Top 48 Most Iconic Christmas Characters Of All Time

 

We all know and agree that the arrival of Christmas signifies the arrival of the most wonderful time of the year. Expectedly, we take little time to buckle up to get in the festive mood.

 

While some of us are busy decorating the tree and shopping for friends and family, there are plenty of others who only wish to snuggle up on the couch to watch their favourite Xmas classics all over again.

 

The return of the classics also marks the much-awaited return of several memorable movie characters; some of which have gone on to become iconic courtesy of the wonderful Christmas-spirited messages they impart.

 

Therefore, there is no denying that these characters, as well as the stories that revolve around them, are timeless in the true sense of the word. Not only are they funny but they are also equally heartwarming and charming.

 

Needless to say, we can’t help but welcome them back into our homes for they also promise to bring our families together during the holiday season. So, allow us to get you acquainted with some of our favourite Xmas characters of all time from a plethora of highly entertaining and successful flicks.

 

 

 

1. Kevin McCallister (Home Alone)

 

 

Everyone who has seen the Home Alone franchise is familiar with the name Macaulay Culkin, whose performance as the kid left behind by his beloved family during the holidays made him a worldwide star at the tender age of 10.

 

As Kevin McCallister, the actor was armed with a plethora of quotable punchlines. Not only was our young friend a representation of childhood that many kids and adults could relate to but he was also someone who actually enjoyed being alone at home, without anyone to perturb him at all.

 

Also, Culkin’s charming and likeable character projection went on to highlight that while it may be fun to be alone at first, it can also teach us the importance of not taking our loved ones for granted.

 

 

 

2. George Bailey (It’s A Wonderful Life)

 

 

If you are working on a piece on the finest holiday movies and film characters of all time, your story can never be complete without the inclusion of It’s A Wonderful Life and George Bailey.

 

The legendary James Stewart delivers one of the best performances of his career as George Bailey in the Frank Capra directorial venture, which is widely considered to be the finest Xmas film to have ever been made.

 

Even though It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the rare fantasy Christmas movies without Santa, it is, in fact, the most thought-provoking one. We say so because the impressive George Bailey and the transformation that he undergoes are worth watching.

 

We get to see how a perplexed and underconfident George begins to question everything, and how, in due time, he realizes to acknowledge and be grateful for the things that he has.

 

Sooner than later, the man goes on to win the hearts of the people around him through his generosity, integrity, and love.

 

 

 

3. Santa Claus (Miracle On 34th Street, The Christmas Chronicles, Etc.)

 

 

Since Christmas is all about Santa Claus and the many gifts that he brings for children across the globe, it’s no surprise that there are many adaptations of him in movies.

 

Needless to say, he’s one of the most iconic Christmas movie characters. While he may not exactly be the star of the show or even the main character in all Xmas movies, he certainly makes his presence felt either directly or indirectly in the stories.

 

There have been many versions of Santa over the years, but the ones played by actors Edmund Gwenn (Miracle on 34th Street), Tim Allen (The Santa Clause Franchise), and Kurt Russell (The Christmas Chronicles) have perhaps been appreciated the most by viewers the world over.

 

 

 

4. Buddy The Elf (Elf)

 

 

It may be tough to become a Christmas classic today, but Will Ferrell’s turn as an oversized elf ensured that Elf, the movie, is granted an automatic entry into the holiday film pantheon.

 

The motion picture thrives on the splendid comic timing of the actor, which helps in lending it a truly festive vibe. The heartwarming story showcases Buddy believing that he is an elf.

 

Needless to mention, his interactions with the human world are hilarious, to say the least. Get ready to watch scenes in which the character is not only seen eating chewing gum that has been thrown away but also confronting a fake Santa in the shopping mall.

 

If you’re giving this feature a try during the holiday season, just remember, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”

 

 

5. Jack Skellington (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

 

 

We all start with considering Jack in The Nightmare Before Christmas as a true-blue villain since he decides to steal Christmas from Saint Nick himself. However, it must be mentioned that he may be a thief, but he has no malice or ill-intent in his heart whatsoever.

 

We say so because all he wants is to provide a Christmas himself as he has been incredibly bored with his life. Also, he may look a bit scary, but he, like most complex Tim Burton characters, is a clean soul.

 

The reason why most of us were able to empathize with Jack is that much like him, we also feel like we are stuck in a routine and want nothing more than to break away from it.

