Sitting down for a big yuletide meal is an annual ritual for millions of families. The best Christmas dinner scenes in movies capture -- and, if we're being honest, sometimes exaggerate -- that experience. Many Christmas-themed films use such sequences because they offer a lot of important possibilites. For starters, showing the characters sitting down to eat together is realistic. There is also an opportunity to pull various elements together in a meaningful way. Everyone can talk, fight, or make up. Aspects of their personalities can be revealed. If the writing is good, these moments become highlights of the films.
The most famous Christmas dinner scenes in movies include the Griswold clan dealing with dry turkey and the doddering Aunt Bethany mistaking the Pledge of Allegiance for grace in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And who could forget the Parker family eating at the only open establishment, a Chinese restaurant, in A Christmas Story? Those are funny Christmas dinner scenes. Others are more dramatic, like the one in Same Kind of Different as Me, in which tensions between a family rise to the surface. Believe it or not, there are even a couple of great horror examples.
Vote up the best Christmas dinner scenes in movies from the list below, regardless of which genre they are from.
In the comedic holiday film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) dreams of hosting a perfect, old-fashioned family Christmas. His wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and kids Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) are along for the ride. The arrival of both sets of in-laws and eccentric Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) ensures the festive season is anything but smooth. Amidst the chaos of power outages, tree mishaps and an unexpected holiday bonus debacle, hilarity ensues. An iconic comedy classic, it has been a seasonal staple since its release in 1989.
Actors: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Diane Ladd, John Randolph
In the heartwarming comedy, A Christmas Story, young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) dreams of owning a Red Ryder BB Gun. His quest to convince the adults in his life- his parents (Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon), and even Santa Claus- that this dangerous toy won't shoot his eye out forms the backbone of the story. Set in 1940s Indiana, the film is a nostalgic look at childhood desires and holiday traditions. It's a wonderfully funny tale, peppered with memorable scenes that have made it a classic Christmas movie.
Actors: Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, Ian Petrella, Scotty Schwartz
In the family-comedy film The Santa Clause, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) inadvertently becomes Santa Claus. A regular father and business executive, Calvin stumbles upon a peculiar situation on Christmas Eve involving the real Santa. After donning the red suit and delivering gifts worldwide, he wakes up to find it wasn't a dream. The transformation begins gradually, and as the reality sinks in, he must juggle his everyday life with his newfound responsibilities at the North Pole. The movie cleverly weaves humor and fantasy, providing a fresh spin on holiday lore.
Actors: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, David Krumholtz
The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet. His main source of aggravation comes during Christmastime when his neighbors in Whoville celebrate the holidays with a bang. When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realizes there is one way to gain peace and quiet. With help from Max, the green grump hatches a scheme to pose as Santa Claus, steal Christmas and silence the Whos' holiday cheer once and for all.
In The Muppet Christmas Carol, the iconic Charles Dickens tale gets a delightful puppet twist. Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) is visited by spirits of Christmases past, present and future. As he journeys through his life with these spectral guides, Scrooge's icy heart begins to thaw. The Muppets, led by Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmire) as Bob Cratchit, infuse this classic story with their inimitable charm and wit. This film is a unique blend of comedy, musical and drama genres, presenting an inventive take on a timeless holiday story.
Actors: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, David Rudman
In the sequel to the holiday classic, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York sees our young hero Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) once again separated from his family during Christmas. This time, a flight mix-up lands him in bustling New York City, while his family vacation in sunny Florida. Left to navigate the Big Apple alone, he crosses paths with familiar foes Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), the bumbling burglars from the first movie. Armed only with his wit and an array of booby traps, Kevin must outwit them in this comedic family adventure.
Actors: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara, John Heard
