Best Queer Christmas Movies That Prove the Holidays Are Gayer Than Ever

The holiday season has always been a time for magic and togetherness but for a long time queer stories were left out of the festive spotlight. Thankfully that has changed in recent years with a huge wave of inclusive films and television specials that celebrate love in all its forms. From cozy romantic comedies on major networks to indie dramas that explore deeper themes of identity there is now something for everyone to enjoy by the fire. This list highlights some of the most memorable and beloved queer holiday stories that have helped make the season feel more welcoming for the entire community. Whether you want a good cry or a hearty laugh these titles prove that the holidays are more colorful than they have ever been.

‘Season of Love’ (2019)

‘Season of Love’ follows the lives of three very different female couples as they navigate their own romantic challenges during the holidays. The story takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas and features a cast that is almost entirely female and queer. It is one of the first holiday movies to focus specifically on lesbian and queer women in a lighthearted romantic comedy format. The film includes various classic festive activities like gift shopping and attending holiday parties. This production was created through a successful crowdfunding campaign and aimed to provide more representation for queer women in seasonal media.

‘All Is Bright’ (2013)

‘All Is Bright’ tells the story of two men who travel from Quebec to New York City to sell Christmas trees on a street corner. One of the characters is a former thief who is trying to turn his life around and reconcile with his daughter. While the main plot focuses on their business venture the movie features queer supporting characters who interact with the duo in the city. The film stars Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd and leans into a darker tone than typical holiday fare. It captures the reality of trying to make a living during the busiest shopping season of the year.

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ (2021)

‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ is a comedy film that features a huge cast of famous drag queens from across the globe. The story follows a workaholic fashion journalist who visits a small town that is obsessed with the holiday season. She eventually uncovers a plot to destroy the festive spirit and works with the locals to save the day. The movie is a parody of typical television holiday films and includes plenty of humor and campy performances. It highlights the vibrant culture of the drag community while delivering a message about the importance of kindness.

‘Let It Snow’ (2019)

‘Let It Snow’ is about a group of teenagers in a small town who find their friendships and love lives colliding during a massive snowstorm on Christmas Eve. One of the main storylines follows a girl who is struggling to come out and deal with her feelings for a female classmate. The film is based on a popular young adult novel written by three different authors. It features a diverse young cast and focuses on the excitement of growing up during the holidays. The story culminates in a big party where many of the characters finally reveal their true feelings to one another.

‘Christmas at the Golden Dragon’ (2022)

‘Christmas at the Golden Dragon’ centers on a popular Chinese restaurant that is closing its doors after decades of service. The owners and their adult children must figure out what comes next while serving their final holiday meals to the local community. One of the subplots involves a queer romance that develops as the characters come together for the last time. This movie highlights how local businesses serve as hubs for social connection and family traditions. It offers a unique perspective on the holidays by focusing on a family that works through the festive season.

‘Last Train to Christmas’ (2021)

‘Last Train to Christmas’ stars Michael Sheen as a successful man who boards a train in the eighties to visit his family for the holidays. He soon discovers that moving between the different carriages allows him to travel through time to different stages of his life. Throughout his journey he sees how his choices have impacted his loved ones including his queer brother who faces various challenges in different decades. The film uses a magical concept to explore themes of regret and the possibility of change. It provides a unique visual experience as the costumes and sets shift to reflect different eras.

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ (2009)

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ follows a college student who is out and proud at school but hides his sexuality from his parents when he goes home for break. Things get complicated when his boyfriend shows up unannounced at the front door to surprise him. The story explores the tension of living a double life and the fear of coming out to a traditional family. It is a lighthearted romantic comedy that touches on the relatable experience of navigating queer identity in a small town environment. The film concludes with a heartwarming message about the power of honesty and acceptance during the holidays.

