Modern Holiday Films Where Inclusivity Triumphs Over Old-School Cheer

Holiday movies are changing! Instead of the same old stories, we’re now seeing more films that celebrate different cultures and show a wider range of people and families. These movies feel more real and relatable, exploring complex relationships and inclusive love stories while still capturing the joy of the season. This change shows that the film industry is committed to telling stories that reflect how diverse and meaningful celebrations are today.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

Abby is excited to spend the holidays with her girlfriend Harper and her family, hoping to propose during their traditional dinner. However, she quickly learns that Harper hasn’t told her parents she’s in a relationship with a woman, creating tension and complicating things. The story explores the difficulties of meeting family expectations and staying true to who you are, especially during the holidays, and features a talented group of actors portraying the complexities of a modern queer love 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. However, when Peter’s mom sets him up on a blind date with a trainer, both Peter and Nick are forced to confront their real feelings. This movie is groundbreaking for streaming services, as it’s a cheerful holiday rom-com with a gay lead, and it uniquely focuses on the positive support of family instead of the difficulties often shown in coming-out stories.

‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)

A heartwarming film tells the story of an imaginative toymaker whose spirits are lifted when his inventive granddaughter comes to live with him. Featuring a talented, predominantly Black cast, the movie is a vibrant celebration of creativity, brought to life through stunning visuals, catchy musical numbers, and a unique steampunk style. It’s a story about family, overcoming hardship, and the importance of believing in yourself and others. Critics have praised the film’s beautiful visuals and its refreshing focus on diverse perspectives within a fantastical and playful world.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

A family comes together to rebuild a cherished holiday tradition, all while dealing with changes in their own lives. A key part of the story follows a gay couple as they navigate the challenges of adopting a child. This heartwarming film was praised as a step forward for the Hallmark Channel, showcasing a more inclusive approach to holiday stories. Ultimately, the film highlights the importance of acceptance and how families grow and change over time, especially during the holidays.

‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)

This heartwarming film follows a mother raising her son with autism as they spend the holidays at a special care facility. It’s a touching story about learning to let go and support loved ones as they grow more independent. The movie offers a thoughtful and realistic look at neurodiversity, especially within the context of holiday family stories. Ultimately, it highlights the power of community and the special ways all families mark important moments.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

Alma, a marketing professional, and Charlie, who loves Christmas trees, clash while trying to find the perfect tree for the governor’s holiday party. As they work together, their competitive spirit blossoms into a romance, fueled by their shared passion for the holidays and its traditions. This heartwarming film is a lesbian holiday romance that emphasizes the joy of connection and self-discovery, rather than dramatic conflict, and shows how love can unexpectedly bloom during the festive season.

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

Hugo goes home for the holidays and finds his mother trying to set him up with Patrick, someone he had a crush on in high school. As they reconnect, Hugo is also thinking about a big job opportunity that might mean leaving his hometown. This movie was important because it was one of the first mainstream holiday films to feature an LGBTQ+ love story, and it highlights how valuable both community and revisiting your past can be.

‘Christmas on Cherry Lane’ (2023)

This heartwarming film follows three families on the same street as they navigate big changes while getting ready for the holidays. We see a young couple expecting a baby and another preparing to welcome foster children, showcasing the many ways people build a sense of belonging and family during the festive season. Critics have praised the film for its realistic portrayal of different generations and its inclusive storytelling.

‘Holiday Rush’ (2019)

Just before the holidays, a well-known radio DJ unexpectedly loses his job and faces the challenge of providing for his four children. Determined to stay on the air, he purchases a small, local radio station and his family downsizes to a more modest home. The story highlights the importance of financial strength, discovering what truly matters in life beyond possessions, and the power of family as they navigate a big change. It features a primarily Black cast and celebrates the resilience of the family bond.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

A big snowstorm on Christmas Eve throws the lives of several high school seniors into chaos, affecting their relationships and futures. The movie weaves together multiple stories, including a hidden romance and a new connection between two girls. It’s a fresh, funny look at being a teenager, exploring different experiences with love and friendship. Set against a snowy winter landscape, the film captures the excitement and confusion of growing up.

