Top 10 Greatest Christmas Sitcom Episodes
#10: “Our Very First Christmas Show” “Full House” (1987-95)
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When it comes to Christmastime, that cliché message really is true: What’s most important is spending time with the people you love. Even if it’s in an airport… The Tanners and co. find themselves stranded after their plane is grounded by a snowstorm. D.J.’s gutted when the presents go missing while Stephanie has an unfortunate encounter with Santa. Just as everyone’s Christmas spirit is down in the dumps, Uncle Jesse gives a rousing speech that turns everything around—and earns him a very special kiss. This episode has everything we love about “Full House.” It’s funny, heartwarming, and oh-so loveable. There’s even a white Christmas! At least, for Danny there is.
#9: “Citizen Knope” “Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)
Even amid a political scandal, Leslie Knope goes above and beyond to find the perfect gifts for her colleagues because of course she does. She’s Leslie Knope. Unfortunately, she’s also stuck grappling with suspension blues and a dropped campaign. Little does she know, her office pals are cooking up something pretty special for her—or should we say baking? We don’t think we’ve ever seen the gang work harder than when they all put their heads together for Leslie’s Christmas present. And we’re not just talking about gingerbread. Their promise to help her campaign makes our hearts grow three sizes every time we watch it. We love this episode almost as much as Leslie loves Ann.
#8: “How Lily Stole Christmas” “How I Met Your Mother” (2005-14)
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Spending the holidays with friends can be super fun. Just not when the ghost of answering machine past rears its ugly head- and, this time, not even a good ol’ beer can fix it. Angry and hurt, Lily takes revenge as only a Grinch would. Meanwhile, Robin takes care of a sick Barney, and Marshall channels his inner Santa on the hunt for Lily’s gift. When Lily discovers that Ted is responsible for Marshall’s thoughtful present, she and the others track him down to Staten Island, where the two make up with beer and backing carolers. The friends-union hammers home the meaning of Christmas and the overarching message of the show; sometimes, there’s no greater family than your friends.
#7: “Christmas Show” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
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In this episode, the whole family reunites in a… cozier-than-expected ski cabin. Still, everyone makes the best of the situation, and as soon as Will turns on the radio, the party really gets going. The adults decide to continue the festivities elsewhere, leaving the kids behind, but things turn sour when an act of goodwill leads to a robbery. In the fallout of the crime, everyone realizes there’s a lot more to Christmas than presents—well, maybe not Hilary. In the end, though, even she learns that the best gifts are often the ones money can’t buy. The episode is hilarious from start to finish, but it also has a lot of heart.
#6: “Stuff” “Black-ish” (2014-22)
Has Christmas become too commercial? This episode would definitely argue so. Dre’s Pops worries that the family has lost sight of the true meaning of the holiday and decides it’s time to go old school. There are no winners in the battle of old Christmas vs. new Christmas, and Secret Christmas backfires too. Dre fights hard to make his kids happy and learns how his dad tried to do the same for him. The commercialization of Christmas is practically a TV trope at this point, but “Black-ish” takes a unique angle. You can take the best of old and new traditions, and throw in a couple of gifts too; as long as you’re with the right people, that’s all that matters.
#5: “The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis” “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-19)
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Only Sheldon Cooper can take the festive tradition of gift-giving and turn it into a chore. That’s exactly what happens when he disappointedly discovers that Penny dared to buy him a Christmas present. Now that he feels forced to return the gesture, he drags Howard and Raj along for a painful shopping trip. This culminates in the episode’s best moment when Sheldon opens Penny’s present and almost has a heart attack. However, it’s not the Nimoy napkin or titular gift baskets that made this scene so memorable. Sheldon hugging Penny felt like a Christmas present for us all. It just shows that with the right Star Trek alum’s DNA, even the coldest of hearts can be melted.
#4: “The 23rd” “New Girl” (2011-18)
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This season one episode finds the perfect balance between delivering the show’s classic humor and hitting us right in the feels. Jess’ relationship with Paul Genzlinger hits a roadblock, Nick’s determined not to miss yet another flight home, and Schmidt’s done being the office Santa. However, the highlight is undoubtedly the end, where Nick’s resolved to make Jess smile. Watching the gang scream at the Candy Cane Lane residents to turn on their lights is as heartwarming as it is funny. While Zooey Deschanel’s background vocals make us feel all kinds of Christmassy, we also can’t forget how the show bookended its unforgettable holiday specials with a magical performance from Darlene Love.
#3: “Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas” “Community” (2009-15)
While TV shows typically focus on why Christmas is the jolliest time of the year, “Community” takes a more cynical approach. Abed's subconscious conjures up a claymation spectacular filled with Christmas cheer and musical performances that mask his underlying pain. The team apparently fought hard to get this idea green-lit and bring it all together under extremely tight time constraints. And what a fantastic job they did! The visuals are stunning, the music is epic, and the story perfectly ties together humor and sentimentality. Everyone learns there's no one definitive meaning to the holidays, and you can find joy in the most unexpected ways. This episode really is the gift that keeps on giving.
#2: “Christmas Party” “The Office” (2005-13)
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Practically every Christmas episode of "The Office" is so good that it's hard to pick a favorite. For us, it was a toss-up between season two's "Christmas Party" or season seven's "Classy Christmas." However, we had to go with the former given that it encapsulates so many of the hijinks we've come to associate with and love about the show. There's the hilariously awkward gift exchange, Jim and Dwight’s rivalry going unaffected by the holiday spirit, and Michael confronting a blast from the past. This is all tied up around a supremely awkward Christmas party and the episode's memorable conclusion. Still, it packs plenty of laughs and is highly relatable to anyone who's ever had to endure forced workplace fun. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Christmas Is Where the Heart Is,” “Family Matters” (1989-98) Your Christmas Spirit Is Just One (Decorated) Train Ride Away “'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas, “The Golden Girls” (1985-92) Picture It: Christmas, 1986 “Christmas Special,” “30 Rock” (2006-13) A Christmas Episode About Making a Christmas Episode… Oh, & Elaine Stritch! “Undeck the Halls,” “Modern Family” (2009-20) A Christmas Tale About Acceptance, Honesty, Generosity & Also Bagging a Vacation “The Strike,” “Seinfeld” (1998-89) Happy Festivus, Everyone!
#1: “The One with the Holiday Armadillo” “Friends” (1994-2004)
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“Friends” was practically synonymous with Thanksgiving, but they also had some super memorable Christmas episodes- Phoebe’s holiday song, anyone? In season seven, Ross tries to teach Ben about Chanukah, but the kid’s only got Christmas on the brain. By the time Ross admits defeat, no Santa outfits are left, so he turns to plan B. Thanks to the Holiday Armadillo, father and son learn to embrace multiculturism and togetherness—even as Santa and Superman crash the party. Every storyline in this episode gives the gift of laughter, but there’s a reason the Armadillo gets top billing. He’s one of the most iconic holiday characters of the modern era, and we’d be delighted to learn about Chanukah from him anytime.
