Holiday Movies to Get Your Yuletide Rolling

The kids are getting out of school, holiday preparations are finally taking shape, your shopping is winding down (if you're lucky), and it's time to begin really enjoying the holiday season.

What better way to relax, unwind, and bond with family or friends than cozying up and enjoying a favorite Christmas movie or holiday special?

Get left "Home Alone" for the weekend? Perhaps you're an Angel with a Filthy Soul? Either way, find out how a crafty 8-year-old makes out against the bad guys beginning at 5 p.m. today on ABC Family. 

Foe those of a certain age, few things can beat the entertaining and poignant "A Charlie Brown Christmas," the animated classic that attempts to strip the commercialism of Christmas in search of its true meaning, highlighted by the always-touching soliloquy on the season by Linus. The show starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 20 on ABC.

Want something a little sillier? Clark W. Griswold, Jr., finds the meaning of Christmas in his own way in this zany tale of holidays gone wrong in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." The saucer sled race starts at 9 p.m. Dec. 20 on ABC Family.

For some smooth holiday tunes, tune in to the Michael Buble Christmas Special, airing on NBC at 8 p.m. on Dec. 21.

Lactose-intolerant man becomes Santa Claus? Yeah, you've got it... Tim Allen meets the elves, checks out the naughty and nice list, reconnects with his son, and transforms into the big guy in "The Santa Clause" at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 on ABC Family.

The meanest in all of Whoville, "Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," steals the spotlight, and the Roast Beast, not to mention Cindy Lou Who's tree and presents, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 23 on ABC Family. 

Also on Dec. 23, the bell still rings for those who believe. Take a ride on director Robert Zemeckis' "The Polar Express," the motion-capture computer-animated fantasy film based on the classic children's book, at 5 p.m., also on ABC Family.

Amid the animated specials and the modern takes on Christmas comes the 1934 classic, "Babes in Toyland," starring legendary comedic duo Laurel and Hardy. The off-kilter fantasy starts at 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve on Turner Classic Movies.

Sure, you've seen it a million times, but for many people it just wouldn't be Christmas without a viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." Settle in, grab a box of Kleenex, and get ready for a true holiday classic, starting at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve on NBC.

Speaking of can't-miss holiday movies, on Christmas eve at 8 p.m. on TBS, "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!" Ralphie and his Red Rider BB Gun offer 24 hours of entertainment in the yearly marathon showing of "A Christmas Story." We double-dog dare you to miss it.

These are only a few movies and specials that make the holidays bright.

Have a favorite we didn't mention? Check out ABC's 25 Days of Christmas or view a full listing of movies, the channel, and the times being played at Chiff.com or Wikia.com.