All year I dream of brisk December nights spent wrapped in my favorite Christmas blanket on the couch, a delicious mug of warm hot cocoa defrosting my hands, and a cheerful Christmas movie on the TV. Now that the holiday season is upon us, and my pantry is filled to the brim with packets of Swiss Miss hot chocolate and fluffy marshmallows, I constantly find myself contemplating which festive film to watch next. If you are stuck in a similar predicament, look no further, for I have compiled a handy guide of the must-watch Christmas classics this season just for you.

Of course, no holiday season is complete without at least one viewing of the Christmas film favorite, Elf. This irresistibly adorable flick has charmed viewers with its hilarious lines and timeless messages since its release in 2003. The plot follows a human adopted by Santa’s elves, played by Will Ferrell, who ventures from the North Pole to the terrifying land of New York City in search of his father. Numerous struggles stand in his way that allow for plenty of hilarious incidents with the notably unfriendly New Yorkers, as well as a few tear-jerking moments. However, Buddy’s unfazed optimism and belief in the pure magic of the holiday season will leave you in that warm, wonderful Christmas spirit.

If you are a fan of animated films, A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Polar Express are for you. A Charlie Brown Christmas features all of our favorite characters from the classic comic strip Peanuts, including Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown. This cheerful movie has been spreading the magic of Christmas since its release in 1965, and is the second longest-running holiday special in TV history according to USA Today. The Polar Express is a much newer film, released in 2004, but has since touched wide audiences with its profound message about the true meaning of the holiday season. With a perfectly balanced mix of hilarious scenes, lively dance numbers, and heartbreaking moments, this film is sure to put you in the Christmas mood.

There are even options for the horror film lovers during the holiday season, most notably Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. This frighteningly fun flick features the beloved Jack Skellington as he adds some Halloween to Christmastown, and the results are truly terrifying. If you are in the mood for a more intense, real horror movie, Horror News suggests Sint, Silent Night, or Don’t Open ‘Till Christmas. These chilling movies are not for everyone, especially if you would prefer not to kill the cheerful mood of the Christmas season.

Love Actually will satisfy all chick flick lovers this season with its impressively large cast, including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, and Liam Neeson, and timeless themes. With nine stories intertwined throughout the movie, this film continuously fills viewers with anticipation as it explores the most complex human emotion-love. If you loved Valentine’s Day, The Notebook, or Pride & Prejudice, this movie is for you.

If you are in the mood for a light-hearted comedy, Home Alone and A Christmas Story are perfect for a holiday movie night. Both films contain high amounts of slapstick humor and old-fashioned fun while exploring the unfortunate event of growing up. Be prepared to laugh until your stomach hurts, perfect for a family movie night this holiday season.

For those who love the true classics, White Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life should be high on your list. Both films transport viewers to decades long ago, but the pure magic of Christmas still transcends time and touches the hearts of viewers today.

No matter what genre you love, there is a holiday film that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. So find a fuzzy blanket, a warm drink, and the remote, and enjoy a cozy night in this holiday season!