Underrated LGBTQ+ Holiday Films Traditionalists Secretly Love to Hate

Holiday cinema has evolved significantly over the last decade to include more diverse stories and inclusive casts. While traditional formulaic romances remain popular many viewers now seek out queer narratives that bring fresh perspectives to seasonal tropes. These films often blend classic holiday cheer with authentic struggles and celebrations of identity. From romantic comedies on major networks to independent dramas these entries showcase the breadth of modern festive storytelling.

‘The Holiday Sitter’ (2022)

Sam is a workaholic bachelor who is tasked with watching his niece and nephew during the holidays. He finds himself overwhelmed by the responsibilities of childcare and recruits a handsome neighbor named Jason for help. As they spend time together Sam begins to question his fast paced lifestyle and discovers a new sense of belonging. This film made history as the first Hallmark Channel original movie to feature a leading gay romance. It combines traditional tropes with a heartfelt exploration of modern family dynamics.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

The story follows Abby and Harper as they travel to Harper’s family home for the annual Christmas celebration. Abby intends to propose but discovers that Harper has not yet come out to her conservative parents. The couple must navigate a web of lies and social expectations while their relationship is put to the ultimate test. It offers a mix of broad comedy and emotional realism regarding the difficulties of coming out. The film received widespread attention for its star studded cast and contemporary themes.

‘Single All the Way’ (2021)

Peter convinces his best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend during a trip home for Christmas to avoid judgment from his family. His mother has already arranged a blind date for him with a local trainer which complicates the ruse. Throughout the week Peter and Nick realize that their platonic bond might actually be something much deeper. The movie avoids typical tragic queer tropes in favor of a joyful and festive atmosphere. It serves as a lighthearted celebration of friendship and finding love in unexpected places.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

This film centers on the Mitchell family as they come together to recreate their elaborate holiday decorations for the final time. Brandon and his husband Jake are waiting for news about an adoption which adds a layer of anticipation to the gathering. The narrative focuses on the warmth of family traditions and the support found within a tight knit household. It was a milestone for mainstream holiday media by incorporating a married gay couple into a primary storyline. Viewers appreciated the natural integration of queer characters into a classic domestic setting.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

Alma and Charlie clash over the fate of a perfect spruce tree that Alma wants for the governor’s holiday display. Charlie is hesitant to let the tree go because of its sentimental value to her family and business. As they negotiate the pair begins to find common ground and a romantic connection develops between them. This production marked a significant moment for Lifetime as its first lesbian led holiday movie. It delivers a charming romance set against the backdrop of a picturesque winter town.

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

Hugo returns to his hometown for the holidays and finds his mother playing matchmaker with a former high school crush named Patrick. The two men spend the week participating in local festivities and rediscovering their chemistry. Hugo faces a difficult decision when he is offered a major promotion that would take him away from his new connection. The film features real life married couple Ben Lewis and Blake Lee in the leading roles. It is celebrated for its genuine performances and classic seasonal aesthetic.

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ (2009)

Olaf is an out and proud college student who reverts to a closeted lifestyle when he goes home to visit his parents. The situation becomes chaotic when his boyfriend Nathan unexpectedly arrives at the front door. Olaf must juggle his secret identity with his desire to be with the person he loves during the festivities. This independent film explores the humor and tension of the coming out process during high pressure family gatherings. It has become a cult favorite for its relatable portrayal of holiday anxiety.

‘Season of Love’ (2019)

This ensemble romantic comedy follows the lives of several different women as they navigate their own love stories during the holidays. The interconnected tales highlight the various ways people find connection and support during the winter months. It features a diverse cast and focuses on queer female experiences across different ages and backgrounds. The movie is notable for being one of the first multi storyline holiday films dedicated entirely to LGBTQ+ characters. It provides a warm and inclusive look at festive romance and sisterhood.

‘Dashing in December’ (2020)

Wyatt returns to his family’s ranch to convince his mother to sell the property and move to the city. He meets Heath who works on the ranch and has a deep passion for preserving the local holiday traditions. Their initial friction eventually turns into a romantic attraction that makes Wyatt rethink his plans for the future. The film captures the beauty of a rural winter landscape while telling a tender story about home and heritage. It stands out for its high production values and focus on a gay romance in a Western setting.

