What Is Your Favorite Holiday Episode Ever?
Holiday episodes are the television equivalent of comfort food—warm, nostalgic, and endlessly rewatchable. Whether they’re filled with heartfelt moments, chaotic family gatherings, or absolute comedic breakdowns, these specials stick with us long after the ornaments are packed away. Here are 25 of the most iconic holiday TV episodes ever.
Friends – The One With The Holiday Armadillo
Few sitcoms have a stronger stranglehold on holiday traditions than Friends. In this episode, Ross tries to teach Ben about Hanukkah and ends up dressed as the “Holiday Armadillo.” Add Chandler as Santa and Joey as Superman, and you get a chaotic, affectionate classic that still delivers laughs—plus a dose of holiday cultural education.
Screenshot from Friends, NBC (1994–2004)
The Office – Christmas Party
The Yankee Swap episode is peak Office dysfunction. Michael buys a $400 iPod, Jim gives Pam a teapot stuffed with inside jokes, and Dwight is ready to battle for superiority. It’s painfully awkward, deeply funny, and a must-watch annual rewatch for fans who love a little cringe with their eggnog.
Screenshot from The Office, NBC (2005–2013)
Seinfeld – The Strike (A.K.A. Festivus)
“Festivus for the rest of us!” This episode introduced the world to Festivus—the metal pole, the feats of strength, and of course, the airing of grievances. It’s one of the most enduring holiday pop-culture contributions ever, and it perfectly embodies the show’s love of spotlighting the bizarre corners of humanity.
Screenshot from Seinfeld, NBC (1989–1998)
The Simpsons – Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
The very first episode of The Simpsons is also one of its most beloved. From Homer taking a gig as a mall Santa to the adoption of Santa’s Little Helper, this holiday special gave the world its first real taste of the show’s blend of satire, sweetness, and heartfelt family chaos.
Screenshot from The Simpsons, Fox (1989)
How I Met Your Mother – How Lily Stole Christmas
Ted ruins Christmas by calling Lily “grinch” (not the actual word aired), and Lily retaliates by canceling the festivities. The episode is a perfect blend of pettiness, friendship, and genuine affection—and features one of the show's most infamous censored jokes.
Screenshot from How I Met Your Mother, CBS (2005–2014)
New Girl – The 23rd
Nothing captures the messy charm of New Girl like this Christmas episode. Jess tries to bring holiday magic to Paul, Schmidt melts down over a workplace crush, and the loft group ends up sprinting through a Christmas light display. It’s quirky, sweet, and totally the show's vibe.
Screenshot from New Girl, Fox (2011–2018)
Parks and Recreation – Citizen Knope
Leslie Knope being forcibly removed from government would devastate anyone—except Leslie Knope, who channels her holiday angst into making Pawnee better anyway. Meanwhile, her friends give her the ultimate Knope-level Christmas present. Pure emotional serotonin.
Screenshot from Parks and Recreation, NBC (2009–2015)
The O.C. – The Best Chrismukkah Ever
Seth Cohen invented a hybrid holiday and changed teen TV forever. Chrismukkah became a pop-culture phenomenon, and this episode has everything: family bonding, class tension, and Seth cheerfully forcing everyone to adopt his new super-holiday.
Screenshot from The O.C., Fox (2003–2007)
Community – Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas
This stop-motion masterpiece dives into Abed’s emotional world through a Christmas-themed quest. It’s whimsical, brilliant, and unexpectedly tender—one of the most creative holiday episodes ever made.
Screenshot from Community, NBC (2009–2015)
Community – Regional Holiday Music
The other iconic Community holiday episode—this time a gleeful parody of Glee. Each character gets “recruited” via increasingly unhinged musical numbers. If you love holiday musicals and niche meta-comedy, it’s perfection.
Screenshot from Community, NBC (2011)
30 Rock – Ludachristmas
Liz Lemon’s wholesome family collides with Jack Donaghy’s emotionally hostile one, and chaos ensues. Meanwhile, Tracy tries to prove he can behave at the NBC holiday party. It’s peak 30 Rock—rapid-fire jokes, absurd antics, and biting satire.
Screenshot from 30 Rock, NBC (2006–2013)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Yippie Kayak
Jake Peralta finally gets his Die Hard moment—sort of. What begins as a simple gift exchange turns into a hostage situation in a department store, giving fans the holiday-themed spoof of their dreams. And Boyle yelling “Yippie kayak, other buckets!” is comedic art.
