Diverse Christmas Films That Have Conservatives Canceling the Holidays

Holiday movies are looking a lot different these days. Networks and streaming services are now telling more inclusive stories, moving away from traditional plots and characters. You’re seeing more diverse casts, LGBTQ+ representation, and storylines that address modern social issues. While many viewers appreciate this increased inclusivity, others miss the classic holiday themes and family dynamics. This collection highlights the films that are shaping a new, more diverse era for holiday cinema.

‘The Holiday Sitter’ (2022)

This Hallmark Channel movie made history by featuring a gay couple as the main romantic interest – a first for the network. The story centers on a man dedicated to his career who unexpectedly takes care of his niece and nephew over the holidays and meets an attractive neighbor. The film highlights the growing connection between the two men as they juggle family obligations and holiday celebrations. While many viewers praised the film’s inclusive approach, some who prefer traditional Hallmark stories weren’t happy with the change. It’s now considered a key example of the growing trend towards more diversity in holiday movies.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

Abby intends to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, during a family holiday gathering, but she learns that Harper hasn’t told her parents she’s gay. This creates a complicated situation, forcing them to deal with secrets and navigate a tricky weekend. The movie examines the challenges of being true to yourself and the pressure to meet societal expectations, especially during the holidays. It’s generated a lot of online conversation about how LGBTQ+ relationships are portrayed in popular films. Starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, this is a heartfelt and contemporary holiday story.

‘Single All the Way’ (2021)

Peter asks his best friend, Nick, to pose as his boyfriend during the holidays to avoid his family’s questions about being single. Things get tricky when Peter’s mom sets him up on a date with a charming fitness trainer. The movie is a funny and touching story about the two friends discovering their feelings for each other. Notably, it was one of the first holiday rom-coms from a streaming service to feature a gay couple as the central romance, and it stands out for portraying a family that is accepting and supportive, breaking away from typical coming-out stories.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

I absolutely loved this Hallmark movie! It’s about a family getting together to keep a special holiday tradition alive, but everyone’s also going through their own stuff. What really stood out to me was this adorable married gay couple who were hoping to adopt – it was a huge step for Hallmark, which usually focuses on straight couples. They weren’t just there as a couple, they felt like a natural part of the whole family, and it was so well done. Honestly, I think this movie is going to open the door for a lot more diverse stories in future Hallmark holiday films, and that’s something I’m really excited about!

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

Returning home for the holidays, Hugo unexpectedly reconnects with his high school crush thanks to his well-meaning mother. This heartwarming movie, a first for the Lifetime channel, tells the story of a romance between two men, emphasizing the vital role of family and community support for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially during the holidays. The film’s authenticity is boosted by the fact that the two lead actors are a couple in real life. Critics have celebrated its positive and inclusive approach to the holiday rom-com genre.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

A woman searching for the ideal Christmas tree discovers it in a homeowner’s yard, but the owner is reluctant to sell. Their initial disagreement blossoms into a romantic connection. This heartwarming film is notable for portraying a lesbian relationship—a rarity in holiday movies—and explores the balance between career goals and finding love during the festive season. The movie was created as part of a larger push by television networks to appeal to a wider audience with more inclusive stories and representation.

‘Black Christmas’ (2019)

This new version of a well-known horror movie offers a fresh, feminist take on the typical slasher story. Instead of simply being victims, a group of college sorority sisters targeted by a stalker during winter break decide to fight back. The film explores issues like campus life and the abuse of power, all set during a holiday season. While some viewers found the social message a bit heavy-handed, others appreciated how it updated the horror genre. It’s a big change from the original movie, emphasizing female strength and resilience.

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ (2021)

A journalist obsessed with her work is assigned to cover a story in a quaint small town and unexpectedly gets swept up in a fiercely competitive winter contest. The movie stars several drag queens known from RuPaul’s Drag Race and playfully spoofs typical holiday movie clichés with a vibrant, over-the-top style. It offers a fresh and inclusive perspective on the holiday season, exploring traditions through the exciting world of drag. The film is praised for being funny and for challenging conventional holiday expectations.

