The Netflix holiday lineup positively bursting with new flicks and specials that are guaranteed to get you into the spirit of the season! Take a look at the handy infographic below for the top highlights, then read on for the full list and details.
Netflix Holiday Lineup for 2020
I was going to write a whole lot more here about how I eat, breathe, and live for Christmas even though I’m not religious. However, I feel like that would be the same as burying a recipe beneath a long story about my great-great-great Aunt Louise, and I know how much everyone abhors that. My cousin keeps sharing memes about it, just in case I forget! You came here to see what’s on Netflix this holiday season, so let’s just dive right in.
*All descriptions, details, trailers and images are courtesy of Netflix. When available, I’ll leave you the link so you can check it out on Netflix and set up a reminder.
Netflix Original Holiday Movies for 2020
Holidate –Available October 28
Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) hate the holidays. They constantly find themselves single, sitting at the kids table, or stuck with awkward dates. But when these two strangers meet one particularly bad Christmas, they make a pact to be each other’s “holidate” for every festive occasion throughout the next year.
With a mutual disdain for the holidays, and assuring themselves that they have no romantic interest in the other, they make the perfect team. However, as a year of absurd celebrations come to an end, Sloane and Jackson find that sharing everything they hate may just prove to be something they unexpectedly love.
Check it out on Netflix and add it to your reminders here.
Operation Christmas Drop -Available November 5
Operation Christmas Drop. Kat Graham as Erica, Alexander Ludwig as Andrew in Operation Christmas Drop. Cr. Ricardo Hubbs//NETFLIX © 2020
Chasing a promotion, congressional aide Erica Miller forgoes family Christmas to travel across the Pacific at her boss’s behest. Upon landing at a beachside Air Force base, she clashes with her guide, Captain Andrew Jantz, who knows her assignment is finding reasons to defund the facility.
The pilot’s pet project — Operation: Christmas Drop, a genuine, decades-old tradition where gifts and supplies are parachuted to residents of remote neighboring islands — has lawmakers wondering if his unit has too much spare energy. Despite their initial opposing goals, Erica softens once she experiences the customs and communal spirit of Andrew’s adopted home.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Available November 13
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder.
But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within.
From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.
Check it out on Netflix and add it to your reminders here.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again – Available November 19
The Princess Switch: Switched Again. Vanessa Hudgens as Stacy / Margaret / Fiona, Sam Palladio as Edward, Mia Lloyd as Olivia in The Princess Switch: Switched Again. Cr. NETFLIX © 2020
When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin, it’s up to her double Princess Stacy of Belgravia to get these star-crossed lovers back together… but the course of true love is complicated by the appearance of a handsome royal who’s intent on stealing Margaret’s heart.
Throw in the unexpected arrival of Margaret’s outrageous party girl cousin Fiona, a third look-alike who has ambitions of her own, and you have the recipe for Christmas triple trouble!
Check it out on Netflix and add it to your reminders here.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square – Available November 22
DOLLY PARTONÕS CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE (L to R) DOLLY PARTON as ANGEL in DOLLY PARTONÕS CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
A rich and nasty woman, Regina Fuller, returns to her small hometown after her father’s death to evict everyone and sell the land to a mall developer – right before Christmas. However, after listening to stories of the local townsfolk, reconnecting with an old love, and accepting the guidance of an actual angel, Regina starts to have a change of heart.
This is the story about family, love and how a small town’s Christmas spirit can warm the coldest of hearts. Featuring 14 original songs with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Check it out on Netflix and add it to your reminders here.
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two –Available November 25
COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
It’s been two years since siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) saved Christmas, and a lot has changed.
Kate, now a cynical teenager, is reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son Jack (Jahzir Bruno). Unwilling to accept this new version of her family, Kate decides to run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell).
Written and directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter) and co-starring Goldie Hawn, THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 is an action-packed adventure for the whole family that’s full of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.
Check it out on Netflix and add it to your reminders here.
Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem / Just Another Christmas Available December 3
COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
After taking a very nasty fall on Christmas Eve, grinchy Jorge blacks out and wakes up one year later, with no memory of the year that has passed. He soon realizes that he’s doomed to keep waking up on Christmas Eve after Christmas Eve, having to deal with the aftermath of what his other self has done the other 364 days of the year.
Netflix Original Series Holiday Specials & Documentaries
Überweihnachten- Coming in November
COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2020
A three part Christmas mini-series starring Luke Mockridge – one of Germany’s most popular comedians – as likeable loser Bastian who travels home for Christmas only to be confronted with the fact that his brother is now dating his ex-girlfriend.