‘The Christmas House’ (2020)

‘The Christmas House’ is about a family that gathers together to revive their tradition of transforming their home into a spectacular holiday display. The plot features a gay couple who are anxiously waiting for news about their first child adoption while helping with the decorations. It was one of the first major network holiday films to feature a married same sex couple in a prominent role. The story emphasizes the importance of family support and the different ways people create their own traditions. Many viewers appreciated seeing a queer couple integrated into a classic festive family drama.

‘Single All The Way’ (2021)

‘Single All The Way’ tells the story of a man who convinces his best friend to pretend to be his boyfriend during a trip home for Christmas. He hopes this plan will stop his mother from constantly trying to set him up with new people. However the situation becomes more complex when his mother actually sets him up on a blind date with a handsome local trainer. The film features a cast of comedy veterans and sticks to many beloved holiday movie tropes while offering queer representation. It celebrates the deep bond of friendship and the unexpected ways that romance can blossom during the season.

‘Friends & Family Christmas’ (2023)

‘Friends & Family Christmas’ centers on two women who are pressured by their parents to find partners before the holiday season ends. They decide to pretend to be in a relationship to get through the various social gatherings and family events. As they spend more time together they start to realize that their fake romance might be turning into something real. The movie is set in a bustling city and captures the cozy feeling of festive markets and decorated streets. It provides a modern take on the classic fake dating trope within a queer context.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ (2022)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ follows a former actress who takes on the challenge of directing a town theater production. The story involves a mystery surrounding a local historical document and features a diverse cast of characters. Among the townspeople is a queer couple who are active members of the community and participate in the festive events. The film blends a light mystery with a traditional holiday romance and emphasizes the power of community spirit. It shows how people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate shared history and seasonal joy.

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

‘The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls’ continues the story of the Mitchell family as they engage in a friendly competition over holiday decorations. The two brothers find themselves competing to see who can create the most impressive and elaborate house display in the neighborhood. One brother is part of a gay couple and the film shows their life as parents while they deal with the hilarious stress of the competition. This sequel maintains the warm and comedic tone of the original while expanding on the family dynamics. It highlights the fun and sometimes chaotic nature of holiday traditions among siblings.

‘Our Christmas Mural’ (2023)

‘Our Christmas Mural’ is about an artist who returns to her small hometown after a long absence to enter a local mural competition. She works alongside a local teacher and discovers that the community has changed in many positive ways. The film features queer characters who are integrated into the fabric of the town and contribute to the festive atmosphere. It focuses on themes of homecoming and finding inspiration in one’s roots during the holidays. The story uses the creation of art to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of the season.

‘The Jinglebell Jubilee’ (2023)

‘The Jingle Bell Jubilee’ focuses on a city manager who is tasked with organizing a major holiday festival for his town. He gets help from a childhood friend and the two of them work closely to make the event a success. The plot explores their growing bond and the romantic feelings that develop as they navigate the stresses of event planning. This movie features a queer romance at its center and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. It provides a sweet and optimistic look at finding love in the middle of a busy holiday season.

‘A Christmas to Treasure’ (2022)

‘A Christmas to Treasure’ tells the story of six childhood friends who reunite in their hometown for a special holiday treasure hunt. The hunt was organized by a beloved local woman who passed away and left clues for them to follow. Two of the friends who were once very close discover that they still have strong feelings for each other as they solve the riddles together. The film explores how friendships evolve over time and the importance of honoring shared memories. This queer romance is woven into a story about nostalgia and the magic of reconnecting with the past.

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)

‘Under the Christmas Tree’ follows a woman who is a marketing expert and another woman who is a professional tree whisperer. They clash over a massive tree that is located on a private property but is needed for a major holiday display. As they spend time negotiating they begin to find common ground and develop a romantic attraction. This film was a significant release for a major network because it placed a lesbian romance at the very center of the story. It includes many charming festive moments and emphasizes the idea that love can appear in the most unexpected places.

