own roommate problems and Glenn tries to make a believer out of Mateo.
"Christmas Eve" is a hilarious episode from start to finish that taps into the holiday spirit every chance it gets. It also has an adorable romantic gesture at the end of the episode.
The West Wing (1999-2006)
"In Excelsis Deo" (Season 1, Episode 10)
Along with featuring Jed Bartlet, one of The West Wing makes great use of its amazing ensemble. The season 1 Christmas episode "In Excelsis Deo" shows this with a variety of stories surrounding the main characters.
From Toby becoming fixated on honoring a homeless veteran to C.J. becoming emotionally involved in a hate crime assault to President Bartlet trying to get some last-minute shopping done, the episode highlights the tragedy that can accompany the celebrations of the season.
Full House (1987-1995)
"Our Very First Christmas Show" (Season 2, Episode 9)
Surprisingly it took the Tanners until season 2 to have an official Christmas-themed episode but it did not disappoint. Danny has spent months planning a trip to Colorado to visit family for the holidays but his plans hit a snag when a blizzard hits part of the United States. The Tanners end up getting stuck at a small airport which leaves Stephanie stressed about Santa finding them.
"Our Very First Christmas Show" is an amazing episode because it has someone for everyone. The drama is heightened since it's the holidays, the kids get into all sorts of shenanigans, and even romance fans will be thrilled to watch Jesse try to get Becky under the mistletoe.
This Is Us (2016-2022)
"Last Christmas" (Season 1, Episode 10)
Every episode of This Is Us is emotional and full of heart but their first-ever Christmas-themed episode really showed just how emotional the series was about to get. The past timeline follows the Pearsons as they race Kate to the hospital after she comes down with appendicitis. While there they run into Dr. K and help him out for once.
Meanwhile, in the present Kevin gets roped into pretending to be Sloane's boyfriend at her family's Hanukkah party, Randall talks a man off of a literal edge at the office work party, and Rebecca and Kate visit her gastric-by surgeon. With tons of laughs and tears, this episode is perfect for anyone missing their own dysfunctional family's Christmas celebrations.
Community (2009-2015)
"Regional Holiday Music" (Season 3, Episode 10)
Throughout its run, Community has taken more than a few shots at rival show Glee and this Christmas episode really embraces that apparent disdain. When the bubbly glee club teacher Mr. Radison turns to the study group to put on the annual holiday show, the reluctant are brainwashed one-by-one into embracing the Christmas spirit.
Community is known for its musical numbers and this episode has some of the best. It has the kind of yuletide fun people would expect as well as a fun sinister underbelly which leads to the hilarious dark revelation about the former glee club.
New Girl (2011-2018)
"Christmas Eve Eve" (Season 6, Episode 10)
New Girl has a handful of iconic Christmas-themed episodes but a fan favorite remains the season 6 episode "Christmas Eve Eve." Since the gang usually doesn't spend the holidays together, Jess has organized a secret Santa gift exchange for the day before Christmas Eve, but it's a struggle to get everyone excited about it. Elsewhere, Winston and Schmidtt are forced to go to the mall for a last-minute gift and Reagan helps Nick give Jess the perfect Christmas.
Nothing is as fun and stressful as a secret Santa and with the residents of the loft, it's bound to be hilarious which is why this is such a fun episode to watch over the holidays.
Family Matters (1989-1998)
"Christmas Is Where The Heart Is" (Season 5, Episode 11)
Family Matters is one of the most iconic sitcoms from the '80s and '90s that everyone should watch at least once in their life. A great episode to start within the season 5 Christmas episode.
"Christmas Is Where The Heart Is" centers on Urkel and Carl who get stuck on a crowded subway car on Christmas Eve. Getting stuck anywhere is rough but it's exceptionally bad on Christmas Eve. In the hopes of boosting everyone's spirits, Urkel commands the subway to remind everyone that Christmas can be celebrated anywhere. It's a great episode to that the true spirit of Christmas is being kind to each other.
Hart Of Dixie (2011-2015)
"Blue Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 10)
Hart of Dixie is the perfect show to watch during the holiday season thanks to its heartwarming concept. For fans of cozy TV shows and movies about life in small towns, Hart of Dixie is the perfect series. "Blue Christmas" is one of several Christmas episodes and the best of them.
It follows Zoe as she tries to find a replacement Santa and Lemon and Lavon try to make a perfect gift for Ruby. Plus there is plenty of Christmas lights and decorations to add to the overall theme.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
"Forgiveness and Stuff" (Season 1, Episode 10)
The season one episode of Gilmore Girls gave fans their first Christmas episode of the long-running television series about fast-talking Stars Hollow inhabitants. "Forgiveness and Stuff" was an important episode for the first season of Gilmore Girls.
It gave fans some fantastic Luke and Lorelai moments and even some touching moments between Lorelai and her estranged parents after Richard ends up in the hospital. Plus, this is the episode that gives fans Emily's infamous line about demanding she go first in a touching scene between husband and wife.
30 Rock (2006-2013)
"Ludachristmas (Season 2, Episode 9)
Among 30 Rock is one of the wildest, so it is guaranteed there is going to be plenty of fun when they embrace the tradition of the holiday episode. "Ludachristmas" marks the first Christmas episode for the series and it remains its best.
After being stuck with his judgemental mother for the holidays, Jack turns to Liz's more nurturing family. Meanwhile, Kenneth tries to teach everyone the true meaning of Christmas that goes predictably awry. It is a hilarious ride with these wacky characters while featuring some surprisingly touching moments.