The Five Best Christmas Movies Of The 70s

Ah, the 70s! A time of funky music, wild fashion, and some seriously amazing Christmas movies. While we all love the classics, the 70s brought a whole new vibe to our holiday screens. Let’s take a little trip back in time and revisit some of the coziest, funniest, and most heartwarming holiday flicks from that groovy decade.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

This animated gem is an absolute delight, and it all kicks off with a little bit of a Christmas crisis. In the town of Tinsel Town, everyone is buzzing about Christmas, except for the Grinch-like Mayor, who believes Santa isn't real. He even has a giant mechanical nutcracker to prove it!

The real star of the show is a clever little elf named Woody. Woody is convinced Santa Claus is the real deal and sets out to prove it. He’s got all sorts of ingenious plans to show the mayor the magic of Christmas.

The animation style is so charmingly retro, it instantly transports you back. Plus, the songs are super catchy, especially the one about how Santa uses a polar bear named Niko to pull his sleigh. It’s a sweet reminder that even when things seem hopeless, a little bit of determination (and a smart elf!) can save the day.

The heartwarming message about believing in the impossible makes this a perfect family watch.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Okay, so this one might sound a little sad at first, but trust me, it's pure 70s Christmas gold. It all starts when Santa Claus decides he's feeling a bit under the weather and takes a holiday. He’s tired of all the grumbling and demands, so he thinks maybe he’ll just… take a break.

This, of course, throws the whole world into a tizzy! No Santa means no presents, and the children of the world are devastated. Two of Santa's elves, Jingle and Jangle, decide they can't let this happen. They embark on a grand adventure to convince Santa to get back to work.

Their journey takes them to some pretty unusual places, including the North Pole and a very chilly Mrs. Claus’s house. And let’s not forget the iconic scene with the Snow Miser and the Heat Miser. These two brothers literally control the weather, and their squabbling over who gets to rule the climate is hilarious and surprisingly memorable. The song "Heat Miser" and "Snow Miser" are absolute earworms you'll be humming all season.

What makes this movie so special is the idea that even superheroes need a break, but also how much their presence means to everyone. It’s a fun look at the hard work Santa actually does, and why we shouldn't take him for granted.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) - Wait, this is technically 60s, but its 70s impact is HUGE!

While technically a product of the 60s, A Charlie Brown Christmas absolutely dominated the 70s, becoming a holiday staple for a whole new generation. It’s the ultimate story of finding the true meaning of Christmas when everything else feels a bit… commercial and overwhelming.

Charlie Brown is feeling pretty down in the dumps. He’s surrounded by all the glitz and glamour of Christmas, but he just can’t get into the holiday spirit. He’s questioning the commercialism and wondering what Christmas is really all about.

His friends try to help, but it’s not until he picks out a sad little Christmas tree that things start to change. He feels a connection to this scrawny, pathetic tree, and he decides to bring it home. This sparks a lot of confusion and some hilarious reactions from his pals.

The movie’s genius lies in its simplicity and its honesty. It doesn't shy away from Charlie Brown's melancholy, making his eventual realization all the more powerful. And of course, the scene where Linus recites the story of Christmas from the Bible is incredibly moving. It’s a gentle reminder that the true spirit of the season isn’t about presents or decorations, but about something much deeper.

The iconic dancing and the unforgettable "Good Grief!" are just the icing on the cake.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968) - Another beloved classic that found its footing in the 70s!

Much like Charlie Brown, The Little Drummer Boy, though released in the late 60s, became a cherished and frequently aired holiday tradition throughout the 1970s. It’s a beautifully animated story that explores faith, kindness, and the power of a humble gift.

The story follows a young boy named Aaron, who has lost his family and is living alone. He’s a bit of a loner, his only companions being his loyal donkey and his trusty drum. He feels like he has nothing special to offer anyone.

Then, he hears about the birth of Jesus. With nothing else to give, Aaron decides to travel to Bethlehem to offer his music. His simple drumbeat becomes a way for him to express his love and hope, even when he feels he has nothing else.

The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and a dreamlike quality. The song, of course, is the heart of the film, and hearing Aaron’s rhythmic drumming accompany the nativity scene is incredibly moving. It's a powerful message about how even the smallest among us can make a big difference with a pure heart.

This film is a testament to the idea that the greatest gifts are often those given from the heart.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) - The Original and Still the Best for Many!

Yes, another one that technically hails from the 60s, but the 1970s truly cemented How the Grinch Stole Christmas! as an untouchable holiday classic. This animated marvel, narrated by the legendary Boris Karloff, is a masterclass in holiday cheer (and a cautionary tale about curmudgeons).

High up on Mount Crumpit lives the Grinch, a furry green creature with a heart two sizes too small. He absolutely despises Christmas, the noise, the presents, the carols – it all just grates on his nerves. He decides he’s had enough and devises a wicked plan to steal Christmas from the Whos down in Whoville.

He disguises himself as Santa and his dog Max as a reindeer, and creeps down into Whoville on Christmas Eve. He sneaks into every house, snatching presents, decorations, and all the festive food. The Grinch genuinely believes that without all the stuff, Christmas will be ruined.

But then, the most magical thing happens. The Whos wake up on Christmas morning, and even though all their presents and decorations are gone, they still sing! Their joy isn't dependent on material things. This realization completely melts the Grinch’s cold heart.

The animation is pure Dr. Seuss magic, whimsical and instantly recognizable. The Grinch’s transformation from a bitter outcast to a generous gift-giver is one of the most satisfying arcs in holiday movie history. And the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is, quite frankly, a work of art.

These movies might be from a different era, but their messages of hope, kindness, and the true spirit of Christmas are timeless. So, this year, why not dig out these 70s (and a couple of its 60s foundational) gems and share the holiday joy?