‘A New York Christmas Wedding’ (2020)

Jennifer is a bride to be who is visited by an angel right before her wedding and shown an alternative reality. In this vision she experiences what her life would have been like if she had pursued her feelings for her childhood best friend Gabrielle. She must decide which path leads to her true happiness before the holiday ends. The movie incorporates elements of magical realism and explores themes of faith and self acceptance. It offers a unique perspective on the traditional wedding film genre.

‘Christmas at the Ranch’ (2021)

Haley is a city girl who travels back to her family ranch to help save it from financial ruin. She encounters Kate who is a tough ranch hand with a deep love for the land and the animals. As they work together to organize a holiday fundraiser they find themselves falling in love. The film follows a classic enemies to lovers trajectory within a cozy festive environment. It provides a simple and heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of community and tradition.

‘Merry & Gay’ (2022)

Becca returns to her small hometown after a successful career in the city and runs into her high school girlfriend Sam. Their mothers collaborate to bring the two women back together through various holiday activities and events. The movie focuses on the rekindling of an old flame and the reconciliation of past mistakes. It offers a lighthearted and colorful take on the reunion trope common in seasonal cinema. The chemistry between the leads helps drive the emotional weight of the narrative.

‘B&B Merry’ (2022)

Tracey is a travel blogger who visits a small bed and breakfast to write a review during the Christmas season. She meets the owner Graham and the two of them team up to save the struggling business from a large developer. Their professional collaboration slowly transforms into a personal connection as they decorate the inn for the holidays. The film utilizes the popular small town setting to tell a sweet and inclusive love story. It emphasizes the value of independent businesses and the magic of a local Christmas.

‘A Christmas to Treasure’ (2022)

A group of estranged friends reunites in their hometown to participate in a holiday scavenger hunt organized by a late mentor. Six and Austin find themselves paired together and must confront the feelings they had for each other in the past. As they solve clues and complete challenges they rediscover the strength of their bond. The movie focuses on the importance of friendship and the nostalgia of childhood memories. It is a celebratory story that highlights the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.

‘Breaking Fast’ (2020)

Mo is a practicing Muslim living in West Hollywood who is recovering from a recent heartbreak. During the month of Ramadan which overlaps with the holiday season he meets an American man named Kal. The two spend time together learning about each other’s cultures and traditions while sharing nightly meals. While not strictly a Christmas film it captures the spirit of the season through its focus on faith and community. It provides a nuanced look at the intersection of religious identity and queer romance.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

A snowstorm hits a small town on Christmas Eve and brings together a group of high school seniors with various romantic interests. Among the many storylines is a budding romance between Dorrie and a girl she met at a party named Kerry. The film explores the complexities of teenage relationships and the courage required to be honest about one’s feelings. It features a diverse ensemble cast and captures the chaotic energy of a winter storm. The movie is based on the popular young adult novel of the same name.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

This high energy film takes place on Christmas Eve and follows two transgender sex workers through the streets of Los Angeles. Sin Dee Rella discovers her boyfriend has been unfaithful and sets out on a mission to find him and the woman he is with. Her friend Alexandra tries to keep the peace while preparing for her own musical performance. The movie is known for being shot entirely on mobile phones and for its raw depiction of life on the margins. It offers a stark and vibrant contrast to traditional sanitized holiday narratives.

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ (2021)

A workaholic fashion journalist is sent to a Christmas obsessed small town to dig up a scandalous story. She finds herself in the middle of a cutthroat winter competition involving eccentric local characters and drag queens. The film is a parody of typical holiday television movies and features a large cast of stars from a popular drag reality show. It leans heavily into camp humor and festive tropes while providing a fun and satirical experience. The production is a colorful celebration of queer culture and holiday excess.

‘A Jenkins Family Christmas’ (2021)

Two sisters return home for the first Christmas since their father passed away and find their family in a state of flux. One sister brings her girlfriend home for the first time which sparks various reactions from the relatives. The family must find a way to honor their traditions while embracing the changes in their lives. The movie balances comedy and drama as it explores the complexities of grief and acceptance. It provides a grounded look at a Black family navigating the holidays with love and honesty.

‘Looking for Her’ (2022)

A young woman named Taylor hires an actress to play her girlfriend for a holiday visit to her family after a recent breakup. The plan becomes complicated when the actress begins to fit into the family dynamic better than expected. As the week progresses the boundary between the performance and reality begins to blur for both women. The film uses a classic romantic comedy premise to explore themes of authenticity and the fear of disappointment. It is a charming addition to the growing list of queer holiday romances.

