10 Christmas TV Miniseries That Can Be Called Masterpieces

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Snow falling, festive music, twinkling lights, and a relaxing weekend—these things are perfectly matched with a great miniseries. Not a long, drawn-out show that you’re committed to for months, or a movie that feels too brief, but something in between. A short, engaging story that you can finish just as your holiday break ends.

Miniseries are ideal for watching during the holidays, and when they also focus on the holiday season, they offer a uniquely cozy yet dramatic experience. These aren’t just stories that happen to be set during winter; the holidays are central to the plot and characters. Some explore the joy and romance of the season, while others use Christmas or other holidays as a setting for complex family dynamics or thrilling, even otherworldly, events.

If you’re hoping to find a heartwarming and engaging Christmas story, here are 10 miniseries considered to be truly exceptional.

10
‘A Moody Christmas’ (2012)


ABC

Every Christmas, Dan Moody travels from London to Sydney to spend time with his chaotic family. The six-part Australian comedy, A Moody Christmas, created by Trent O’Donnell and Phil Lloyd, shows a different Christmas Day in each episode. The show jumps forward a year between episodes, letting viewers see how the family’s relationships change and evolve over time – from awkward gift-giving to lively backyard cricket, Dan deals with it all.

The show is clever because every episode takes place on Christmas Day, making the holiday a yearly reminder of unresolved issues and family drama. Each Christmas, old resentments resurface, secrets come out, and things rarely go as planned. Ian Meadows is excellent as the lead, and Patrick Brammall and Tina Bursill are particularly funny with their impeccable comedic timing. While an American adaptation called The Moodys exists, most viewers agree the original miniseries is superior.

9
‘Christmas Flow’ (2021)


Mika Cotellon / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

The delightful French miniseries, Christmas Flow, begins with a less-than-romantic encounter in Paris. When popular but troubled rapper Marcus bumps into Lila, a determined journalist, at a department store, it sparks a three-part story. The series playfully examines themes of fame, strong women, and second chances, all while embracing the warm spirit of the Christmas season.

Christmas Flow, created by Henri Debeurme, Marianne Levy, and Victor Rodenbach, features Tayc and Shirine Boutella, and their strong connection is at the heart of the show. What sets it apart – and makes it truly special – is that it doesn’t aim for a overly sentimental feel and embraces a bit of messiness. While the main characters navigate charming Christmas scenes and romantic moments, the series also thoughtfully explores important themes like media responsibility, social activism, and the possibility of turning things around after making mistakes.

8
‘Over Christmas’ (2020)


Netflix

The series Over Christmas (originally titled ÜberWeihnachten) centers around Bastian, a musician who’s down on his luck and working at a call center. When he goes home for the holidays, he discovers his brother is now dating his ex-girlfriend – and that’s only the first of many complications. Told over three episodes, the story is full of uncomfortable family gatherings, hidden secrets, and a sense of unease about life.

Bastian navigates the ups and downs of Christmas, rekindling friendships, finding a new romance, and learning to appreciate life’s imperfections. Luke Mockridge shines as Bastian, delivering a performance that’s both funny and heartfelt, alongside Seyneb Saleh and Cristina do Rego. What makes this story special is its honest portrayal of the holidays – it doesn’t shy away from the awkward or difficult parts, but instead captures the often bittersweet experience of returning home.

7
‘The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe’ (1988)


BBC

This BBC series brings C.S. Lewis’s beloved story to life. During World War II, four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – are evacuated to the countryside. They discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to Narnia, a land trapped in endless winter and controlled by the evil White Witch. Hope arrives with Aslan, a magnificent lion who rallies those opposing her rule.

This adaptation of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, directed by Marilyn Fox and featuring Richard Dempsey and Sophie Cook, leans into the story’s mythical origins with a fantastical, dreamlike quality. It’s a heartwarming tale that explores themes of courage and accepting one’s fate. The film beautifully captures the feeling of winter – a time of hope, amazement, and change – making it a perfect holiday watch. Geoffrey Burgon’s music adds a touch of sadness, and the simple but effective special effects create a unique and appealing charm.

6
‘A Storm for Christmas’ (2022)


Netflix

The Norwegian drama, A Storm for Christmas, unfolds at Oslo Airport, capturing the frustration and connection of holiday travel gone wrong. When a snowstorm hits on December 23rd, a diverse group of people – including musicians, doctors, families, and teenagers – find themselves stuck and thrown together. Over six episodes, the series explores the relationships that develop and are repaired amidst the airport’s terminals and gates.

Per-Olav Sørensen’s A Storm for Christmas is a beautifully paced film. It allows its characters to develop naturally through both conflict and connection. While it includes familiar holiday touches like gifts, carols, and lights, the story focuses on the emotional weight of lost opportunities and strained relationships. It’s a heartwarming watch with strong performances and subtle, meaningful moments.

