As the holiday season arrives, there’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with a warm drink and indulging in the festive spirit while watching your favorite TV shows.
From heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings to hilarious antics that leave viewers laughing out loud, Christmas episodes uniquely capture the magic of the season.
These timeless episodes not only feature the characters we love but also remind us that the holidays are not solely about joy and laughter; they often bring bittersweet realities as well.
With that in mind, take a walk down memory lane and revisit these 10 timeless Christmas episodes from your favorite TV shows.
10. The Sopranos – To Save Us All from Satan’s Power (Season 3, Episode 10)
You might not expect to see The Sopranos on any Christmas episode list, but this HBO crime drama about Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) captures the essence of the holiday season while exploring his struggles to balance family life and criminal activities.
One notable example is Season 3, Episode 10, titled "To Save Us All from Satan’s Power." Although the title seems dubious and starkly contrasts typical Christmas episode titles, it is both memorable and haunting, featuring a Big Mouth Billy Bass that sends a shiver down the spine.
As Christmas Day approaches, Tony reflects on the betrayal of his associate Pussy (Vincent Pastore), trying to comprehend when the FBI might have flipped him. He also grapples with family issues while attempting to complete his work before the holidays.
Amid these thoughts, Tony receives an unexpected gift from his daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler): a singing Big Mouth Billy Bass. This gift not only fuels his nightmares but also serves as a painful reminder of Pussy.
This episode exemplifies The Sopranos' unique approach to Christmas, blending dark themes with the holiday spirit. The combination of festive imagery with Tony's internal struggles highlights how the series handles complex emotions during a season often associated with joy and warmth.
9. Community – Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas (Season 2, Episode 11)
There may be no Christmas episode as heartbreaking, poignant, and touching as Community Season 2, Episode 11, “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas.”
This episode features Abed (Danny Pudi) in a stop-motion animation style, reminiscent of classic holiday films.
As his friends struggle to understand why this surreal transformation is happening, Duncan (John Oliver) exploits the situation for his own gain. But Abed believes that everything will return to normal once he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
With its blend of comedy, childhood nostalgia, and a profoundly emotional storyline centered on Abed, this installment is nothing short of phenomenal.
The episode not only embraces the festive spirit and beloved aspects of the holiday but also helps Abed navigate a profoundly challenging moment in his life. It reveals that he sees everything in stop-motion after his family discontinued their Christmas tradition this year.
Ultimately, everyone comes together to celebrate the holiday by watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, just as Abed used to do with his mother.
This unique approach to storytelling showcases how Community captures the complexities of relationships and emotions during the holiday season, making it a standout episode in the series.
8. Parks and Recreation – Citizen Knope (Season 4, Episode 10)
Parks and Recreation delivers one of the most moving Christmas episodes in Season 4, Episode 10, titled “Citizen Knope.”
Everyone knows that Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is the hardest-working and most thoughtful member of the Parks Department, but she faces suspension and is banned from working at home.
With her newfound free time, Leslie forms a Citizen Action Committee to keep herself busy. However, as her committee thrives, she discovers that her poll numbers have dropped due to the scandal surrounding her suspension.
Chris (Rob Lowe) eventually lifts her ban, allowing her to return to work. In a heartwarming gesture, her colleagues come together to create a miniature City Hall out of gingerbread and volunteer to be her campaign staff after she gifts them presents.
This outpouring of support deeply moves Leslie, who is ultimately rewarded for her tireless efforts as she becomes not only a colleague but also a friend to everyone in the department. “Citizen Knope” beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Christmas, showcasing how teamwork and friendship can triumph over adversity.
7. Malcolm in the Middle - Christmas (Season 3, Episode 7)
While there are many great Malcolm in the Middle Christmas episodes, none can surpass Season 3, Episode 7, titled “Christmas.”
In this episode, the boys once again destroy the Christmas tree, as they do every year, prompting Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) to cancel the holiday.
Although her plan seems compelling at first—making the boys worry that she might use this threat yearly to ensure their good behavior—they eventually open their presents and discoverLois has bought them everything they wanted.
However, despite this kind gesture, what they truly desire is to experience a joyful Christmas after Lois's threat. This makes “Christmas” a heartwarming watch that resonates with viewers.
The episode captures the essence of family dynamics during the holidays, showcasing both the chaos and love that define the Wilkerson family.
6. Frasier – Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz (Season 6, Episode 10)
Another series known for its excellent holiday episodes is Frasier, and Season 6, Episode 10, titled “Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz,” stands out as a masterclass in holiday storytelling.
This episode perfectly captures the show’s signature blend of deception, confusion, and slapstick humor when Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) meets a stylish Jewish woman named Helen Moskowitz (Carole Shelley), who sets him up on a blind date with her daughter, Faye (Amy Brenneman).
Although Frasier and Faye hit it off, Faye soon realizes that her mother will never approve of Frasier because he is not Jewish.
So, when Faye and her mother visit on Christmas Eve, Frasier goes to great lengths to appear Jewish, enlisting the help of Martin (John Mahoney) and Niles (David Hyde Pierce), who hilariously don Santa Claus and Jesus costumes.
