Holiday Season | The best new Christmas films in 2023

As the festive season approaches, there's truly nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a classic Christmas film on the television. While perennial favorites like "Home Alone," "The Santa Clause," and "Elf" have provided endless enjoyment, let's be honest – after 30 reruns, their magic does start to wane.

Now, with the advent of streaming platforms, we find ourselves inundated with an abundance of Christmas content, courtesy of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+, all delivering fresh holiday films for 2023.

Anticipate the same heartwarming, family-friendly fare that comes with Christmas movies, along with plenty of laughter. In Netflix's "Dashing Through the Snow," the talented rapper and actor Ludacris portrays a single dad who despises Christmas but inevitably rediscovers the festive spirit. Meanwhile, in Prime Video's "Candy Cane Lane," Eddie Murphy strikes a deal with an elf, resulting in a series of comedic misadventures.

So, without further ado, these are the top new Christmas films that should be on your watchlist for a joyous holiday season, complete with release dates and how you can enjoy them as the winter nights draw closer. We'll keep updating this list as more seasonal films are announced.

The finest new Christmas movies of 2023

"Best. Christmas. Ever!"

Heather Graham and the singer-turned-actress Brandy Norwood are joining forces this winter for a Christmas comedy in which they portray long-time frenemies thrust together for the holiday season. Each year, Jackie (Norwood) sends out a Christmas newsletter to her friends, boasting about her perfect family, which infuriates her former university friend Charlotte (Graham), who doubts that anyone's life could be so ideal. However, when a twist of fate lands Charlotte on Jackie's doorstep just days before Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth.

"Dashing Through the Snow"

Single father Eddie (Ludacris) has a strong aversion to Christmas. However, when a man dressed as Santa Claus (Lil Rel Howery) – who might actually be the real Santa – emerges from Eddie's chimney, he and his daughter embark on a chaotic adventure. Will Eddie be able to rediscover his Christmas cheer?

"The Naughty Nine"

On Christmas morning, when Andy awakens to find no presents under the tree, he realizes he's ended up on the naughty list. Determined to secure the presents he believes he deserves, he assembles a team of other kids on the naughty list for a North Pole heist. However, over time, the children begin to realize that Christmas is more about giving than taking.

"Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas"

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham presents a musical extravaganza at the London Coliseum. With special guests and recorded in front of a live audience, the show features Waddingham performing festive classics accompanied by a big band to usher in the holiday season.

"Family Switch"

Who doesn't enjoy a good body-switch film? Jennifer Garner certainly does. Nearly two decades after swapping bodies in "13 Going on 30," she returns in this Netflix Christmas movie. A rare cosmic event causes her and her husband to switch bodies with their teenage children just days before Christmas. The family must help each other navigate a job promotion, a college interview, a record deal, and a football tryout.

"Candy Cane Lane"

Eddie Murphy takes the lead in this Christmas comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood's annual Christmas home-decoration contest. However, after Chris (Murphy) inadvertently makes a pact with an elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell), she casts a spell that brings the "12 Days of Christmas" to life. Get ready for a town invaded by a multitude of birds as Chris embarks on a quest to break the spell.