‘Christmas at the Ranch’ (2021)

This movie tells the story of a city woman who returns to her family’s ranch to help save it from going bankrupt, and unexpectedly falls for one of the ranch hands. The film beautifully portrays the developing connection between these two women as they work side-by-side to protect the ranch. It’s a fresh take on the classic western, incorporating a heartwarming queer romance. With its beautiful scenery and focus on country living, the film has a cozy, holiday vibe, and it’s notable for featuring a diverse couple. It’s also part of a welcome increase in independent holiday films that champion inclusive representation.

‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)

A heartwarming musical fantasy follows a toymaker who rediscovers his joy when his granddaughter unexpectedly comes to live with him, years after a painful betrayal. The film boasts a talented, primarily Black cast, stunning visuals, and original music. It’s a story about the magic of creating things and the importance of family, and it’s been praised for bringing much-needed diversity to the traditional holiday movie landscape. With its captivating visuals, the film promises to delight viewers of all ages.

‘A Sugar & Spice Holiday’ (2020)

A successful architect goes home for Christmas and enters a local baking contest as a tribute to her grandmother. The movie focuses on a Chinese American family and beautifully weaves their cultural traditions into the holiday season. It touches on the challenges of juggling a thriving career with what her family expects of her. This film was a milestone for Lifetime, being their first holiday movie with an Asian American lead. Viewers and critics alike appreciated how realistically it showed the family’s cultural background within a classic holiday story.

‘Candy Cane Lane’ (2023)

I was completely captivated by this movie! It tells the story of a wonderful Black family who, in a bid to win their neighborhood decorating contest, accidentally make a deal with a tricky elf. Things quickly get out of hand, and they find themselves dealing with some truly magical consequences! But what I loved most was seeing how they came together as a family to not only save Christmas, but also to embrace the true spirit of the season. It’s a really fresh take on holiday magic, with amazing energy, creative effects, and a heartwarming look at a diverse family just trying to navigate the usual joys and stresses of Christmas. It’s a modern holiday adventure that really feels special.

‘Dashing Through the Snow’ (2023)

This heartwarming Christmas movie follows a social worker who’s lost his festive cheer. He reluctantly takes his daughter on a work trip on Christmas Eve, and their night takes an unexpected turn when they meet a man claiming to be Santa Claus. It’s a funny and touching adventure story with a Black lead, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and the true spirit of the holidays. The film offers a fresh, modern take on the classic story of someone rediscovering the joy of Christmas, and is designed to appeal to viewers of all backgrounds.

‘Last Christmas’ (2019)

This heartwarming London-set film follows a young woman working as an elf who faces a string of unfortunate events until a chance encounter with a captivating stranger helps her see things differently. The movie boasts a diverse cast, with actors from various Asian and European backgrounds, and tackles important issues like health challenges and the immigrant experience – all while keeping the spirit of the holidays alive. The film beautifully incorporates the music of George Michael to enhance the emotional impact of the story. While some viewers were surprised by the plot’s turns, many praised its realistic take on a Christmas romance.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

A big snowstorm on Christmas Eve traps a group of high school seniors in a small town, forcing them to connect with each other. The movie follows a diverse group of teens as they deal with the ups and downs of love and life. One storyline focuses on a new relationship between two girls. It’s a relatable film that captures the excitement and awkwardness of being a teenager during the holidays, and it’s been praised for showing a wide range of characters and offering a fresh take on holiday stories for young adults.

‘A New Orleans Noel’ (2022)

A new film tells the story of two former college rivals, both architects, who must collaborate on a project for a wealthy New Orleans family. Featuring a largely Black cast, the movie showcases the city’s special holiday customs and centers on the growing connection between the two main characters as they reconnect with the joy of the season. With music and a strong sense of local culture, it offers a fresh take on the classic holiday romance. Critics have applauded the film’s heartwarming performances and its positive portrayal of diverse communities.