‘The Holiday Calendar’ (2018)

A gifted photographer comes into possession of an old-fashioned advent calendar that surprisingly seems to foretell what will happen to her, including a budding romance. Each day, the calendar’s clues guide her, and she slowly discovers the person she’s been searching for might be someone she already knows. The film boasts a diverse cast and offers a unique take on familiar holiday themes, delving into the importance of both career goals and meaningful relationships.

‘Candy Cane Lane’ (2023)

A dad, determined to win his neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest, makes a bargain with a playful elf. The elf’s magic brings the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ to life, creating hilarious chaos for his family and neighbors. This movie is a fun, energetic holiday adventure that celebrates family and shows what can happen when competition gets out of hand. It features a vibrant Black family and blends familiar holiday traditions with unique cultural touches.

‘Last Christmas’ (2019)

Kate, a young woman working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop, keeps facing one misfortune after another. When she meets a man named Tom, he helps her see things differently and encourages her to reconnect with her family. The story, set in modern London, features a diverse group of characters, including actors of East Asian descent, and explores what it means to be an immigrant. It’s a heartwarming romance with a focus on personal development and doing what’s right.

‘Dashing Through the Snow’ (2023)

A disillusioned social worker, who’s lost his Christmas spirit, takes his daughter with him while he works on Christmas Eve. During their shift, they meet a strange man in a red suit who takes them on a surprising journey, forcing the social worker to reconsider his negative outlook on life. The movie highlights the bond between a father and daughter and shows how it’s possible to find happiness again after difficult times. It’s set in a diverse city and captures the spirit of community during the holiday season.

‘Genie’ (2023)

A busy man, juggling work and family, unexpectedly finds a genie in an old jewelry box. As he tries to reconnect with his wife and daughter before the holidays are over, the genie helps him understand what’s most important in life. This funny and heartwarming story offers a fresh, modern take on the classic ‘wish come true’ tale, looking at the challenges of today’s relationships and reminding us to cherish the people we love.

‘Hot Frosty’ (2024)

After losing her husband, a woman experiences a heartwarming surprise when she brings a snowman to life. This magical event helps her rediscover happiness and opens her heart to love again. The story beautifully portrays her journey of healing, aided by the warmth of her community during the winter months. It’s a charming holiday tale that blends fantasy with honest emotions about loss and new beginnings, brought to life by a funny and diverse group of supporting characters.

‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ (2024)

Layla races across New York City, desperately trying to find a ticket to a sold-out holiday concert – she’s hoping to meet her dream guy! She gets help from a ticket expert, and along the way, realizes that the person she’s meant to be with might surprise her. The story captures the lively spirit of New York and its people during the busy holiday season, blending classic rom-com tropes with a modern emphasis on taking control of your own life and the magic of unexpected connections.

‘The Merry Gentlemen’ (2024)

A woman comes up with a creative plan to save her parents’ local theater: an all-male Christmas variety show! She gathers a group of talented and diverse men from town to help put on the production. The movie celebrates the strength of community, the value of local traditions, and the power of working together, offering a fresh and inclusive take on the familiar story of saving a beloved theater.

‘Our Little Secret’ (2024)

When two exes discover their new partners are siblings, they’re unexpectedly thrown together for the holidays. They have to pretend their past relationship never happened while dealing with increasingly awkward family events. The movie is a funny look at modern families and the complications of dating, showing that honesty is key when blending families – especially during the holidays!

‘That Christmas’ (2024)

This heartwarming animated movie weaves together several stories about finding love and connection during the holiday season. It follows a group of families as they navigate a big snowstorm and surprising visitors. Set against a stunning winter backdrop, the film features a variety of characters and family structures, and explores the importance of kindness and generosity.

‘Dash & Lily’ (2020)

In New York City, two teens connect by passing a notebook back and forth, challenging each other and sharing their hopes for the future. The story showcases the city’s diverse communities and different family lives, and it looks at feelings of loneliness and the search for connection during the bustling holiday season in a new and creative way. It’s a fresh take on growing up, celebrating the special energy of New York City.

