Get in the spirit with our favorite holidays docs!
Holiday-themed documentaries often capture the spirit, traditions, and cultural significance of various celebrations, offering insights into how people around the world observe these festive times. Here are ten of our favorite holiday-themed documentaries and where to find them.
“Jingle Bell Rocks!” (2013)
- Theme: Christmas music
- This documentary explores the obsession with Christmas music through the lens of collectors, musicians, and performers who are passionate about holiday tunes. It highlights obscure and unique holiday songs, showcasing the stories behind them.
Where to Watch: With Free Trial Available with Fandor on Amazon Prime
“Becoming Santa” (2011)
- Theme: Christmas
- This heartwarming documentary follows a man who decides to take on the role of Santa Claus for a season. The film explores the history of Santa Claus, the training process to become one, and the impact that portraying Santa has on the people who do it.
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi, Xumo Play, Roku, PLEX & with subscription on Amazon Prime
“A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition” (2001)
- Theme: Behind the scenes
- This short documentary delves into the creation of the iconic 1965 animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It offers insights into Charles Schulz’s inspiration, the animation process, and how the special became a holiday staple.
Where to Watch: Free on YouTube
“Hanukkah: A Festival of Delights” (2018)
- Theme: Hanukkah
- This PBS documentary offers a comprehensive look at the history, traditions, and modern celebrations of Hanukkah. It explores the origins of the holiday and how it has evolved into a significant cultural event for Jewish people around the world.
Where to Watch: Check Local PBS listings during the holidays | Trailer
“Christmas in Yellowstone” (2006)
- Theme: Nature and wildlife during Christmas
- This PBS Nature documentary provides a stunning look at Yellowstone National Park during the winter holiday season. It showcases the beauty of the park covered in snow, focusing on how wildlife, including wolves, bison, and elk, survive in such harsh conditions. The film also features the few humans who experience Yellowstone in winter, celebrating the wonder of Christmas in this unique and wild environment.
Where to Watch: Full Episode Available from PBS with Donation
“Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas” (1997)
- Theme: Christmas history
- Produced by the History Channel, this documentary takes a deep dive into the origins of Christmas, from its pagan roots to its modern-day commercialism. It sheds light on the myths, traditions, and commercialization that have shaped the holiday over time.
Where to Watch: Free on YouTube
“The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Making of Tim Burton’s Halloween Classic” (2000)
- Theme: Behind the scenes
- This behind-the-scenes documentary focuses on the production of Tim Burton’s cult classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” While not purely a holiday documentary, it covers both Halloween and Christmas, making it a perfect crossover for both holidays.
Where to Watch: Free on YouTube
“Diwali: A Hindu Festival of Lights” (2007)
- Theme: Diwali
- This documentary takes a deep dive into the Hindu festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It explores the religious and cultural significance of the holiday, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The film showcases vibrant traditions, family gatherings, rituals, and how the festival is celebrated across different regions of India and the world.
Where to Watch: Free on YouTube
“The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration” (2008)
- Theme: Kwanzaa
- Narrated by Maya Angelou, this documentary explores the origins, meaning, and cultural significance of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African-American heritage and unity. The film delves into the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how the holiday has grown to be a meaningful expression of identity, community, and resilience. It also features interviews with scholars, activists, and families who explain what Kwanzaa means to them.
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi, Xumo Play, Roku, PLEX & with subscription on Amazon Prime, Peacock, and YouTubeTV
“Santa Camp” (2022)
- Theme: Inclusivity and Santa Claus
- This documentary, released on HBO Max, follows a group of Santas attending a summer camp designed to diversify the traditional image of Santa Claus. It addresses the importance of inclusivity and representation during the holiday season.
Where to Watch: With subscription on Max
As the weather cools off, it’s always comforting to dust off your favorite classic holiday movies for your viewing rotation. Now you can add a few documentaries to your list! These films offer a range of perspectives, from the historical and cultural to the fun and festive, making them great choices to get into the holiday spirit.
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