Top 10 Holiday Episodes of the Decade So Far

“Doctor Who” (1963-89; 2005-)
For Whovians, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a “Doctor Who” special! This episode, designed to fit COVID-19 restrictions, came with a fresh twist, taking on a rom-com style as described by showrunner Chris Chibnall. The Doctor and her companions find themselves trapped in a time loop on New Year’s Eve with Nick and his crush, Sarah. Each reset occurs after they face an Executioner Dalek, and with every loop, the time shortens, ramping up the tension. This episode packed the high-energy thrills and humor we love while recentering on the classic charm that’s made “Doctor Who” a British staple. Talk about bringing in the New Year with a bang!

“The Goldbergs” (2013-23)
The holidays are great… but spending that much time with your family can be a little, well, you know. In this episode, the family (minus Erica) sets off on a cruise to Canada. It’s far from the tropical paradise they imagined, but the trip brings Murray and his dad closer—even if Ben has some sneaky motives! Although, as we later find out even that was just a cover for his fears. Meanwhile, Erica looks forward to a peaceful Hanukkah with Geoff’s family, only to realize that a “normal” family is a complete myth. This episode reminds us that no family is perfect, but with openness and compassion, who needs “normal” anyway?

“Mythic Quest” (2020-)
Holiday cheer collides with workplace shenanigans here, and it’s as entertaining as it is heartfelt. David, the lovable yet lonely exec, tries to recreate the family Christmas he never had, only to clash with his team, who’d rather be anywhere else. Elsewhere, Ian and Poppy throw a rambunctious office party, complete with raffling off Poppy’s Porsche, which seems pretty onbeat for the show’s offbeat humor. Meanwhile, Rachel faces the pressures of her new role, Jo attempts some endearing (and hilarious) holiday bonding, and the whole office ends up joining in for a memorable sing-along. It’s a fresh, funny twist on holiday TV, perfect for anyone needing a break from classic Christmas fluff.

“American Dad!” (2005-)
Stan wants the “perfect” family Christmas—mainly for himself. But after a disastrous tree-lighting festival, he gets the chance to redo the day. Every time, though, he selfishly focuses on his own ideal, only to end up compromising his family. A mysterious janitor finally clues him in: the only way to escape the loop is to put his family first. So, he decides to genuinely try bonding with each of them. Hilariously, an awkward moment with Steve unexpectedly saves the day. It’s almost like “It’s a Wonderful Life” meets “A Christmas Carol” with a touch of that “Doctor Who” episode from earlier. Like many holiday classics, it’s a reminder of what the season’s truly about.

“Bob's Burgers” (2011-)
Back in 2020, “Bob’s Burgers” gave us a much-needed Christmas pick-me-up with “Yachty or Nice.” If that episode was a beautifully decorated tree, this one’s the same tree, now with a star (or angel) on top. The Belchers are stuck in a creepy hunting lodge after a power outage, and Linda’s on a mission to save Christmas, even if it means chasing down their Christmas tree in a snowstorm. Meanwhile, the kids are busy trying to get Santa’s attention with a strange “Santa beacon” made of sticks and skis. There's chaos, sure, but in the end, it all comes together with laughs, a dash of heart, and plenty of that Belcher family charm.

“Bluey (2018-)
“Bluey” on a regular day is about as wholesome as it gets, but “Bluey “at Christmas? It’s like that wholesomeness wrapped up in tinsel. Bluey opens her Christmas gift, a toy dog she names Bartlebee, and she’s excited to introduce him to her family. But her rowdy bunch quickly throws Bartlebee into the deep end—literally at one point. As Bluey gets upset over how her new toy is treated, she learns that, yeah, families can drive you nuts, but their love is the real gift. For a kids’ show about a family of dogs, does it even have the right to get this deep? We’re not crying; we just have some tinsel in our eye.

“Abbott Elementary” (2021-)
This episode is a must-watch for slow-burn romance fans who like their holiday cheer with a side of awkward tension. Janine and Erika hit the club for a much-needed break, only to find they’re not the only ones who had that idea. Just when things get swoon-worthy between Janine and Gregory, an unexpected text shatters the moment. Pull on our heartstrings a little harder, why don’t you? Meanwhile, Jacob’s Grinch-like holiday rants seem set to “Scrooge” up Barbara and Melissa’s annual traditions, but just a little kindness turns the evening around. This episode has all the feels, humor, and appeal that makes the series so lovable, all wrapped up in a sweet, festive bow.

“Ghosts” (2021-)
This two-parter is packed with holiday chaos, starting with a weird love triangle between Jay’s sister Bela, her friend Eric, and Trevor, which includes a failed possession attempt. Meanwhile, Thorfinn takes over Sam’s body, enjoying life as a living, while Sam misses all the holiday fun. Isaac grapples with the secrets he once hid from his wife and finds peace knowing she truly cared for him. This gives him the courage to move forward in his relationship with Nigel. They’re not the only ones hooking up, either! Later, the Ghosts make things up to Sam by serenading her with a carol. The episode celebrates chosen family, biological family, and making memories together.

“The Bear” (2022-)
Audiences connected with “The Bear” because it shows the real complexities of life, making the characters feel authentic. Plus, the star-studded guest appearances never hurt! This holiday episode steps outside the main timeline to explore families that reach their boiling point faster than your holiday gravy when they spend too much time together. Carmy heads home, where more gets unpacked than just presents. While our holiday dinners might not involve the same level of mayhem or flying fish, many of us can relate to the madness. Stevie tries to bring everyone together, but there isn’t much to salvage. This dinner is a total car crash. The episode earned nine Primetime Emmy nominations, winning four.

“Ted Lasso” (2020-23)
They say Christmas is the holiest, jolliest time of the year, but for many, it’s not always that way. This episode focuses on companionship and compassion, especially during the holidays. Keeley and Roy’s “sexy” rat-pack Christmas gets derailed when they step up to watch Phoebe, who’s dealing with her own stinky situation. Ted also seems set for a Blue Christmas until Rebecca swoops in to turn things around. The episode is sweet without being too saccharine, but the best part is when everyone gathers at the Higgins’ home. It’s heartwarming, showing that found family can bring just as much Christmas magic as blood relatives. This episode is what the holidays are all about!

What holiday episode from this decade do you think is a festive must-watch? Let us know in the comments