5
‘Dash & Lily’ (2020)


Netflix

Netflix’s Dash & Lily is a critically acclaimed show with a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. The story unfolds in New York City and focuses on Dash, a teenage boy who dislikes Christmas. He discovers a red notebook at The Strand bookstore filled with dares from Lily, a cheerful girl who loves the holiday season. Through exchanging these challenges at famous locations around NYC, Dash and Lily start to develop feelings for each other, all without ever actually meeting.

As a total film and TV buff, I’ve been loving ‘Dash & Lily’! It’s created by Joe Tracz and adapted from the Rachel Cohn and David Levithan novel, and the leads, Austin Abrams and Midori Francis, have amazing chemistry – you can feel it even when they’re just passing notes and completing challenges. The show just moves at a perfect pace, it’s so upbeat and cheerful, and honestly, it looks beautiful – it really captures that holiday spirit. And the music, put together by Dan the Automator, is just fun! It’s one of those shows that genuinely makes you feel hopeful about love, and it even inspired me to want to write a little note for a stranger to discover.

4
‘Three Days of Christmas’ (2019)


Netflix

“Three Days of Christmas” tells the story of four sisters in the mountains of Catalonia after the Spanish Civil War. The novel jumps between three different points in their lives – childhood, adulthood, and old age – revealing how a shared secret from their youth impacts their relationships as they grow older.

This Spanish-language Netflix series stands out from typical holiday miniseries with its emotionally powerful structure. It tells three Christmas stories that echo each other, and the talented cast, featuring Victoria Abril and Elena Anaya, gives wonderfully nuanced performances. Director Pau Freixas skillfully uses the beautiful winter scenery and cozy dinners to enhance the story’s emotional impact. It’s a truly special series that treats memory as if it were a character itself – a real gem to be savored.

3
‘Hawkeye’ (2021)


Disney+

Look, as a big movie fan, I was hooked from the start with this one. It’s basically about Clint Barton, Hawkeye, just wanting a quiet Christmas at home. But things go sideways when this new archer shows up rocking his old Ronin gear! Turns out it’s Kate Bishop, a seriously talented and total Hawkeye fanatic. They end up teaming up to figure out what’s going on with this crazy conspiracy involving a really weird mafia group – the Tracksuit Mafia, seriously – a secret auction, and Kate’s stepfather who’s definitely hiding something. It’s a fun ride!

Set during a cheerful Christmas in New York City, Hawkeye successfully mixes superhero action with the warmth of the holiday season and compelling character growth, making it a great watch for Marvel fans. The show features memorable scenes like a fight near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and a fun LARPing adventure. The festive setting also plays a key role in understanding what motivates Clint Barton. Jeremy Renner delivers a strong performance, Hailee Steinfeld is fantastic as Kate Bishop, and Florence Pugh’s unexpected appearance as Yelena adds a lot of humor.

2
‘Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather’ (2006)


Sky1

Based on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novel, the miniseries Hogfather is a faithful adaptation that brings you to the magical world of Discworld. In this world, Hogswatch is like Christmas. When the Hogfather mysteriously disappears, threatening everyone’s belief in the holiday, Death steps in to take his place, delivering presents while his granddaughter, Susan, tries to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

This holiday miniseries, directed by Vadim Jean and starring David Jason, Michelle Dockery, and Marc Warren, offers a unique take on Christmas for both those who believe and those who don’t. While it’s not a traditional, heartwarming Christmas story, it’s full of wit and intelligence. Based on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, the story blends serious themes with humor, especially through the character of Death, who surprisingly tries to embrace the holiday spirit in a way that’s both funny and touching. Critics have applauded its accuracy to the source material and its impressive visual effects.

1
‘A Christmas Carol’ (2019)


FX

The BBC and FX have created a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved story, A Christmas Carol. Guy Pearce delivers a nuanced performance as Scrooge, portraying him as a troubled and complicated character rather than a simple villain. This three-part series features the traditional ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who lead Scrooge on a journey through unsettling and often frightening memories and visions.

As a huge fan of Dickens, I was really intrigued by this take on A Christmas Carol. It’s definitely not your typical heartwarming adaptation! They went for a much darker, more psychological feel, really exploring Scrooge’s trauma and leaning into horror elements. The Victorian London they created is incredibly bleak and unsettling – you can almost feel the dread. And honestly, the performances from Andy Serkis and Stephen Graham are phenomenal; they really brought something special to the story. While not everyone loved it, I, and many others, really appreciated how boldly they reimagined such a classic tale.

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2025-11-15 03:36