‘Merry Liddle Christmas’ (2019)

A driven entrepreneur attempts to create a flawless holiday celebration for her family in her new house, but everything quickly falls apart. The movie realistically portrays the pressures of hosting a holiday get-together for a Black family, and has proven popular enough to inspire multiple sequels that follow the characters’ journeys. Ultimately, the film emphasizes that strong family connections are more important than achieving perfection, and it’s a notable example of the increasing representation of Black families in holiday movies.

‘Holiday Rush’ (2019)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a radio DJ who unexpectedly loses his job just before the holidays. He and his family, accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle, must adjust to a simpler life and a smaller home. As they navigate financial difficulties, they rediscover the importance of family, resilience, and the true spirit of the season. The movie offers a fresh and funny take on holiday struggles, told through the eyes of a Black family, and emphasizes appreciating what truly matters.

‘Christmas With You’ (2022)

A famous singer heads to a quaint town hoping to find inspiration for a new holiday song. While there, she meets a young fan and unexpectedly bonds with the fan’s dad, learning to appreciate a more relaxed way of life. The movie stars a Latinx actor and beautifully incorporates Latin American culture through food and music. It’s a heartwarming story about family, traditions, and celebrating heritage during the holidays, and was made to bring more Latinx stories to the popular holiday rom-com genre.

‘Spirited’ (2022)

This new movie puts a musical spin on a beloved holiday story, but tells it from the point of view of the ghosts! Featuring a diverse cast and plenty of modern humor, it looks at what it means to be good or bad, and whether people fit neatly into those categories. With upbeat musical numbers and a playful, self-aware style, it offers a fresh and energetic take on a familiar tale. The movie was a big production, aiming to update a classic for today’s audiences.

‘Genie’ (2023)

This heartwarming holiday comedy follows a man struggling with his life who unexpectedly gets help from a genie. With a diverse cast, the film offers a magical take on the classic story of someone trying to make things right with their family before Christmas. It’s a funny and touching story about finding balance between work and family, and it’s designed to appeal to a broad audience looking for a fresh, modern holiday movie. The film also showcases a welcome move towards greater diversity in mainstream holiday comedies.

‘The Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

This heartwarming film follows a group of college friends who reconnect during the holidays after a long time apart. Their reunion sparks old feelings and reignites friendly competition. With a talented Black cast, the movie explores themes of friendship and loss, blending the joy of the season with moments of real emotional depth. It was a box office hit, proving audiences crave diverse holiday stories, and continues to be a fan favorite for its honest depiction of how friendships evolve as people grow older.

‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)

An elderly father asks his family for a simple holiday gift: to spend five days getting along with each other. The movie follows this Black family as they work through their disagreements and remember their mother. It’s a funny and heartwarming story that many people can relate to, showing how complicated families can be and how important it is to connect. This film stands out as a holiday movie that specifically focuses on the Black family experience.

‘This Christmas’ (2007)

This heartwarming film follows a Black family reuniting for the holidays after a long time apart, each member carrying their own hidden stories. It beautifully portrays the ups and downs of sibling relationships and highlights the enduring power of family bonds, even when things are tough. With a memorable soundtrack and a cozy holiday setting, it’s become a beloved seasonal tradition and paved the way for more diverse stories about families at Christmas.

‘A Madea Christmas’ (2013)

The movie follows a woman who travels to a small town for the holidays to help her niece. While there, she meets a colorful group of locals. Featuring Tyler Perry’s beloved character Madea, the film uses funny situations and relatable characters to explore themes of family and race. It blends broad comedy with a heartwarming message about what Christmas is really about, and it’s sure to appeal to fans of the Madea series with its familiar, comedic style. The movie offers a fresh, humorous take on the holiday season.

‘Black Nativity’ (2013)

This musical film follows a young man from Baltimore who visits New York City to reconnect with family during the holidays. With a talented Black cast, the story uses music and dance to explore themes of faith, forgiveness, and the importance of family. Inspired by a classic play, it offers a fresh and vibrant take on the Nativity story, tackling the realities of city life and celebrating cultural roots. It’s a unique and soulful addition to the usual holiday movies.

