11 Essential 70s Christmas Movies And The Reasons They Hold Up

The 1970s brought a distinctive kind of holiday storytelling, mixing warmth with a little grit and a lot of heart.

These movies didn’t rely on flashy effects or modern pacing.

They leaned on character, mood, and the kind of simple sincerity that still works decades later.

Some are funny in a way that never goes out of style, others carry a quiet emotional punch, and a few capture the season through a lens that feels refreshingly grounded.

Disclaimer: This article reflects subjective editorial perspectives on 1970s Christmas films and should not be interpreted as definitive fact or universal consensus.

1. Scrooge (1970)

Albert Finney belts out unforgettable tunes while transforming from grump to hero in this big-budget musical adaptation of Dickens’ timeless tale.

The songs stick with you long after the credits roll, and the production design feels genuinely grand without tipping into cheese.

Finney’s performance balances bitterness and hope, making Scrooge’s redemption arc feel earned rather than rushed.

If you love classic Broadway-style numbers wrapped in Victorian England vibes, this one delivers every single time.

2. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970)

How did Santa get his red suit?

Why does he slide down chimneys?

This stop-motion gem answers all those questions with playful energy and catchy songs that refuse to leave your brain.

Fred Astaire narrates as a mailman, adding warmth and credibility to the whimsical origin story.

The animation might look retro now, but its charm remains timeless, especially when Kris Kringle dances across your screen with pure joy.

3. The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)

Long before the Waltons became TV royalty, this made-for-television film introduced their world with quiet grace and genuine emotion.

Set during the Great Depression, it follows a family waiting for their father to return home on Christmas Eve.

There’s no flashy spectacle here, just honest storytelling that earns every tear and smile.

If you appreciate slow-burn dramas that feel like warm blankets, this cozy classic will win you over completely.

4. The House Without A Christmas Tree (1972)

Addie wants a Christmas tree more than anything, but her father refuses to bring one home because of painful memories tied to his late wife.

Their journey toward understanding each other unfolds with quiet power, never manipulating your emotions or forcing sentiment.

Jason Robards and Lisa Lucas deliver performances that feel lived-in and real, making every moment resonate deeply.

Grief, healing, and family love intertwine beautifully in this understated gem.

5. Black Christmas (1974)

Before slasher films became a genre staple, this chilling thriller set the template with tight filmmaking and an unforgettable wintry atmosphere.

A mysterious caller terrorizes sorority sisters during the holiday break, and director Bob Clark ratchets up tension without relying on cheap gore.

The snowy setting and twinkling lights create an unsettling contrast with the horror unfolding inside.

If you crave holiday movies with genuine scares, this cult classic still delivers serious chills.

6. The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974)

Heat Miser and Snow Miser steal the show with their iconic songs and wildly contrasting personalities, but the heart of this special lies in its surprisingly thoughtful message about burnout.

Santa feels unappreciated and decides to skip Christmas, prompting Mrs. Claus and the elves to prove the world still cares.

The stop-motion animation radiates charm, and the tunes remain earworms decades later.

Everyone needs a reset sometimes, even jolly old Saint Nick.

7. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (1974)

A clever mouse named Albert Clockmouse writes a letter to the newspaper claiming Santa doesn’t exist, accidentally putting his entire town on the naughty list.

The special weaves Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem into its narrative with warmth and creativity, plus a signature song that tugs at heartstrings.

The small-town vibe feels cozy and lived-in, making it easy to root for the characters as they work to fix their mistake.

8. The First Christmas: The Story Of The First Christmas Snow (1975)

Angela Lansbury narrates this gentle tale about a shepherd boy who loses his sight and finds hope through the kindness of a traveling abbey.

The pacing feels like flipping through a beloved storybook, slow and deliberate, allowing every emotional beat to breathe.

Soft animation and a wintry mood create an atmosphere perfect for quiet family viewing.

Though lesser-known than other holiday specials, its sincerity and warmth make it worth seeking out.

9. Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)

Rudolph embarks on a quest to find Baby New Year before midnight, traveling through imaginative islands representing different times and places.

The world-building feels genuinely creative, with quirky characters like a caveman, a knight, and even Benjamin Franklin making appearances.

Though it’s technically a New Year’s story, it airs during the Christmas season and carries that same Rankin/Bass magic.

Adventure and whimsy combine to make this more than just another rerun.

10. The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

Infamous for all the right reasons, this oddball variety show mashes Star Wars characters with musical numbers, comedy sketches, and bizarre celebrity cameos.

Most fans remember it for the animated segment that introduced Boba Fett to the galaxy far, far away.

The rest is a fascinating pop-culture time capsule that defies explanation and must be seen to be believed.

Whether you love it or laugh at it, you’ll never forget the sheer weirdness of Life Day.