 

So, we can’t help but root for a guy who does all he can to deliver a genuinely good Xmas.

 

 

6. The Grinch (How The Grinch Stole Christmas)

 

 

Yes, we agree that both Boris Karloff and Benedict Cumberbatch deserve recognition, but we also firmly believe that it is Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch that has become a classic with the passage of time.

 

All thanks to Ron Howard’s confident direction, this version of the character came across as far more relatable in his despisal of the holiday to the viewers. Carrey, the actor, brings his uniqueness to the character and makes it even more enjoyable.

 

His endless ability to improvise his lines makes us want to both hug and believe the character when he decides to save Christmas.

 

 

7. Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)

 

 

One of the most renowned and well-sketched Christmas characters of all time has to be the greedy Ebenezer Scrooge; someone who has been portrayed by multiple actors in their respective unique styles in multiple movies over the years.

 

The character serves as a prime example of how the Xmas holidays can force even a ruthless, trademark villain to have a change of heart. The character was first brought to life by Charles Dickens, who, of course, was quite ahead of his time.

 

He went on to show the world that not everyone is irredeemable. Needless to mention, it’s difficult not to believe in the spirit of the holidays when we find Scrooge becoming a merry old man with a big heart.

 

 

8. Gizmo (Gremlins)

 

 

Quite a few Xmas-themed feature films out there come with a twist, and Gremlins is yet another popular title that isn’t quite the typical holiday watch. However, this Christmas flick is privileged to have one of the holiday’s most iconic characters, Gizmo; someone who is incredibly cute and loving.

 

But, what tags along with his cuteness is an army of scaly, vile, and very mischievous creatures, who leave no stone unturned to turn the festive fun into a nightmare.

 

Be that as it may, Gizmo became a hugely popular character and a bonafide toy hit following the theatrical release of Gremlins.

 

 

9. John McClane (Die Hard Franchise)

 

 

A lot many of you may not completely agree with this entry on our coveted list, but we sure have our reasons to allow him space here; primarily because the first two Die Hard movies take place at Christmastime and the holiday is a large theme.

 

Therefore, unsurprisingly, we can consider John McClane of the Die Hard franchise to be one of the heroes of the holiday season. However, his job doesn’t really revolve around saving Xmas but, in fact, stopping a group of terrorists from wreaking havoc.

 

Needless to say, the plot of the movie makes John different from nearly all Christmas characters out there. Also, watch out for his sassy quips and one-liners throughout the very popular series.

 

 

10. Ralphie Parker (A Christmas Story)

 

 

The reason why viewers who have seen A Christmas Story connected profoundly with Ralphie Parker is that, just like him, they were also once regular kids in a regular neighbourhood who wanted a perfect gift during the holidays.

 

So, of course, our character here tries everything in his power to get it. Also, the inner monologue of his adult self goes on to say a lot about his childhood innocence and naive nature; something that is reminiscent of our own childhood.

 

Expectedly, the story of the film has been told from Ralphie’s perspective, and it does a great job of capturing his innocence, naive selfishness, and imagination, all in equal measure.

 

That said, don’t mistake A Christmas Story for being a kid’s Xmas flick for it has been relished by adults across all times of the year as well.

 

 

11. Clark Griswold (Christmas Vacation)

 

 

Let’s begin by mentioning that we feel Clark Griswold is one of the most relatable characters from any Christmas movie out there. Not only does the man adore the holidays but he also goes on to show how hectic the season can be.

 

All he wants is for his family to have the best Christmas ever. However, he is pushed to withstand a bunch of intrusive relatives, an ungrateful boss, and more than a few injuries.

 

While it certainly is hilarious to catch a frustrated Clark dealing with a ton of issues, the story also goes on to make the viewers realize that they may perhaps be spending their holidays in much better circumstances than their protagonist is.

 

 

12. Susan Walker (Miracle On 34th Street)

 

 

Movie fans across the globe would agree that 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street is one of the greatest Christmas movies to have ever been produced. The timeless classic is populated with amazing characters, and it is Susan Walker who manages to make an impression here.

 

Since the little girl has been raised by her broken-hearted mother, she seems to be incredibly sceptical about most things in life. Not only does she not believe in fairytales but she also doesn’t think that Santa Claus is real.

