Streaming Christmas Movies

There’s something really special about those classic black-and-white Christmas movies.

Is it the soft glow of the film, or the way the stories capture a sense of hope and warmth that never seems to fade? For many of us, these classics feel like stepping back into a simpler time - when Christmas meant family gatherings, snowy nights, and heartfelt stories about kindness.

Well now you don’t need to wait for that rare TV broadcast to enjoy them. Many of the best black-and-white Christmas classics are now available on popular streaming services.

Here's a guide to some of the best classic Christmas movies that you can watch with just a few clicks.


It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Let’s start with the most famous one. “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a holiday tradition for countless families. If you only watch one black-and-white Christmas movie this year, make it this one.

Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man who feels like his life hasn’t amounted to much - until an angel named Clarence shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.

This classic sometimes airs on regular TV channels near the holidays, but you can usually find it on services like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Apple TV, and sometimes even for free on places like Tubi.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This one is pure holiday magic. A department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, and a young girl (played by Natalie Wood) has to decide whether to believe. It’s part courtroom drama, part Christmas fairy tale, and it still makes you want to believe in Santa no matter your age. It’s a really sweet story that's all about faith and believing in things you can't see.

This 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street, as well as the 1994 remake, often air on regular TV a couple of times near Christmas. But, if you miss it, or you just can’t wait for the holiday season, it is often available for streaming on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV. And it is sometimes available for free on Tubi or The Roku Channel.

Holiday Inn (1942)
This musical starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire isn’t strictly a Christmas movie. It is a fun musical about a retired singer who opens up a country inn that's only open on holidays. So, it covers all the holidays, and it gave the world one of the most famous Christmas songs ever - “White Christmas”. The mix of music, dance, and old-school Hollywood glamour makes it a fun watch if you want something lighthearted.

This classic is rarely shown on regular TV channels, so streaming may be your only chance to enjoy this great old movie. It can often be found on Peacock, Amazon Video, Disney+, or Apple TV.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Before *You’ve Got Mail*, there was this charming romantic comedy set during Christmas time in a small Budapest gift shop. Two co-workers who can’t stand each other don’t realize they’re also anonymous pen pals falling in love. While not strictly a Christmas movie, the holiday backdrop makes it a wonderful seasonal choice.

This movie occasionally shows up on regular TV - keep your eye on the Turner Classic Movies channel if you want to find it. It is often available on HBO Max, and you may also find it on Amazon Video and Apple TV.

A Christmas Carol (1938 and 1951 versions)
There are countless versions of Charles Dickens’ classic, but these early black-and-white adaptations have a special charm. Some people prefer the earlier 1938 version, but the 1951 version with Alastair Sim is often considered the best.

If you love the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a grumpy, greedy old man to someone full of holiday spirit, these films bring it to life in haunting, memorable ways.

Either version of this movie sometimes airs on regular TV – often on the Turner Classic Movies channel.

Both versions can often be found on many different streaming services, so it’s usually pretty easy to find. Check for it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, or even on free services like Tubi or YouTube.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
While not exclusively a Christmas movie, the film features one of the most iconic holiday sequences in cinema - the “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” scene.

It can typically be found on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube TV. Many times it is also broadcast near the holidays on regular TV - check Turner Classic Movies or the Movies! TV Network.

The Bishop's Wife (1947)
This one is a hidden gem. It stars Cary Grant as an angel named Dudley who is sent to help a struggling bishop raise money for a new cathedral. But, not surprisingly, Dudley ends up being a little too charming and everyone, including the bishop's wife, falls for him. It's a fun, lighthearted movie with a great message about what's truly important. It's a great choice if you're looking for something a bit different but still full of that vintage holiday cheer.

Stream this movie on Amazon Video, Apple TV, or on Roku. It is also available to watch for free on YouTube


Some people hesitate to watch older black-and-white films, thinking they’ll feel outdated or slow. But that’s part of their charm. The pacing is gentler, the acting feels more theatrical, and the messages - about kindness, hope, and generosity - are timeless.

Streaming services have made it easier than ever to experience the magic of Christmas past. And if you feel the need to watch one of these movies right now, check the Just Watch website and search for your favorite to find where it is currently streaming.

So, this holiday season, why not try something a little different and step back in time? These classic black-and-white films are more than just old movies - they’re a piece of Christmas history. They remind us that the best stories are the ones that never lose their magic, no matter how many years go by.

So, grab some hot chocolate, snuggle under a blanket, and press play on a classic that never goes out of style.