Whats New In Christmas Movies on Hulu for [Current Year]

What's New In Christmas Movies on Hulu for 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Streaming

The holiday season is a magical time, and for many of us, that magic truly comes alive through the warmth of a good Christmas movie. But with so many streaming options, how do you navigate the endless scroll to find what’s genuinely new and noteworthy? This year, Hulu is rolling out a festive carpet, bringing not just beloved classics back to your screen but also premiering fresh stories that promise to become instant favorites.
If you're wondering what’s new in Christmas movies on Hulu for 2024, you’ve come to the right place. We're diving deep into the latest additions and the cherished returnees, ensuring your watchlist is as full and bright as your Christmas tree.

At a Glance: Your Hulu Holiday Highlights

Fresh Faces for 2024: Get ready for brand-new Hulu Originals like Joy to the World and Christmas Eve in Miller's Point, offering modern takes on holiday themes.
Recent Gems: Revisit contemporary classics such as the groundbreaking Happiest Season (2020) and charming Hallmark crossovers.
Timeless Treasures: Your annual dose of Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Gremlins, and more classic films are back.
Diverse Stories: From laugh-out-loud comedies and heartfelt romances to action-packed debates and animated wonders, there’s a genre for every mood.
Easy Access: Hulu makes it simple to discover, watch, and re-watch your favorites, ensuring a stress-free holiday viewing experience.

The 2024 Holiday Haul: What's Truly New on Hulu?

While the joy of Christmas comes from tradition, it's always exciting to unwrap something new. This year, Hulu is adding several compelling titles to its holiday lineup, including some highly anticipated originals that promise fresh perspectives and memorable characters. These are the films that truly capture the "new" in "New Christmas Movies on Hulu for 2024."

Joy to the World (2024 Hulu Original)

Imagine building an entire career on a fictional life, only for that fiction to collide spectacularly with reality right before Christmas. That’s the premise of Hulu’s original film, Joy to the World. Single lifestyle author Joy Edwards (Emmanuelle Chriqui) has marketed countless books based on her idyllic, albeit fake, marriage and children. When a sudden book promotion demands a TV crew film her "perfect" family Christmas at home, she’s forced to confront the elaborate facade she’s created.
This film feels like a warm hug, reminiscent of beloved holiday tales like Borrowed Hearts. It beautifully explores the universal longing for family and the transformative power of welcoming unexpected connections into your life. With Max (Chad Michael Murray) playing her best friend and long-standing crush, expect a feel-good Hallmark-esque ending that reminds us that the greatest gifts are often the people around us.

Christmas Eve in Miller's Point (2024)

If your idea of a perfect Christmas movie involves the beautiful chaos of a large family gathering, then Christmas Eve in Miller's Point is a must-watch. Set in Long Island in the mid-2000s, this film delves into the sprawling Balsano family's holiday traditions. It paints a rich, nuanced portrait of relationships between the four adult children of a widowed matriarch and their own kids, capturing the laughter, love, and occasional frustrations that define real family holidays.
This film offers a heartfelt window into American family dynamics during the festive season. It’s a grounded exploration of connection, nostalgia, and the intricate bonds that tie us together, even when they fray a little. Keep an eye out for Michael Cera and Gregg Turkington in their peripheral roles as local police officers, adding a touch of quirky charm to the ensemble.

Happiest Season (2020)

While not a 2024 premiere, Happiest Season remains a relatively new holiday classic and a groundbreaking addition to Hulu's Christmas catalog. Directed by Clea DuVall and partly based on her own experiences, this film made waves as the first lesbian Christmas romantic comedy produced by a major Hollywood studio.
The story follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) during Harper’s family Christmas celebration. However, Abby quickly discovers that Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents, forcing Abby to pretend to be Harper’s straight roommate. The stellar cast, including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Dan Levy, brings depth and humor to this warm and witty film. Happiest Season deftly explores the complexities of family dynamics, the journey of self-acceptance, and the impact of secrets on relationships—all wrapped in festive cheer. It’s a vital story that continues to resonate with audiences year after year.

Christmas at the Golden Dragon (2022)

For those who appreciate the heartwarming narratives often found on channels like Hallmark, Christmas at the Golden Dragon is a delightful find on Hulu. Successful businesswoman Romy (Kara Wang) returns home to Kansas when she learns her parents are closing their beloved Chinese restaurant. Initially resistant to working there during the holidays, she soon discovers how deeply the restaurant has become a cherished Christmas custom for countless members of the community.
This film beautifully illustrates the nourishing power of tradition and the profound impact a family business can have on a community. Much like Love Actually (which we'll get to later), it weaves together various client backstories, revealing the interconnectedness of lives centered around this festive eatery. It's a testament to the themes of family, love, and the enduring spirit of community during the holidays.

