The 10 best LGBTQ+ Christmas movies guaranteed to spark the festive spirit
By its very essence, Christmas can be polarising – adored by some, awkward for others. However, within its traditional charm, the holiday season hasn’t always included queerness. That is, until now. A shift is on the horizon.
During the Christmas period, we love tradition. We love nostalgia. It’s human nature — we love cosying up and immersing ourselves in familiar favourites. Granted, the classics are great, which is why they’ve become classics. However, all traditions started as something new, and even the old-school movies we revisit yearly tend to lack that modern-day edge.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a delightful emergence of LGBTQ+ characters and narratives in holiday films. In 2020, both Hallmark Channel and Lifetime released The Christmas House and The Christmas Setup, marking their first-ever queer Christmas movies. Following suit, streaming giant Netflix joined the movement in 2021 with Single All the Way. This heartwarming rom-com added another layer of representation and celebration, resonating with audiences eager for inclusive holiday stories.
These movies, along with many others, celebrate love in all its forms, portraying same-sex relationships, exploring diverse gender identities, and showcasing the challenges and triumphs of queer-identifying people during the festive season.
While, understandably, nothing can replace the classics, many are also rooted in conservative values involving family dynamics and romantic partners. Therefore, if you’re tired of the familiar scenes of Will Ferrell’s elf-human adventures or James Stewart’s journey to self-discovery, here is a fresh lineup of emerging LGBTQ+ films guaranteed to redefine the Christmas movie canon.
The 10 best LGTBQ+ Christmas movies:
Single All The Way (Michael Mayer, 2021)
To convince anyone that Netflix‘s Single All The Way needs nothing more than mentioning one name: Jennifer Coolidge. Released in 2021, this film has quickly become a beloved addition to the holiday movie lineup, notably for its queer representation and delightful storytelling.
The characters in this film are all uniquely endearing, primarily for their flaws — they’re each grappling with their insecurities and desires for companionship. The dynamics between Peter, Nick, and James create an engaging love triangle that keeps the audience rooting for their favourite pairing while delivering moments of laughter and heartfelt emotions.
However, what sets this movie apart is its commitment to showcasing a gay romance as the central focus without relying on stereotypes or tokenism. It presents queer relationships as simply part of the norm, portraying them with sincerity and authenticity, which resonates deeply with audiences seeking representation and inclusivity in mainstream cinema.
Happiest Season (Clea DuVall, 2020)
It’s easy to be charmed by Happiest Season amid the holiday cheer, as this seasonal romantic comedy is filled with endearing familiar elements. Kristen Stewart takes the lead as Abby, preparing to propose to her partner, Harper, during their Christmas holiday visit to Harper’s family home. Yet, Abby’s intentions hit a snag when she learns that Harper hasn’t come out to her family.
Despite some of the challenges and conflicts depicted, however, the movie ultimately delivers a message of hope and understanding. Like many contemporary queer movies, it underscores the importance of self-acceptance, honesty, and the power of love in overcoming obstacles, even in the face of societal pressures and familial expectations.
An Unexpected Christmas (Michael Robison, 2021)
For those nostalgic about classic Christmas movies but seeking intriguing characters to keep it engaging, this movie offers an exciting storyline guaranteed to heighten the festive spirit. The plot revolves around Emily, a skilled marketer excelling in her career, whose boyfriend unexpectedly ends their relationship just before Christmas.
However, there’s a twist — Jamie hasn’t informed his family and now asks Emily to join them for the holiday, pretending they’re still together. While Emily has her reasons for agreeing, the relevant part centres on Jamie’s sister, Becca, a confident, humourous, and empowered divorced single mom who happens to be a lesbian. Despite queer acceptance still very much feeling like an uphill battle, An Unexpected Christmas is a much-needed feel-good holiday film that celebrates the magic of serendipity and the beauty of finding love in unexpected places.
Let It Snow (Luke Snellin, 2019)
As a blizzard looms on Christmas Eve, a cluster of small-town high school students is compelled to unite. Stranded and left to navigate on their own, their friendships and romantic entanglements are laid bare amid the storm. Within this ensemble narrative, adapted from John Green‘s novel, a tender queer love story emerges without much fanfare.
Dorrie harbours deep feelings for cheerleader Kerry, who appears disinterested — until a surprising moment unfolds in the bathroom, where Kerry pulls Dorrie in for a kiss. While Let It Snow‘s lesbian romance takes a backseat, accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of normalisation, the delicate themes of rejection and budding young queer love are handled with sensitivity and care.
The Christmas House (Michael Grossman, Lance H. Robbins, 2020)
In 2020, Hallmark created a landmark moment by premiering its first holiday film showcasing a gay protagonist. Jonathan Bennett, openly gay himself, portrays one part of the Mitchells, a couple eagerly anticipating news that could shape their family’s future as they return home for Christmas.
