FAMILY on the sofa, food coma setting in, the annual arguments are raging.
But there’s one thing we can all agree on: the best Christmas films are the ones we already know the words to.
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Forget the streaming giants’ flops; Google’s latest trends data proves we are still watching the same five classics we’ve seen a hundred times.
Timeless classics are still the nation’s favourite festive filmsCredit: Shutterstock/Street Boutique
According to Google search rankings for December 2024, the only movies that matter are: Home Alone (1990), Love Actually (2003), Elf (2003), Die Hard (1988), and The Holiday (2006).
These aren’t just films – they’re Christmas crackers that rule the roost for the entire season.
Interest in 2021 Christmas movie Love Hard waned shortly after its initial releaseCredit: Shutterstock/New Africa
Baby, it’s cold online
Let’s face facts, the last proper Christmas film breakthrough was Will Ferrell’s hilarious Elf. Why?
Back then, films became classics because they were hammered on to terrestrial TV every Christmas Eve, year after year. It was a shared moment.
Now? Streaming channels pump out festive films that disappear quicker than the cranberry sauce. Remember 2021’s Love Hard, anyone?
There’s no big, shared night; just another cheap, made-for-TV sequel you’ll forget by Boxing Day.
At Christmas, we don’t want novelty, we want nostalgia! We crave the familiar faces, the iconic soundtracks and the quotes we grew up with.
Love Actually, Die Hard, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday prove popular Christmas search terms year on yearCredit: Shutterstock/Minakryn Ruslan
Top of the tree
Home Alone is the undisputed king of Christmas, topping the search list again.
Macaulay Culkin is still the only star guaranteed to keep the kids quiet, have the parents chuckling and give millennials that lovely warm feeling of childhood.
Coming in second, Love Actually – the ultimate festive romcom.
Of course it charts high, adults are the ones doing the searching! Packed with A-list talent like Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley, it’s a love letter to London that we feel we own.
Elf, meanwhile, sits happily in the “children’s films that adults secretly love” category. Good clean fun.
The debate that never dies
Every year, social media repeats the same classic film debates: should the Home Alone parents be arrested for gross negligence? Is the Grinch high-key relatable?
But the one argument that will forever cause a family meltdown: is Die Hard a Christmas film?
Is it an action movie set at Christmas, or is John McClane a festive hero? We’ll never get a definitive answer, but the search numbers prove we’ll keep watching the chaos.
Bruce Willis bounces back into the charts partly because some people rewatch it purely to win the family argument!
The newest addition to the charts is The Holiday, featuring Cameron Diaz and the ridiculously handsome Jude Law.
It has surpassed How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the first time. Why the sudden love? Algorithm-driven Christmas escapism. Cosy cottage-core and 2006 Jude Law at his best – it was a hit waiting to happen.
Maybe one day, a new festive favourite will break into the hallowed list and earn a permanent place.
But until then, the classics will keep topping Google searches – because at Christmas, above all, we love a familiar story.
With the holiday fast approaching, the calendar is stacked with fun shows guaranteed to spread festive cheer.
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Elf has been crowned the “ultimate Christmas show”Credit: Matt CrockettGet lost in the Land of SweetsCredit: Johan Persson
The Sun has handpicked an exciting range of productions across the country that are aimed specially at a younger audience.
And with everything from enchanting puppet shows to cheeky pantos on offer across England‘s major cities, families planning their next trip to the theatre are spoilt for choice.
CBeebies star Maddie Moate has earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show with this science-y performance.
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Maddie – along with elves Tinker and Goggles – makes a bit of a mess of Santa’s workshop with her fun experiments, so can the audience help her fix it up?
Garrick Theatre: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 4+)
It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than getting lost in the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
English National Ballet returns with a truly magical production of over 100 dancers that will amaze child audiences and leave them dreaming of tutus and the Land of Sweets.
London Coliseum: December 11, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 5+)
Over 100 dancers star in English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Watching the Muppet version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a holiday staple for many families.
You can turn the magic up a notch at this concert and film viewing, where a live orchestra accompanies Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo and Scrooge on the big screen.
The Bridgewater Hall: November 22, 2025
Jason Manford stars as Robin HoodCredit: Phil Tragen
You don’t need to go to London to see world-class ballerinas, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “wow-factor” Christmas production boasts everything from snowfall to swordfights.
Audio described, signed and relaxed performances are available, meaning children with additional needs can also be enchanted in a way that’s comfortable for them.
Birmingham Hippodrome: November 21 – December 13, 2025
The Storyteller once held so much magic, but now, they seem to have lost their sparkle – can two little elves complete a mission from Father Christmas to help them get it back?
This show has a ‘Pay What You Can’ pricing system, so it can even be enjoyed on a tight budget.