‘The 12 Days of Christmas Eve’ (2022)

‘The 12 Days of Christmas Eve’ stars Kelsey Grammer as a successful businessman who has neglected his family in favor of his career. After a car accident on Christmas Eve he is given twelve chances to relive the day and make things right with his loved ones. His daughter is queer and her relationship with her partner is a key part of the family dynamics he must repair. The story is a modern take on the classic time loop concept and focuses on personal growth and redemption. It shows the importance of showing up for the people who matter most during the holidays.

‘Some of My Best Friends Are…’ (1971)

‘Some of My Best Friends Are…’ takes place entirely inside a gay bar on Christmas Eve during the early seventies. The film provides a rare look at queer life during that era and features a wide range of characters sharing their stories and struggles. It depicts the bar as a safe haven and a chosen family for people who may not be welcome at traditional holiday gatherings. While the movie has some dramatic moments it also captures the humor and resilience of the community. This story is an important piece of cinematic history that highlights the long standing tradition of queer spaces.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

‘Happiest Season’ focuses on a woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend at her family’s annual holiday party. She soon discovers that her partner has not actually come out to her conservative parents yet and they must pretend to be just friends. The cast features several famous actors including Kristen Stewart and Dan Levy. The film explores the pressure of family expectations and the difficulty of balancing personal truth with traditional celebrations. It balances emotional themes with sharp comedy and a heartwarming resolution.

‘Holiday Heart’ (2000)

‘Holiday Heart’ tells the story of a drag queen who takes in a struggling mother and her young daughter during the holiday season. He provides them with a stable home and becomes a father figure to the girl while the mother deals with various personal issues. The film explores themes of chosen family and the strength it takes to care for others in difficult times. Ving Rhames delivers a powerful performance as the main character who navigates his own identity and faith. This story highlights the compassion and resilience found within the queer community during the winter months.

‘Rent’ (2005)

‘Rent’ is a musical film based on the famous Broadway show about a group of bohemian artists living in New York City. The story begins on Christmas Eve and follows the characters as they deal with poverty and health crises and the search for love. It features several queer relationships including the iconic bond between Angel and Collins. The movie uses a powerful rock score to tell a story about living life to the fullest in the face of adversity. Many of the most memorable scenes take place during festive celebrations that emphasize the importance of community.

‘The Holiday Sitter’ (2022)

‘The Holiday Sitter’ is about a man who is a dedicated bachelor and finds himself babysitting his niece and nephew during the holidays. He is completely out of his element and asks a handsome neighbor to help him manage the kids and the festive preparations. As the two men work together they begin to develop feelings for each other and discover the joys of family life. This movie was a milestone as it was the first holiday film on a major family network to feature a lead gay romance. It uses humor and sweet moments to deliver a traditional story about finding love when you least expect it.

‘Christmas on Cherry Lane’ (2023)

‘Christmas on Cherry Lane’ follows three different families who live in the same house at different points in time. One of the storylines features a queer couple in the modern day who are preparing for a major life change during the holiday season. The film uses a clever structure to show how traditions evolve and stay the same over several decades. It features a diverse cast and explores themes of legacy and the meaning of home. The story brings all the different timelines together for a festive conclusion that celebrates the spirit of the house.

‘The Christmas Setup’ (2020)

‘The Christmas Setup’ focuses on a lawyer who returns to his hometown for the holidays and gets set up by his mother with a former high school crush. The two men spend time together participating in local traditions and discovering that their old spark is still there. This film features a real life married couple in the lead roles which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the romance. It was praised for its positive and lighthearted representation of a gay relationship in a classic holiday movie format. The story includes a supportive community and plenty of festive cheer.

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ (2023)

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ tells the story of the rivalry and eventual romance between the son of the American president and a British prince. A significant portion of their relationship develops during the holiday season as they attend prominent events and spend time at a snowy estate. The film is based on a bestselling novel and features a mix of political drama and romantic comedy. It explores the challenges of being in the public eye while navigating a queer relationship between two different cultures. The festive scenes highlight the grand and intimate moments of their growing connection.

