10 Holiday Episodes to Watch with Hot Cocoa

There is a unique and sacred magic to the television holiday episode. It’s a cherished ritual, a pause in a season-long narrative where our favorite characters gather to celebrate, bicker, and ultimately find connection amidst the festive chaos. A great holiday episode is more than just an hour of television; it’s a time capsule of warmth and nostalgia, a cinematic snow globe we can return to year after year to recapture a specific, comforting feeling. As the days grow shorter and the air turns colder, there is no pleasure quite like curling up on the sofa with a steaming mug of hot cocoa and pressing play on a beloved, familiar story.

In the world of 2025, this ritual has been amplified and celebrated by the powerful trends we see on social media. The "comfort show" culture on TikTok has crowned these specific episodes as the ultimate form of self-care. The "hygge" and cozy aesthetic that dominates Pinterest finds its perfect visual pairing in the warm, fire-lit living rooms of our favorite sitcoms. And the massive wave of 90s and Y2K nostalgia has given the holiday episodes from that era a second life, with their iconic one-liners and fashion choices becoming viral memes for a new generation. This list is a celebration of that enduring magic. It is a definitive ranking of the ten most rewatchable, most comforting, and most quintessentially festive holiday episodes of all time, presented in descending order. These are the perfect stories to pair with your next cup of hot cocoa.

We hope you find this article a joyful and helpful guide for your holiday viewing! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create insightful and entertaining content.

10. The O.C. - "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" (Season 1, Episode 13)

The Vibe: A perfect blend of Y2K teen angst, heartwarming found-family moments, and the invention of a whole new holiday.

Synopsis of the Episode: Ryan Atwood, the troubled kid from Chino, is experiencing his first holiday season with his wealthy adoptive family, the Cohens, in Newport Beach. He is introduced to "Chrismukkah," the hybrid holiday invented by his foster brother, Seth, to celebrate both his father's Jewish heritage and his mother's Christian background. The episode follows the core four—Ryan, Seth, Marissa, and Summer—as they navigate the dramas of a holiday party, with Ryan's past threatening to disrupt the newfound peace of his present.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" is a masterclass in the early 2000s teen drama. It’s a perfect time capsule of Y2K fashion, indie-rock needle drops, and heartfelt, slightly overwrought emotion. But beneath the teen drama is a profoundly heartwarming story about a lonely kid finding a family for the first time. The concept of Chrismukkah itself is a beautiful and inclusive idea, a celebration of found traditions and the blending of cultures. The episode perfectly balances the high-stakes drama with genuine moments of humor and warmth, particularly in the loving, chaotic dynamic of the Cohen family. It’s a deeply nostalgic and comforting watch that will make you wish you could spend a Chrismukkah in the Cohen's McMansion. The show’s ability to blend genres is a quality shared by some of the greatest TV comedies of the 2010s.

External Link: The official IMDb page for "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" is a great place to see the full cast list and iconic quotes.

9. Seinfeld - "The Strike" (Season 9, Episode 10)

The Vibe: Brilliantly cynical, hilariously absurd, and the birthplace of a beloved, fictional anti-holiday.

Synopsis of the Episode: This iconic episode of Seinfeld weaves together several classic, chaotic storylines, but it is most famous for introducing the world to "Festivus." George's father, Frank Costanza, tired of the commercialism of Christmas, has invented his own holiday, which is celebrated on December 23rd. The Festivus traditions include an unadorned aluminum pole instead of a tree, the "Airing of Grievances" where you tell your family all the ways they have disappointed you over the year, and the "Feats of Strength," which involves the head of the household wrestling with a chosen family member.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: While it might seem like an odd choice for a "cozy" list, the sheer, unadulterated comedic genius of "The Strike" makes it an essential and endlessly rewatchable holiday classic. It’s a perfect, cynical antidote to the sometimes-overwhelming sincerity of the season. The concept of Festivus is so brilliantly absurd and so perfectly in character for the perpetually aggrieved Frank Costanza that it has taken on a life of its own, with people around the world now celebrating the fictional holiday. The episode is a masterclass in sitcom writing, a perfectly constructed web of hilarious, intersecting plots. It’s a holiday episode for "the rest of us," a guaranteed laugh-out-loud watch. The episode’s legendary status is a testament to the power of a great comedy, a quality we also celebrate in our ranking of the best Eddie Murphy movies.

External Link: The website Festivusweb.com is a hilarious and comprehensive fan-made guide to celebrating the holiday.

