There is nothing like getting comfortable on the couch during the holidays, grabbing some snacks, and putting on a good Christmas movie. But when I’m choosing movies for my family, I also love finding holiday stories where Black families get to experience Christmas joy on screen.
Give me the family reunions, the messy relatives, the Black love, the aunties, the music, the traditions, and somebody’s mama trying to keep everybody together until Christmas dinner.
That’s why I put together this list of some of the best Black Christmas movies to watch during the holiday season. There are family-friendly picks, romantic Christmas movies, comedies, newer releases, and Black holiday classics we can watch again and again.
Whether you’re planning a family Christmas movie night or just looking for something festive to watch after the kids go to bed, there’s something here for you.
What Are the Best Black Christmas Movies?
Some of my favorite Black Christmas movies include This Christmas, The Preacher’s Wife, Almost Christmas, The Best Man Holiday, Jingle Jangle, The Perfect Holiday, Candy Cane Lane, Dashing Through the Snow, Holiday Rush, and Last Holiday.
The best one really depends on what you’re in the mood for. Jingle Jangle is a great choice when I want something magical for family movie night, while This Christmas and Almost Christmas give me all the Black family holiday drama. And if I want romance and nostalgia, I’m probably going back to The Preacher’s Wife.
Pick Your Black Christmas Movie
Not sure what to watch first? Here are a few of my picks depending on what kind of Christmas movie night you’re planning.
| If you’re in the mood for… | Watch this |
|---|---|
| Black family Christmas classic | This Christmas |
| Family drama + lots of laughs | Almost Christmas |
| Black holiday romance | The Preacher’s Wife |
| Magical family movie night | Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey |
| Something newer for the family | Christmas Everyday |
| A funny family Christmas | Unexpected Christmas |
| Christmas rom-com | Meet Me Next Christmas |
| Holiday date night movie | The Best Man Holiday |
| Black girl Christmas magic | A New Diva’s Christmas Carol |
| Cozy feel-good movie | The Perfect Holiday |
Now grab the hot chocolate, get comfortable, and let’s get into my full list of Black Christmas movies worth adding to your holiday watchlist.
24 Best Black Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
1. Christmas Everyday (2025)
Brandy is back in a Christmas movie, so of course this one had to make the list! She stars as Fancy, a fashion designer determined to keep her late father’s Christmas traditions alive while also helping her mom and planning her younger sister’s wedding.
When a burst pipe throws another problem into the mix, Fancy meets Jaylen, the contractor hired to help repair the house. Christmas Everyday gives us romance, family, grief, faith, and plenty of holiday chaos. And I love that Brandy’s real-life daughter, Sy’Rai Smith, plays her younger sister in the movie.
2. Unexpected Christmas (2025)
If your family gatherings come with a little chaos, Unexpected Christmas might feel familiar. The movie stars Lil Rel Howery, Tabitha Brown, and Anna Maria Horsford and centers around a family Christmas that doesn’t exactly go according to plan.
This is a great pick when you want something funny that still gives you the family relationships and holiday heart that make a good Christmas movie.
3. Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)
If you’re looking for a Christmas rom-com, add Meet Me Next Christmas to your list. Christina Milian stars as Layla, who races around New York City trying to get tickets to a sold-out Pentatonix Christmas concert in hopes of reconnecting with the man she believes could be the one.
It’s light, romantic, festive, and an easy choice for a Christmas movie night after the kids go to bed.
4. Too Many Christmases (2024)
What happens when you’re newly married and both families expect you for Christmas? That’s the problem at the center of Too Many Christmases. Rather than disappoint either side, the couple tries to pull off multiple Christmas celebrations.
Anybody who has ever tried to divide the holidays between two families already knows where this is going. It’s a fun addition to the list because the family dynamics make it feel especially relatable during the holidays.
5. Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (2025)
Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas stars Kiki Layne as a woman whose little holiday lie quickly becomes much more complicated than she expected. What starts as an attempt to keep up appearances turns into a Christmas filled with romance, family, and plenty of awkward moments.
This is a fun pick when you want a newer Black Christmas rom-com with a little messiness mixed in with the holiday cheer.
6. A Soulful Christmas (2025)
If you want music with your Christmas movies, A Soulful Christmas brings together family, romance, and R&B. The movie stars Kaci Walfall and Myles Truitt, with Shanice and Kenny Lattimore also joining the cast.
I like having this one on the list because it adds something different from the traditional Christmas rom-com while still giving us plenty of Black holiday joy.
7. This Christmas (2007)
At this point, is it really Christmas until we’ve checked in with the Whitfield family? This Christmas follows the family as everyone comes home for the holidays for the first time in years, and of course, everybody brings their secrets, relationships, and drama with them.
With Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Regina King, Chris Brown, and more, this is one of those Black family Christmas movies I can come back to year after year. Your original article already captures the family chaos that makes this movie such a good fit for the list. Pasted text
8. Almost Christmas (2016)
Almost Christmas brings the Meyers family together for their first Christmas after losing their mother. Their father just wants everybody under one roof long enough to make it through the holiday without completely losing it—which might be asking a little too much.
Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, J.B. Smoove, and an incredible ensemble cast give us humor, grief, sibling drama, and plenty of love. It’s another great choice when you want a Christmas movie that actually feels like a big family gathering.
9. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
The Preacher’s Wife is one of those Christmas movies that never gets old. Whitney Houston stars alongside Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance in this story about an angel named Dudley who arrives to help a pastor struggling with his church, his family, and his faith.
Between Whitney’s voice, the romance, the church community, and all that Black holiday nostalgia, this one deserves its spot as a Black Christmas classic. Your original article describes it as a story of faith, love, and second chances, and that still captures exactly why it belongs here.
10. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
If you’re looking for something magical to watch with the kids, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is one of my favorite options on this list. Forest Whitaker stars as Jeronicus Jangle, a once-famous toymaker whose granddaughter Journey helps him rediscover his creativity and belief in what’s possible.
I especially love seeing a Black family at the center of a big, colorful Christmas fantasy. The music, costumes, inventions, and magic make this an easy choice for Black family Christmas movie night.
11. Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Eddie Murphy brings the laughs in Candy Cane Lane as Chris Carver, a dad determined to win his neighborhood’s Christmas decorating contest. But after making a deal with a mischievous elf, his plan gets completely out of control when the 12 Days of Christmas start coming to life.
It’s funny, chaotic, and centered around a Black family trying to save Christmas, which makes it a fun pick when you want something the family can enjoy together.
12. Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
Dashing Through the Snow stars Chris “Ludacris” Bridges as Eddie, a social worker and dad who has lost his Christmas spirit because of something that happened during his childhood. One very unusual Christmas Eve, with his daughter along for the adventure, starts changing the way he sees the holiday.
Lil Rel Howery and Teyonah Parris also star, and I like this one for families who want a modern Christmas movie with humor, a little holiday magic, and a Black father-and-daughter relationship at the center.
13. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
If you loved The Best Man, then The Best Man Holiday is basically required holiday viewing. The college friends reunite for Christmas years later, bringing old relationships, unresolved feelings, friendship, laughter, and some seriously emotional moments back to the surface.
With Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, and the rest of the cast, this one gives us Black friendship, Black love, and chosen family during the holidays. Just be prepared because this Christmas movie will have you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.
14. The Perfect Holiday (2007)
The Perfect Holiday stars Gabrielle Union as Nancy, a divorced mom whose daughter wants just one thing for Christmas: for her mother to find love. Enter Benjamin, played by Morris Chestnut, and you’ve got the setup for a sweet Black holiday romance.
This is one of those cozy, nostalgic Christmas movies that’s perfect when you want romance without giving up the family element. And Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut in a Christmas rom-com? Say less.
15. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby (2021)
Kelly Rowland returns as Jacquie Liddle in Merry Liddle Christmas Baby, this time preparing to welcome her first child with her husband, Tyler. Meanwhile, the rest of the Liddle family has plenty happening in their own lives, so naturally Christmas comes with a little family mayhem.
I love that this movie gives us a growing Black family celebrating Christmas while navigating marriage, pregnancy, adoption, relationships, and all the changes that come with a new season of life.
16. Our Christmas Journey (2021)
Our Christmas Journey stars Holly Robinson Peete as a single mother navigating a major transition with her autistic teenage son as Christmas approaches. As she learns to give him more independence, she’s also figuring out what that transition means for her as his mother.
This one hits differently for me as an autism mom. Watching our kids grow means constantly figuring out when to step in, when to advocate, and when to give them room to show us what they can do. Having a Christmas movie center a Black family while also including autism makes this one especially meaningful to me.
17. A Miracle Before Christmas (2022)
A Miracle Before Christmas follows Mercedes Wright, a successful relationship therapist who always seems to have the answers for everyone else’s marriage, until her own relationship needs saving. With a little Christmas magic and help from an angel, she has to take some of her own advice.
Starring LeToya Luckett, Romeo Miller, and Keith David, this is a good pick when you want a holiday movie with Black love, marriage, and second chances at the center.
18. Holiday Rush (2019)
Holiday Rush stars Romany Malco as Rush Williams, a widowed radio DJ raising four kids who suddenly loses his job right before Christmas. The family has to give up some of the luxuries they’ve gotten used to and move back into the home where Rush grew up.