‘The Family Stone’ (2005)

‘The Family Stone’ centers on a woman who spends Christmas with her boyfriend’s large and boisterous family. One of the family members is a gay man named Thad who is deaf and brings his partner home to celebrate. The movie explores the messy and complicated nature of family life during the high pressure holiday season. It features a famous cast and balances moments of drama with festive comedy. This story shows how a family can be both incredibly supportive and deeply difficult when they all gather under one roof.

‘Tangerine’ (2015)

‘Tangerine’ follows a trans sex worker who spends her Christmas Eve searching the streets of Hollywood for her unfaithful boyfriend. The film was famously shot entirely on smartphones and features a vibrant and energetic visual style. It portrays the friendship between two women as they navigate a series of chaotic encounters across the city. The story provides a raw look at a community that is rarely depicted in holiday cinema. It received widespread acclaim for its realistic performances and unique approach to storytelling.

‘Smiley’ (2022)

‘Smiley’ is a romantic comedy series set in Barcelona that begins when a man sends a misdirected voice message to a stranger. The story follows the two men as they navigate a series of coincidences and misunderstandings leading up to the holidays. It captures the festive atmosphere of the city and explores the complexities of modern dating within the queer community. The show features a cast of charming characters and balances lighthearted humor with more emotional moments. It emphasizes the idea that sometimes the best connections happen by complete accident.

‘With Love’ (2021–2023)

‘With Love’ is a television series that follows the Diaz family as they celebrate various holidays together throughout the year. The Christmas episodes are central to the show and highlight the different romantic lives of the family members. One of the main characters is a queer man who is searching for love and navigating his relationship with his supportive family. The show features a diverse cast and addresses themes of identity and tradition within a modern Latino family. It provides a warm and optimistic view of love in all its different forms.

‘Carol’ (2015)

‘Carol’ tells the story of a young shop assistant and an older woman who develop a romantic bond in the early fifties. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a snowy New York City during the Christmas and New Year season. The film is based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith and is known for its beautiful cinematography and period detail. It explores the challenges of queer love during a time of intense social restriction and personal risk. Many viewers consider it a modern classic for its elegant direction and powerful lead performances.

‘Dash & Lily’ (2020)

‘Dash & Lily’ is a holiday romance series that follows two teenagers who trade a notebook back and forth across various locations in New York City. They set each other challenges and share their deepest thoughts without ever meeting in person until the end of the story. One of the main characters has a brother who is queer and provides advice throughout the festive scavenger hunt. The show captures the magic of the city during the holidays and features a variety of iconic landmarks. It is a sweet story about taking risks and finding connection in the most creative ways.

‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)

‘Tokyo Godfathers’ is an animated film about three homeless people who discover a baby in a trash heap on Christmas Eve. One of the main characters is a trans woman named Hana who takes a lead role in caring for the infant while they search for the parents. They embark on a journey through the streets of Tokyo and encounter various characters who provide clues about the child. The story uses a holiday setting to explore themes of redemption and the concept of found family. It features a unique visual style and was created by the acclaimed director Satoshi Kon.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

‘Schitt’s Creek’ follows a wealthy family that loses everything and is forced to move to a small town. The holiday special episode focuses on the father trying to organize a classic Christmas party to bring his family together. It features the relationship between David and Patrick as they celebrate their first holiday as a committed couple. The show received several awards for its performances and writing over its six seasons. This specific episode brings the entire town together for a festive celebration at the motel.

‘Heartstopper’ (2022– )

‘Heartstopper’ is a British series that explores the blossoming romance between two teenage boys at a secondary school. The holiday special content focuses on the characters navigating their first festive season together and supporting each other through personal challenges. It is based on the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman and features a diverse cast of young performers. The show addresses topics like mental health and discovering themselves while maintaining a hopeful tone throughout the episodes. This production has gained a large international following for its positive representation of the queer experience.

Which of these inclusive holiday stories is your absolute favorite to watch when the snow starts falling?