Top 10 Holiday TV Episodes
Maybe you’re just not in the mood for one of the holiday / Christmas movies. There are only so many - you’ve probably seen them all if you’re reading this. So here’s a top 10 list of family-friendly Christmas (or holiday-season) TV show episodes, including Chanukah! Complete with streaming info, episode details, and a line on why each made the list. Starting off with my personal favorite:
1. The Golden Girls – “’Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas” (Season 2, Episode 11)
Streaming Service: Various platforms via purchase/rent; original airing Dec 20 1986. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Synopsis: The ladies plan to visit family for Christmas, but their flights are cancelled and they get held up when a man dressed as Santa takes Rose’s office hostage. Sophia steps in, and the women end up having dinner in a roadside diner on Christmas Eve instead. (goldengirls.fandom.com)
Why it made the Top 10: It’s a classic sitcom holiday episode from the 1980s, full of warmth, comedic mishaps and the bond among the characters shining through. Its blend of humor and holiday spirit gives it enduring nostalgic appeal.
2. Friends – “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10)
Streaming Service: Max (US) (HBO Max)
Synopsis: Ross wants to teach his son Ben about Hanukkah, but things go off the rails when Ben is obsessed with Santa. Ross ends up dressing as the “Holiday Armadillo” to combine traditions and get through to him. Meanwhile, Phoebe pressures Rachel to move back in with her. (Apple TV)
Why it made the Top 10: It’s quirky, funny and modern, with a holiday-twist of cultural tradition. It’s also very accessible and fun for families and longtime fans of the show.
3. Modern Family – “The Old Man & the Tree” (Season 5, Episode 10)
Streaming Service: Hulu and Peacock in the US. (@peacocktv)
Synopsis: The holiday season brings together multiple storylines: Gloria’s mother visits, Claire is roped into helping look after Joe, Jay and Manny go out to cut down a real Christmas tree (with comedic obstacles), and Mitch & Cam scramble on last-minute gifts and holiday charity. (Wikipedia)
Why it made the Top 10: It captures a modern, blended family holiday experience with humor and heart — something many families can relate to. It also uses multiple vignettes to reflect the complexity of holiday gatherings.
4. Hey Arnold! – “Arnold’s Christmas” (Season 1, Episode 11)
Streaming Service: Paramount+ in some regions. (Paramount+)
Synopsis: Arnold is chosen to draw Mr. Hyunh’s name in a Secret Santa at the boarding house, and discovers why Mr. Hyunh is always sad. Arnold embarks on a heartfelt mission to make his gift special and help reunite Mr. Hyunh with his long-lost daughter. (Wikipedia)
Why it made the Top 10: While an animated kids show, this episode goes deep emotionally and teaches kindness, empathy and the meaning of giving. Great for family viewing with meaningful holiday themes.
5. Phineas and Ferb – “Christmas Vacation” (Season 2, Episode 22)
Streaming Service: Disney+. (Disney+)
Synopsis: The normally summer-focused show switches to winter: Phineas & Ferb decide to save Christmas for their town when Dr. Doofenshmirtz uses a machine to threaten the holiday. Features original songs and the characters in a festive mode. (Wikipedia)
Why it made the Top 10: It brings imaginative holiday fun for kids (and adults who enjoy animation). The combination of humor, music and saving the day gives it broad appeal for a family-friendly list.
6. The Simpsons – “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Streaming Service: Disney+ (since Disney owns the catalogue) (Wikipedia)
Synopsis: The first full-length episode of the series, set at Christmas time: Homer’s boss doesn’t give bonuses, Marge spends the holiday money getting Bart’s tattoo removed, Homer takes a job as mall Santa to earn money for gifts. (Wikipedia)
Why it made the Top 10: Though slightly more edgy than some, it’s still suitable (TV-PG) and has historical significance as a holiday sitcom episode that sets tone for the series. It shows holiday stress in a family setting with humor.
7. The Rugrats – “A Rugrats Chanukah” (while technically Chanukah, still a wonderful holiday episode)
Streaming Service: Varies / purchase options. (Wikipedia)
Synopsis: The babies act out the Chanukah story, while the older kids learn the meaning of the holiday and the latke/dreidel tradition. It’s playful yet respectful of a cultural holiday. (Wikipedia)
Why it made the Top 10: It’s family-friendly, teaches about a lesser-represented holiday (which broadens the list beyond only Christmas), and is imaginative and fun for kids and parents alike.
8. Full House – (Example: The “Our Very First Christmas Show” or similar – you might plug in a specific holiday episode)
Streaming Service: Varies (often on platforms like Max, Amazon, etc.)
Synopsis: (A generic description since I haven’t pinned exact season/episode here) The Tanner family celebrates their first Christmas in the new house, juggling traditions, gift-giving, sibling dynamics, and holiday cheer.
Why it made the Top 10: It exemplifies the wholesome family sitcom holiday episode: warm, inclusive, centered around family togetherness and seasonal joy. (You’d replace with specific details once you choose the exact episode.)
9. The Office – “Christmas Party” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Streaming Service: Peacock in the US. (New York Post)
Synopsis: The Dunder Mifflin office’s Secret Santa gift exchange turns into a “Yankee Swap” chaos when Michael scuttles the plan and turns it into a free-for-all. Lots of cringe-comedy, but underlying heart about workplace family.
Why it made the Top 10: Even though it’s not a classic kid-show, it’s still broadly family-friendly and one of the most-recognized sitcom holiday episodes — full of laughs and relatability around holiday workplace dynamics.
10. Gilmore Girls – (Example holiday episode)
Streaming Service: Netflix or whichever platform it is in your region.
Synopsis: (Generic placeholder) The mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory navigate a town holiday celebration, tree lighting, small-town quirks and family traditions, plus interpersonal drama and heartwarming resolution.
Why it made the Top 10: It’s warm, mom-daughter friendly, shows holiday in a cozy small-town setting, and gives plenty of nostalgic feel-good — suitable for a blog audience focused on family viewing.
Happy holiday watching!
