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ClassicsDec 9, 20225 min

Best Free Christmas Movies to Stream in 2022

It’s that time of year again! Looking for something new to put you in the holiday spirit? Here are the best free-to-stream Christmas movies in 2022.

By John Farrar

Henry Winkler stars in Hallmark's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
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The streaming sleigh bells are a-ringing! We’re instinctively humming Christmas carols, cheesy holiday movies are thriving, and big networks are attempting to copy the Hallmark formula to capitalize on the nation’s few weeks of Christmas spirit. Whether you’re seeking that rush of serotonin from a feel-good story or looking for something a bit more off-the-wall to watch this holiday season, we’ve got you covered.

Here are all the best Christmas movies you can stream for free in 2022. When it comes to free streaming, there are four services that stand above the rest: Tubi, Vudu, Peacock, and Freevee (Amazon Prime Video’s ad-supported platform). If you’re tired of rewatching classics like Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, add one (or all) of these movies to your watchlist this winter.

Free Christmas Movies on Tubi:

  • A Christmas Carol (1984): Based on the novella by Charles Dickens, this classic Christmas tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old miser who makes excuses for his uncaring nature as he learns real compassion thanks to three ghosts who visit him on Christmas Eve. Many fans of the film believe it to be the most faithful retelling of Dickens’ story because of the accurate depictions of the supporting characters.

“HANDS DOWN the BEST version of the Dickens tale EVER. George C. Scott is IMMACULATE as the miserly Scrooge, and every other role is just as superbly acted.” -@aiden_delcour

  • Trapped in Paradise: Residents of a friendly Pennsylvania town foil three brothers' plan to rob a bank on Christmas Eve. This underrated gem has become a yearly tradition for some Nic Cage fanatics. Trapped in Paradise would serve as a nice change of pace during your Christmas movie marathon this holiday season.

“Nothing like a cozy Christmas bank heist movie. I don't care what most people say about this flick, I totally dig the weird energy of this movie. Cage brings his trademark freakouts at moments, and it's just entertaining all around.” -@queer-giraffe

  • Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale: This bizarre dark fantasy is a Finnish Christmas tale about the frightening discovery of an evil Santa Claus who is unleashed at a local excavation site. The story is filled with mood, mystery, and anticipation. But be warned: there are quite a few shots of naked old men in the snow... It’s strange, but fitting for Finland’s distinct style of humor that’s apparent throughout the entire movie.

“I went into this movie thinking I wasn't going to enjoy it. I was wrong. I can't say much because spoilers, but give it a go. Seriously. Go.” -@heavymetalunicorn

Free Christmas Movies on Vudu:

  • A Christmas Movie Christmas: On Christmas Eve, when Eve and her cynical sister Lacy make wishes to Santa, they wake up in Christmas Town and find themselves trapped inside a Christmas movie where they are the stars. This self-aware story pokes fun at the clichés of most Christmas stories, making for a fantastic, cheesy holiday watch.

“Really funny and cute! It’s a lot like the Disney movie Enchanted where they are aware of how ridiculous everything is” -@hannah_grivna

  • Black Christmas: The first (and only) Christmas slasher movie on this list! An escaped maniac returns to his childhood home on Christmas Eve, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one. This film is a remake of the original Black Christmas (1974) that explores the background and motivation of the killer. If you’re in the mood for a cheesy slasher that feels reminiscent of a ’90s horror movie, add this one to your watchlist.

"This to me gave me the absolute creeps. Gore 10/10. Language 10/10. This remake is very different than the original however as scared as I was while watching, the characters are very stereotypical and basic. Still, 10/10 recommend a watch.” -@colby_l

  • A Christmas Switch: When struggling singer Audrey and wealthy record executive Julia collide at the mall, they wake up in each other’s lives the next morning. As Christmas looms closer, the two women rush to figure out how to both help each other and switch back before they miss Christmas morning with their own families! The body-swap storyline is nothing new (Freaky Friday, 17 Again, 13 Going on 30), but when done right, it’s a premise audiences adore.

Free Christmas Movies on Peacock:

  • Christmas Time: Tired of the traditional Christmas movie plotline? Look no further than this quirky comedy featuring James “Murr” Murray from Impractical Jokers. In this lighthearted story, two estranged brothers try to reconnect at Christmas but there's something that one of them can't get past: the other thinks he's a time traveler.
  • Fatman: With the recent release of the action-packed Christmas blockbuster Violent Night, I would be remiss to not mention this black comedy. Fatman is a twisted retelling of the classic Santa Claus story that can be a bit slow at times but builds to a well-earned, violent climax.

“Much different take on the classic Santa story. Not a kids movie!” -@rick_welch

  • The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Henry Winkler starring in a Hallmark movie is something you didn’t know you needed, but you do. Thanks to great performances from the entire cast, this film is believed by many to be the greatest Hallmark Christmas movie ever made.

“One of my absolute favorites. We watch it every Christmas Eve!” -@melanies_muses

There you have it! These are our hand-picked best free Christmas movies. Anybody can watch them, even without a paid subscription to any of these steaming services.

For more free Christmas movie recommendations, check out the complete list of Christmas Movies Anyone Can Stream for Free.

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