It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the season when I wistfully wish I still had the tap shoes I shattered dancing to the Spice Girls’ “The Lady is a Vamp” in my kitchen (worth every broken sole). Sure, the Christmas genre is packed with rinse-and-repeat Hallmark movies, but there are plenty of movie musicals worth digging your non-broken tap heels into.
Some classics, like "The Muppet Christmas Carol," fully embrace the holly-jolly spirit, while films like "Rent" use Christmas as a backdrop for bigger, messier stories. And who could forget the endless Christmas specials from our favorite pop stars? (Yes, Mariah, we see you.)
Whether you’re a recovering theater kid like me or just someone who enjoys a catchy score, these seven musicals are worth revisiting while you wait for Santa to bring you rent money that will never come.
'Spirited'
This isn’t your grandma’s "Christmas Carol" — unless your grandma loves Ryan Reynolds dancing in a hallway (same). Spirited injects fresh, melodic life into Charles Dickens’ classic by giving the ghosts real personality beyond “boo, I’m the Ghost of Christmas Past.” The story follows snarky PR guy Clint, deemed “unredeemable” in Purgatory-adjacent limbo, as he shakes up the afterlife hierarchy.
The songs aren’t just filler; they’re Broadway-caliber bops, from the showstopper “That Christmas Morning Feeling” to the tender ballad “Do a Little Good.” Choreography is on point, the fourth wall occasionally cracks, and the cast can actually sing. Ryan Reynolds, Will Ferrell, Octavia Spencer, Rose Byrne and others bring extra sparkle to this 2022 delight.
Watch on Apple TV
'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Story'
With a name like Jeronicus Jangle, you know this musical is going to hit. Melding gospel, soul, and steampunk vibes, "Jingle Jangle" feels like the most original Christmas musical in years. It leans into Black music culture authentically, proving that Christmas joy doesn’t have to follow the typical “pale girl leaves corporate white boyfriend for hot chocolate barista” trope.
The story? A toymaker betrayed by his apprentice loses everything, only to have his granddaughter, Journey, help him reclaim the joy of Christmas decades later. Sure, it’s a touch cliché, but the spectacle, music, and steampunk set pieces more than make up for it.
Watch on Netflix
'Annie'
![Annie (1982) Original Trailer [FHD] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/I78xulb-l0s/maxresdefault.jpg)
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow … JK, I’m dreading tomorrow. But when you’re an 11-year-old orphan in the Great Depression, tomorrow feels magical, especially at Christmas. In 1982’s "Annie," our redheaded heroine is chosen to spend Christmas at billionaire Daddy Warbucks’ mansion, thawing his heart (and his PR image) with curly-haired charm.
It’s classic wholesome musical goodness, from “It’s the Hard Knock Life” to The Rockettes’ nostalgic “Let’s Go to the Movies” number. Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters deliver some iconic performances.
Watch on Netflix
'Rent'
For the queer, starving artists among us (me included), "Rent" is a must-watch. Though it spans a full year, the story begins and ends during the holiday season, giving it Christmas-musical cred. Warning: It’s not holly-jolly fare. Think eviction notices instead of eggnog.
Set in 1989–1990, the film tackles housing costs, addiction, grief and the AIDS epidemic, but at its heart is found family. With Jonathan Larson’s music, Stephen Chbosky’s screenplay and Chris Columbus’ direction, the movie’s Broadway-credible numbers — featuring Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs, Adam Pascal, Jesse L. Martin, and Wilson Jermaine Heredia — empower as much as they entertain.
Watch free on Hoopla
'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
You haven’t truly lived until you’ve heard Kermit sing, “One More Sleep ‘til Christmas.” "The Muppet Christmas Carol" takes the classic Dickens tale and turns it into a delightful mix of puppetry, absurdity and real musical talent.
Michael Caine brings gravitas as Ebenezer Scrooge, while the Muppets add chaos and charm that never feels forced. With Gonzo, Rizzo, Miss Piggy and Tiny Tim bringing their unique voices, the songs land with humor and heart. It’s a perfect blend of camp and genuine emotion, making it timeless for kids and adults alike.
Watch on Disney Plus
'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Halloween meets Christmas in Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion classic. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, stumbles into Christmas Town and decides to “improve” the holiday in his own spooky style. From “Sally’s Song” to the mischievous “Kidnap the Sandy Claws,” the movie is packed with songs that are both haunting and festive, making it a unique holiday staple for the spooky at heart.
Though Tim Burton co-wrote the story, Henry Selick directed, and Danny Elfman composed the music while voicing Jack’s songs. Chris Sarandon provided Jack’s speaking voice, and Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix and Paul Reubens round out a cast that makes this film endlessly rewatchable. Bonus for emo ‘90s kids: Amy Lee of Evanescence did a haunting cover of “Sally’s Song” in 2006.
Watch on Disney Plus
A very pop star Christmas (ft. everyone)
For decades, Christmas music has been dominated by pop stars putting their own spin on holiday classics, and that trend continues to this day. Mariah Carey set the standard with “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” but the roster of stars delivering Christmas specials now spans generations. From Michael Bublé crooning festive jazz to Sabrina Carpenter adding pop sparkle, these specials bring the holiday season to life in ways both fun and heartwarming.
Disney has also gotten in on the action, with star-studded musical events like "The Disney Holiday Sing-Along!" Whether you want an edgy, modern twist on Christmas or the classic diva energy of Carey herself, these pop-centric specials are perfect for caroling in your living room or background holiday cheer while wrapping gifts.
- “Mariah Carey’s Merriest Christmas” on Peacock
- “Kelly Clarkson Presents When Christmas Comes Around” on Peacock
- “The Disney Holiday Sing-Along!” on Disney Plus
- “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter” on Netflix
- “Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City” on Peacock
- “A Very Jonas Brothers Christmas Movie” on Hulu
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