The holidays are all about joy, togetherness, and a little bit of TV escapism to light up those cold winter nights. While movies like Home Alone and Elf get much of the spotlight, Christmas-themed TV episodes deserve their place in holiday tradition too. They blend humor, warmth, and festive vibes that make them endlessly rewatchable. Here’s a look at some TV shows that continue to deliver iconic Christmas episodes we just can't forget.

1. Friends – “The One with the Holiday Armadillo”

Leave it to Friends to redefine Christmas traditions with a storyline that combines Santa Claus, Hanukkah, and… an armadillo? In this fan-favorite episode (Season 7, Episode 10), Ross attempts to teach his son, Ben, about Hanukkah but struggles to compete with Santa for attention. Cue a hilarious costume mix-up that leads to Ross dressing as the Holiday Armadillo—a Hanukkah mascot we never knew we needed.

Why It’s Great:

  • The perfect blend of holiday chaos and comedic absurdity.
  • It highlights diverse holiday traditions in a way that’s heartfelt and funny.

2. The Office – Christmas Party Episodes

The Office gives us not one but several cringe-worthy, hilarious Christmas episodes. However, “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10) is an instant classic. What starts as a cheerful Secret Santa exchange spirals into chaos when Michael turns it into a cutthroat Yankee Swap. Between Jim’s heartfelt teapot gift for Pam and Dwight inevitably claiming Michael’s over-the-top iPod buy, this episode delivers comedy gold.

Why It’s Great:

  • Relatable workplace holiday tension.
  • Michael’s antics combined with just enough heart to make it an unforgettable Christmas story.

3. Parks and Recreation – “Citizen Knope”

No one balances humor and heart quite like Parks and Rec. “Citizen Knope” (Season 4, Episode 10) follows Leslie Knope as she grapples with being suspended from her government role. While feeling down, her Parks Department friends surprise her with a thoughtful gift of a gingerbread replica of Pawnee to cheer her up. It’s a sweet and silly reminder of why Pawnee’s quirky crew remains so beloved.

Why It’s Great:

  • The spirit of giving and gratitude takes center stage.
  • Leslie’s lovable overachieving holiday energy is peak comedy.

4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “Yippie Kayak”

If your holiday season feels incomplete without an action movie (looking at you, Die Hard fans), Brooklyn Nine-Nine has the perfect Christmas episode for you. “Yippie Kayak” (Season 3, Episode 10) is part holiday special and part Die Hard parody. Jake accidentally finds himself in the middle of a Christmas Eve armed robbery at a department store and gleefully channels his inner John McClane to save the day.

Why It’s Great:

  • Action-packed holiday fun with non-stop humor.
  • Boyle as “the guy who buys last-minute candles” is hilariously relatable.

5. The Simpsons – “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”

The Simpsons’ very first episode back in 1989 still stands as one of the most iconic Christmas specials on TV. “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (Season 1, Episode 1) introduces the beloved family to the world during a financially strained Christmas. With a heartfelt twist involving Santa’s Little Helper, this episode perfectly balances the chaos of Homer’s misadventures and the heartwarming bond of family.

Why It’s Great:

  • A nostalgic and sweet reminder of simpler Christmases.
  • It sets the tone for decades of Simpsons humor and warmth to come.

6. Modern Family – “Express Christmas”

Modern Family takes holiday prep to new extremes in “Express Christmas” (Season 3, Episode 10). When the extended family realizes they’ll all be apart on December 25th, they decide to throw a last-minute Christmas celebration… on the same day. Hilarity ensues as everyone scrambles to pull the holiday together in record time, leading to a festive yet chaotic family bonding moment.

Why It’s Great:

  • A hilarious take on holiday stress we can all relate to.
  • Showcases the heartwarming chaos of modern family life.

7. Community – “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas”

Community never shies away from creative storytelling, and this Season 2 gem is no exception. “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” (Episode 11) is a stop-motion animated episode that sees Abed searching for the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a playful and imaginative exploration of mental health, friendships, and the holiday spirit, with a poignant message beneath all the laughs.

Why It’s Great:

  • Unique Claymation style that stands out in a sea of Christmas episodes.
  • A touching story about coping with loneliness during the holidays.

8. Seinfeld – “The Strike (Festivus)”

If traditional holiday episodes aren’t your style, Seinfeld has the perfect alternative in the form of Festivus. “The Strike” (Season 9, Episode 10) introduces Frank Costanza’s made-up holiday, Festivus—a day for odd traditions like the “Airing of Grievances” and the “Feats of Strength.” This offbeat episode is a comedic masterpiece that’s perfect for anyone tired of commercialized Christmas tropes.

Why It’s Great:

  • It pokes fun at holiday clichés in classic Seinfeld fashion.
  • Festivus has become a pop culture holiday in its own right!

9. Schitt’s Creek – “Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose”

The small-town charm of Schitt’s Creek shines in its holiday special, “Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose” (Season 4). Johnny’s attempt to recreate the lavish Christmas parties of their past highlights the family’s evolution since moving to Schitt’s Creek. It’s a warm reminder that the holidays aren’t about grandeur but about the people you spend them with.

Why It’s Great:

  • A reminder of how love and family trump materialism during the holidays.
  • The quirky family dynamics are as heartwarming as they are hysterical.

10. Bob’s Burgers – Christmas Classics

Bob’s Burgers consistently delivers epic holiday episodes, but “Christmas in the Car” (Season 4, Episode 8) is particularly special. Linda gets overly festive with holiday decorations, leading the Belcher family on a memorable drive to find a replacement Christmas tree. Chaos, comedy, and warmth collide for a uniquely Belcher family Christmas you won’t forget.

Why It’s Great:

  • Relatable family antics sprinkled with Bob’s Burgers charm.
  • The humor balances out the holiday stress many of us feel.

Christmas TV episodes hold a special place in our hearts for capturing the spirit of the season in just 20 to 40 minutes. Whether you love laugh-out-loud comedy, heartwarming moments, or quirky holiday chaos, there’s a Christmas special for everyone. Queue up these episodes, grab some cocoa, and enjoy the warmth and good cheer of these holiday TV gems. Happy watching!