Movie Nights + Mistletoe: The Ultimate Chick Flick Christmas List
The Ultimate Christmas Movie Countdown: Cozy Up for the Holidays
There’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas—twinkling lights, warm blankets, cozy Jam Bams, the smell of pine, and the nostalgic sound of your favorite holiday movie playing in the background. This year, I’m bringing you a carefully curated Christmas Movie Countdown (at the bottom) that will take you from November 15th to December 24th with daily festive flicks, cozy inspiration, and holiday cheer!
But it’s not just about the movies—it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes every viewing special. That’s why I’m also sharing links to my favorite Jam Bams, cozy throw blankets, Christmas throw pillows, and Target coffee mugs to help you craft the perfect movie night setup. I’ve even created some collages to make shopping and decorating easier than ever. So grab your cocoa, get comfy, and let’s make this the coziest holiday season yet!
Why a Christmas Movie Countdown?
Christmas movies have a special way of transporting us to a world filled with wonder, laughter, and love. They remind us of the joy of giving, the warmth of family, and the power of a little Christmas magic. This countdown is designed to help you savor every moment leading up to Christmas Day. Whether you’re planning family movie nights, solo self-care evenings, or hosting friends for a festive gathering, this guide will make sure every day feels like Christmas.
The Movie Lineup: A Perfect Blend of Classics and New Favorites
November Picks: Easing into the Holidays
• Nov 15: The Holiday
Begin with this heartwarming romantic comedy. Nothing says cozy like English cottages and snowy California scenes. This movie pairs perfectly with a plush throw blanket and your favorite cocoa in a festive mug!
• Nov 19: Candy Cane Lane
A family-friendly film with quirky holiday vibes. Set up your snack station with peppermint bark and cookies while enjoying this lighthearted flick.
• Nov 21: Fred Claus
A comedy about Santa’s lesser-known brother. This one will have you laughing and feeling grateful for family, no matter how different you all may be.
December Picks: Fully Immersed in the Festivities
• Dec 1: Home Alone
There’s no better way to kick off December than with Kevin McCallister’s shenanigans. Make it extra fun by snacking on pizza and creating a “booby-trap” scavenger hunt for the kids.
• Dec 5: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Take a trip to snowy NYC with Kevin’s wild adventures. Grab a mug of cocoa and make it extra fun by decorating gingerbread cookies together.
• Dec 12: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Griswold family’s chaotic but lovable Christmas never fails to entertain. Pair it with popcorn and hot cocoa for a classic holiday night.
• Dec 24: Elf
Wrap up your countdown with Buddy the Elf! This modern classic brings all the laughs and Christmas joy to your family on Christmas Eve. Snack idea: Build a “Buddy-inspired” sugar overload tray with syrup, Pop-Tarts, and candy!
Creating the Perfect Movie Night Setup
Watching the movie is only part of the fun—creating a cozy and festive atmosphere makes all the difference. Here’s how to transform your space into a Christmas movie wonderland.
1. Start with Cozy Throw Blankets
Nothing beats curling up under a warm blanket while your favorite Christmas movie plays. I’ve linked some of my favorite Target and Amazon blankets in my LIKEtoKNOW.it profile, including:
• Sherpa-lined options for ultimate warmth.
• Holiday-themed patterns like snowflakes, reindeer, and classic plaid.
• Neutral throws that pair well with any holiday decor.
I’ve also added a collage to this post with blanket recommendations that are perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself!
2. Add Festive Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are an easy and affordable way to make your space feel extra festive. Think bold reds, cozy greens, and whimsical patterns featuring Christmas trees, snowmen, or reindeer. I’ve added a collage of my favorite pillow finds from Target that are not only budget-friendly but also totally Instagram-worthy. These are great for lounging or propping up for extra comfort during your movie marathons.
3. Sip from a Festive Mug
A great movie night calls for a great mug! Whether it’s hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, sipping from a Christmas-themed mug makes the experience so much sweeter. Target has an adorable selection of holiday mugs, and I’ve linked them for you to shop directly. Some of my favorites include:
• A classic red mug with “Merry & Bright” written in gold.
