14 Christmas Episodes & Holiday Specials For Grown-Up Laughs
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
November 13, 2026
Find your next holiday watch among acclaimed sitcoms, mischievous animated comedies, and specials that bring the laughs and the festive vibes
Family time is a holiday tradition, and so is settling in with a Christmas comedy that delivers plenty of laughs. These memorable episodes and specials put a playful, grown-up spin on the season, from the outrageous festivities of A Very Sunny Christmas to the signature family comedy of Modern Family and the Guardians’ unforgettable quest to find the perfect holiday gift for Star-Lord.
Scroll and let the “mature” holiday watch party begin!
Sitcom Christmas Episodes Where Festive Plans Go Sideways
Office parties, old voicemails, and last-minute celebrations give these sitcom characters plenty to contend with at Christmas. Revisit familiar faces in throwback comedy shows and more recent favorites as holiday preparations put friendships, family traditions, and patience to the test.
Abbott Elementary: "Holiday Hookah," Season 2, Episode 10, Hulu
Janine gets ready to celebrate her first Christmas as a single woman and plans to let loose at a hookah bar in this Abbott Elementary Christmas episode. Her night takes an unexpected turn when Gregory, his friend Maurice, and Ava turn up at the same bar. Barbara and Melissa celebrate the last day before winter break with a teachers’ lounge tradition, but Jacob’s Christmas blues threaten to spoil the merriment. (Hulu)*
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black-ish: "Black Santa / White Christmas," Season 1, Episode 10, Hulu
Dre’s company Christmas party is coming up, and he’s determined to be their first-ever Black Santa. He eventually manages to bag the part, only to realize there’s more to it than sitting in a chair and being jolly. He calls on the kids to help save the holiday. Meanwhile, Bow and Ruby face off over Christmas dinner, leading to the reveal of a big secret. (Hulu)*
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Fresh Off the Boat: "Jessica Town," Season 6, Episode 10, Hulu
Christmas 1999 marks the final holiday season of the 90s, and Jessica will do whatever it takes to make it perfect. But her ambitious decorations and projects start to get in the way of family time. Louis offers to help, though his DIY skills don’t quite meet Jessica’s high standards. Eddie, Emery, and Evan accidentally break one of Honey’s cherished decorations, then go on a chaotic mission to replace it. (Hulu)*
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How I Met Your Mother: "How Lily Stole Christmas," Season 2, Episode 11, Hulu
Ted tells the story of how one Christmas was almost ruined after Lily heard Ted call her a…let’s say “Grinch,” in an old voicemail. She dismantles the winter wonderland she’d set up in Ted and Marshall’s apartment and declares Christmas canceled. Meanwhile, Marshall sets off on a delivery truck chase, and Barney refuses to admit he’s sick. (Hulu)*
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FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: "It’s A Very Sunny Christmas," Season 6, Episode 13, Hulu
Ho, ho, heyooo! Christmas is upon us and the Paddy's gang has got the spirit. Well, not really. For them, the holidays have always been a time of trickery, backstabbing, and disappointment. But this year things are going to be different as they are determined to rediscover the joy in Christmas. Join Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Dee, and Frank as they embark on a holiday adventure filled with stolen toys, childhood videos, naked elves, and a bloody run-in with Santa Claus. (Hulu)*
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Modern Family: "Express Christmas," Season 3, Episode 10, Hulu
When the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family realizes they won’t be together on Christmas Day, Phil has a genius idea. It’s December 16th and they’re all together now. Why not celebrate early? With only four hours to make “Express Christmas” happen, each family member gets an assignment. Phil and Manny team up on a turkey and baseball card mission while the others wrap presents, hunt for a tree, shop for gifts, and retrieve a precious decoration from the attic. Unsurprisingly, nothing goes as smoothly as they’d hoped. (Hulu)*
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Celebrate the season with animation favorites like Peter Griffin, Fry, and Korvo. Family Guy’s take on A Christmas Carol, a not-so-jolly Santa-bot who threatens to ruin the holidays, and a hypnotized Homer Simpson put a fun spin on the most wonderful time of the year.
American Dad!: "For Whom the Sleigh Bell Tolls," Season 6, Episode 8, Hulu
Stan gives Steve a gun for Christmas, even though Francine warns him that Steve is too young. As usual, Stan ignores her, and when Steve accidentally shoots Santa, he sends the North Pole into a tizzy and jeopardizes Christmas. (Hulu)*
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Family Guy: "Don’t Be a Dickens at Christmas," Season 16, Episode 9, Hulu
In this special holiday episode, a selfish Peter loses his Christmas spirit and is visited by ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future who take him on a journey around Quahog. (Hulu)*
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Futurama: "Xmas Story," Season 2, Episode 8, Hulu
Fry and Leela find themselves targeted by a murderous robotic Santa Claus and Bender volunteers at a shelter for homeless robots. (Hulu)*
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The Great North: "Dip the Halls Adventure," Season 2, Episode 10, Hulu
When Jerry's Bigfoot costume gets stolen a few days before Christmas, Beef helps him track it down. The Tobin kids try to build an elaborate gingerbread village. (Hulu)*
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The Simpsons: "O C’mon All Ye Faithful," Special
In this Disney+ exclusive double-episode, the residents of Springfield search for Christmas cheer. Things go awry when British mentalist Derren Brown comes to Springfield. Homer gets hypnotized and believes he is Santa Claus, setting off a cheery chain reaction through town. This special marks the 35th anniversary of the original Christmas special, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” and explores what it means to believe. You can find the special under "Exclusives" in the list of seasons.
Solar Opposites: "A Very Solar Holiday Opposites Special," Special, Hulu
HO HO HO! The Solars don’t understand the holidays, but that won’t stop them from trying! You can find the special under "Holiday Specials" in the list of seasons. (Hulu)*
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Holiday Specials That Take Christmas Out Of This World
Intergalactic adventures give the holidays some sci-fi flavor. Join Mantis and Drax on a mission to Earth, or experience holiday-inspired Star Wars moments click in LEGO form with the fans of all ages.
Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
The Guardians are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill and head to Earth in search of the perfect present.
Add Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special to Watchlist
LEGO Star Wars: Holiday Special
As her friends prep for a Life Day holiday celebration, Rey journeys with BB-8 on a quest to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force at a mysterious Jedi Temple. There, she embarks on a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in the Star Wars saga, connecting with iconic heroes and villains from all eras. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast?
There are plenty more LEGO Star Wars adventures waiting on Disney+.
Add LEGO Star Wars: Holiday Special to Watchlist
Where To Stream Your Next Festive Favorite
Got room on your Watchlist for more holiday picks? Explore The Santa Clause movie franchise or revisit Christmas movies you probably know by heart.
Discover even more seasonal movies, shows, and inspiration:
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