 

However, after she chances upon Kris Kringle, she eventually starts to think that he may be the real Father Christmas. So, what follows is a heartwarming story encircling Susan that certainly deserves to be revisited every Christmas.

 

 

13. Luther Krank (Christmas With The Kranks)

 

 

As ardent film fans working to fetch you the best stories, we are duly aware of the fact that Tim Allen has been involved in several Christmas movies throughout his career.

 

However, it is his character projection of Luther Krank that manages to stand out. While the well-made motion picture offers everything people look for in a Christmas story, it uses the character of Luther Krank as its biggest selling point.

 

Therefore, in addition to humour and romance, we also have Luther, who eventually realizes that family is all he needs; even though he spends a lot of time trying to avoid doing anything for Xmas.

 

 

14. Karen (Love Actually)

 

 

Fans of Love Actually would argue that it is, in fact, one of the better Christmas movies to have ever hit the screens. They credit its fan following to a bunch of popular and well-known characters played by acclaimed actors.

 

Among the ones that manage to strike a chord with the audience is Karen, who has been played diligently by Emma Thompson. Believe us when we assert that she pretty much carries the movie with the most emotional storyline of the lot.

 

Now, the reason we connect with Karen is that she is put through a hard time; especially after she finds out her husband is in the early stages of having an affair.

 

While it almost breaks her, she decides to get a hold of herself and deals with the situation rather remarkably. Her love and dedication towards her children despite the many issues she faces is something worth acknowledging.

 

 

15. Mr Poppy (Nativity!)

 

 

Fans of festive movies were quick to welcome the Nativity movie series with open arms, and a big reason for that is Mr Poppy. He takes the onus on himself to bring all the heart and the comedy to the movies and does so efficiently.

 

Not only does he work incredibly hard to help everyone but he also wishes to bring a certain amount of joy and enthusiasm into everything he does. Now, with such remarkable traits, it was only given that he would go on to become a memorable character who’d work really well, especially during the holiday season.

 

 

16. Klaus (Klaus)

 

 

Despite only having been out for a few years, the surprisingly great Netflix Original movie, Klaus, has already become part of many families’ Christmas checklist. The motion picture aims to trace the origins of the holiday and revolves around a postal worker and a widower who makes toys.

 

One of the best family features on any OTT platform, it shows how a town’s new mailman befriends an old toy maker, Klaus. We all know that Santa Claus is pretty much the representation of Christmastime, and there have been many great movie adaptations of him.

 

However, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that not a lot of the portrayals have been as amazing as that of Klaus, which ends up giving our beloved Saint Nick a distinct personality.

 

 

17. Catwoman (Batman Returns)

 

 

Believe it or not, there is a select group of people who consider Batman Returns to be a Christmas flick. While it surely is centred around Christmas, it is not exactly about the festival. That is one reason why there isn’t even a single scene that is exclusively dedicated to Xmas.

 

However, the story is packed with moments that are both Christmassy and aesthetically themed to Christmas. Matter of fact, Burton brings his dark side to the fore and gives the festival a darker energy through this venture.

 

Now, since we have established that Batman Returns may well be an Xmas-themed project, we must consider the charismatic Catwoman to be an Xmas-themed character as well. While she may not exactly be the most generous character to make it to our story today, she certainly is the most enigmatic.

 

Catwoman, brought to life with utmost charm by Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance, undergoes a remarkable transition in the movie. The story begins by showing her as lonely and timid and culminates with her being merciless, independent, and almost unstoppable.

 

Following the release of the film, both the character and her costumes managed to grab eyeballs, and for the right reasons. That said, it is imperative to mention that Selina Kyle vows to become Catwoman to get revenge against Maxwell Schreck.

 

 

18. Abby (Happiest Season)

 

 

The popular Kristen Stewart portrays Abbey in Happiest Season, which is a funny, sweet, and unique Christmas feature whose fame will only grow with time. Abby decides to travel with her girlfriend Harper to her parent’s house during Christmas.

 

However, the catch here is that the latter is failing to find the strength to tell her folks that she’s gay. So, as Abby is put under inescapable strain with Harper neglecting her throughout their stay, Stewart allows the actor in her to come to the fore and shine.

 

This rare and beautiful Xmas feature thrives on the performances of Mackenzie Davis and Kristen Stewart and is a timely and much-needed representation of the modern world.

