The best LGBTQ+ holiday movies to watch this season.

Cozy up with these LGBTQ+ holiday movies

From Clea DuVall's Happiest Season to Hallmark's The Christmas House, this year has seen an explosion of LGBTQ+ holiday movies. Considering LGBTQ+ storylines are largely excluded from this genre, this is a positive message for the community.

While the majority of 2020 may have not given us a lot of cheer, the holiday season is nearly upon us! While it's going to look and feel a lot different this year considering the ongoing pandemic, these holiday movies will no doubt make the countdown to Christmas fun with all the LGBTQ+ content to help us get in the spirit! 

Ready to make the Yuletide Gay this holiday season?

Happiest Season (2020)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h58HkQV1gHY&t=18s
via YouTube

One of the most anticipated Christmas films, Happiest Season, centers on Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper's (Mackenzie Davis) relationship. However, when Abby plans to propose to her girlfriend while at her family's annual holiday party she discovers Harper hasn't yet come out to her conservative parents.

The cheesy, fun and moving film proves touches on wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.

Where to watch: Hulu

The Christmas House (2020)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw3mqn3yah8
via YouTube

This Hallmark film features a star-studded cast and heartfelt gay storyline. In The Christmas House, Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett plays Brandon. His parents, who are having trouble in their marriage, have summoned him and his brother home for what may be the last Christmas in their childhood home.

Brandon and his husband Jake (Brad Harder) head back to Brandon’s hometown for the festivities. But the Christmas celebrations are colored with anxiety as the couple waits to hear whether the adoption of their first child will go through. 

Where to watch: The Christmas House airs Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. 

Carol (2015)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=679wr31SXWk
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In contrast to the list of light and cheery flicks for the holidays, Todd Haynes’ lesbian romance is still a gorgeous snapshot of midcentury glamour: Cate Blanchett plays an upscale housewife struggling with her attraction to Therese (Rooney Mara), a department store clerk she meets while buying a Christmas present for her daughter. As an immediate connection sparks between them and their connection deepens. Carol will haunt you with its tale of forbidden love and a quest to live authentically.

Where to watch: Netflix

Holiday Heart (2000)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q5uyoE0Hm4
via YouTube

This little hidden gem features Ving Rhames (“Pulp Fiction,” “Mission Impossible”) as a Christmas miracle that comes in the shape of a drag queen. A drag performer, Holiday Heart, takes in a crack-addicted woman and her daughter in an attempt to help get them back on their feet. While heavy-handed at times, it is a must-see film.

Where to watch: Prime Video

The Christmas Setup (2020)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vAxvFMAMMI
via YouTube

The Christmas Setup is one of Lifetime's first holiday movies to showcase an LGBTQ+ romance. In this original, Ben Lewis and Ben Lee play leads where Lewis (as Hugo) returns home to Milwaukee for the holidays. While there, his mother Kate (Fran Drescher) has arranged for him to run into his secret high school crush, Patrick (played by Lee). The pair hit it off but in the end, Hugo must decide between his career and love.

Where to watch: The Christmas Setup is out on December 12 at 8 p.m.

New York Christmas Wedding (2020)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va9lkyBiTkc
via YouTube

Put a little paranormal in your holiday celebrations! Netflix’s latest LGBTQ+ holiday movie, A New York Christmas Wedding, features a lead bisexual character, Jennifer (Nia Fairweather). Amid her upcoming nuptials to her fiancé, David (Otoja Abit) Jennifer gets cold feet when David’s mother (Tyra Ferrell) insists on a massive Christmas wedding.

However, a twist of fate brings Jennifer, who’s grieving from the recent loss of her father and the long-ago loss of her best friend, Gabrielle (Adriana DeMeo), together with her guardian angel, Azrael (Cooper Koch). He conjures an alternate world where Gabrielle and Jennifer’s father are still alive and Jennifer gets a second shot at love with Gabrielle.

Where to watch: Netflix

Dashing in December (2020)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWeCkrg8VUU
via YouTube

Dashing in December follows the story of Wyatt (Peter Porte), "a sophisticated, New York City financier who returns home for the holidays in an effort to convince his mother, Deb (Andie MacDowell) to sell the family’s ranch and beloved magical Winter Wonderland attraction." In the middle of his mission, an unexpected romance ignites with the new ranch hand Heath (Juan Pablo Di Pace) reawakening the spirit of Christmas.

Where to watch: Dashing in December premieres December 13 at 7 p.m. on Paramount Network.

12 Dates of Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVy8uODSPiQ
via YouTube

A show that is sure to shake up the usual cheesy storylines, 12 Dates of Christmas follows three hopelessly romantic singles—Faith, Chad, and Garrett—on “their journey to meet that special someone to bring home for the holidays.” Garrett is a gay New York-based real estate developer searching for a man to kiss under the mistletoe. The show promises drama, suspense and laughs to get you through the season!

Where to watch: HBO Max


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