Leeds Central Library: December 6 – 31, 2025 (ages 4+)
Nestled within Newcastle’s Christmas Village but with sheltered seating, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage is where you’ll find a range of mini shows bringing iconic Christmas characters to life.
Pick between The Grinch, Santa’s Superstars, The Ice Kingdom and Tinsel Tots.
In the space of “a magical 50 minutes”, Antarctica transports the audience to the snowy South Pole to join penguins and explorers.
For an extra cosy evening, book a pyjama night performance and watch the story unfold while wearing your comfies and sipping on a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
The Weston Studio: December 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)
IT’S as two Welsh women with a drinks trolley come through the carriage calling everyone “babes” that I know I’m not in London anymore.
Instead, I on a train from Paddington to Swansea, where I’m headed to experience the most glamorous event in the Welsh city’s social calendar.
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I celebrated the huge Beaujolais Day in Wales – one of their biggest celebrationsCredit: Samantha Rea
Called Beaujolais Day, it’s a celebration of the first chance to try the new Beaujolais wine – the Beaujolais Nouveau – from the year’s harvest.
French law dictates that Beaujolais Noveau can only be sold from the third Thursday of November – and Swansea has earned a reputation for marking the occasion in style.
The annual event sees Swansea’s bars buzzing, and its hotels, restaurants and beauty salons fully booked up to a year in advance.
I’ve been lucky enough to grab a room at Travelodge Swansea Central, which is in stumbling distance from all the action.
Yet I’m checking in the night before as I need to be on time for my sought-after salon appointment, with the standard of glam for Beaujolais Day off the scale.
“I’ve been doing make-up since 6am,” said make-up artist Morgan Thomas at The Colour Lounge, who started her day seeing clients at home, before heading to the salon for back-to-back appointments all day.
I’ve heard that in Swansea, Beaujolais Day is bigger than Christmas Day – is this true?
“Beaujolais, Christmas – it’s all mental!” says Morgan, who tells me: “Everyone wants full glam, lots of glitter, and heavy lashes.”
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I wasn’t been lucky enough to snap up a slot with Morgan, but salon owner Benjamin Aldridge (aka Benjamin Stylist) has squeezed me in for a bouncy blowdry and pin curls.
My hair is washed and dried, then curled and individual sections are pinned to my head, using Kirby grips.
This is so the curls don’t drop before I go out, because my next port of call was to return to my hotel to get ready.
You’d think I’d feel self-conscious about walking through Swansea’s streets looking like Coronation Street cleaner Hilda Ogden.
However, nobody batted an eyelid, so I guess it was pretty standard to have left the salon like this on Beaujolais Day.
Having searched the hashtag #BeaujolaisDaySwansea on Instagram to look at posts from previous years, I had also been struck by the girls’ gorgeous dresses, which would not have been out of place in a Miss World contest.
So back at the Travelodge, I squeezed into a Herve Leger bandage dress that I’d snapped up in TK Maxx ten years ago.
A bodycon dress isn’t the ideal attire for eating a slap-up meal, but the Swansea ladies had set the bar high and I could hardly head out in my jogging bottoms especially for an evening at Morgans, a Grade II listed, luxury four star hotel, and possibly the swankiest spot in Swansea.
Arriving at Morgans in the late afternoon, the place was so packed already that I could barely make my way across the dance floor to the staircase for dinner.
However, when I do make it to the dining room, it’s worth it, as the room was fully decorated with white tablecloths, red napkins and chairs decked out with gold bows.
I spent hours in the chair getting ready for big eventCredit: Samantha ReaMost of the salons are booked up a year in advanceCredit: Samantha Rea
As soon as I’m seated, a waitress brought me a glass of Prosecco before my first taste of Vichyssoise soup.
Pronounced veeshy-swarze (rhyming with cars) the soup is a clever choice for a Beaujolais Day dinner in Swansea, as it nods to both French and Welsh culture.
Created and named by a French chef, the main ingredient of Vichyssoise soup is a Welsh national emblem – the leek.
For the main, I enjoyed braised beef daube with bourguignon-style jus, carrots, green beans and mashed potato, combining a Burgundy dish with Welsh beef, followed by a lemon tart.
After eating, it was back downstairs to the busy nightclub area, despite it only being 7pm, still hours before a nightclub would usually open.
But what do the locals really think of the big day?
One of the first people I chat to is Rebecca, 35, who lives in Swansea and has been doing Beaujolais Day every year since she was 18.
She tells me it’s a family tradition, explaining: “It’s when we all get together for a catch-up before Christmas – and it’s adult time away from the kids.”
I celebrated at Morgans Hotel, in the centre of SwanseaCredit: AlamyMany of the women I spoke to didn’t actually drink the wine themselvesCredit: Samantha Rea
For Rebecca, Beaujolais Day started at 9am when she got her hair and make-up done at her aunty’s Swansea salon, Gemma Davies Artistry of Hair.
