Merry Christmas, teens! And you know what Christmas means… A two-week break from school, work, college, college-apps, tests, and more! To reward yourself and rejuvenate, you just can't miss out on some iconic Christmas movies.
But not just movies! TV shows also regularly air Christmas specials specifically during the holiday season.
From deep and philosophical to hilarious and light-hearted, here are some wonderful Christmas special episodes to get cozy while snuggling with loved ones and enjoying a warm hot chocolate!
1. Gilmore Girls
Season 2, Episode 10: “The Bracebridge Dinner”
What happens when Lorelai Gilmore turns an empty Independence Inn into a holiday party? Get pumped for some holiday cheer as you follow Lorelai while she plans the event with sleigh rides, costumes, and a feast, inviting everyone in town to the Christmas extravaganza. Vogue commented that this Gilmore Girls episode “brings all those quintessential Christmas vibes” - almost like a Hallmark movie - snow-covered streets, wool sweaters, and hot chocolate.
Well…who doesn't love a Hallmark movie? When Lorelai hosts her Stars Hallow event, of course, there's drama between Richard and Emily while Rory flirts with Jess. It's an iconic Gilmore Girls episode with the delights of a Hallmark Christmas vibe - who wouldn't want to watch (and rewatch) it?

Warner Bros from Wikimedia
2. Black Mirror
Season 2, Episode 4: “White Christmas”
Different from the rest of the episodes, the tone is a little darker in this iconic Black Mirror holiday special. Everything starts with coworkers Joe Potter and Matt Trent stuck in a remote cabin on Christmas day. The two don't like talking.
But now, Matt suddenly decides to tell his story. What story does he tell? How are these tales of technology interconnected? Get ready for this fan-favorite show and episode to literally bend your mind!
3. How I Met Your Mother
Season 2, Episode 11: “How Lily Stole Christmas”
The Grinch did steal Christmas…but did Lily? She was called the “grinch” (or whatever really-bad-bad-word you decide) by Ted after she broke up with Marshall. And while Ted didn't say it during Lily's Christmas decorating craze, a recording of his insult was found on an answering machine that was plugged back in.
Take a walk down memory lane as you rewatch the episode of this classic sitcom - with some Christmas flair. While laughing along, also explore what a true apology means.
Season 7, Episode 12: “Symphony of Illumination”
Robin receives some pretty bad news while Lily and Marshall spend their first Christmas in the “suburbs”. Ted, as always, is determined to cheer Robin up, even if it's unrequited. With some holiday cheer and Christmas spice, Ted's sweet romantic gestures and consistent love for Robin make this episode of How I Met Your Mother totally worth a watch, too!
4. Modern Family
Season 3, Episode 10: “Express Christmas”
The second Christmas in Modern Family is truly one of the best - delivering a chaotic yet fun and innovative story of a non-traditional Christmas. First, the family realizes quickly that they will have to hold an “express Christmas” due to clashing plans.
So they stop what they're doing: Gloria and Luke look for an angel for the Christmas tree, Haley and Claire panic gift shop, Mitchell and Alex tree hunt, and Phil and Many go buy groceries. With the usual hilarious jokes and some holiday essence, I love this episode as it not only shows the characters interacting with different parts of the extended family but also its classic feel-good ending.

Jdeering Davis from Wikimedia
5. Emily in Paris
Season 4, Episode 6: “Last Christmas”
Ugly sweaters, burnt turkey, even precisely-timed snow, this episode literally has all of the classic Christmas elements you need. But this isn't some traditional holiday special - it's a high-glamor show with some curveballs. Originally, Emily, who works in Paris, was supposed to return home to Chicago for Christmas.
However, she is forced to change plans and go to the French Alps with Gabriel and Camille after her flight gets canceled. Just like a regular Emily in Paris episode, things get super messy but juicy. How fun would it be to catch up on the show everyone's been talking about but now just with a gorgeous snowy setting, hot drinks, and some fun fashion items?

French Alps by Jon Ander from Unsplash
Hope these amazing episodes will take you down memory lane while adding some spice to your Christmas season! Most of the episodes are available on Netflix. Happy watching and happy holidays!