Celebrating Love and Joy: 5 Must-Watch Lesbian Holiday Movies

Hulu "Happiest Season" Drive-In Premiere
Hulu "Happiest Season" Drive-In Premiere | Rachel Murray/GettyImages

The holiday season is a time for love, joy, and festive cheer, and what better way to celebrate than by cozying up with heartwarming movies that reflect the diversity of love? While the world of holiday films has historically been dominated by heterosexual love stories, the last few years have seen a welcome increase in representation. Here, we bring you a curated list of five lesbian holiday movies that are sure to add warmth and inclusivity to your festive watchlist.

Happiest Season (2020)

This romantic comedy, directed by Clea DuVall, follows the story of Abby, played by Kristen Stewart, who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper, portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, during a family holiday gathering. However, Abby soon discovers that Harper has yet to come out to her conservative family. The film explores themes of acceptance, family dynamics, and the power of love during the holiday season.

Season of Love (2019)

Season of Love is a delightful holiday film that weaves together multiple love stories, each exploring different aspects of love and relationships. Directed by Christin Baker, the movie features a diverse cast of characters, including a lesbian couple navigating their first holiday season together. The film beautifully captures the spirit of the season while celebrating the various forms that love can take.

Make the Yuletide Gay (2009)

Directed by Rob Williams, Make the Yuletide Gay is a charming holiday comedy that follows the story of Olaf, a college student who decides to come out to his parents during the Christmas holiday. The film combines humor with heartfelt moments as it explores themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of being true to oneself.

A New York Christmas Wedding (2020)

This unique holiday film, directed by Otoja Abit, offers a fresh take on the classic Christmas movie formula. The story revolves around Jennifer, played by Nia Fairweather, who is given the chance to see how her life would have turned out if she had made different choices. The film includes a touching lesbian love story and explores themes of love, destiny, and the magic of the holiday season.

The Half of It (2020)

While not a traditional holiday movie, The Half of It directed by Alice Wu, is a heartfelt coming-of-age film with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and unrequited love. The movie centers around Ellie, a shy and intelligent student, who helps a jock woo a girl they both secretly love. The film beautifully explores the complexities of relationships and self-acceptance against the backdrop of a small town during the holiday season.

As the world of cinema continues to evolve, it's heartening to see more diverse and inclusive stories being told, even within the realm of holiday movies. These five lesbian holiday films offer a mix of romance, comedy, and drama, providing viewers with a chance to see their own experiences reflected on screen. So, grab some hot cocoa, cozy up with your loved ones, and enjoy these heartwarming tales of love and joy during the festive season.