‘Friendsgiving’ (2020)

Abby and Molly decide to host a quiet Thanksgiving dinner that quickly spirals into a chaotic event with numerous uninvited guests. The film features a variety of characters with different backgrounds and sexual orientations navigating a stressful holiday meal. It highlights the concept of chosen family and the bonds that exist outside of traditional biological structures. The story is filled with adult humor and explores the messy realities of adult friendships. It serves as a reminder that the holidays are often about the people we choose to keep close.

‘Carol’ (2015)

Therese is a young photographer who becomes fascinated by a sophisticated older woman named Carol during the Christmas season in the nineteen fifties. Their chance encounter at a department store leads to a deep and complicated romantic connection. They must navigate the social constraints and legal dangers of their time while pursuing their feelings for each other. The film is celebrated for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. It is a poignant exploration of forbidden love set against a cold winter backdrop.

‘Holiday Heart’ (2000)

A drag queen named Holiday takes in a struggling mother and her daughter during the Christmas season to provide them with a stable home. He becomes a father figure to the young girl and helps the mother navigate her personal demons. The story deals with heavy themes of addiction and social prejudice while emphasizing the power of compassion. It is an emotional drama that showcases the importance of community support systems for those in need. The film provides a rare look at a queer protagonist in a central caregiving role.

‘The Family Stone’ (2005)

The Stone family gathers for Christmas to meet the uptight girlfriend of the eldest son and the weekend is filled with tension. One of the brothers is gay and brings his partner home which is treated as a normal and accepted part of the family unit. Their presence provides a grounded contrast to the more dramatic conflicts occurring among the other siblings. The film is a classic ensemble drama that explores the quirks and deep bonds of a large family. It is remembered for its realistic portrayal of family dynamics and emotional depth.

‘Twinkle All the Way’ (2019)

Two single parents join forces to organize an elaborate holiday wedding for their respective clients. One of the supporting subplots involves a gay couple who are celebrating the season with their families and friends. The film follows the standard structure of a holiday romance while being inclusive of different types of relationships. It highlights the busy nature of the festive season and the joy of finding a partner who shares your passions. The movie is a lighthearted and visually bright production.

‘City of Trees’ (2019)

A professional woman returns to her hometown to help her family with their Christmas tree farm and finds herself falling for a local woman. The story focuses on the struggle to balance career ambitions with the desire for a simpler life in a small community. It incorporates themes of environmental conservation and the importance of preserving local traditions. The film offers a quiet and contemplative look at holiday romance away from the city lights. It is a gentle story about finding where you truly belong.

‘The Great Holiday Bake War’ (2022)

Two former rivals from culinary school compete in a high stakes baking competition during the Christmas season. As they battle for the top prize they realize that their competitive nature hides a mutual respect and attraction. The movie features a diverse cast and includes LGBTQ+ representation within the competitive field. It combines the popularity of cooking shows with the warmth of a holiday romance. The focus on creativity and passion makes it an engaging watch for fans of the genre.

‘Sugar Plum Twist’ (2021)

A young ballerina is passed over for the lead role in a traditional production of The Nutcracker and decides to create her own modern version. She teams up with a Latin dance instructor to blend different styles and cultural traditions into the performance. The film features a lesbian romance as a key part of the narrative and showcases the power of artistic collaboration. It is a vibrant and musical story that encourages viewers to embrace new ways of celebrating old classics. The movie celebrates diversity in the arts and the spirit of innovation.

‘Friends & Family Christmas’ (2023)

Dani and Amelia are set up by their parents and decide to fake a relationship to get through the holiday season without further interference. They find that they have more in common than they initially thought as they attend various festive parties together. The movie follows the popular fake dating trope and applies it to a lesbian couple in a modern urban setting. It is a part of the recent wave of inclusive holiday programming from major networks. The story emphasizes the importance of communication and being true to oneself.

‘The Holiday Exchange’ (2024)

A man who is tired of his repetitive life decides to swap houses with a stranger in another country during the Christmas break. He finds himself in a charming new environment where he meets a local man who shows him the beauty of the area. This film explores the excitement of travel and the possibility of finding love when you step outside of your comfort zone. It provides a fresh take on the house swap premise with a focus on a queer romantic connection. The beautiful scenery and festive atmosphere make it a perfect seasonal watch.

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