Sorry, holiday grinches: Christmas is the best time of year, full stop. The lights, the decorations, the nonstop Mariah Carey (“All I Want For Christmas Is You” naysayers, respect our icon, ok?)… it is absolute peak season for anyone with a soul, and (yes) anyone with gifts as a love language. And, as a Jewish betch, I have to say I never had the holiday thrust upon me. Instead, I actively sought it out — especially on TV, which is responsible for some of the best holiday content of all time. Friends, Gossip Girl, The Office, and (of course) The O.C. holiday episodes — growing up, I only had to go as far as my couch to find 30 to 60 minutes of television joy that truly slayed. (Or is it sleighed? Sorry, sorry.) So, now, in 2023, where can you stream the best Christmas episodes to ever air on television? I’ve got the only list of holiday TV episodes you will ever need to get you into the festive spirit — hopefully with a festive spirit or two in tow. Personally, I’m going with spiked eggnog or anything with peppermint Schnapps — how about you? Drink down my guide to the greatest Christmas TV episodes below!
1. ‘Friends’, “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”
As a die-hard Friends fan, this episode had to be number one. Over their 10 seasons, the six friends experienced all holidays together, including Christmas, Hannukah, and Thanksgiving. “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10) is a holiday classic that earned its spot at number 1 on my list of best Christmas episodes. If you’re feeling rather New Year’s Eve-inspired, watch “The One with the Routine” (Season 6, Episode 10) and you won’t be disappointed. Watch “The One With The Holiday Armadillo” on Max
2. ‘The O.C.’, “The Best Chrismukkah Ever”
The O.C. is an amazing show — no one argue with me on this. Of course, everyone knows the earlier seasons are better… until, you know, it happens. (If you know, you know.) That’s what makes the OG holiday episode (Season 1, Episode 13) where Seth introduces the world to Chrismukkah (his “invention” of Christmas and Hannukah), all the more sweet — Christmas is a time when we appreciate the good things in life, and that’s a pre-Season 4 O.C. Watch “The Best Chrismukkah Ever” on Hulu
3. ‘The Office’, “Christmas Party”
I have to say, I’m not a huge Office fan, BUT they do know how to produce great Christmas episodes. “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10) premiered v early on in the series. It lays the groundwork for tons of inside jokes and references for later episodes. My fav part is when Michael says, “Presents are the best way to show someone how much you care. It’s like this tangible thing you can say, ‘Hey man, I love you this many dollars-worth. ‘” And I honestly couldn’t relate more as I continue to procrastinate holiday shopping. Like, how much is your mom worth to you in dollars? LMK. Watch “Christmas Party” on Peacock
4. ‘Parks and Recreation’, “Citizen Knope”
“Citizen Knope” (Season 4, Episode 10) is not only a great Christmas special, but also a crucial moment in Leslie’s storyline as a character. She forms a citizen action group that kick-starts her political career. As for the other characters, they spend time trying to figure out what to get her for the holiday. They decide on a giant gingerbread house of the office. Not sure about you but it doesn’t get much more “Christmasy” than gingerbread, gumdrops, and candy canes. Watch “Citizen Knope” on Peacock
5. ‘Gossip Girl’, “Roman Holiday”
Christmas on the Upper East side sounds fabulous and I’m v jealous. Like all episodes, Gossip Girl‘s “Roman Holiday” (Season 1, Episode 11) is filled with drama and tons of gossip. This episode really does feel like Christmas, between a father introducing his gay lover to his family, an ex resurfacing, or the fear of someone spilling your secrets. Just like Thanksgiving, whenever family gets together, drama is always on the table. Watch “Roman Holiday” on Max
Happy holidays from us to you. Hope your Christmas is just as eventful as these best Christmas episodes.