8. The Simpsons - "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" (Season 1, Episode 1)

The Vibe: The original animated Christmas classic, a perfect blend of satire, sentimentality, and 80s nostalgia.

Synopsis of the Episode: Technically the very first episode of The Simpsons to ever air, this Christmas special sets the stage for the next three decades of the beloved family. After Homer's Christmas bonus is cancelled, he is forced to take a second job as a mall Santa to make money for the family's Christmas presents. When that doesn't work out, a desperate Homer and Bart go to the dog track on Christmas Eve, hoping for a miracle. They end up losing all their money but come home with the best present of all: an abandoned greyhound named Santa's Little Helper.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is pure, distilled nostalgia. It is a beautiful and surprisingly moving story about a father trying his best, and often failing, to provide for his family. The animation has a charming, slightly rough quality that is a world away from the slickness of the later seasons, and the humor is more grounded and character-driven. But the episode's true power lies in its huge, beating heart. The final scene, where the entire family embraces their new, scruffy dog, is a genuinely touching moment that perfectly captures the true meaning of the holiday season. It’s a timeless classic that is as funny and as heartwarming today as it was in 1989. The episode’s ability to create a lasting emotional impact is a quality shared by some of the greatest MCU masterpieces.

7. Black Mirror - "White Christmas" (2014)

The Vibe: A dark, thought-provoking, and deeply unsettling sci-fi alternative to the usual holiday cheer.

Synopsis of the Episode: For those whose holiday tastes run a little darker, the feature-length Black Mirror Christmas special is an unforgettable masterpiece. The episode tells three interconnected stories, all set in a remote, snowbound cabin on Christmas Day, where two men, Matt (Jon Hamm) and Joe (Rafe Spall), are sharing stories of their pasts. These stories involve advanced, ethically terrifying technologies like "blocking" people in real life and creating digital "cookies," or clones of a person's consciousness, to serve as personal assistants.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: "Cozy" might seem like the wrong word for such a dark and disturbing episode, but its brilliance lies in its use of the cozy, Christmas setting as a backdrop for its terrifying, existential horror. The snow, the cabin, and the Christmas songs create a false sense of security that is slowly and brilliantly dismantled by the show's chilling "what if" scenarios. It is a masterpiece of speculative fiction, a show that will have you questioning the nature of consciousness and the morality of our relationship with technology. It’s a perfect, thought-provoking watch for a long, dark winter night, but be warned: you may never look at a snow globe the same way again. It’s a story that will spark intense debate, a quality shared by many of the most talked-about Netflix shows.

6. New Girl - "The 23rd" (Season 1, Episode 9)

The Vibe: A quirky, hilarious, and deeply romantic ode to the "found family" Christmas.

Synopsis of the Episode: The first Christmas episode of New Girl is a perfect encapsulation of everything that makes the show a beloved comfort show. The episode follows the loft-mates as they attend a Christmas party at Schmidt's office. Jess is struggling with her recent breakup and trying to navigate a new, casual relationship, while the rest of the gang deals with their own romantic and professional anxieties. The episode culminates in a mad dash by the whole group to find the perfect Christmas light display to cheer Jess up.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is a celebration of the "found family"—the friends who become your family, especially during the holidays. The chemistry of the ensemble cast is electric, and the show is packed with hilarious one-liners and classic Schmidt-isms. But the heart of the episode is the beautiful, slow-burn romance between Jess and Nick. The final scene, where Nick takes a detour to a beautifully lit street and gets the whole group to turn on the Christmas lights just for Jess, is one of the most romantic and heartwarming moments in the entire series. It’s a sweet, funny, and deeply comforting episode that will leave you with a huge smile on your face.

External Link: The official IMDb page for New Girl is a great place to explore the show's incredible cast and its most iconic episodes.

5. Community - "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" (Season 2, Episode 11)

The Vibe: A brilliant, wildly inventive, and deeply moving exploration of grief through the magic of stop-motion animation.

Synopsis of the Episode: On the last day before the holiday break, Abed wakes up to find that his entire world has been transformed into a classic, Rankin/Bass-style stop-motion Christmas special. The rest of the study group, concerned for his mental health, agrees to play along, joining him on a magical, musical journey to the North Pole to find the true meaning of Christmas. The journey is actually a shared therapy session, as the group helps Abed process a painful memory about his mother.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is a masterpiece of high-concept, genre-bending comedy. The stop-motion animation is a beautiful and loving tribute to the classic Christmas specials of our childhood. But underneath the whimsical exterior is one of the most profound and empathetic explorations of grief and mental health in sitcom history. It’s a show that understands that the holidays can be a particularly painful time for those who are struggling. It’s a beautiful, strange, and incredibly moving episode that is both hysterically funny and will almost certainly make you cry. It’s a testament to the show's incredible artistic bravery and its huge, beating heart. The show’s unique, auteur-driven vision is a quality shared by some of the best TV comedies of the 2010s.