‘Hot Frosty’ (2024)

A heartwarming movie tells the story of a woman who brings a snowman to life with magic. Together, they experience the world before the snowman melts, and the film explores themes of loss and finding happiness again. It’s a light and funny take on classic holiday stories, with a diverse cast, and fits into the current trend of streaming services creating unique holiday films. The movie is especially notable for its playful and unconventional approach to familiar holiday themes, focusing on the main character’s emotional growth.

‘The Merry Gentlemen’ (2024)

To rescue her parents’ struggling theater, a woman comes up with a bold plan: an all-male Christmas revue. The movie is funny and features a diverse group of performers. It’s a heartwarming story about community and family, but with a playful, grown-up twist on traditional holiday films. Critics have praised its original idea and its celebration of the art of performance.

‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a Black single mother raising a teenage son with autism during the holidays. Critics have applauded its realistic portrayal of autism and the lives of those who care for loved ones with neurodevelopmental differences. The film emphasizes the power of community and the importance of finding support, while also showing a family’s journey of growth and hope for the future. It’s a significant contribution to more inclusive and representative storytelling around disability.

‘The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two’ (2020)

A young girl finds Santa Claus again when someone tries to sabotage Christmas and destroy the North Pole. The new movie has a wider range of characters, including people from different backgrounds and creatures from mythology, than the original. It builds on the story of Christmas with a fresh, modern look that everyone can enjoy. The film uses impressive special effects to bring a magical world to life for audiences around the globe, and highlights the message that the joy of the holidays is for everyone.

‘Falling for Christmas’ (2022)

After a skiing accident causes her to lose her memory, a wealthy woman finds herself cared for by a kind lodge owner and his daughter. The film boasts a diverse group of supporting characters and a welcome return for a famous actor in a holiday movie. While it follows a familiar romantic comedy storyline, it’s updated with a fresh, modern sense of humor. The movie proved to be very popular on Netflix, demonstrating that people still love a classic holiday romance. Ultimately, it’s a story about discovering happiness through a more uncomplicated lifestyle.

‘A Jenkins Family Christmas’ (2021)

This heartwarming movie follows two sisters as they attempt to keep their father’s holiday traditions alive, leading to both funny and touching moments. With a talented Black cast, the film realistically portrays how families cope with loss and grief during the holidays, highlighting the strength of family connections and the importance of healing together. It’s a relatable story about the challenges that can surface during festive times and contributes to the increasing number of holiday films showcasing diverse family stories.

‘Reporting for Christmas’ (2023)

A dedicated journalist gets a lighthearted assignment to cover a toy factory, but she unexpectedly connects with the town’s people and a charming toymaker. The movie showcases a diverse community during the holidays and delves into the struggle between pursuing career goals and finding personal happiness. While it follows the classic formula of a holiday romance, it also touches on current social issues, representing a typical approach to holiday films on television.

‘The Noel Diary’ (2022)

A writer returns to his hometown after his mother’s death and uncovers a diary filled with surprising revelations about his family history and a puzzling woman. The movie explores difficult but important topics like adoption and making amends with family, and features a talented, diverse cast. Unlike many typical holiday films, it’s a thoughtful and emotionally resonant story that emphasizes how the past influences our lives. Critics have especially praised the actors and the film’s mature approach to its subject matter.

‘Baking Spirits Bright’ (2021)

This heartwarming holiday film follows a woman determined to revive her family’s struggling fruitcake business. She teams up with a charming marketing expert who has fresh ideas, leading to clashes between tradition and innovation. The story highlights the importance of honoring your heritage while adapting to the modern world. With a diverse cast and a delightful on-screen connection between the lead actors, the movie delivers a classic, feel-good holiday experience and demonstrates a commitment to inclusive seasonal entertainment.

Please share your thoughts on these modern holiday classics in the comments.

2025-12-21 17:49