Entertainment

The HoliGAY Spirit Is Here! 25 Must-Watch Festive Lesbian Movies

Credit: Hulu

It’s the most wonderful time of the queer! The holidays are about love, family, and making memories—but what’s a cozy Christmas without a feel-good holiday movie? For too long, holiday movies lacked sapphic love stories, but that’s changed in recent years. Now, there’s no shortage of festive films showcasing lesbians falling in love, finding family, and maybe saving the occasional Christmas tree farm.

Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming romance, campy musicals, or snowy dramas, this list has you covered. Grab some hot cocoa, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, and get ready to spread the holiGAY cheer with these 25 lesbian Christmas movies.

Holiday Films to Watch this Season

1. Friends & Family Christmas (2023)

Hallmark

Hallmark’s first-ever lesbian Christmas movie! Overwhelmed lawyer Daniela recruits her best friend Amelia to play her girlfriend for the holidays. Spoiler alert: fake dating turns into real sparks.

2. Looking for Her (2022)

Taylor hires an actress to pretend to be her girlfriend for the holidays, only to find herself falling for her stand-in. Sweet, funny, and packed with charm.

3. Happiest Season (2020)

Kristen Stewart shines in this rom-com about a girlfriend meeting the family… only to discover they don’t know she exists. Directed by Clea DuVall, it’s a modern queer Christmas classic.

4. Under the Christmas Tree (2021)

When Alma’s yard becomes the site of the governor’s Christmas tree search, she doesn’t expect romance to bloom with Charlie, the “tree whisperer.” Cheesy, heartwarming, and totally adorable.

5. The Christmas Clapback (2022)

Family traditions and competitive cook-offs meet a blossoming romance between Tisha and her influencer neighbor. A BET gem celebrating Black love and LGBTQ+ joy.

6. A Holiday I Do (2023)

Single mom Jane juggles running a horse farm, being the best woman at a wedding, and falling for the wedding planner, Sue. Chaos and cuteness ensue!

7. Let It Snow (2019)

A snowstorm on Christmas Eve intertwines the lives of small-town friends, including a bold and beautiful lesbian love story. Perfect for cozy vibes.

8. Season of Love (2019)

This sapphic take on the holiday ensemble movie follows intertwined queer love stories. It’s a little cheesy, a lot romantic, and entirely delightful.

9. Christmas at the Ranch (2021)

City slicker Haley returns to save her family’s ranch and falls for rugged cowgirl Kate. A swoon-worthy sapphic romance in cowboy boots.

10. It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)

“Winnie’s life is less than wonderful one year after saving her town from a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve. When she wishes she was never born, she finds herself magically transported to a nightmarish parallel universe. With the murderous maniac now back, she must team up with a misfit to identify the culprit and get back to her own reality.”

11. A New York Christmas Wedding (2020)

What if you could redo the past? Starring Monster‘s Cooper Koch, this magical movie explores love, second chances, and a sapphic Christmas wedding that’ll warm your heart.

12. Merry & Gay (2022)

High school sweethearts Becca and Sam reunite thanks to meddling moms and holiday magic. A Christin Baker creation that’s full of festive feels.

13. The Christmas Lottery (2020)

Three sisters reunite to hunt for a lost lottery ticket.

14. Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas (2019)

Aisha Dee stars in this quirky film about friendship, family, and ghostly romance. Bonus points for its adorable sapphic subplot!

15. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

A zombie musical comedy with a festive backdrop and a tough-as-nails lesbian teen named Steph. It’s weird, wild, and wonderful.

16. I Hate New Year’s (2020)

Layne realizes she’s in love with her best friend during a whirlwind New Year’s adventure. A holiday rom-com with great music and sapphic love.

17. Rent (2005)

This iconic musical spans a year in the lives of Bohemian New Yorkers, including a tender love story between lesbian characters Maureen and Joanne.

18. City of Trees (2019)

Ainsley reunites with an old flame in her small hometown, rediscovering love in the midst of holiday nostalgia. A sweet indie treat.

19. Every Time a Bell Rings (2021)

A scavenger hunt reunites three sisters and sparks a romance for one with her long-time best friend. Heartfelt and endearing.

20. The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night (2021)

Noor introduces her girlfriend to her Muslim family during their annual holiday game night. A short film that’s brimming with warmth and representation.

21. Holiday Help Desk (2018)

What happens when a woman working on Christmas Eve answers the phone and finds love on the line? This short film is as sweet as a candy cane.

22. What’s Cooking? (2000)

Thanksgiving drama, family dynamics, and a wonderful lesbian couple make this a perfect addition to your holiday watchlist.

23. Lez Bomb (2018)

Lauren’s plan to come out to her family over Thanksgiving goes hilariously sideways in this warm, funny holiday movie.

24. Sense8 Christmas Special (2016)

Nomi and Amanita steal the show in this beautifully queer Netflix special. Bonus: the holiday party is unforgettable!

25. The Postie (2019)

A short film about a woman crushing on her local mail carrier. It’s awkward, adorable, and so very relatable.


Celebrate the season with these fabulous flicks that’ll make your heart grow three sizes. From heartwarming rom-coms to quirky shorts, there’s no shortage of holiGAY joy on this list. Happy watching and happy holidays!

More Stories:

Disney Festival of Holidays 2024: Your Foodie Guide to Disneyland’s Seasonal Treats

Heartwarming Queer Films to Spark Holiday Joy

Watch the Gay Cowboy Movie ‘Dashing In December’ This Holiday Season

The HoliGAY Spirit Is Here! 25 Must-Watch Festive Lesbian Movies

23 Images Fusing Fashion, Erotica and Art by Rainbow Media

Photographer effortlessly blends the elegance of fashion, the rawness of erotica, and the expressive depth of art in this collection of images.

Read on Substack
To Top