‘Falling for Christmas’ (2022)

Okay, so I just saw this charming little film, and honestly, it’s a heartwarming treat. It centers around a seriously pampered hotel heiress who wipes her memory in a ski accident – talk about a life change! She ends up relying on a kind lodge owner and his daughter, and it’s beautiful to watch her discover what real work and community actually mean. It takes that familiar ‘rich girl loses everything’ story and gives it a really fresh, inclusive spin, focusing more on her journey to becoming a better person. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but it is a genuinely feel-good movie – a lovely reminder of the power of kindness and starting over.

‘Something from Tiffany’s’ (2022)

When two couples’ holiday gifts get mixed up at a popular jewelry store, their lives take an unexpected turn. As they try to swap the presents and get everything sorted out, they form new connections and are forced to be honest with each other. The movie follows these diverse couples as they navigate the challenges of love and relationships in the city, offering a fresh and realistic take on holiday romance.

‘The Noel Diary’ (2022)

A popular author goes back to his hometown after his mother passes away and finds a diary revealing surprising truths about his own life. He teams up with a woman looking for her biological mother, and together they set out to uncover the answers they both desperately need. The story delves into the complexities of adoption and finding out who you are, all set against the backdrop of changing seasons. It’s a film about how facing your family’s past can help you grow as a person.

‘Your Christmas or Mine?’ (2022)

A couple playfully plans a Christmas Eve surprise: they decide to secretly take each other’s trains home, hoping to visit each other’s families. However, the plan backfires, and they each find themselves stuck celebrating the holidays with people they’ve never met. As they navigate unfamiliar family traditions and social dynamics, they learn a lot about their partner’s past. This charming British film uses humor and warmth to show how important it is to understand where someone comes from in order to build a strong relationship.

‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’ (2023)

Charlotte feels down after reading her friend’s yearly, brag-filled holiday update, and unexpectedly finds herself at their house. She tries to show that her friend’s life isn’t as flawless as it appears, all while dealing with the craziness of the holidays. The story explores how social media creates pressure to seem perfect and highlights the importance of genuine friendships. It includes a variety of characters and offers a fresh look at how competitive the holidays can be.

‘A Hollywood Christmas’ (2022)

A holiday movie director finds her life mirroring one of her own films when a charming executive from the network starts interfering with her latest project. She has to navigate her career goals and blossoming feelings for him while fighting to finish the movie. The film playfully examines the familiar tropes of holiday romances, and importantly, highlights the need for more diversity both on and off screen, showcasing a modern and inclusive cast and crew.

‘8-Bit Christmas’ (2021)

This heartwarming film tells the story of a boy in the late 1980s determined to get the newest video game console for Christmas. Told as a father sharing a memory with his daughter, it’s a charming look back at how technology has changed and how family traditions endure. With a diverse cast of characters, the movie celebrates the power of childhood determination and the sacrifices parents make, all while capturing the special feeling of holiday gift-giving.

‘Friendsgiving’ (2020)

A heartwarming and funny movie follows two close friends as they attempt to host a Thanksgiving dinner that quickly spirals into delightful chaos. As a mix of friends, acquaintances, and surprise guests gather, hilarious misunderstandings and honest moments unfold, revealing everyone’s personal struggles. The film celebrates the idea of chosen family and the power of friendship, especially during the holidays, offering a fresh take on how we celebrate traditions today.

‘A New York Christmas Wedding’ (2020)

Jennifer is on the verge of getting married, but she can’t help but wonder ‘what if’ she’d chosen a different path. An angel appears and gives her a glimpse into an alternate life where she’s with the person she truly loves and her close friend. Set in a vibrant city, the story beautifully explores themes of being true to yourself, accepting others, and finding love – especially within the context of queer identity and faith. It’s a touching story about the choices we make and the importance of living an authentic life.

Please share which of these inclusive holiday stories resonated most with you in the comments.

2025-12-24 14:48