This comedic setup makes the episode both silly and fun while imparting a valuable lesson about the importance of being true to oneself.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz” reminds viewers that authenticity is more important than pretense, making it a memorable addition to Frasier's legacy of exceptional holiday episodes.
5. Gilmore Girls – The Braceridge Dinner (Season 2, Episode 10)
There’s something about Gilmore Girls that makes it a perfect watch during the holiday season, and Season 2, Episode 10, titled “The Bracebridge Dinner,” exemplifies this charm.
In this episode, Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham) are set to host a festive dinner at the inn for their guests, but a snowstorm prevents them from arriving.
Seizing the opportunity, Lorelai invites the entire town of Stars Hollow to join in the celebration, transforming the event into a heartwarming community gathering.
The episode radiates cozy vibes and emphasizes togetherness, showcasing the warmth and charm of Stars Hollow as everyone comes together to support one another.
The quirky dinner scene features delightful elements like a snowman-making contest and horse-drawn carriage rides, enhancing the festive atmosphere while highlighting the show's best relationships.
“The Bracebridge Dinner” is a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a timeless holiday favorite that resonates with viewers year after year.
4. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – A Very Sunny Christmas (Season 5, Episode 13)
Christmas episodes are typically celebrated for their warmth and heartfelt moments, but It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 5, Episode 13, titled “A Very Sunny Christmas,” diverges from this norm with its signature blend of blood, profanity, and chaos.
This hour-long, two-part Christmas special takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster filled with unexpected revelations. Frank (Danny DeVito) indulges his own desires by purchasing gifts that Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Dennis (Glenn Howerton) secretly wanted for themselves.
In retaliation, the siblings devise a plan inspired by A Christmas Carol to teach him a lesson. Meanwhile, Mac (Rob McElhenney) discovers that he used to rob families on Christmas Day, while Charlie (Charlie Day) confronts a shocking truth about his mother’s past after he bites a mall Santa and questions whether he had an intimate relationship with her.
To add a touch of levity, Frank buys gifts for the gang, only for them to be stolen in a twist of fate.
However, the story concludes on a surprisingly upbeat note as the characters reconcile and engage in their trademark antics of throwing rocks at trains. This episode encapsulates both the best and worst aspects of the show, showcasing its unique blend of humor and darkness
3. 30 Rock – Christmas Special (Season 3, Episode 6)
30 Rock has released several holiday-themed episodes, including Season 3, Episode 6, titled “Christmas Special.”
In this episode, Jack (Alec Baldwin) travels to Florida to visit his mother, Colleen (Elaine Stritch), for an early Christmas, hoping to enjoy a vacation during the actual holiday by himself. However, plans take a turn when Colleen decides to stay with him for the holidays.
To escape her presence, Jack inadvertently pressures his TGS staff into creating an impromptu Christmas special, forcing everyone to work through the holiday.
Despite his efforts to avoid his mother, the episode culminates in a touching moment between Jack and Colleen as they share a duet of "The Christmas Song," highlighting the complexities of their relationship and adding a heartfelt conclusion to the chaotic festivities.
2. The Bear – Fishes (Season 2, Episode 6)
The Bear’s Christmas episode, titled “Fishes” (Season 2, Episode 6), stands out as the most significant moment of the season.
Featuring an impressive line-up of guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Gillian Jacobs, John Mulaney, Sarah Paulson, and Bob Odenkirk, the episode also includes flashback scenes that take place before the series begins.
In these flashbacks, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) returns from Copenhagen for Christmas. Carmy’s mother, Donna (Curtis), prepares an elaborate meal based on the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
However, as she struggles with the pressure of cooking, her frustration and inebriation escalate. The episode captures a complex family dynamic through poignant interactions between Carmy and his brother Michael (Jon Bernthal), as well as comedic exchanges among the entire Berzatto family.
“Fishes” culminates in a chaotic dinner scene that highlights deep-rooted traumas and unresolved conflicts within the family, ultimately ending with Donna crashing her car into the house.
This episode offers a haunting yet realistic portrayal of holiday gatherings, diverging from typical festive narratives to explore themes of dysfunction and familial bonds.
1. Schitt’s Creek – Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose (Season 4, Episode 13)
Schitt’s Creek Season 4, Episode 13, titled “Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose,” is a delightful gift for fans of the series.
In this episode, Johnny (Eugene Levy) dreams of recreating the extravagant Christmas parties they once hosted before moving to Schitt's Creek. Eager to relive those memories, he decides to throw a Rose family Christmas party.
While he successfully rallies the family to participate, things quickly spiral out of control. The episode features a chaotic guest list, an overpriced Christmas tree, and David (Dan Levy) refusing to provide family ornaments from his store for free.
This series of mishaps leads Johnny to realize that Christmas may never be the same again. Despite the challenges, he is pleasantly surprised to see everyone come together to celebrate the holiday.
Ultimately, the family learns to embrace love and joy, even with their limited resources, making it one of the most heartwarming episodes in the series.
These episodes perfectly capture the holiday season, reminding viewers the joy and complexity of celebrating Christmas with loved ones.