National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a beloved holiday comedy that has entertained audiences for decades. If you’re a fan of this genre and looking for similar films to get into the festive spirit, you’re in luck. Here are 17 movies that capture the same holiday humor and charm. Learn more about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
1. Home Alone
This classic holiday film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
2. Elf
In this heartwarming comedy, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy travels to New York City to find his real father, played by James Caan, and spreads Christmas cheer along the way.
3. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus after the original Santa falls off his roof. As Scott transforms into Santa, he must navigate his new responsibilities while convincing his skeptical family.
4. Christmas with the Kranks
Based on the novel “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham, this comedy stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as a couple who decide to skip Christmas, only to face backlash from their neighbors. Their plans change when their daughter decides to come home for the holidays.
5. Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a father on a frantic quest to find the hottest toy of the season for his son. The film highlights the chaos of holiday shopping and the lengths parents will go to make their children happy.
6. Scrooged
This modern take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” stars Bill Murray as a cynical television executive. He is visited by three ghosts who help him rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
7. Four Christmases
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star as a couple who must visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. The film explores the comedic chaos that ensues during their holiday visits.
8. Deck the Halls
This holiday comedy stars Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick as neighbors who go head-to-head in a Christmas lights competition. Their rivalry leads to hilarious antics and festive chaos.
9. Bad Santa
Billy Bob Thornton stars as a conman who poses as a mall Santa to rob stores on Christmas Eve. His plans are complicated when he befriends a troubled kid and a security guard catches on to his scheme.
10. A Christmas Story
Set in the 1940s, this nostalgic comedy follows young Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The film captures the humorous and heartwarming moments of a family’s holiday season.
11. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Steve Martin and John Candy star in this Thanksgiving comedy about two mismatched travelers trying to get home for the holidays. Their journey is filled with hilarious mishaps and unexpected bonding.
12. The Holiday
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as two women who swap homes for the holidays to escape their romantic troubles. The film also features Jude Law and Jack Black as their unexpected love interests.
13. Fred Claus
Vince Vaughn stars as Fred Claus, Santa’s less-than-jolly brother who is forced to move to the North Pole. Fred’s antics create chaos, but he ultimately helps save Christmas.
14. Love Actually
This ensemble romantic comedy features an all-star cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Colin Firth. The film weaves together multiple love stories set during the holiday season.
15. The Family Stone
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as an uptight woman who meets her boyfriend’s eccentric family during Christmas. The film explores family dynamics and holiday tensions with humor and heart.
16. Office Christmas Party
Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in this comedy about a company holiday party that spirals out of control. The film is filled with outrageous antics and festive fun.
17. Ernest Saves Christmas
Jim Varney stars as the lovable Ernest P. Worrell, who helps Santa Claus find a successor. The film is filled with slapstick humor and holiday cheer.
These films are sure to bring laughter and joy to your holiday season, just like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Enjoy the festive fun!