There’s something magical about the lead-up to Christmas – those final dozen days when the world slows down (at least in theory), and the couch becomes a very inviting place. It’s the perfect excuse to settle in with a Christmas movie each evening, from timeless classics to modern favourites – and yes, the perennial “Is it or isn’t it?” Christmas debate starter: Die Hard.
Here is a specially curated 12 Days of Christmas Movies program – a cinematic advent calendar to carry you from December 13 all the way through to Christmas Eve.
December 13 — It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Start your Christmas countdown with the film equivalent of a warm hug. James Stewart gives the performance of a lifetime in Frank Capra’s classic tale of community, generosity, and the ripple effects of a single good life. Sentimental? Of course. Essential? Absolutely.
December 14 — Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell brings a childlike charm (and enviable sugar tolerance) to this modern favourite. It’s silly, sweet, and surprisingly touching. A film that reminds us to keep joy close – even if we’re too old to fit into an elf costume.
December 15 — Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The original – warm, sincere, and utterly disarming. Edmund Gwenn’s Kris Kringle remains the gold standard of cinematic Santas. A perfect mid-December pick-me-up for those beginning to feel the strain of shopping crowds.
December 16 – The Holiday (2006)
Sunshine, snow, cottagecore charm and Jack Black being unexpectedly adorable. This romantic comedy has become a modern seasonal staple for a reason. Ideal for watching with a cuppa and a block of chocolate – or while fantasising about running away to a small English village.
December 17 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Chaos. Pure, festive chaos. Chevy Chase leads the Griswold family through a series of catastrophes that make even the most disorganised Aussie Christmas feel calm by comparison. A must-watch for anyone who has ever strung lights while muttering under their breath.
December 18 – Home Alone (1990)
A holiday favourite that strikes the perfect balance between slapstick mayhem and heartfelt family storytelling. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister is still impossible not to cheer for – and the Wet Bandits remain cinema’s most persistent (and least bright) burglars.
December 19 – The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Few adaptations of Dickens have as much heart, charm or sheer joy. Michael Caine acts his socks off against puppets – a sentence which alone earns this film its place on the list. A gentle, tuneful reminder of what Christmas is really about.
December 20 – Die Hard (1988)
Yes, it is a Christmas movie – at least for one night a year. Bruce Willis versus German terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper doesn’t sound festive, but with a tree, carols, and an office Christmas party gone spectacularly wrong, it earns its yuletide badge. Yippee-ki-yay and pass the fruit mince pies.
December 21 – How to Make Gravy (2024)
Because it’s Gravy Day.
The film adaptation of Paul Kelly’s iconic ballad dives into family, regret and messy love – the emotional ingredients of any true-blue Australian Christmas. Poignant and beautifully acted, it’s the perfect choice for the 21st of December.
December 22 – The Polar Express (2004)
A visually lush, musically rich adventure that captures the wonder of believing — even when life insists on practicality. Watch it with grandchildren, or simply let the child in you climb aboard.
December 23 – Love the Coopers (2015)
A warm, slightly chaotic ensemble comedy that captures the complicated joy of Christmas gatherings. Diane Keaton and John Goodman lead a cast full of familiar faces navigating family, forgiveness and festive disasters.
December 24 – Love Actually (2003)
Christmas Eve belongs to Love Actually – a tradition in many households and for good reason. A patchwork of stories about love, loss, grand gestures, and airport reunions, Richard Curtis’s film remains a sentimental favourite. Imperfect? Certainly. Unwatchable on Christmas Eve? Never.
And there you have it – 12 days, 12 films, one very festive journey.
Whether you’re drawn to the classics, the comedies, the romances or the action heroes crawling through air vents, this list delivers a little something for everyone. Consider it a cinematic countdown that wraps the season in nostalgia, laughter and just the right amount of holiday magic.
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