The Santa Stakeout (2021)

Mixing holiday cheer with a dash of mystery, The Santa Stakeout is another Hallmark gem you can stream on Hulu. Christmas-loving Detective Tanya Morris (Tamera Mowry-Housley) is paired with her not-so-festive partner Detective Ryan Anderson (Paul Campbell). Their mission? To go undercover as a married couple to solve a string of holiday heists allegedly committed by a "Santa."
This film smartly blends genres and even pokes gentle fun at typical Hallmark tropes, all while delivering a genuinely entertaining story. The "opposites attract" dynamic between Tanya and Ryan leads to hilarious mishaps and, predictably, brings them closer. Ryan’s character even subtly acknowledges the magnetic appeal of holiday films, making this a charming, self-aware watch for anyone who loves a bit of romance with their holiday mystery.

Why Hulu is Your Go-To for Holiday Classics (Beyond Just "New")

While "new" movies are exciting, the holidays wouldn't be complete without revisiting old friends. Hulu understands this, bringing back an impressive lineup of Christmas classics that span genres and generations. These aren't "new" in the traditional sense, but their enduring appeal makes them essential viewing year after year. They complement the fresh content, ensuring Hulu offers a truly comprehensive holiday movie experience. For more on what's available year-round, you can Explore Hulus Christmas movies anytime.

Home Alone (1990)

A true holiday institution, Home Alone needs little introduction. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family jets off to Paris, forcing him to defend his house from two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern). This film is a masterclass in slapstick humor, with Culkin��s iconic performance and Catherine O’Hara’s frantic parental concern cementing its place as a beloved Christmas film. It’s a hilarious, heartwarming tale of family, independence, and elaborate booby traps.

Gremlins (1984)

For those who prefer their holiday cheer with a side of horror-comedy, Gremlins is an unconventional but undeniable Christmas movie. When inventor Randall Peltzer buys a mysterious creature, a mogwai named Gizmo, for his son Billy (Zach Galligan), he receives three crucial rules for its care. Naturally, those rules are broken, leading Gizmo to spawn mischievous, destructive gremlins that unleash chaos on Christmas Eve. Directed by Joe Dante with a memorable score by Jerry Goldsmith, Gremlins is celebrated for its impressive practical effects and unique blend of scares and humor. It’s a holiday cult classic that’s perfect for a darker, more thrilling festive night.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

No list of Christmas classics is complete without the epic misadventures of the Griswold family. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to give his family the "perfect," old-fashioned Christmas, only for every single detail to descend into escalating chaos. From a massive, real Christmas tree that won't fit to an explosive turkey and the unexpected arrival of his wife's redneck cousin Eddie, this film is a hilarious showcase for Chase's comedic genius. It's the final film in the National Lampoon series involving director John Hughes and perfectly captures the stress and absurdity of trying to create an ideal holiday.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger takes on a different kind of mission in Jingle All the Way: finding the hottest, sold-out toy, Turbo Man, for his son Jamie (Jake Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. Absent father Howard Langston embarks on a madcap, last-minute quest through throngs of desperate shoppers, battling a rival dad played by Sinbad. Despite mixed critical reviews upon release, this film has endured as a holiday staple, offering a humorous and surprisingly relevant take on Christmas consumerism. It showcases Schwarzenegger's versatile comedic talent and playfully challenges the materialistic pressures of the holiday season.

The Santa Clause (1994)

A generational favorite, The Santa Clause brings a unique, slightly morbid premise to the holiday screen. Divorced dad Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally causes Santa Claus’s demise on Christmas Eve. He and his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) are then whisked away to the North Pole, where an elf informs Scott he is contractually obligated to become the new Santa. Initially in denial, Scott slowly embraces his transformation. This film is easy to watch, brimming with Christmas spirit, and nostalgic for many Millennials who grew up with Tim Allen's memorable performance. It's a heartwarming story about believing in magic and the unexpected joy of responsibility.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994)

Hulu often features both the original 1947 and the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, offering two delightful takes on a timeless story. Both versions are set in New York City and revolve around the enchanting idea that children often see magic that adults are too cynical to acknowledge.

1947 Original: Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), hired as a Macy’s Santa by a skeptical single mother (Maureen O’Hara), claims to be the real Santa Claus, leading to a pivotal court case. The film beautifully highlights Kris's relationship with young Susan (Natalie Wood), teaching us to believe in the impossible.
1994 Remake: This version, starring Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, maintains the core premise but places a stronger emphasis on adult doubt and the power of a child's unwavering faith. Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott) becomes Kris's lawyer, his own hope reignited through his friendship with Dorey Walker's daughter Susan (Mara Wilson). Both films are enduring testaments to the spirit of Christmas.

Die Hard (1988)

Is it a Christmas movie? The debate rages on, but for many, Die Hard is an essential part of the holiday viewing tradition, and it often appears on Hulu's festive lineup. New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) is attempting to mend his relationship with his estranged wife, Holly, by attending her company Christmas party in California. His plans are dramatically interrupted by a group of terrorists led by the iconic Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman).
Beyond the thrilling action, Die Hard is infused with holiday elements, from the Christmas party setting to McClane’s sarcastic "Ho-ho-ho" written in blood. The film’s humor and self-awareness, combined with Willis's comedic chops amidst the explosions, make it a uniquely enjoyable, if unconventional, Christmas experience. It's the perfect choice when you've had enough sentiment and need some adrenaline.

