by Tabatha Golat – 

‘Tis the season to indulge in guilt-free binge-watching! As the temperature drops and the holidays approach, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in your coziest PJs, curling up on the couch and indulging in great entertainment. To shake things up this month, I’m sharing my tried-and-true winter holiday watch list with the hopes you’ll be inspired to embrace the colder weather and hibernate with some fantastic films.

Diving into my winter movie marathon must-watch list, we kick off with none other than the Harry Potter series (Crave), a cinematic delight with over 20 hours of wizards, witches and wonder. This cultural phenomenon effortlessly transitions from the enchantment of childhood to the complexity of mature themes, showcasing the filmmakers’ dedication to the wizarding world. Whether you’re revisiting Hogwarts or embarking on this magical journey for the first time, now is the opportune moment to experience the allure of this series.

Once you’ve worked your way through the world of Harry Potter, why not contine down the rabbit hole with the creative work of Tim Burton? The Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney+) is a classic staple in our household. This 1993 film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown. Bored with his routine, Jack discovers Christmastown and attempts to take over the holiday, leading to chaos. Jack’s journey celebrates the spirit of both Halloween and Christmas, creating a timeless treasure!

The final pick on my list might raise an eyebrow about its winter theme relevance, and truthfully, I’m not entirely sure myself. Perhaps it’s because the first film premiered in December, or maybe it’s the blissful “what day is it?” period between Christmas and New Year’s that makes committing to the almost nine-and-a-half hours of viewing feel guilt free. But for me, The Lord of The Rings trilogy (Apple TV) is a winter tradition! Directed by Peter Jackson, this film series adapts J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy – The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Follow Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship on their quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Intricate plots, unforgettable characters and breathtaking visuals collide to craft an absolute masterpiece.

Whether it’s the magic of Hogwarts, the whimsy of Tim Burton or the epic journey through Middle-earth, this winter watch list promises to keep you entertained into the New Year. If you’re in the mood for more traditional holiday-themed films, consider these recommendations:
1) Elf, Prime
2) Love Actually, Prime
3) The Holiday, Apple
4) Home Alone, Disney+