As the brothers fight and bicker through the Christmas period Bastian fails to notice that the parents are hiding something …
Dash & Lily – Available November 10
A whirlwind Holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations all across New York City, finding they have more in common with each other than they would have expected.
The series is based on the young adult book series Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares from the New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.
Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas – Available November 18
HOLIDAY HOME MAKEOVER WITH MR. CHRISTMAS – Benjamin Bradley in Episode 2 of HOLIDAY HOME MAKEOVER WITH MR. CHRISTMAS. CR. Courtesy of Netflix/©NETFLIX 2020
Benjamin Bradley, best known as Mr. Christmas, is a veteran in the interior design industry with a healthy obsession with the holiday season. For Mr. Christmas, the holidays are all about celebrating love, life, family and friends through meaningful traditions.
In the new Netflix series Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas, Bradley takes you behind the scenes as he puts his design expertise and vast Christmas collection to good use. Equipped with lights, garlands, and enough tinsel to blanket the North Pole, he and his team of elves work around the clock to bring holiday cheer to families and communities deserving of a home makeover for the most joyous time of year.
Mr. Christmas invites viewers along for the ride to kick off the holiday season and get inspired to take their own home decorating and traditions to the next level.
Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas is produced by Stephen David Entertainment, a Banijay Group company. Executive Producers include Stephen David, Tim W. Kelly, Bianca Barnes-Williams, Benjamin Bradley, Jonathan Soule, and Chaz Morgan.
Sugar Rush Christmas: Season 2 –Available November 27
This competition series challenges bakers to create holiday treats that look festive and taste amazing — all against a ticking clock.
Check it out season 1 on Netflix!
The Holiday Movies That Made Us – Available December 1
This in-depth look at two iconic holiday movies (“Elf,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) uses behind-the-scenes footage and cast and crew interviews.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays: Season 3 – Available December 4
‘Tis the season for eight returning bakers to vie for the holiday crown as they race to make wondrous winter treats.
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding – Coming in December
When family rebel and disappointment, Tumi Sello, begrudgingly joins her dysfunctional family for the first Christmas holidays in years, it’s not the merry return of the prodigal daughter everyone was hoping for.
She manages to ruin her younger sister’s Christmas wedding before it even takes place, and spends her next 6 days frantically trying to get things back on track.
Home For Christmas: Season 2 – Coming in December
Just in time for the holidays, a new season of the delightful Norwegian series returns in December. (Note- trailer above is for Season 1)
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker – Available November 27
Dancers Kalyn Flowers and Ryan Phuong in Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. c. Courtesy of Netflix/2020
From Shondaland, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker spotlights the career of award-winning entertainer Debbie Allen and follows her group of young dancers as they prepare for Allen’s annual “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” production.
Netflix Holiday Lineup for Kids and Families
Alien Xmas –Available November 20
When a race of kleptomaniac aliens attempts to steal Earth’s gravity in order to more easily take everything on the planet, only the gift-giving spirit of Christmas and a small alien named X can save the world.
Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday – Available November 24
Huttsgalor’s favorite winter festival is finally here! But will some ice-breathing dragons put a frost on everyone’s fun
A Go! Go! Cory Carson Christmas -Available November 27
When a snow plow, who has an uncanny resemblance to Santa, crashes in the Carson’s yard, Cory must remind him who he is in order to save Christmas.
Wonderoos: Holiday Holiday! – Available November 29
It’s winter in the big city and everyone is excited to celebrate the holidays! When Poppy decides to throw a holiday party for Sully, the Wonderoos learn that there are lots of different holidays and ways to celebrate!
Angela’s Christmas Wish – Available December 1
ANGELA’S CHRISTMAS WISH – Cr: NETFLIX © 2020
Angela’s Christmas Wish is a heart-warming tale of a determined little girl who sets out to reunite her family in time for Christmas. Based on characters from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt, it is a tender and funny story about the importance of family and togetherness.
Chico Bon Bon and the Very Berry Holiday -Available December 3
When Barry the Berry Bear doesn’t show up to deliver the traditional Blunderberry Cakes on Blunderberry Day Eve, the Fix-It Force kicks it into high gear to save the town’s most magical holiday!
Captain Underpants Mega Blissmas -Available December 4
George and Harold love Christmas, but they feel like it could use some upgrades. So they make a comic about a new version of the holiday: BLISSMAS. Instead of red bows, laser shows! Instead of ugly sweaters, cool capes! Instead of decorating trees, creating tree-bots!
The boys take Melvin’s time toad back to convince Santa to incorporate some of their ideas to his new holiday. But they come back to the present to find that their plan didn’t work quite how they’d hoped. George and Harold realize they need to help Santa remember the true meaning of Christmas before it’s gone forever!
Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas – Available December 5
Mandy Mail must deliver a load of late Christmas letters to the North Pole, then all the trains join in to help Santa deliver the presents during a big storm.
Super Monsters: Santa’s Super Monster Helpers – Available December 8
When GrrBus takes Sami, Zane, Olive and Rocky on a field trip to the North Pole, they accidentally cause a catastrophe at Santa’s workshop – and it’s up to the eight older Super Monsters to come to the rescue and save Christmas!
Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love: Christmas –Available December 9
A holly, jolly gathering takes a strange turn when Ashley bumps her head and gets a glimpse of her
The Big Show Show: Christmas – Available December 9
When Big Show gets injured Cassy has to fill his big shoes in the hopes of winning the neighborhood Christmas competition. Meanwhile JJ, Mandy and Lola are sent on a scavenger hunt for presents only to discover spending time together might be the best gift of all.
A Trash Truck Christmas – Available December 11
When Hank finds out that Trash Truck doesn’t know what Christmas is, he sets out to show him and their friends what the magical holiday is all about. And luckily for Santa, the friends are up to speed just in time to help save Christmas.
More Netflix Holiday Releases for November
Along with their Originals, Netflix has some other great movies & shows coming out throughout the season. Take a look at November’s schedule below.
Available November 1
- A New York Christmas Wedding
- Christmas Break-In
- Elf Pets: A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale
- Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue
- Elliot the Littlest Reindeer
Available November 4
- A Christmas Catch
- Christmas With A Prince
Available November 15
- A Very Country Christmas
- Hometown Holiday
Available November 30
- Spookley and the Christmas Kittens
Best Holiday Movies Currently on Netflix
If you need a little Christmas, right this very minute, here are some of my favorite holiday movies that are already on Netflix! I’m not linking to all of them. You can easily just search for them on Netflix and they’ll pop right up.
I tried to break them down into categories. However, for some of them, I had a hard time because I’m very relaxed about movies (and entertainment in general) when it comes to my son. I really tried to think like a less “permissive” parent and consider what others may find inappropriate, like drinking & substance use, super sultry scenes, and what not.
Your best bet is to check the IMDB reviews. They have a whole parent guide for every movie with very unbiased and straight-forward content advisories. It’s usually down in the “Storyline” section, at the bottom. See the screenshot below:
Holiday movies for kids on Netflix
Some of my favorite Christmas movies are those made specifically for kids! Here are a few that you may enjoy watching just as much as your children will. Some are PG, but these days it’s nearly impossible to get a G rating.
- 48 Christmas Wishes
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carrey version)
- Klaus
- The Grinch (the Illumination version)
- The Christmas Project
- Angela’s Christmas
- The Nutcracker (although it can be scary at times, in my opinion)
- Get Santa
- Santa Claws
- Free Rein: The 12 Neighs of Christmas
- Abominable Christmas
- Puppy Star Christmas
- Dreamworks Holiday Classics
Family-friendly holiday movies on Netflix
While your tiniest tots probably won’t get into the plots for most of these, they’re perfectly appropriate to watch with children in the room. You can also watch them with teens without either of you blushing!
- The Princess Switch (watch it before the sequel comes out)
- The Christmas Chronicles (another one to watch before the sequel)
- Christmas Inheritance (I watch this one every year!)
- Christmas in the Heartland
- A Princess for Christmas (one of my favorites, I adore Katie McGrath)
- A Christmas Prince (the complete trilogy is out, and they are SO cute!)
- A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish
- This Christmas
- The Knight Before Christmas
- Christmas in the Smokies
- The Holiday Calendar (another favorite, I adore Kat Graham from the Vampire Diaries)
- Santa Girl
- Holiday Rush (a part of the Netflix “Representation Matters” Collection)
Fun Holiday movies for grown-ups
These are what I’d call “watch after the kids go to bed” movies! Some are really not kid-friendly, while others are okay-ish, but not really something kids would enjoy anyway. I’ll add the rating for these to give you a better idea of just how “grown-ups only” they are.
- A Bad Mom’s Christmas (R)
- Holly Star (PG)
- Let it Snow (PG-13)
- Christmas With a View (PG, but it’s heavy on the romance).
- Christmas Wedding Planner (PG, but the plot isn’t really something kids or even young teens will get into)
- Christmas Survival (MA, so NOT for kids at all)
- Home for Christmas (MA, raunchy)
- Three Days of Christmas (MA, although not really sure why)
- Holiday in the Wild
- Merry Happy Whatever
I think that about covers it for now! Netflix has a lot more holiday-centric movies and shows currently streaming, but these are definitely some of the best overall in my opinion.
So, what do you think of the Netflix holiday lineup? Which movies are on your must-watch list?