 

 

19. Alfred Kralik (The Shop Around The Corner)

 

 

It’s a real shame that we don’t find this character or movie in the list of the best Xmas titles/characters on the internet. However, we must include it in our story for a lot of its story takes place over Christmas.

 

The Shop Around the Corner does not only comprise one of James Stewart’s finest performances but it is also another great holiday movie featuring the actor, besides It’s a Wonderful Life.

 

We fall for the kind-hearted Alfred Kralik, who, in turn, falls in love with his pen pal. While his chemistry with his love interest is undeniable and their subtle romance is in tune with the Christmas spirit, it is the great Stewart’s character projection that goes on to win hearts and shall continue to do so every single time you revisit The Shop Around the Corner.

 

 

20. Rudolph (Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer)

 

 

Most people who love Xmas know Dasher, Prancer, Comet, and Cupid. However, the most famous of them all is Rudolph, whose glowing red nose gives him a unique and adorable appearance.

 

So, it is only fitting to find him being the centre of attention in the 1964 special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. While he is clearly not accepted by the others because of his nose, the viewers grow incredibly fond of him in the story.

 

That said, the fact that Rudolph is the only reindeer with his own special to celebrate the festivities speaks a lot about his popularity among Christmas enthusiasts.

 

 

21. Scott Calvin (The Santa Clause Franchise)

 

 

One role that Tim Allen is best remembered for is his charismatic portrayal of Santa Claus. He commences his journey in the franchise as a toy manufacturer who becomes chosen as the new official Santa.

 

The Santa Clause franchise kept the spirit of the holidays alive by showcasing Scott’s transformation from a selfish businessman to a jolly hero of Christmas who cares about the needs of others and wishes the best for them.

 

The character continued to be charming courtesy of Tim Allen’s natural sarcastic humour that was smartly mixed with the wonder of Santa to make a long-lasting impression on the minds of the viewers.

 

 

22. The Conductor (The Polar Express)

 

 

One major reason why The Polar Express provided such an amazing viewing experience to its viewers was the lack of forced exposition. Those who have watched the motion picture would know that everything in the story is told from the perspective of the nameless Hero Boy.

 

So, the audience only learns, feels, and experiences the things he does and, therefore, relates to him throughout the film’s runtime. Needless to mention, the enigmatic train conductor, played superbly by Tom Hanks, ends up being this intriguing character who has a history with the train.

 

He may not have been given a name, but he helps in bringing out the childlike wonder of the train. Add to that the fact that he also goes on to teach kids several morals on the journey to the North Pole.

 

 

23. Willie (Bad Santa)

 

 

Most of us think that Bad Santa is a very different kind of holiday feature. Well, it certainly isn’t your trademark family get-together story as its main protagonist, Willie, happens to be a bonafide criminal.

 

He spends his Christmases dressing as Santa so that he can eventually go to rob shopping malls in the vicinity. While the summary of the story does make him a lot less relatable to us, it is, however, his path to becoming a better human that is worth watching out for.

 

The kids might not take to this movie as much, but the adults will acknowledge it for showing the negatives and positives of the holiday period.

 

 

24. Harry and Marv (Home Alone Movies)

 

 

While Kevin McAllister has turned out to be one of the most admirable fictional Xmas characters of all time, it has to be mentioned that the villain duo of Harry and Marv is just as important to the storyline of the Home Alone films.

 

The chemistry that the lowlife thugs share is undeniably funny, with a ton of memorable quotes to boot. In fact, the characters are so charming and annoying together that the audience loves to hate them.

 

Credit has to be given to both the writers and actors for infusing genuine slapstick humour into the franchise. No wonder the duo continues to be iconic and fun even today.

 

 

25. Arthur (Arthur Christmas)

 

 

There is no denying that the entire Claus family is enjoyable in some way in Arthur Christmas. However, it is difficult to negate the fact that it’s probably the titular character who ends up stealing the show, and truly understands and embraces the spirit of the holiday.

 

While the Clauses can be seen caring either about their ego or reliving their glory days, all Arthur wants is to see a little girl get the Xmas present she asked for and truly deserves.

 

Needless to say, his magnanimous personality encourages us to be more like him.

 

 

26. Jesper (Klaus)

 

 

Another excellent holiday feature that is full of commendable characters is Klaus; a motion picture that aims to tell the story of a selfish postman, Jesper, who is forced to relocate to Smeerensburg by his father.

