Iconic LGBTQ+ Christmas Films That Straight Audiences Can’t Stop Bingeing

The holiday film landscape has expanded significantly to include diverse stories that resonate with viewers from all walks of life. These movies offer a fresh perspective on traditional festive themes while celebrating love and family in many forms. Audiences are increasingly drawn to these narratives for their heartwarming plots and relatable characters. This selection highlights some of the most influential and entertaining LGBTQ+ holiday films available today.

‘Holiday Heart’ (2000)

A drag queen takes in a struggling mother and her daughter during the holiday season to provide them with a stable home. They form an unconventional family unit and support each other through various personal challenges and triumphs. The story deals with themes of addiction and redemption while highlighting the power of compassion. It is a moving drama that offers a different perspective on the meaning of family and community. The film features a powerful lead performance that has resonated with audiences for years.

‘The Family Stone’ (2005)

An uptight businesswoman joins her boyfriend for the holidays to meet his eccentric and tight knit family for the first time. The movie features a prominent storyline involving one of the sons and his partner who are hoping to adopt a child. The dynamics between the family members lead to many emotional and humorous moments throughout the visit. It is a modern classic that explores the messy reality of family life during the festive season. The film is known for its strong performances and realistic portrayal of complex relationships.

‘Rent’ (2005)

This musical follows a group of bohemian friends living in New York City as they struggle with poverty and health issues during the 1980s. The story begins on Christmas Eve and spans an entire year of their lives as they navigate love and loss. It features several central LGBTQ+ characters whose relationships are a core part of the narrative. The film is an adaptation of the famous stage production and includes many iconic songs. It remains a significant piece of media for its representation and emotional depth.

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ (2009)

Olaf is out and proud at his college but returns to his small hometown for Christmas where his parents still think he is straight. The situation becomes incredibly tense when his boyfriend Nathan shows up unannounced at the front door. Olaf must juggle his secret life while dealing with his well meaning but intrusive family. The film uses humor to address the challenges of coming out and the importance of honesty. It has become a cult favorite for its relatable premise and sweet conclusion.

‘Carol’ (2015)

A young photographer becomes fascinated by a glamorous woman she meets while working at a Manhattan department store during the holiday rush. The two women develop a deep bond that challenges the social norms of the mid century era. Their journey across the snowy landscapes of the Midwest reveals the emotional stakes of their burgeoning romance. The film is widely praised for its beautiful cinematography and the chemistry between the lead actors. It remains a landmark piece of cinema that captures the bittersweet nature of seasonal love.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

A transgender sex worker searches through Hollywood on Christmas Eve for the boyfriend who broke her heart while she was in prison. She is joined by her best friend as they navigate various encounters and urban landscapes during the festive night. The film was famously shot entirely on mobile phones and captures a gritty and vibrant side of Los Angeles. It provides a unique and raw look at friendship and survival during the holidays. Critics have lauded the movie for its energy and the performances of its lead actresses.

‘A Merry Christmas Match’ (2019)

Corey lives in a small town and works in her mother’s antique shop while dreaming of a career in theater. She meets a man named Ryder who encourages her to pursue her passions and find her true self. The film includes a supportive LGBTQ+ friendship that is integral to the protagonist’s journey of self discovery. It is a gentle and inspiring holiday story about following your dreams. The festive atmosphere of the shop provides a cozy setting for the unfolding narrative.

‘Christmas on the Range’ (2019)

A woman trying to protect her family ranch finds an ally in a handsome newcomer who has his own secrets. While the main romance is heterosexual the film features supporting LGBTQ+ characters that add depth to the community story. The holiday setting is used to emphasize themes of forgiveness and new beginnings among the neighbors. It is a traditional Western romance with a festive backdrop that appeals to a wide audience. The movie highlights the importance of standing up for what is right.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

A massive snowstorm hits a small town on Christmas Eve and impacts the lives of several high school students in different ways. One of the storylines follows the developing relationship between a girl and a famous singer who is stranded in the town. Another plot focuses on a young woman who is trying to find the courage to express her feelings to her best friend. The interconnected tales explore friendship and romance during a magical winter night. This film is popular with younger audiences for its contemporary feel and relatable themes.