“Six of us girls had wine and croissants in the salon while we got ready, and the boys went to Trams cafe for breakfast.”
After three hours of hair and make-up, the girls got changed in the salon and came straight to Morgans at lunch, spending the entire day there until their 10pm cabs home.
Like many people, Rebecca is drinking AU Vodka which she says is a Swansea tradition – the brand is co-founded by Swansea boy Charlie Morgan, son of Morgans Hotel owner and Swansea CityFootball Club director, Martin Morgan.
The big question – did she drink any Beaujolais?
While they ordered it with her meal, she admitted it “wasn’t very nice, but its tradition”.
I also chatted to Michelle, 55, who lives in Swansea and is her first time celebrating Beaujolais Day in four years.
She said: “It’s the best day of the year! It’s wonderful to get together, and a lovely day out for all ages.
I was very grateful to be back at my hotel after a whole day of drinkingCredit: Samantha Rea
“Everyone dresses up and has a nice time.”
It’s not just Rebecca who wasn’t a fan of the famous wine – Michelle said they were sticking to the Sauvignon wine and gin.
Her friend Linda chipped in: “I’ve tried it before and it’s vile.”
Abbie, 28, who’s spending Beaujolais Day in Swansea for the first time, after previously celebrating in Cardiff, agreed too.
“I don’t like it,” she explained as she swapped her shoes for a pair of hotel slippers.
Although I’ve never seen this before when I’ve been out, Abbie’s wasn’t the only one wearing slippers, so perhaps it’s a life hack that’s exclusive to Swansea.
Jealous of Abbie’s comfy feet, I decided to call it a night and head back to my hotel via Wind Street, which is where everyone goes out, spotting long queues outside each bar.
AS the nights draw in and the festive season gets closer, many of us are looking forward hanging up some Christmas lights.
But it’s not just the halls that get decked.
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Christmas at Kew is one of the country’s most popular light showsCredit: phil wilkinsonWinter Glow is in WorcestershireCredit: Mikal Ludlow Photography
Many gardens and unique spaces across the country transform into glimmering wonderlands – the perfect places to get in the festive spirit.
Here are 12 of the most magical light shows that are set to illuminate England with holiday cheer this winter.
Kew Gardens, London
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (selected dates) Tickets: Adults £27.50, children £18, under 4s free
Year on year, the light trail at Kew Gardens is firm favourite of the seasonal calendar.
Christmas at Kew is a true spectacle, illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage site with sustainable LED lights and installations by leading artists.
Visitors can enjoy projections and music dotted all around the natural space, including at iconic spots like the Palm House fountain.
The three kilometre trail has a range of entertainment beyond lighting too.
Spot Father Christmas on your walk and enjoy delicious treats from food stalls along the route.
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Last entry is between 7-8pm and tickets are limited, so book while you can.
Longleat, Wiltshire
Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 11, 2026 Tickets: Adults £34.95, children £26.20, under 3s free
Longleat is famous for its safari parkCredit: DAVE PRATT
Longleat is usually famous for its drive-through safari park, but come Christmastime it is its light show that really shines.
The trail displays thousands of imaginative lanterns, this year celebrating the theme of British Icons.
Look out for Wallace & Gromit, various British singers and authors, and landmarks like Tower Bridge and Stonehenge all aglow.
A Twilight ticket will give you access to this Festival of Light plus the Enchanted Christmas Tree Show, but you can also upgrade to a Day ticket to include the safari or book a ride on the Santa Train as an add-on.
The theme this year is British IconsCredit: Unknown
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £19, children £12.50, under 3s free
Its light show is an after-dark experience complete with sparkling trees and colourful, 5m-tall stars.
Expect an immersive evening of sights and sounds created by award-winning producers, and the option to enjoy the fairground for an extra charge.
Entry is timed, so securing a slot is advised.
Dunham Massey offers an immersive experienceCredit: Richard HaughtonIt is just outside ManchesterCredit: AFP
Winter Glow, Worcestershire
Dates: November 21 – December 31, 2025 Tickets: Adults £12.50, children £6.50, under 3s free
Local craftspeople and lighting designers are behind the show at Winter Glow in the Worcestershire countryside.
The trail is transformed into a winter dreamland with twinkling bulbs and fairytale structures.
It’s a super accessible experience, with sensory-friendly trails available on selected dates, dog friendly sessions on offer and full wheelchair access.
Winter Glow turns the countryside into a dreamlandCredit: Mikal Ludlow PhotographyThe experience offers sensory-friendly trailsCredit: Mikal Ludlow Photography
Northern Lights, Newcastle
Dates: November 27 – December 31, 2025 Tickets: Adults £15, children £5, under 3s free
Winding along the mile-long path at Leazes Park in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is fun for all the family.
Take in its 15 different illumination zones from Lantern Lane to the Butterfly Blizzard, and even a marshmallow roasting station.
