With the holidays fast approaching and Christmas movies rerunning on almost every channel, it's not always easy for LGBTQ+ folks to feel represented during the season, given their absence in most holiday-themed flicks.
Though there have been a slightly-rising number of these films since 2019, including The Christmas Setup and The Happiest Season, there aren’t nearly enough for the queer community to feel seen. However, that doesn't mean there is nothing to watch. These great LGBTQ+ Christmas movies recommended by Reddit can help to brighten the holiday season and bring comfort with their heartwarming stories.
Dashing In December (2020)
Stream On Prime Video
Coming home for the holidays in an attempt to convince his mother to sell their Colorado ranch, Wyatt Burwall’s motives are turned around when he meets their handsome new ranch-hand, Heath.
Learning of Heath's desire to save the ranch and its gorgeous Winter Wonderland attraction, Wyatt relearns the meaning of family while taking in the joy the place gives others. This engaging Christmas film engages the audience in Wyatt’s battle with his lonesome heart with proper character development and chemistry. Redditor techbear72 noted that, “Dashing in December with Andie MacDowell [has] main leads that are gay in real life, which is nice for representation, too.”
Let It Snow (2019)
Stream On Netflix
Regarded as one of the best teen LGBTQ+ movies so far, Let It Snow features a group of small-town adolescents who are unexpectedly brought together by a blizzard. Focusing on relationships like the lovey lesbian couple, Kerry and Dorrie, the film is perfect for a lingering feeling of acceptance during this time of year.
Teaching a lesson on self-love and belonging that isn’t too preachy, the soft, warm feeling the movie leaves with the watcher is like that first sip of hot cocoa after a trek through the snow. A now-deleted Reddit commented, “Gave it a chance because I loved the idea of seeing all of those talented young actors and actresses in a cute romantic movie.”
A New York Christmas Wedding (2020)
Stream On Netflix
Unlike the predictable cookie-cutter holiday romantic comedies that are watched throughout the season, A New York Christmas Wedding portrays a unique perspective in an impressively thought-provoking way, making it one of the best LGBTQ+ films on Netflix.
With her wedding day approaching, Jennifer can’t help but feel underwhelmed, her heart just not in it the way she thought it would be. Miraculously, an angel appears to show her what could have been had she dated her childhood friend, Gabrielle. Through profound dialogue and a relatable feel for late-bloomer sapphics, the movie has done something no other Christmas story has. Reddit greenisthecolour1 said, “I am just watching it now. I LOVE it. I really don't care that it's low budget too, it's actually quite refreshing.”
Make The Yuletide Gay (2009)
Stream On Prime Video
Following a closeted gay college student spending winter break with his parents and bringing his boyfriend home as a “friend” so he wouldn’t have to spend Christmas alone, Make the Yuletide Gay shows the struggle of both young men as they struggle to come out together.
Though it may come off as cheesy, the movie is full of heart and quite funny, validating the feelings of fellow closeted LGBTQ+ people during the holidays. SolidAshford claimed, “I really enjoy this movie because I feel like these are real quirky people that are just being themselves.” They went on to say that, “Overall, the acting is pretty good, and it's a fun little Christmas movie that truly shines.”
Happiest Season (2020)
Stream On Hulu
The feel-good Christmas story of Happiest Season was the star of LGBTQ+ holiday films in 2020, representing the slew of complicated emotions that arise in search of acceptance from family and self-preservation.
When closeted lesbian, Harper, brings her girlfriend home for Christmas after keeping their relationship a secret from her family, she struggles to undo the trail of mistakes she’s made and gain approval. The light-hearted and adorable movie comes to prove its title, making it delightful for cozying up and taking in the holiday in a fresh way. Redditor alyisonfire9 preaches, “Watch it! It’s a cute (if somewhat annoying) holiday movie with a few queer main characters.”
Tangerine (2015)
Stream On Prime Video
Trans California sex worker, Sin-Dee, proves that she is no pushover in this rowdy rollercoaster of a holiday film that is anything but cliché. After finding that her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her while she away for a month, Sin-Dee and her best friend vow to get revenge on Christmas Eve.
As the plot progresses, viewers are given a glimpse in the underbelly of Los Angeles with a tale that is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, sprinkled with some sass. Concentrating on friendship and letting the audience understand to never take things for granted, the film is sure to leave the viewer with a laugh. ManyPresentation6863 agrees, saying, “Tangerine has Black queer leads... Definitely check [it] out if you haven't seen it!”
Under The Christmas Tree (2021)
Stream On Hulu
When a travel-addicted employee for the Governor of Georgia, Charlie, is sent to Camden to bring back the most beautiful Christmas tree for a lighting ceremony, she receives more push-back than she bargained for.
Discovering the exact tree she needs by a shop owned by a woman named Alma, who doesn’t wish to sell, the two slowly get to know each other as Charlie changes for the better. Love begins to permeate the air around them in bits of charm and adorable character idiosyncrasies, with Charlie learning to enjoy the quaintness away from the city. Redditor evelyngelion feels that, "Under the Christmas Tree [is a] typical big city person goes to small town but with a gay/lesbian twist.”
Single All The Way (2021)
Stream On Netflix
Doing his utmost to avoid the embarrassment and judgment of being single for yet another Christmas while visiting his family, Peter asks his friend Nick to be his fake boyfriend. Little does Peter know, his mother has other plans, setting him up on a blind date with her spin instructor.
This sweet holiday story entertains with comforting dialogue and an authentic ensemble cast that woos their watchers. Watching Peter regain his hope for romance and family just in time for Christmas insights a feeling a peace. SolidAshford swears that, "The characters are amazing, and even though it's formulaic, and we see the end from the beginning it is fun to see the way it gets there.
Carol (2015)
Stream On Prime Video
With six Oscar nominations, Carol unravels the honest story of two women in 1950s New York are so infatuated with each other that they dare to break societal norms. The resilient couple sur the odds, despite Carol still being in a loveless marriage and her age difference compared to Therese.
As the innocence of their relationship fades, their ion deepens, as they are held back only by the limits of society at the time, confronting prejudice at every turn. Perhaps the most fleshed out plot of any LGBTQ+ Christmas film, Carol proves that love still prevails with perseverance. When asked for queer Christmas movie recommendations, mcEstebanRaven exclaimed “Carol. It's a lesbian-must!"
The Christmas Setup (2020)
Stream On Hoopla
Hugo is a talented New York lawyer who seems too work-focused for dating, yearning for a partnership at his law firm. When he is told the decision is being wait listed, he and his best friend return home to Milwaukee to celebrate Christmas with his mother.
Once there, he runs into his former crush from before he left home, and the two play catch-up with each other and embrace the festivities of the holiday season as their attraction slowly blossoms into romance. The movie highlights the tough decision between a successful career and love, bringing brilliant writing and profound performances by the cast. Redditor Kjwells94 states, “The Christmas Setup [is] a cute gay Lifetime movie, and the main characters are actually husbands in real life, so they have great chemistry.”