Love Actually (2003)

An ensemble holiday romantic comedy that has become a global phenomenon, Love Actually explores the multifaceted nature of love as Christmas approaches. Featuring a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant as the charming Prime Minister David and Keira Knightley as the newly married Juliet, the film interweaves several distinct storylines.
It's a film that bravely delves into heartbreak, betrayal, and the humor found in dark times (like Rowan Atkinson’s meticulous gift wrapping). Love Actually offers a multi-faceted, realistic take on life, character development, and the many different forms love can take, making it a beloved annual watch for its blend of joy, melancholy, and hopeful romance.

The Family Stone (2005)

When Everett (Dermot Mulroney) brings his uptight girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) home for Christmas to meet his eccentric Stone family, sparks—and insults—fly. Meredith immediately offends the bohemian clan, leading to a holiday filled with awkwardness, revelations, and unexpected connections. This film masterfully navigates complex family tensions and deep emotional currents.
With an incredible ensemble cast including Diane Keaton as matriarch Sybil, Luke Wilson, and Rachel McAdams, The Family Stone delivers a compelling story about found family, acceptance, and learning to love people for who they truly are. It shifts tone expertly, revealing empathy and care beneath the surface of holiday squabbles. It's a must-watch for anyone who understands the beautiful messiness of family.

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)

This classic stop-motion animated film is a perennial crowd-pleaser and a nostalgic trip for many. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town tells the definitive origin story of Kris Kringle (voiced by Mickey Rooney). Adopted by a family of toy-making elves, Kris makes it his mission to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown, despite the grumpy ruler Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) outlawing all toys. Along the way, he warms the heart of the formidable Winter Warlock (Kennan Wynn).
With its charming animation (using muted colors to visually depict the kingdom's oppression before Kris's arrival) and enduring message, this film teaches valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and the transformative power of generosity. It's a quintessential holiday special that continues to enchant new generations.

Choosing Your Holiday Vibe: A Guide to Hulu's Diverse Offerings

With such a rich selection of "New Christmas Movies on Hulu for 2024" and returning classics, how do you pick your perfect watch? Consider your mood and who you're watching with:

For the Family Fun Seekers: If you're gathering with all ages, lean into the timeless joy of Home Alone, the whimsical charm of The Santa Clause, or the animated delight of Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town. These films offer universal appeal and plenty of laughs.
For Romantic Comedy Enthusiasts: If you love a good holiday romance, Hulu has you covered. Dive into the heartwarming, inclusive narrative of Happiest Season, the ensemble tales of Love Actually, or the modern-day quest for connection in Joy to the World.
For Those Who Like It Quirky & Action-Packed: If traditional isn't your style, don't miss the unique holiday horror-comedy of Gremlins or the action-packed debate-starter Die Hard. Even National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation offers a delightfully chaotic alternative.
For Heartfelt Dramas & Family Dynamics: If you're looking for something with a bit more depth, Christmas Eve in Miller's Point and The Family Stone excel at portraying the intricate, sometimes challenging, realities of family holidays. Miracle on 34th Street (either version) offers a beautiful exploration of faith and wonder.
For a Touch of Mystery or Cross-Cultural Charm: The blend of genres in The Santa Stakeout provides a fun mystery, while Christmas at the Golden Dragon offers a refreshing look at tradition and community through a different cultural lens.

Beyond the Screen: Maximizing Your Hulu Christmas Experience

Finding the perfect movie is just the start! Here are a few tips to make your Hulu Christmas viewing even better:

Create a Watchlist: As you browse Hulu's extensive library, add films that catch your eye to your personalized watchlist. This makes it easy to jump straight into your chosen movie without endless searching.
Explore Collections: Hulu often curates special holiday collections. Keep an eye out for "Christmas Classics," "New Holiday Films," or "Family Christmas Movies" sections to discover more gems.
Check Availability: While this guide highlights films typically on Hulu for the holidays, streaming rights can shift. Always double-check a movie's availability on Hulu before planning your watch party.
Holiday Movie Marathon: Pick a theme (e.g., "Clark Griswold's Worst Nightmares" or "Schwarzenegger Saves Christmas") and binge-watch related films for an immersive experience.
Get Cozy: Dim the lights, grab a blanket, make some hot chocolate, and enjoy the show! The magic of Christmas movies is best experienced in comfort.

Your Festive Feast Awaits

From the fresh narratives of Joy to the World and Christmas Eve in Miller's Point to the timeless laughter of Home Alone and the poignant moments of Love Actually, Hulu’s lineup for 2024 ensures your holiday season is filled with cinematic cheer. Whether you're seeking heartwarming stories, laugh-out-loud comedies, or a dash of action, the variety on offer caters to every festive mood.
So, queue up your favorites, settle in, and let Hulu bring the magic of Christmas right into your living room. Happy watching, and happy holidays!