I don’t live in a place with four seasons, so sometimes it takes a nudge from Starbucks to remind me of new seasons.  Those red cups can mean only one thing - the holidays are quickly approaching.  My favorite pasttime during the holidays is watching movies, so I thought I’d share my top ten list of classic holiday movies with you.  Add some hot cocoa and a fire and you’re all set!  

Holiday Movies

1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, John Payne
This 1947 version is set in New York City during the holiday season, with many scenes at Macy’s during the 40’s. Add in nine year old Natalie Wood (who later starred in West Side Story) and a very believable Santa Claus and you’ve got a great film.

2. White Christmas (1954) – Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney
Christmas at a quaint Vermont inn with singing and dancing – what could be better?

3. While You Were Sleeping (1995) - Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher
I never get tired of seeing this story of a lonely city girl discover her real love and finally get her passport stamped.  

4. An Affair to Remember (1957) - Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr
Cary Grant is debonair and Deborah Kerr is gorgeous throughout the movie, especially during the cross Atlantic cruise.  Pink champagne anyone?

5. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, Bill Pullman
Great story, great music and wonderful scenes of Seattle. 

6. Little Women (1994) - Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes, Christian Bale
Having grown up with three sisters, this movie has always been one of my favorites.
 

7. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Yes, you’ve seen it a zillion times on TV, but it’s still a great Christmas movie. 

8. The Family Stone (2005) – Claire Danes, Dermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson
Even though this is only a year old, it’s destined to be a classic.

9. The Bishop’s Wife (1948) – Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven
I wish every angel looked like Cary Grant does in this movie. 

10. Holiday Inn (1942) - Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds
Lots of Irving Berlin music to enjoy including Bing Crosby’s original version of White Christmas.