External Link: The official Community Wiki offers a deep dive into the countless pop culture references in this episode.

4. Schitt's Creek - "Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose" (Season 4, Episode 13)

The Vibe: A messy, hilarious, and ultimately triumphant celebration of creating new traditions.

Synopsis of the Episode: This is the only holiday episode in the entire run of Schitt's Creek, and it is a perfect, heartwarming gem. Johnny Rose, nostalgic for the lavish, over-the-top Christmas Eve parties the family used to throw in their previous life, tries to organize a last-minute party in their motel room. His family—the dramatic Moira, the spoiled David, and the flighty Alexis—are completely uninterested, and his attempts to rally some festive spirit are met with a series of hilarious and disastrous setbacks.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is a beautiful and moving exploration of what "home" and "tradition" truly mean. It’s a story about letting go of the past and finding joy in the present, no matter how imperfect it may be. The episode is hysterically funny, but its final act is one of the most touching and emotional moments in the entire series. When Johnny, defeated, returns to the motel, he finds that his family has secretly come together to create a small, makeshift, but deeply loving Christmas celebration just for him. It is a beautiful, tear-jerking moment that perfectly encapsulates the show's central theme of family and unconditional love. It's a show that makes you feel good, a quality shared by many of our favorite holiday rom-coms.

External Link: The official Schitt's Creek YouTube channel is a great place to find iconic clips and compilations from the series.

3. Gilmore Girls - "The Bracebridge Dinner" (Season 2, Episode 10)

The Vibe: The ultimate "cozy," atmospheric, and magical winter wonderland experience.

Synopsis of the Episode: While technically not a Christmas episode, "The Bracebridge Dinner" is the most festive and wintery episode in the Gilmore Girls canon. When a historical society group cancels their reservation for an elaborate, 19th-century-themed dinner at the Independence Inn due to a snowstorm, Lorelai and Sookie decide to invite all of their friends and family from Stars Hollow to enjoy the feast. What follows is a truly magical and enchanting evening filled with sleigh rides, period costumes, and a palpable sense of community.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is the absolute pinnacle of the "Gilmore Girls Fall/Winter" aesthetic. The visuals are breathtaking, perfectly capturing the magic of Stars Hollow blanketed in a pristine layer of snow. The episode is a warm, inviting, and deeply comforting watch, a celebration of the quirky, lovable community that makes the show so special. It is also packed with important character moments, from the building tension between Rory and Jess to a major revelation from Richard. It’s a beautiful, funny, and deeply rewatchable episode that feels like a warm hug. It is a perfect showcase for the show’s incredible cast of beloved characters.

2. Friends - "The One with the Holiday Armadillo" (Season 7, Episode 10)

The Vibe: A hilarious, absurd, and surprisingly sweet 90s nostalgia classic.

Synopsis of the Episode: This iconic episode of Friends is a perfect example of the show's brilliant, character-driven absurdity. Ross is determined to teach his young son, Ben, about his Jewish heritage and the festival of Hanukkah. But when Ben can only think about Santa Claus, a desperate Ross tries to rent a Santa suit, only to find that the only costume left is that of an armadillo. He invents a new holiday character, the "Holiday Armadillo," Santa's representative for all the "southern states... and Mexico!" The situation becomes even more chaotic when Chandler and Joey show up, dressed as Santa Claus and Superman, respectively.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is pure, joyful, comedic chaos. It is one of the most beloved and endlessly quotable episodes in the show's ten-season run. The image of David Schwimmer in a giant armadillo costume trying to explain the story of Hanukkah is a moment of sublime, surrealist genius. But underneath the absurdity is a genuinely sweet story about a father trying to connect with his son and share his traditions. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming episode that has become a cornerstone of holiday rewatching and a perfect example of the 90s nostalgia that is so powerful today.

External Link: You can find thousands of clips, compilations, and "best of" moments on the official Friends YouTube channel.

1. The Office (US) - "A Benihana Christmas" (Season 3, Episode 10)

The Vibe: The ultimate cringe-inducing, hilarious, and secretly heartwarming workplace holiday party.

