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Credit: LucasfilmThe faraway galaxy has long celebrated its stories year-round, but the holidays are a perfect excuse to revisit the franchise through a seasonal lens. From cringe-worthy classics to kid-friendly adventures, there’s something for every Star Wars fan during the festive season.
Here are five perfect entries to guide you through your galaxy-wide holiday viewing.
1. The Star Wars Holiday Special
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) is a classic in its own right — for all the wrong reasons, of course. The special is designed around the faraway galaxy’s annual holiday known as “Life Day”, complete with Wookiees and family festivities. It’s genuinely terrible, whether it’s the awkward musical numbers, clunky dialogue, or jarring cameos.
Despite its flaws, though, it’s a must-watch for fans who enjoy cinema so bad it’s entertaining. Regardless of its quality, this special is a true piece of Star Wars history.
The film features appearances from Carrie Fisher (Leia), Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), and Harrison Ford (Han Solo).
2. The Empire Strikes Back
Snow is a central character in the second installment in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy, from the icy plains of the planet Hoth to the film’s high-stakes battles.
The environment brings some wintry wildlife into play, too, including the Yeti-like Wampa that terrorizes Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Tauntauns pulling humans across frozen terrain like Santa’s reindeer. It’s a backdrop that makes The Empire Strikes Back (1980) feel perfectly suited for the holidays—even if the film itself is far from cozy!
The second entry in the original trilogy also stars Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, Frank Oz as Yoda, and James Earl Jones as Darth Vader.
Related: ‘Star Wars’: A Guide to All 17 Movies in the Franchise
3. Skeleton Crew
This Disney+ series set during the New Republic era channels classic Amblin Entertainment like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and The Goonies (1985) offering a story that feels rooted in adventure and childhood wonder.
Geared mostly toward younger audiences, Skeleton Crew (2024), which stars Jude Law in one of the lead roles, retains the charm of the faraway galaxy without relying on violence or adult themes. A fun option to gather the family around for holiday viewing.
4. Young Jedi Adventures
Made specifically for pre-schoolers, the animated Disney+ series Young Jedi Adventures introduces young padawans to the galaxy’s heroes without the darker elements seen in the mainline films and live-action shows.
There are no severed limbs or intense confrontations here—just light-hearted storytelling and beginner-level adventures suitable for the youngest viewers in the family. It even has a younger Jedi Master Yoda — what more could you want?
5. Lego Star Wars Holiday Special
This 2020 animated special is both a parody and a celebration of the infamous 1978 Holiday Special. While also celebrating Life Day, it leans into humor while honoring the original’s quirks, giving fans a playful and colorful reimagining of Star Wars holiday traditions. It’s ideal for fans of all ages, combining nostalgia with modern Lego animation.
The special also sees several legacy actors returning to lend their voices, such as Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO.
From the infamously bad to the whimsically animated, the Star Wars universe has something for every festive mood. Whether you want to cringe at holiday missteps, admire snowy battles, or enjoy a kid-friendly galactic romp, this watchlist ensures your Star Wars Christmas is fully stocked with adventure, fun, and a touch of nostalgia.
All of these Star Wars entries and more are streaming on Disney+.
Will you be watching any of these Star Wars entries over Christmas? Let us know in the comments down below!