 

Not long into the movie, we catch him striking up a friendship with a reclusive toymaker, Klaus. Together, they go on to spread joy in the dark and dreary town.

 

Needless to mention, one of the film’s highlights is the character of Jesper who has an interesting arc. Like most classic Christmas movies out there, Klaus also has a theme of redemption injected into its storytelling, and Jesper’s growth throughout the story is rewarding, to say the least.

 

 

27. Noelle (Noelle)

 

 

So, we have a question for our beloved readers: Why can’t we see a girl playing Santa Claus on the big screen? What we mean to say is that while this very relevant question may not have been considered in the past, the time has come to give it due importance.

 

So, Anna Kendrick and her character play of the titular Noelle proves the doubters wrong as her undeniable charm and screen presence end up making her the perfect Santa. The story follows Noelle, who begins her journey of becoming the Santa after her brother, who’s predestined to become Santa after the demise of their father, gets cold feet.

 

Thankfully for her family, Noelle goes on to prove that the worthy successor to a father doesn’t necessarily have to be a son.

 

 

28. Gonzo (The Muppet Christmas Carol)

 

 

There have been many on-screen adaptations of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, but the one that is the most unique in its execution is The Muppet Christmas Carol. This could be because the Charles Dickens classic is recast with the classic Muppet characters.

 

To make things better, we have Gonzo as Charles Dickens, who is accompanied by his grounded, wisecracking sidekick Rizzo the Rat at all times. They both narrate the story rather entertainingly and, therefore, manage to impress their audience.

 

Michael Caine delivers a towering performance as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in this faithful and spirited adaptation of the classic novel.

 

 

29. Harmony Faith Lane (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)

 

 

Shane Black’s preoccupation with Christmas was also seen in the neo-noir black comedy crime film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Among the things that worked for the film was the character of Harmony Faith Lane, which was played by Michelle Monaghan.

 

Not only does Harmony have an acute sense of grammar and detail but she is also able to hold her own in male-dominated settings. Add to that the fact that she can make a Santa Clause suit as sexy as humanly possible.

 

While not your conventional Christmas movie character, she certainly deserves a place in our piece.

 

 

30. Lucy Moderatz (While You Were Sleeping)

 

 

Speed may be credited with making Sandra Bullock a star, but it was her portrayal of Lucy in While You Were Sleeping that turned her into America’s sweetheart in the true sense of the word.

 

Given the fact that Lucy Moderatz is so lovely, it’s actually quite difficult to believe that she is lonely. So, those who have been able to watch the romantic comedy would agree that she is charming, ditzy, klutzy, and goofy, all in equal measure.

 

Needless to say, it is difficult to not fall head over heels in love with her. While there are not a lot of Xmas-related shenanigans in the motion picture, Lucy’s such an admirable character that it is difficult to find someone like her in the cruel real world.

 

 

31. Hans Gruber (Die Hard)

 

 

Don’t allow Hans Gruber’s neatly trimmed beard and hand-tailored suits to get the better of your judgment for he is no less than a criminal mastermind. The main antagonist of Die Hard and a posthumous antagonist in Die Hard with a Vengeance, he has a considerable capacity with languages and accents.

 

All Alan Rickman’s uber-baddie wants is $640 million of bearer bonds that will ensure that he spends his holidays in a jolly mood. There is no denying that Rickman’s deliciously devilish turn as Gruber plays a big role in making the first instalment of the Die Hard franchise even more fun.

 

 

32. Isaac (The Night Before)

 

 

Isaac from the R-rated Xmas movie, The Night Before, definitely deserves to find a spot on our list. The story follows three childhood mates who reunite for their annual night of holiday shenanigans, while also facing many significant changes in their constantly changing lives.

 

The most hilarious of the pals is the soon-to-be father Isaac, who seems to be dealing with his upcoming child quite well. However, a drug-fueled night out with his friends ultimately brings out his biggest fears.

 

Within no time, the funniest scenes of The Night Before revolve around him freaking out about the aforementioned life-changing event. Also, don’t be surprised to find him stoned at Xmas mass.

 

 

33. The Old Man (A Christmas Story)

 

 

Since A Christmas Story is one of the most iconic holiday movies ever made, it is only obvious that it would comprise a few memorable characters as well. Therefore, in no time, we are introduced to The Old Man, who can be seen portraying a classic father from that period.