I like this one because underneath the romance and Christmas fun is a story about family, starting over, and remembering what really matters when life doesn’t go according to plan.
19. Hip Hop Family Christmas (2022)
If you want a little hip-hop mixed into your holiday movie marathon, Hip Hop Family Christmas follows a famous hip-hop family trying to repair their public image by participating in a live Christmas television special.
Starring MC Lyte, Redman, and Keri Hilson, this one gives us celebrity drama, family dynamics, music, and Christmas all wrapped into one movie.
20. Inventing the Christmas Prince (2022)
Inventing the Christmas Prince stars Tamera Mowry-Housley as Shelby, a rocket engineer who’s ready to quit her job. Things get complicated when her daughter becomes convinced Shelby’s boss is the Christmas Prince from a story her mom created years ago.
It’s sweet, romantic, and has that little bit of Christmas magic that makes it an easy holiday watch. I also like that the mother-daughter relationship is an important part of the story instead of the movie being solely about romance.
21. Coins for Christmas (2018)
Coins for Christmas stars Essence Atkins as Madison, a single mom who finds herself struggling financially just weeks before Christmas. After losing her job and dealing with an ex who isn’t helping, she turns to gig work to make ends meet and eventually starts working for former professional football player Alec, played by Stephen Bishop.
The two definitely don’t hit it off at first, but their unlikely friendship gives both of them a different perspective on life, money, and what really matters during the holidays.
22. Last Holiday (2006)
Okay, Last Holiday isn’t your traditional Christmas movie, but I’m keeping it because Queen Latifah deserves her spot on this list.
She stars as Georgia Byrd, a woman who has spent much of her life dreaming about everything she wants to do “someday.” After receiving life-changing news, she decides she’s done waiting and finally starts living out the possibilities she’s been saving for later.
It’s funny, romantic, and feel-good, but I especially love the reminder to stop postponing joy and actually live your life.
23. Brewster’s Millions: Christmas (2024)
Brewster’s Millions: Christmas puts a holiday spin on the classic Brewster’s Millions story. The movie stars China Anne McClain as Morgan Brewster, who has to complete an unusual challenge involving her uncle’s inheritance while learning some important lessons about money, family, and giving.
With Romeo Miller and Telma Hopkins also in the cast, this newer addition brings Black family, faith, generosity, and Christmas together in one story.
24. A New Diva’s Christmas Carol (2022)
A New Diva’s Christmas Carol gives the classic A Christmas Carol story a modern, Black-girl twist. Ashanti stars as Aphrodite, a successful singer turned reality-show judge who has become cynical about love. Then three Christmas spirits show up to help her reconsider the choices she’s made.
With Vivica A. Fox and Eva Marcille also in the cast, this is a fun choice when you want Christmas nostalgia with music, romance, and plenty of personality.
Make It a Black Family Christmas Movie Night
One of my favorite things about these movies is getting to see us celebrating the holidays in so many different ways. We get the big family gatherings, Black love, church, music, complicated family relationships, beautiful traditions, and most importantly, Black joy.
Whether you’re introducing your kids to The Preacher’s Wife, laughing your way through Almost Christmas, or trying one of the newer Black Christmas movies on this list, I hope you find something your family wants to come back to every holiday season.
Now I want to hear from you: What’s the Black Christmas movie your family has to watch every year? Drop it in the comments because I’m always looking for another one to add to our Christmas movie nights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Christmas Movies
What are some good Black family Christmas movies?
Some good Black family Christmas movies include This Christmas, Almost Christmas, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, Candy Cane Lane, Dashing Through the Snow, and Christmas Everyday. These movies put Black families at the center of holiday stories and offer a mix of comedy, family relationships, music, and Christmas magic.
What are some classic Black Christmas movies?
The Preacher’s Wife is one of the most recognizable Black Christmas classics, starring Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington, and Courtney B. Vance. This Christmas, The Perfect Holiday, and Last Holiday have also become holiday favorites for many Black families.
What are some Black Christmas movies for kids and families?
For family movie night, start with Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, Candy Cane Lane, or Dashing Through the Snow. Because ratings and what families consider appropriate can vary, I recommend checking the current rating and parental guidance for each movie before watching with younger children.
What are some Black Christmas romance movies?
If you’re looking for romance, try The Preacher’s Wife, The Perfect Holiday, Meet Me Next Christmas, The Best Man Holiday, or Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. There are options ranging from light Christmas rom-coms to more emotional stories about love and relationships.
I love the movies you featured. There are some I never seen before and would love to watch this year.