Screenshot from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fox (2013–2021)
The X-Files – How The Ghosts Stole Christmas
Leave it to The X-Files to turn Christmas Eve into a paranormal psychological duel inside a haunted mansion. Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin shine as ghostly lovers trying to lure Mulder and Scully into tragedy. Creepy, clever, and unexpectedly cozy.
Screenshot from The X-Files, Fox (1993–2002, 2016–2018)
Black Mirror – White Christmas
Calling this a “holiday episode” feels almost wrong—it’s Black Mirror, after all—but it remains one of the series’ greatest achievements. Dark, twisty, and unforgettable, with Jon Hamm anchoring a multi-layered story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Screenshot from Black Mirror, Channel 4 (2011–)
Doctor Who – A Christmas Carol
Doctor Who excels at holiday specials, but this one stands above the rest. The Doctor retells “A Christmas Carol” with sci-fi flair: sharks, fog machines, time travel, and heartbreak. It’s whimsical and emotional in only the Doctor could pull off.
Screenshot from Doctor Who, BBC One (2005–)
Scrubs – My Own Personal Jesus
When a cynical Turk loses faith in the spirit of Christmas, he accidentally delivers a baby in a manger. This episode blends comedy with big emotional beats and is one of the series’ most memorable holiday installments.
Screenshot from Scrubs, NBC (2001–2010)
The West Wing – Noël
Centered around Josh Lyman’s PTSD diagnosis, this Christmas episode is celebrated as one of the show’s finest hours. While not cheerful in the traditional sense, its emotional depth and tenderness make it unforgettable.
Screenshot from The West Wing, NBC (1999–2006)
Futurama – XMas Story
In the year 3000, Santa is a murderous robot who judges humanity harshly. Naturally. This irreverent, wacky take on Christmas is Futurama at its best—biting satire wrapped in genuine warmth.
Screenshot from Futurama, Fox (1999–2013, 2023–)
BoJack Horseman – Sabrina’s Christmas Wish
A meta throwback episode pretending to be an old-school holiday special from BoJack’s fictional sitcom, it blends classic TV cheese with the show’s signature emotional gut-punching. A must-watch for fans who love layered storytelling.
Screenshot from BoJack Horseman, Netflix (2014–2020)
The Big Bang Theory – The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis
Sheldon’s emotional “hug reaction” to Penny’s gift is legendary. The whole plot revolves around gift-giving anxiety, but the payoff is one of the most heartfelt moments in the entire show.
Screenshot from The Big Bang Theory, CBS (2007–2019)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Amends
Leave it to Buffy to turn a holiday episode into a supernatural meditation on guilt and redemption. Snowfall in Sunnydale might be a miracle—or something else entirely—but fans still rank this as one of the show's most meaningful episodes.
Screenshot from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The WB (1997–2003)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Thank You & Good Night
This season-ending holiday-timed episode blends family antics, big career moments, and emotional fallout in a way that feels richly festive and painfully human. It’s vibrant, witty, and gorgeously produced—just like the series itself.
Screenshot from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Amazon Prime Video (2017–2023)
Frasier – Miracle On Third Or Fourth Street
Frasier, alone on Christmas, hosts his radio show and ends up celebrating with strangers. The episode is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, proving the holiday spirit can be found in unexpected places—even in a diner full of quirky Seattle locals.
Screenshot from Frasier, NBC (1993–2004)
The Golden Girls – ’Twas The Nightmare Before Christmas
The ladies get stuck at a diner on Christmas Eve and decide to make the best of it. Naturally, they turn it into a celebration. The episode is packed with one-liners and warmth—the quintessential Golden Girls experience.
Screenshot from The Golden Girls, NBC (1985–1992)
Bob’s Burgers – Christmas In The Car
When Linda becomes too obsessed with Christmas, the Belcher family ends up running from a rogue candy-cane-decorated trucker during a tree-buying mission. It’s weird, hilarious, and surprisingly suspenseful—peak Belcher energy.
Screenshot from Bob’s Burgers, Fox (2011–)
Why Holiday Episodes Stick With Us
Holiday episodes endure because they do what TV does best: make us feel something. They’re funny, nostalgic, sometimes heartbreaking, and always comforting. Whether they're introducing new traditions like Festivus, giving us emotional catharsis, or simply letting our favorite characters celebrate together, these episodes remain evergreen—pun absolutely intended. Happy watching, and may your next binge feel as cozy as your TV’s glow.
Screenshot from Parks and Recreation, NBC (2009–2015)
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