10 Queer Christmas Movies to Make the Yuletide Gay

The Christmas-themed Hallmark movie has never been renowned for its LGBTQ+ representation. The festive genre is very much dominated by romance narratives of the heterosexual variety, however, there has been a noticeable increase in queer visibility, characters and stories in the last handful of years. A flurry of recent queer Christmas titles is adding some alternatives to the traditional holiday picks, from Under the Christmas Tree—Lifetime’s first lesbian romance—to Single All The Way—Netflix’s first Christmas film focused on a gay romance.
We’ve gathered 10 recent queer Christmas movies that embody the seasonal Hallmark spirit, perfectly accompanied by a fireside hot cocoa.
Season of Love (2019)
Not only a great song from Jonathan Larson’s RENT, Season of Love is also the title of Christin Baker’s rom-com that is readily regarded as the lesbian Love Actually. This delightful rom-com ties together the connection between three different couples with a neat, glittering bow: One long-term relationship, one new couple, and two friends who have yet to admit their feelings for one another compose the six-women strong ensemble. Kathryn Trammell pens a script that confidently leans into dramatics but ensures the stakes never become so high that intensity becomes overwhelming. It’s a sweet Christmas movie punctuated by confessions of adoration and mirthful joy.
City of Trees (2019)
A coming-of-age tale set later in life, angsty twenty-something Ainsley (Alexandra Swarens) is returning home for the holidays. It is an ordeal made all the more nerve-wracking by her prolonged absence—it’s been several years. Ainsley’s hometown trip is set to the melody of small town reconciliation as she comes face-to-face with her lingering, unresolved teenage feelings. This character-focused narrative hinges on Ainsley reuniting with Sophie (Olivia Buckle) who is nothing like the popular cheerleader she knew when she left. The film has a more indie feel than the traditional Hallmark categorization, lending intimacy to its tackling of emotional sincerity. While some of the more technical aspects of the filmmaking are lacking, at its heart, City of Trees is a touching lesbian indie that has a beautifully grounded simplicity: Instead of spiced mulled wine and a roaring fireplace, there’s cheap beer and an outdoor bonfire fueled by old receipts.
Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season was one of the best cinematic gifts we received for last year’s Christmas. Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) are going to the latter’s family home for Christmas but both have very different versions of how they’re expecting to celebrate the holiday season. Abby’s preparing to propose while Harper is trying to summon the courage to tell her girlfriend she’s not yet out to her family and, more so, tell her family Abby’s not just a friend. It’s a touching comedy that recognizes the weight of its subject. Like many festive titles, Happiest Season revolves around coming home for Christmas. Yet, through a queer perspective, the film is a revamped rendition of all the typical holiday plights. Additionally, the rom-com’s supporting characters—the excellent Dan Levy and the brilliant Aubrey Plaza—offer some of the film’s most charming moments. With an all-around terrific ensemble, Happiest Season is a delectable festive treat.
Dashing in December (2020)
The first of two horse-ranch-located movies on this list, Dashing in December centers on Wyatt (Peter Porte) arriving home for Christmas to find his mother (Andie MacDowell) preparing to sell their Colorado ranch. Shedding his city suit and sliding straight into a cowboy hat and boots, Wyatt is devastated—but his attention goes awry upon meeting the ruggedly handsome Heath (Juan Pablo Di Pace). Gay cowboys galore, and a lot more optimistic than Brokeback Mountain, Dashing in December’s underlying worry of losing the ranch becomes a backdrop to the romance that ignites between the two stablehands. A Christmas miracle never feels far from reach, you’ll have major sweater envy from the array of cozy threads, and the needle drop of Kacey Musgraves’ “Oh What A World” is the icing on this film’s Christmas cake.