‘Season of Love’ (2019)

This romantic comedy follows the lives of three different couples as they navigate their relationships during the busy holiday season. The interconnected stories explore themes of new beginnings and the challenges of maintaining long term commitments. It features a diverse cast and showcases a variety of perspectives on love and identity. The film is often described as a queer version of popular holiday ensemble movies. Its upbeat soundtrack and festive visuals make it a popular choice for seasonal viewing.

‘Twinkle All the Way’ (2019)

Two single parents who run competing holiday businesses are forced to work together on a massive Christmas wedding project. They must coordinate their different styles while managing the demands of their clients and their own families. The film features a secondary storyline about a gay couple who are celebrating their own holiday traditions. It is a joyful and high energy movie that celebrates the creativity of the season. The story shows how collaboration can lead to both professional and personal success.

‘A New York Christmas Wedding’ (2020)

Jennifer is feeling stressed about her upcoming wedding when she is visited by an angel who shows her what life could have been like. She is transported to an alternate reality where she is engaged to her childhood best friend instead of her current fiancé. The story explores themes of regret and the power of making brave choices for one’s own happiness. It blends magical realism with holiday romance to create a unique narrative experience. The movie highlights the importance of being true to your heart.

‘Dashing in December’ (2020)

Wyatt returns to his family’s ranch to convince his mother to sell the property and its declining holiday attraction. He meets a handsome ranch hand named Heath who is determined to save the winter wonderland for the local community. As they spend time working on the ranch Wyatt begins to rediscover his holiday spirit and develop feelings for Heath. The movie features beautiful rural scenery and a classic romantic narrative structure. It offers a cozy and traditional holiday viewing experience with a modern twist.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

Abby plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper during the annual family Christmas dinner only to discover her partner has not yet come out to her parents. The couple must navigate a weekend full of misunderstandings and high pressure social situations while keeping their relationship a secret. This romantic comedy explores the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of being true to oneself. It features a talented ensemble cast that brings both humor and heart to the screen. The movie was a major streaming success and sparked widespread conversation about holiday traditions.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

The Mitchell family reunites for the holidays to recreate a beloved neighborhood tradition of transforming their home into a festive spectacle. One of the brothers and his husband are anxiously waiting for news regarding their adoption application. The story balances multiple subplots that focus on love and the enduring strength of family bonds. This movie was noted for being the first Hallmark holiday film to feature a prominent gay couple in the main cast. It highlights how traditions can evolve and bring people closer together.

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

Hugo returns home to Milwaukee for the holidays and is surprised when his mother tries to set him up with his high school crush Patrick. The two men reconnect while participating in various festive activities around the town. Hugo faces a difficult decision when he is offered a major career promotion that would require him to move far away. The film captures the charm of small town Christmas celebrations and the excitement of a new romance. It is known for its warm tone and the real life chemistry of its lead actors.

‘Christmas at the Ranch’ (2021)

Haley returns to her family farm to help save it from financial ruin and encounters a dedicated ranch hand named Kate. The two women must work together to organize a holiday event that will generate enough funds to keep the ranch operational. Their initial friction turns into a deep connection as they share their love for the land and the animals. The film provides a scenic and heartwarming story about community and resilience. It is a popular choice for fans of rural holiday romances.

‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)

A single mother navigates the challenges of the holiday season while caring for her son who has autism. She must learn to let go and allow him to find his own independence as he enters adulthood. The film features a supportive community that includes LGBTQ+ friends who help the family through their transition. It is a poignant and realistic look at the complexities of parenting and the power of unconditional love. The story is praised for its sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity and family bonds.

‘Single All The Way’ (2021)

Peter convinces his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays and pretend they are in a relationship to avoid his family’s judgment about his single status. His mother complicates matters by setting him up on a blind date with a handsome fitness trainer. As the week progresses Peter begins to realize that the love he has been searching for might be right in front of him. The film offers a lighthearted and joyful take on the classic fake dating trope. It is celebrated for its positive representation and charming festive atmosphere.