 

Like your everyday dad, he is constantly tinkering with the broken furnace and swearing all the time, and while he may be caring, he decides to let his stern side come to the fore from time to time.

 

In the movie, he eventually gives in and gets his son the BB gun that he wants; in the process, going on to display that he truly loves him. Needless to say, The Old Man is that warm and caring character that is perfectly in sync with Christmastime.

 

 

34. Ernest P. Worrell (Ernest Saves Christmas)

 

 

If it’s been a long time since you watched this classic from the late, great Jim Varney, allow us to tell you that there was nothing Ernest couldn’t do in the ’80s, including saving Xmas itself.

 

The motion picture has its own set of oddities and stars milk pitchman turned unlikely children’s movie star Ernest P. Worrell in the titular role. The character has been brought to life effortlessly by Jim Varney.

 

Helmed by Ernest creator John Cherry, Ernest Saves Christmas thrives on Varney’s Ernest shenanigans and merges it with a sweet tale about the beloved Santa Claus searching for a successor before his magic wanes for good.

 

 

35. Cousin Eddie (Christmas Vacation)

 

 

Can the holiday season be complete without an annual viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? No, perhaps not, since we have been spending some holiday time with the Griswolds for years now.

 

Randy Quaid’s portrayal of the in-law who overstays his welcome over the holidays may be a gift that keeps on giving, but it is also a reflection of many of our relatives who overstay their welcome after deciding to pay us a visit during festivals.

 

In fact, it wouldn’t exactly be an exaggeration to claim that Quaid’s portrayal went on to show how the true meaning of the holidays can sometimes be overshadowed by avarice and spite.

 

 

36. Mr Potter (It’s A Wonderful Life)

 

 

Played to ruthless perfection by the great Lionel Barrymore, Mr Potter is the crooked businessman from the acclaimed Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The actor’s character projection as a Christmas baddie seemed to have out-Scrooged even Scrooge himself.

 

However, what makes Mr. Potter relevant today is the fact that like most well-off people in the world today, he is also power-hungry. In fact, the only things important to him are owning property, having lots of money, and, ultimately, owning people.

 

 

37. Ginny Grainger (One Magic Christmas)

 

 

Indeed, One Magic Christmas isn’t as well-known or as often played as other motion pictures on this list, but it certainly is remembered for the adroit character projection of Mary Steenburgen.

 

The award-winning actress delivers a solid performance as Ginny Grainger; a young mother who rediscovers the joy and beauty of Christmas courtesy of the unshakable faith of her six-year-old daughter and her guardian angel.

 

Steenburgen’s performance helps you believe that all your most treasured Christmas fantasies can come true if you promise to share them with the most important people in your life.

 

 

38. The Ghost Of Christmas Present (The Muppet Christmas Carol)

 

 

Easily the most personable of the three ghosts in The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Ghost of Christmas Present is a large, jovial figure, who reveals to Scrooge the joys of Xmas in the present day.

 

He possesses the remarkable ability to alter his size to fit into any space. Not only that but he can also enter a room by merely touching its exterior walls.

 

Yet another reason we like Christmas Present is that he laughs his heart out and, like mortals in the real world, tends to forget things from time to time.

 

 

39. Clarence Odbody (It’s A Wonderful Life)

 

 

Portrayed wholeheartedly by Henry Travers, Clarence Odbody is the guardian angel of George Bailey in the cult classic Christmas feature It’s a Wonderful Life. Seen in old-fashioned clothes, Clarence is an angel-in-training who occasionally appears as a small star or a twinkle of light.

 

He does his best to get George back on track in his seemingly monotonous life by giving him a glimpse of a world where he’d never existed. Slowly but steadily, whatever George sees puts his problems in perspective and makes him want to live again.

 

Well, for a job well done, the least we could do is gift Clarence a pair of wings.

 

 

40. Ghost Of Christmas Present (Scrooged)

 

 

She may have curly blonde hair, a little-girl voice, and could be adorable looking, but this Christmas ghost also has violent tendencies. However, some would argue that her dark side is exactly what is most impressive about her.

 

Be that as it may, it’s the combination of sweetness and spice that makes Ghost of Christmas Present as effective as she turns out to be in Frank’s life. It is not surprising then that he is pretty much in her control, even before the scary Ghost of Christmas Future turns up.

