Must-Watch Christmas Specials for Every Geek

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means: hot cocoa, cozy blankets, and indulging in Christmas-themed geeky goodness! From iconic holiday episodes in beloved TV series to festive events in video games, there’s no shortage of Christmas magic to dive into this season.

Whether you’re into movies, TV, or games, I’ve rounded up a list of Christmas specials every geek should check out. These are the perfect mix of holiday cheer, nostalgia, and nerdy fun to make your holidays even brighter.

1. Doctor Who – "The Christmas Invasion" (2005)

Where to Watch: Max, BBC iPlayer

The Doctor + Christmas = pure joy. "The Christmas Invasion" was the first full episode for David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, and it nailed the festive vibe while delivering some serious sci-fi action. Featuring deadly Christmas trees, robot Santas, and a spectacular showdown with the Sycorax, this episode set the tone for future Doctor Who holiday specials.

Why it’s iconic: It’s a great mix of heart, humor, and the Doctor’s first big "I’m back!" moment post-regeneration. Plus, it’s dripping with Christmas energy.

2. Batman: The Animated Series – "Christmas with the Joker" (1992)

Where to Watch: Prime Video, Max

Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like Mark Hamill’s Joker terrorizing Gotham with a Christmas-themed crime spree. In this classic Batman: The Animated Series episode, Batman and Robin race to stop the Joker’s twisted version of a holiday special, complete with booby-trapped gifts and creepy carols.

Why it’s iconic: It’s the perfect blend of Gotham’s noir vibe with a dash of holiday mischief, showing just how unhinged the Joker can be—even during Christmas.

3. Overwatch – Winter Wonderland Event

Where to Play: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch

Blizzard’s Overwatch delivers Christmas magic every year with its Winter Wonderland event. From snowy versions of maps to festive skins for your favorite heroes (Santa Torbjörn, anyone?), this event is a treat. The arcade modes like Mei’s Snowball Offensive and Yeti Hunter are pure chaotic fun.

Why it’s iconic: It’s all about spreading holiday cheer while still letting you go full DPS mode on your enemies.

4. Star Wars Holiday Specials – "The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special" (2020)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Yes, the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special exists, but it’s more of a “so-bad-it’s-good” experience. Instead, let’s focus on the 2020 Lego Star Wars Holiday Special. This modern twist on a festive galaxy far, far away follows Rey as she travels through iconic moments in Star Wars history, learning the true meaning of Life Day.

Why it’s iconic: It’s packed with hilarious Easter eggs and heartwarming moments that celebrate the entire saga. Plus, it’s Lego. Enough said.

5. The Elder Scrolls Online – New Life Festival

Where to Play: PC, Xbox, PlayStation

For MMORPG fans, the New Life Festival in ESO is a fantastic way to experience Tamriel during the holidays. This seasonal event includes festive quests, snowball fights, and unique rewards like costumes and decorations. There’s even an achievement for spreading holiday cheer across the map.

Why it’s iconic: It combines the immersive world of The Elder Scrolls with the cozy charm of holiday celebrations, making it the perfect geeky escape.

6. Futurama – "Xmas Story" (1999)

Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+

Futurama’s twisted take on Christmas introduces Robot Santa, a homicidal Santa Claus who terrorizes the citizens of New New York for being “naughty” (a.k.a. everyone). With its satirical humor and a surprisingly heartfelt ending, this episode is a must-watch for geeks.

Why it’s iconic: It’s hilarious, ridiculous, and somehow captures the chaotic spirit of Christmas in a futuristic setting.

7. Portal 2 – "Turrets Caroling"

Where to Watch: YouTube (for bonus Christmas-themed fan content)
Where to Play: PC, Xbox, PlayStation

Okay, so Portal 2 doesn’t officially have a Christmas mode, but the festive mods created by fans—and the iconic "Turrets Caroling" video—bring a wonderfully geeky holiday vibe to this classic puzzle game. It’s a fun reminder of how much the fandom still loves GLaDOS and her quirky turrets.

Why it’s iconic: It’s a geeky mashup of brain-twisting puzzles and holiday cheer.

8. Marvel's Hawkeye (2021)

Where to Watch: Disney+

This limited series may not be a traditional Christmas special, but its holiday setting makes it a must-watch during the festive season. Clint Barton just wants to spend Christmas with his family, but a run-in with Kate Bishop and the Tracksuit Mafia derails his plans in spectacular fashion.

Why it’s iconic: It’s action-packed, hilarious, and filled with holiday spirit. The scenes in New York City during Christmas are peak holiday vibes for Marvel fans.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Who cares? The Nightmare Before Christmas is a geek classic that blends both holidays seamlessly. Follow Jack Skellington as he tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town, only to learn that each holiday has its own magic.

Why it’s iconic: It’s Tim Burton at his best, with unforgettable visuals, catchy songs, and a story that’s both spooky and heartwarming.

10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Toy Day Event

Where to Play: Nintendo Switch

Nothing says “wholesome holiday vibes” like Animal Crossing. Every December, the Toy Day event transforms your island into a winter wonderland. From decorating trees to helping Jingle the reindeer deliver gifts, it’s an adorable way to celebrate the season.

Why it’s iconic: It’s low-key, festive, and lets you share the holiday cheer with your favorite animal villagers.

11. Community – "Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas" (2010)

Where to Watch: Hulu, Prime Video

This Community episode is pure geeky gold. Abed, struggling with a holiday existential crisis, reimagines the gang as stop-motion animated characters on a quest to discover the true meaning of Christmas. It’s meta, heartfelt, and packed with pop culture references.

Why it’s iconic: It’s a love letter to geek culture, wrapped up in stop-motion brilliance.

12. Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Holiday in Harlem

Where to Play: PlayStation

Spider-Man: Miles Morales isn’t just a brilliant game; it’s also steeped in holiday vibes. Set in a snowy New York City during Christmas, the game beautifully captures the magic of the season while letting you swing through Harlem in style.

Why it’s iconic: Few games balance action and atmosphere like this one, making it a must-play for both Marvel fans and holiday enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re watching Abed’s stop-motion antics, battling Robot Santa, or swinging through a snowy Harlem, there’s no shortage of geeky Christmas content to enjoy. The best part? These specials aren’t just festive—they’re also packed with the kind of storytelling, humor, and heart that geeks love.

What’s your favorite Christmas special? Let us know in the comments, and keep your holiday season geeky and bright!

Stay tuned to Land of Geek for more holiday lists, gaming news, and deep dives into the best of geek culture. Happy holidays!

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