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ (2021)

A fashion journalist is sent to a small town that is obsessed with Christmas to write an expose on their annual winter festival. She gets caught up in a fierce competition involving local residents and a group of drag queens. The film is a campy parody of traditional holiday movies and features many famous performers from the world of drag. It offers a humorous and over the top celebration of the holiday season. Viewers enjoy the vibrant costumes and the satirical take on festive tropes.

‘The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls’ (2021)

The Mitchell brothers find themselves in a friendly but intense competition to see who can create the best holiday house display. Brandon and his husband Jake are back to celebrate another season with their growing family. The sequel expands on the themes of the first film while adding more humor and festive rivalry. It continues to provide positive representation of a loving gay couple within a traditional holiday framework. Fans enjoy the returning cast and the lighthearted spirit of the competition.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

Alma is a marketing expert who discovers a perfect tree for the Governor’s holiday display in the backyard of an enthusiast named Charlie. The two women find themselves at odds over the fate of the tree but slowly develop a romantic attraction. They participate in local holiday competitions and festive events while working through their professional differences. This Lifetime movie delivers a charming story about finding common ground and unexpected love. The film is celebrated for its festive spirit and engaging leads.

‘B&B Merry’ (2022)

A travel blogger visits a charming bed and breakfast during the holidays to write a review and ends up helping the owners save their business. She discovers the beauty of slow living and the importance of genuine connections during her stay. The movie features a diverse cast and includes LGBTQ+ elements that reflect a modern community. It is a relaxing and scenic film that captures the magic of a winter getaway. The story encourages viewers to appreciate the small joys of the season.

‘The 12 Days of Christmas Eve’ (2022)

A successful businessman is given twelve chances to relive the same day and fix his relationships with his family before it is too late. He must learn to prioritize his loved ones over his career and rediscover the true meaning of the holidays. The story features a significant subplot involving his son and his partner as they navigate their own festive challenges. This film blends a classic time loop premise with modern family dynamics and emotional growth. It is a heartwarming tale of redemption and second chances.

‘The Holiday Sitter’ (2022)

Sam is a workaholic bachelor who finds himself babysitting his niece and nephew right before Christmas. He enlists the help of a handsome neighbor named Jason to help him manage the chaotic household. The two men form an unexpected connection as they work together to create a magical holiday experience for the children. This Hallmark production marked a significant milestone for the network by featuring a gay couple as the primary romantic leads. The story emphasizes the value of community and the joy of finding love in unexpected places.

‘Christmas on Cherry Lane’ (2023)

Three different families living on the same street at different points in time experience life changing events during the holiday season. One of the storylines follows a contemporary couple who are preparing for a major milestone in their relationship. The interconnected narratives explore how the spirit of the holidays can bridge gaps between generations. It is a sentimental and thoughtful film that looks at the enduring nature of home and community. The movie provides a unique perspective on how traditions are passed down through the years.

‘Friends & Family Christmas’ (2023)

Two strangers agree to pretend to be a couple to appease their parents during a series of holiday social events. Daniella and Amelia soon realize that their fake relationship is starting to feel like a real one. They navigate the pressures of the season while discovering shared interests and mutual respect. This film follows a popular romantic trope with a queer perspective and plenty of festive charm. It is noted for its modern sensibility and relatable character development.

‘Round and Round’ (2023)

Rachel is stuck in a time loop that forces her to relive her family’s Hanukkah party over and over again. She seeks the help of a nerd named Zach to figure out how to break the cycle and move forward with her life. The film features a prominent gay character who provides humor and guidance to the protagonist throughout her journey. It is a fun and inventive holiday movie that celebrates the traditions of the season. The story highlights the importance of making the most of every moment.

‘The Jinglebell Jubilee’ (2023)

A city dweller returns to his hometown to help a friend organize a local holiday festival and finds himself falling for a charming teacher. They work together to overcome various obstacles and bring the community together for the big event. The story emphasizes the importance of helping others and the joy of small town traditions. It features a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for holiday viewing. The film has been praised for its sweet narrative and likable characters.

Share your favorite LGBTQ+ holiday movies and your must watch recommendations in the comments.