 

 

41. Howard Langston (Jingle All The Way)

 

 

When Brian Levant’s Jingle All The Way hit the screens in 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger had already established himself as an action superstar. However, in this motion picture, he plays an eager-to-please father with whom most real-world fathers could easily relate.

 

The movie centres on a workaholic dad, Howard Langston, and his family. After he promises to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas, he does everything in his capacity to get his hands on the toy.

 

But, unfortunately for him, every store is sold out. So, while Schwarzenegger’s Howard is a good salesman, the journey to see him becoming an equally good father in this Xmas comedy is definitely worth seeing.

 

 

42. Walter (Elf)

 

 

People seem to forget that the amazing James Freakin’ Caan plays a pivotal role in the Christmas classic Elf. While he is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of the hot-headed Sonny Corleone, there is also a generation that knows him better as Buddy’s dad.

 

Walter works as the Executive Vice President of Greenway Publishing Company. He is basically a selfish workaholic who seems to care about nothing other than making a ton of money.

 

However, as a children’s book publisher and Buddy’s biological father, Caan definitely manages to impress.

 

 

43. Billy Mack (Love Actually)

 

 

Can you name a lot of Christmas movies that feature a pessimistic and washed-up rock star helping us understand the real value of relationships? Probably not. However, in the seasonal romantic comedy Love Actually, Bill Nighy’s portrayal of Billy Mack does exactly that, and, in fact, manages to stand out in a stacked ensemble cast.

 

His character has an amusing and slightly sentimental trajectory in the screenplay as he is first seen attempting a major comeback to the world of rock. But, it doesn’t take him long to realize that all he wants is to spend the holiday with the person who means the most to him, which happens to be his manager Joe.

 

Indeed, Mack is a rather underrated Christmas movie character.

 

 

44. Yukon Cornelius (Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer)

 

 

One of the most important protagonists from the 1964 Rankin/Bass television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Yukon Cornelius is an arctic prospector who meets Rudolph and Hermey while they are trying to avoid the Abominable.

 

While the less-than-an-hour-long movie is packed with star turns and admirable characters, no one manages to top ol’ Yukon, who is a commendable mix of greedy, reactionary, and hipster. However, what adds depth to his character is that he has a secret heart of gold.

 

 

45. Thurman Merman (Bad Santa)

 

 

For those of you who don’t remember, Thurman Merman is an overweight, seemingly dim lad who befriends Willie, a thief, in Bad Santa. Brett Kelly’s memorable portrayal of the character radiates a sweet innocence, which a lot of kids can relate to.

 

Not only does he think that Willie really is Santa but he also ends up creating a nice comedic tension with him as the plot progresses. Therefore, it would be safe to say that Kelly, in several ways, plays the part of an unwitting Susan Walker to Billy Bob Thornton’s Kris Kringle.

 

However, their shenanigans do not end there as the duo makes a striking return in the sequel thirteen years later.

 

 

46. Snow Miser and Heat Miser (The Year Without A Santa Claus)

 

 

In the stop-motion animated Christmas television special, The Year Without A Santa Claus, we find stepbrothers Snow Miser and Heat Miser fighting over just about everything when it comes to Christmas.

 

Just like his name suggests, Snow Miser is cool and collected, and he loves to bring on the snow and cool weather to help protect the festive season and ensure that everyone enjoys it.

 

On the other hand, Heat Miser is someone who happens to be angry all the time. Worse still, he strives to bring on fire and heat to melt away the snow and all the good vibes associated with the festivities.

 

 

47. Pietari Kontio (Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale)

 

 

While most kids across the globe are excited about presents during Christmas, Pietari Kontio is petrified of Santa Claus and is suspicious of anything that lands on the roof. His fear of Santa stems from the fact that he has read the old literature on the subject and believes that the so-called “Saint” Nick can also punish children who misbehave.

 

So, while Pietari may not be the cutest kid on the block, he certainly is resourceful and a role model in his own right.

 

 

48. B.Z. (Santa Claus: The Movie)

 

 

Make way for the stingy, ungenerous, sleazy, and unscrupulous toy manufacturer who wants nothing more than to commercialize Christmas and destroy its magic in Santa Claus: The Movie. Portrayed by John Lithgow, B. Z. tends to wear braces, nice overcoats, and double-breasted suits at all times.

 

However, his appearance doesn’t negate the fact that he goes on to manipulate one of Santa’s elves to help him take over Xmas.