Bright lights, the air getting colder, bells ringing from reindeer, and the smell of cinnamon from gingerbread men; Christmas is here! What’s a better way to start embracing the Christmas spirit than by watching Christmas movies?

“Elf: Buddy’s Sing & Cheer Along”(2003) PG Family/Comedy

A Christmas classic for everyone to watch Buddy, the elf, is a human raised in the North Pole by Papa elf. When told by Papa elf that he has a father in New York, Buddy goes on an exciting adventure to find his real father. 

“It was a good movie, very funny,” freshman Courtney Winkler said.

Buddy venturing throughout New York City makes the viewer wonder if Buddy will be accepted by his father.

“Klaus”(2019) PG Family/Comedy

Jesper Johansson, the son of a very rich man, is sent to a miserable town to deliver mail, but he has to reach his goal to go back home. He meets Klaus, a retired toymaker. Johansson tries to convince Klaus to make toys for the children and unintentionally helps the town. 

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas”(2000) PG Family/Fantasy

The Grinch who lives on Mt. Crumpit is a very miserable person who hates Christmas. He comes up with a plan on how to take away  Whovilles cheer by stealing Christmas. The Grinch goes into disguise as Santa to steal presents to achieve his goal of ruining Christmas. But everything changes because of one special who.

 “I like how the Grinch went from hating Christmas but then he had someone who cared about him and to teach him how to love Christmas again. And when the movie ended his heart grew 3 times,” freshman, Angie Fierro Mendoza, explained. 

“Just Getting Started”(2017)PG-13 Comedy/Action

Duke Diver is living life as a freewheeling manager at a fancy resort. Until one day an ex-military man by the name of Leo appears and becomes interested in the same woman as Duke. They go head to head to see who is the best golf player but soon realize someone is planting traps for Duke to kill him. So Duke and Leo team up to figure out the case. 

“The Polar Express”(2004) G Fantasy/Family

Based on a children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express,” is a story of a doubtful boy who rides a magical train to the North Pole. He is astonished by it all and discovers the wonder of life is always there for all that believe.

“I really like the film because it has a nice message that you need to believe in magic,” freshman, Victoria Hiersche, stated.

This movie is an iconic film for both its magic and especially its signature songs and hot chocolate. “The Princess Switch”(2018) PG Romance/Comedy

Two girls who look exactly the same but are total opposites; Stacy from Chicago with a baking career, and The Duchess of Monterano, have a great plan to play as each other to experience a new way of life. The movie is a great comedy and takes a turn on their plan. 

“Daddy’s Home”(2015) PG-13 Comedy/Family

Brad is a stepdad of two kids, Megan and Dylan. He tries his best to earn their love by being the best dad. However, one day their real dad, Dusty, calls saying he’s visiting the kids for a bit. The two go head-to-head to be the kids’ favorite dad. This movie is great for watching with family and just having fun especially for the competition playing out through the movie.

“Home Alone” (1990) PG Family/Comedy

Kevin has a huge family and wants a break from them all this Christmas; so he wishes for them to all disappear. The family leaves for a trip but forget Kevin at home so he is “Home Alone.” Some twists and turns happen during the film and it turns into a war between burglars and Kevin.

“Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas”(2013) PG-13 Comedy/Comedy-Drama

It’s Christmas time and Madea is asked to help bring back Lacey who is Eileen’s daughter. Soon Madea realizes Lacey isn’t coming home for Christmas because she married Connor, Lacey’s wedly husband, in secret. They both go to Lacey’s farm and discover a lie was told about Connor. This movie takes a spin and is super fun to watch. 

“Deck the Halls” (2006) PG Comedy/Family

Steve is a suburban dad with a passion for Christmas. Soon his new neighbor, Danny, also has a big passion for Christmas and plans on making his house full of Christmas lights that you can see from space. Steve doesn’t like this and competes with Danny to see who has the best Christmas lights. This movie is great to watch if you like competition and just having fun, you can even root for which character you want to win.