Holiday Movies to Bring the Spirit of the New Year to Your Home

As we prepare to leave behind 2023, many may still prefer to not celebrate out of their homes due to the ongoing pandemic. If you want to welcome the New Year with your loved ones from the comfort of home, you can start here. One of the best activities for a pleasant New Year's Eve celebration at home is undoubtedly a fun movie marathon that will last until the morning.

We have brought together classic films that will warm your heart during the holidays, carry the spirit of the New Year into your home, and teleport you to fantastic worlds with colourful images and delightful scenarios. In this list you can find the best holiday-themed films from world cinema, so you can spend a pleasant New Year's Eve with your loved ones. There are great films including fantasy, animation, adventure, and romantic comedies. If your popcorn, colourful pyjamas, healthy snacks, and warm blankets are ready, let’s go! Here are some holiday movies that will be sure to bring the spirit of season into your home:

Home Alone (1990)

“Home Alone” is one of the most iconic films, and it can instantly bring us back to our childhoods. Deservedly at the top of the list of holiday-themed films it is has a heart-warming script and is full of entertaining scenes. Kevin, the eight-year-old son of the McCallister family, gets left behind and is alone in their huge house while the rest of his family are travelling abroad. With funny scenes between Kevin and the two thieves, who repeatedly try to break-in his house, and his mother’s attempts to return home, you are sure to enjoy this adventure that will make you laugh at every escapade, whether you watch it with family or on your own.

The Polar Express (2004)

Attention animation lovers! In this magnificent film of 2004, directed by Robert Zemeckis, known for “Forrest Gump” and “Back to the Future” among others, we witness the adventure of a little boy who has lost hope and faith in Santa Claus. On Christmas eve a conductor invites him to embark upon a strange train journey. There are many adventures and miracles that occur on this journey to the North Pole. You will laugh, and you will cry as you delight in this ground-breaking digital animation.

Klaus (2019)

“Klaus” is an animated film that has attracted attention by both children and adults since the first day of its release. It is another Christmas-themed film that you can watch as a family. Klaus brings the Christmas spirit to Smeerensburg, the unhappiest place in the world, through the story of Klaus and the Postman Jasper. The film conveys the contagious effect of kindness to the audience with its touching story. It is a feel-good story sure to cheer up those that need a little Christmas spirit.

Love Actually (2003)

For those who plan to spend the first day of the new year with their partner, “Love Actually” will bring the spirit of the holidays into to your home. It is a romantic comedy that shows deepening relationships in a variety of seemingly unconnected couples, families, and friends. Each of the individuals, discover their differences and similarities in an earnest and sincere way. This movie has it all love, laughter, sadness, fear, courage, and passion. It is an instant classic.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

One of the most beautiful movies you can watch with your partner on New Year's Eve, “When Harry Meets Sally” is one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Harry and Sally, meet on a road-trip and deepen their relationship over several years. Their first conversation does not end after they arrive at their destination, it is only the beginning of their love story. We are sure you will find a lot about yourself and your relationship at some point through Harry and Sally's fun and romantic journey.

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

Another of the Christmas-themed films you can watch as a family, “The Man Who Invented Christmas” offers spectacular slices of life in 1800s England. It is the true story about a series of events that unfold when world-famous author Charles Dickens decides to author a book about Christmas and publish it on his own. If you are wondering how one of Dickens' masterpieces, "A Christmas Carol," came to be, or if you love period films, you are sure to love this story.

Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

Indispensable for romantic comedy lovers, especially those who are or have been single during the holidays, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” narrates events that 32-year-old Bridget Jones has recorded in her diary. Bridget is a character who is a little unlucky, a little depressed, but who tries to do her best to improve her life without losing hope in the face of comic adversity. It is very possible that you will find fragments of your own self through the story of Bridget, who moves to take the reins into her own hands in order to make some life altering decisions.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

This animated adventure is a film that will push the limits of your imagination. It tells the story of Arthur, the youngest son of Santa Claus, once he realizes that he has forgotten to deliver a Christmas present. Arthur, who works in the gift distribution centre, heads off on an adventure with his grandfather as they try to deliver the present to the child before Christmas morning. This is a true family favourite.

Holidate (2020)

“Holidate” is a new romantic comedy film released in 2020. It is an enjoyable holiday themed film that will make time fly. In this entertaining and romantic adventure, thanks to the magnificent acting of Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, you will watch with excitement the relationship of two strangers who got tired of spending every holiday single. It begins with a deal to be each other's plus-ones at all holidays throughout the year but their relationship deepens when emotions eventually come into play.

At home or outdoors, with loved ones or alone, we are wishing you a happy, hopeful, and peaceful holiday. Celebrate the arrival of the new year with joy and enjoy your evening!