More winter warmers are available from the park’s Christmas Village, access to which is included in the ticket price.
A ticket to Northern Lights gives you access to the light show and moreOne illumination zone is called the Butterfly Blizzard
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £24, children £18, under 3s free
This year, the illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace promises to be “bigger, better and brighter than ever before”.
The light show has already earned a place as one of the UK’s most popular trails.
Visitors can buy a combined ticket to access both the light trail and the palace or a ticket for the illuminations only.
Allow around an hour to explore the route, with extra time factored in to meet Father Christmas along the way or to stop at the chalet-style huts for tasty food and drink.
Blenheim Palace is also home to a top light showCredit: Richard HaughtonIts route takes about an hour to explore
Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Dates: November 14 – December 19, 2025 Tickets: Adults £20, children £10, under 2s free
Helmingham Hall’s gardens and parkland attract visitors all year round.
Where its flowers bloom in spring, lights glint in winter along the illuminated garden trail.
The mesmerising experience takes place after dusk, when you’ll cross a historic drawbridge and weave through shining walkways.
If that isn’t enough reason to go, grown-ups can enjoy a complimentary mulled wine with their ticket while kids can toast snacks at the firepits along the route.
And if you have a pooch, you can can bring them too.
Adults get a complimentary mulled wineCredit: AJ Feather Photography
Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool
Dates: November 28 – December 6, 2025 Tickets: Adults £9.50, children £7.50, under 3s free
The Light Before Christmas comes to Liverpool Cathedral for a fourth year running, and attending the show has become a yuletide tradition in the city.
As they journey through the building, ticket-holders will find enchanting scenes ranging from the nativity to Santa’s reindeer, plus candlelit areas.
There are even bean bags to lie on to take in the acoustics of Britain’s biggest cathedral and marvel at the projections on the ceiling.
A visitor last year said: “It’s the perfect thing to get you in the mood for Christmas”, while another commented: “I come every year and it’s always beautiful.”
Kids are also big fans of the event, with one saying: “It was really Christmassy and magical.”
Liverpool Cathedral is Britain’s biggestCredit: AFPIts festive show is called ‘The Light Before Christmas’Credit: Alamy
Hever Castle, Kent
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 2, 2026 Tickets: Adults £24.50, children £16, under 5s free
Follow the yellow brick road to Hever Castle for a themed light extravaganza.
This year the castle will be decked out in all things Wizard of Oz.
From spotting the flying monkeys in the Christmas tree forest to arriving at the Emerald City as the castle glows bright green, it promises to be an other-worldly visit.
Hever has traditional Christmas offerings too, with log fires burning inside the beautifully decorated rooms of the castle and fairy lights glittering in the grounds.
And don’t worry – despite being in Oz and not Lapland, little ones will still be able to pay a visit Father Christmas’ grotto.
Fairground ride tickets are just £2 each and can be purchased on the day.
Hever Castle is in KentUnder 5s can can enter for freeCredit: Oliver Dixon
Stockeld Park, Yorkshire
Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026 Tickets: Adults & children £17.50, under 2s free
The Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park transforms for the Christmas season.
Its woodland boasts interactive adventure playgrounds as well as an enormous snowflake-shaped maze made from 2,000 trees and lined with glistening lights.
After getting lost in the maze – which is included in the ticket – you can stop by cosy cabins in the woods for a hot chocolate and explore animations and soundscapes further along the trail.
There is a maze at Stockeld ParkCredit: Alamy
Light Up Trails, Hampshire
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026 Tickets: Adults £20, children £12.50, under 2s free
Nestled among the greenery between Winchester and Southampton you will find a dazzling light display with all the trimmings.
The trail is divided into eight zones, each one offering a different feast for the eyes.
Catch the fibre-optic flowers in the Bloom and Glow zone, golden lanterns at Step into the Magic and a laser show at The Rhythm of Light.
Halfway along the trail you can warm up at its ski-themed Christmas Village and indulge in food from bratwurst to crepes.
It even includes a laser showCredit: Elliott Franks
Ashridge House, Hertfordshire
Dates: November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026 Tickets: Adults £23.50, children £14.40, under 4s free
Ashridge House was once a royal residence of King Henry III, and its grounds are referred to to by insiders as the ‘Garden of Gardens’.
The stately home puts on a proper show at Christmas, where gentle gleaming lights meet impressive pyrotechnics and festive music.
A 115ft Ferris wheel gives you sweeping views of the 190 acres of garden below – book this at the online checkout.
On the ground, showstoppers include the star-shaped tunnel and giant bauble field.
Dog-friendly nights are on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Ashridge House is a stately home that was once a royal residenceCredit: Ashridge HouseLight trails, like Northern Lights, are great places to get in the festive spiritCredit: DAVID LAWSON
