It’s that time of year again—twinkling lights, cosy jumpers, and the perfect excuse to binge-watch some Christmas classics. Whether you’re looking for laughs, love, or a few festive tears, these series will get you in the holiday spirit faster than you can say “pass the mince pies.” So grab your blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and let’s dive in.
Dash & Lily
If you’re in the mood for a dose of Christmas romance with a side of teenage banter, Dash & Lily is where it’s at. Released in 2020, it’s all about a grumpy guy (Dash, played by Austin Abrams) and a sunshiney girl (Lily, played by Midori Francis) who pass a notebook back and forth around New York City, daring each other to step out of their comfort zones. It’s like a scavenger hunt but with feelings. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of festive New York magic? It’s charming, it’s funny, and it’ll leave you smiling like an elf who just found extra cookies.
Odio Il Natale
The title translates to I Hate Christmas, but don’t let that fool you—this Italian gem is full of laughs and heart. Released in 2022, it stars Pilar Fogliati as Gianna, a nurse who panics under the weight of family expectations and lies about having a boyfriend. What follows is a mad scramble to find someone to bring to the big Christmas dinner. It’s basically Bridget Jones meets Love Actually, with a splash of Italian flair and without the problematic bits. If you’ve ever dreaded a holiday family gathering, you’ll feel right at home with this one.
The Vicar of Dibley Christmas specials
Ah, Geraldine Granger. Dawn French absolutely nails it as the cheeky, lovable vicar in The Vicar of Dibley. The Christmas episodes? Pure gold. Between chaotic nativity plays and her hilarious (and slightly terrifying) attempts to eat multiple Christmas dinners in one day, you’ll be laughing so hard you’ll spill your eggnog. It’s peak British humour with a side of holiday cheer. If you’re not watching Geraldine try to keep her tiny village from descending into holiday chaos, are you even celebrating Christmas properly?
3 Days of Christmas
This one’s for the drama lovers. Released in 2019, 3 Days of Christmas (Días de Navidad) is a Spanish miniseries that hits you right in the feels. It’s about four sisters and how their lives unfold over three Christmases spanning different decades. Think family secrets, heartfelt reconciliations, and plenty of holiday tears (the good kind). With Victoria Abril and Nerea Barros leading the cast, the performances are as stellar as the storytelling. It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and it’ll remind you why family—even with all its complications—is worth cherishing.