• Snowman-shaped mugs perfect for kids or the young at heart.
• Larger mugs that hold plenty of marshmallows for your cocoa!
Pair these mugs with a DIY hot cocoa bar, complete with marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, and festive sprinkles.
4. Set the Scene with Ambient Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference when creating a cozy vibe. Use warm string lights, battery-operated candles, or your Christmas tree lights to create a soft, inviting glow in the room. For extra magic, consider adding fairy lights to your curtains or mantle.
5. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks!
What’s a movie without snacks? Here are some holiday-inspired ideas to elevate your movie nights:
• Popcorn Bar: Offer sweet and savory toppings like caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, or parmesan cheese.
• Holiday Cookie Platter: Bake sugar cookies in festive shapes and decorate them with the family.
• Candy Cane Milkshakes: Blend vanilla ice cream with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream.
6. Comfy Pajamas: The Cherry on Top
Nothing says cozy movie night like a pair of festive pajamas! Whether you’re cuddling up solo or hosting a family movie marathon, matching or themed pajamas add an extra layer of fun and comfort. I’ve linked my favorite options on Target, from classic plaid flannels to fun sets featuring reindeer, snowflakes, and even holiday movie quotes.
Some great options include:
• Classic Red and Green Flannel Sets for a timeless look.
• Holiday-Themed Onesies for ultimate warmth and cuteness.
• Matching Family Pajama Sets if you want everyone to join in on the fun.
Pro Tip: Host a Christmas pajama party with your loved ones, complete with hot cocoa and a photo session by the Christmas tree!
Tips for Hosting a Festive Movie Night
If you’re inviting friends or family over, here’s how to take your movie night to the next level:
• Themed Pajamas: Encourage everyone to wear matching Christmas pajamas or ugly sweaters.
• Photo Booth: Set up a small area with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and festive backdrops for fun photos.
• Movie Bingo: Create bingo cards with Christmas movie tropes like “snowball fight,” “Christmas miracle,” or “Santa sighting.”
Christmas Decor to Pair With Your Countdown
As you enjoy your movie nights, you’ll want your space to reflect the magic on screen. Here’s what to add:
• Christmas Scented Candles: Scents like cinnamon, pine, and vanilla create a cozy atmosphere.
• Seasonal Table Runners: For snack tables or cocoa bars, add a festive runner for a polished look.
• Wall Art or Signs: Hang holiday-themed signs with cheerful quotes like “Merry & Bright” or “Hot Cocoa Served Here.”
Check out my collages for more decor ideas, all linked for easy shopping!
Let’s Stay Connected This Holiday Season
I’d love for you to join me in celebrating the season and making the most of this Christmas Movie Countdown. Here’s how you can stay connected:
• Subscribe to my newsletter: Get exclusive holiday tips, DIY projects, and festive inspiration straight to your inbox.
• Follow me on social media (@AshtonSedita): I’m sharing my cozy movie setups, hot cocoa recipes, and festive decor ideas all season long. Don’t forget to tag me in your Christmas movie moments—I can’t wait to see how you’re celebrating!
Final Thoughts: Making This Christmas Magical
This Christmas Movie Countdown is more than just a list of films—it’s a way to create memories, embrace the magic of the season, and connect with the ones you love. Whether you’re watching classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or laughing your way through comedies like Elf, this countdown ensures every day of the season feels festive and full of joy.
So grab your Target mug, cozy blanket, and Christmas throw pillows, and let the holiday movie marathon begin. Don’t forget to check out the collages I’ve created for shopping inspiration—they’ll make your holiday prep easier than ever. If you looking for a yummy recipe to make to eat during your movie- you have to try my Panera Bead dupe BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP RECIPE!
Let me know in the comments which movie you’re most excited to watch, and tag me on social media in your cozy setups. Here’s to the most festive movie nights ever!
XOXO, Ashton