The Christmas House‘s portrayal of a same-sex couple in a positive and heartwarming light made it worthy of becoming an endearing classic. Hallmark’s inclusion of this storyline, without relying on unexpected tragedy, has contributed to its status as a rising star in the realm of queer cinema. Alongside the main characters’ relationship, the movie also delves into the complexities and joys of adoption, showcasing the journey and emotions involved in expanding a family.
“What I love about the characters in the movie is that we aren’t caricatures or stereotypes,” Bennett told NBC News. “We are two loving, stable, kind men who are in love and want to start a family of our own.”
The Christmas Setup (Pat Mills, 2020)
Lifetime’s first holiday film spotlighting an LGBTQ+ love story centres on Hugo, a New York attorney, and his close companion, Madelyn, as Hugo ventures to Milwaukee for the festive season, accompanied by his matchmaking mother, Kate.
As Kate orchestrates a setup between Hugo and Patrick, Hugo’s former high school pal and concealed crush, a palpable and mutual chemistry arises between them. However, when Hugo receives news of career advancement in London, he faces a crucial decision about his priorities.
The Christmas Setup is particularly special for its portrayal of a gay romance as the central focus of the story amid its themes of love, family, and second chances. Showcasing how far we’ve come since the classics of queer cinema, the film emphasises the importance of being true to yourself and finding happiness in unexpected places. At the same time, the performances by the cast, particularly the palpable chemistry between Ben Lewis and Blake Lee, add depth and authenticity to the characters, making their romance feel genuine and heartwarming.
Carol (Todd Haynes, 2015)
Regarded as one of the finest Christmas movies, perhaps even the best one, Carol epitomises the holiday spirit, with odd Haynes’ romantically evocative period drama revolving around a profound sense of queer yearning.
Cate Blanchett’s Carol encounters Rooney Mara’s Therese during a visit to a department store while shopping for her daughter’s Christmas present. Their initial connection is fleeting yet impactful, a moment that resonates deeply within them. Their shared glances and brief touches carry palpable electricity, though discreet enough to evade notice. However, as Carol courageously pursues her affectionate entanglement and attracts attention, the threat of losing custody of her infant daughter looms.
In true Blanchett fashion, Carol exudes sophistication, invoking a nostalgic ambience heightened by the captivating performances of its leading actors. The remarkable chemistry between Blanchett and Mara renders the romance irresistible. Unobtrusively mesmerising, Carol is the perfect choice for a truly flawless Christmas viewing experience.
A Holiday I Do (Alicia Schneider, Paul Schneider, 2023)
In the latest holiday romantic comedy from Tello Films, a streaming platform dedicated to narratives about queer women, a single mother demonstrates unwavering support for her ex-husband-turned-closest companion by accepting the role of the best woman at his upcoming Christmas wedding. Little did she anticipate that she would find herself unexpectedly drawn to his wedding planner.
A Holiday I Do provides an endearing romantic relationship between two women in a holiday setting, offering a heartwarming narrative that combines the magic of the festive season with themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
Under The Christmas Tree (Lisa Rose Snow, 2021)
Elise Bauman, known for Carmilla, takes on the role of Alma, an enthusiast for all things Christmas, managing not just one but two businesses in a quaint Maine town. Under the Christmas Tree follows Alma’s fortuitous encounter with Charlie, the state’s arborist, on a quest to discover the ideal Christmas tree for the capitol building.
Charlie approaches this task with immense gravity as if the governor’s reelection hinges on this choice. When the perfect tree turns out to be on Alma’s family property, Charlie lingers in town, indulging in pastries from Ricki Lake’s patisserie and joining a gingerbread house-making competition. Meanwhile, amid their attraction, the two navigate their conflicting aspirations.
Combining self-discovery and the magic of the holiday season, Under The Christmas Tree is a charming holiday romantic comedy that’ll achieve no less than that familiar Christmassy warmth.
Looking For Her (Alexandra Swarens, 2022)
Hallmark‘s quest for a lesbian-centred Christmas film is met with Looking For Her. Alexandra Swarens, the writer-director, steps into the role of Olive, an actor hired to portray Taylor’s girlfriend. In a rush to prepare for her holiday journey, Taylor has just ended her relationship with her girlfriend.
Keen on concealing the breakup from her parents, Taylor enlists Olive to accompany her as her Christmas companion. A romantic connection blossoms between them amid settling snow and cosy fireside moments roasting marshmallows. As a result, Looking For Her emerges as an endearing romantic comedy, offering a warm and welcoming option for festive viewing.
