Though it might not be obvious at first glance, the Star Wars franchise offers a wide array of options for holiday viewing, including films, TV shows, and one-off specials that appeal to audiences of all ages.
While some entries are notorious for their flaws, others provide charming, family-friendly storytelling that perfectly suits the festive season.
1978’s Star Wars Holiday Special remains one of the franchise’s most infamous offerings. Revolving around the faraway galaxy holiday “Life Day”, it features awkward musical numbers, clumsy dialogue, and bizarre cameos from Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and Harrison Ford (Han Solo), yet it has earned a cult following for its sheer entertainment value. Fans continue to watch it today for all the wrong reasons.
In contrast, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) brings the iconic, wintry planet Hoth to the forefront. Snowy landscapes dominate the film, complete with the Yeti-like Wampas and the reindeer-like Tauntauns. The film’s frosty setting makes it a surprisingly fitting choice for Christmas, despite the high-stakes drama and darker themes.
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For younger viewers, Disney+ offers options such as Skeleton Crew and Young Jedi Adventures. Starring Jude Law, Skeleton Crew channels a nostalgic Amblin Entertainment vibe, focusing on adventure and curiosity while remaining accessible to children. Young Jedi Adventures caters to pre-school audiences, avoiding the darker elements present in the films entirely and providing light-hearted stories suitable for the youngest padawans.
Animated specials like 2020’s Lego Star Wars Holiday Special also offer plenty of harmless entertainment. A playful homage to the 1978 special, it combines parody with celebration, using Lego animation to reinterpret classic characters and moments for modern audiences, making it a colorful and fun choice for family viewing.
From infamous flops to snow-covered epics and kid-friendly adventures, Star Wars provides plenty of varied holiday entertainment.
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!