Synopsis of the Episode: Taking the top spot on our list is the undisputed king of the workplace Christmas episode. "A Benihana Christmas" is a brilliant, double-length episode that finds the Dunder Mifflin office fractured into two rival Christmas parties. After his girlfriend Carol breaks up with him, a heartbroken Michael Scott is whisked away for a "rebound" lunch at Benihana by Andy, Dwight, and Jim. Meanwhile, back at the office, the Party Planning Committee, led by a newly merged Angela and Pam, is thrown into chaos, leading Pam and Karen to create their own, more fun, margarita-fueled party.

Why It's the Perfect Cozy Watch: This episode is a masterpiece of comedic writing and character development. It is hysterically funny, from Michael's inability to tell the Benihana waitresses apart to Dwight's bizarre lecture on gutting a goose. But it is also a deeply moving and heartfelt episode. It’s a story about friendship, loneliness, and the comfort we find in our "work family," even when they drive us crazy. The final, quiet scene, where the entire office comes together to sing a karaoke version of "Your Body Is a Wonderland," is a moment of pure, unadulterated, and hard-won joy. It is a perfect, hilarious, and deeply human episode of television, and the ultimate holiday comfort watch. The show’s brilliant ensemble cast is a quality it shares with the best TV comedies of the 2010s.

External Link: The official IMDb page for "A Benihana Christmas" is a great place to see trivia and goofs from this iconic episode.

Conclusion

A great holiday episode is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a portal back to a familiar, comforting world, a guaranteed dose of laughter and warmth in a season that can often be overwhelming. The ten episodes on this list are the best of the best, a collection of stories that perfectly capture the funny, messy, chaotic, and ultimately beautiful spirit of the holidays. They are a testament to the power of television to create traditions, to foster connection, and to feel like coming home. So, as the festive season approaches, brew a big mug of your best hot cocoa, get cozy on the sofa, and let these timeless classics work their magic.

We hope you found this article a joyful and helpful guide! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create insightful and entertaining content.

FAQs

1. Where can I stream these holiday episodes? Streaming rights can change, but generally: The Office (US) and Parks and Rec are on Peacock; Friends and The O.C. are on Max; Gilmore Girls and New Girl are on Netflix; The Simpsons and Abbott Elementary are on Hulu/Disney+; Schitt's Creek is on Hulu; Community is on Netflix/Hulu; and Black Mirror is on Netflix.

2. What does "hygge" mean? Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cozy, comfortable conviviality and a feeling of contentment and well-being. A "hygge" viewing experience involves creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere to enjoy your media.

   
   

3. Are all these episodes "Christmas" episodes? Most are explicitly Christmas-themed. However, "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" from The O.C. celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, and "The Strike" from Seinfeld is about the fictional holiday of Festivus.

   
   

4. I don't like dark humor. Which episodes should I avoid? You will definitely want to avoid the Black Mirror episode, "White Christmas," which is a dark, sci-fi psychological thriller. "The Strike" from Seinfeld is also more cynical than heartwarming.

   
   

5. Which episode is the most family-friendly? "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" from The Simpsons is a classic animated special that is suitable for the whole family. Most of the other sitcom episodes are rated for teen and adult audiences.

6. Do I need to have seen the whole series to enjoy these episodes? For the most part, no. While your enjoyment will be enhanced by knowing the characters, episodes from sitcoms like Friends, The Office, and Seinfeld are largely self-contained and can be enjoyed on their own. For more serialized shows like The O.C., you might miss some of the context, but the holiday story is still easy to follow.

7. What is "Festivus"? Festivus is a fictional holiday invented by Frank Costanza in the Seinfeld episode "The Strike." It is celebrated on December 23rd and includes traditions like the "Airing of Grievances" and the "Feats of Strength." It has since become a real-life satirical holiday celebrated by fans.

   
   

8. What is a "comfort show"? A "comfort show" is a term popularized on social media for a television series that you can rewatch again and again for its familiar, soothing, and often nostalgic feeling. Friends, The Office, and Gilmore Girls are prime examples.

   
   

9. Why is "A Benihana Christmas" a double-length episode? Many popular sitcoms, especially during their peak, would produce special, hour-long (with commercials) holiday episodes. "A Benihana Christmas" was the Season 3 Christmas special for The Office and was written as a single, two-part story.

   
   

10. What is a "cold open"? A "cold open" is the short, comedic scene at the very beginning of a sitcom episode that happens before the opening credits. The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine are famous for their hilarious and often elaborate cold opens.