A Christmas movie marathon is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. Combining classic holiday films with themed snacks not only adds to the festive atmosphere but also makes for a fun and interactive experience. Whether you’re a fan of timeless favourites like Home Alone and Elf, or you love the heartwarming tales of Love Actually and The Polar Express, we’ve got tips on how to plan the ultimate movie marathon – complete with snacks that match the theme of each film.
Step 1: Pick your Christmas movies
Choosing the right movies is the key to a successful marathon. Depending on how much time you have, pick three to five movies to watch. Some popular Christmas classics include:
- Home Alone – A comedy perfect for all ages.
- Elf – A modern holiday favourite that’s fun and festive.
- The Grinch (animated or live-action) – Bring Dr. Seuss’s Christmas tale to life.
- Love Actually – A romantic comedy that will give you all the festive feels.
- The Polar Express – A magical family adventure.
Step 2: Plan themed snacks for each movie
Matching your snacks to the movie you’re watching makes your Christmas movie marathon even more festive and immersive. Here are some snack ideas to go along with each film:
Home Alone – “Little Nero’s Pizza” and Mac ‘n’ Cheese
No Home Alone screening is complete without referencing Kevin McCallister’s love of pizza and mac ‘n’ cheese. Serve mini pizzas or a platter of bite-sized pizza rolls to keep it simple. For the mac ‘n’ cheese, offer individual servings in ramekins for that extra homely touch.
Elf – Spaghetti with Syrup and Christmas Cookies
Inspired by Buddy the Elf’s unusual food preferences, create a spaghetti station where guests can add toppings like chocolate sauce, marshmallows, and lollies. Serve alongside sugar cookies (we’ve got the perfect cookie recipe here) shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with coloured icing and sprinkles.
The Grinch – Grinch Popcorn and Green Punch
For The Grinch, go green! Make Grinch-inspired popcorn by adding green food colouring to melted white chocolate and drizzling it over popcorn. Serve it with a refreshing green punch made with lime soda, pineapple juice, and scoops of lime sherbet for a sweet, frothy effect.
Love Actually – “British Tea Time” Spread
Since Love Actually is set in the UK, why not embrace the British theme with a tea-time snack table? Serve an assortment of finger sandwiches, mince pies, scones with jam and cream, and a variety of teas for a warm and cosy vibe.
The Polar Express – Hot Chocolate and Doughnuts
Nothing says The Polar Express like hot chocolate. Set up a hot chocolate bar where guests can customise their drinks with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings. Add a side of doughnuts or churros to complement the drink. For an amazing selection ideas (like the one in the photo above) check out these hot chocolate options.
Step 3: Set the scene
Create a cosy and festive atmosphere for your movie marathon. Here are some decorating tips:
- Christmas Lights: String fairy lights around the room to create a warm and festive glow.
- Blankets and Cushions: Make sure everyone is comfortable by providing soft blankets and pillows. Check out these Christmas-themed cushions that will help!
- Christmas Tree: If you’ve already set up your tree, let it be the centrepiece of the room. Add a few movie-themed Christmas ornaments if you’re feeling crafty.
- Movie Tickets: For a fun touch, make homemade “movie tickets” for each film and send to your guests as their invitations.
Step 4: Keep guests entertained between films
To keep the energy going between movies, plan a few festive activities that fit with your movie marathon theme:
- Trivia: Print our Christmas movie trivia quiz to test everyone’s knowledge.
- Movie Bingo: Design bingo cards with common Christmas movie tropes (e.g., snow falling, a heartwarming moment, someone wearing a Santa hat).
- Christmas Crafting: Set up a small craft table where guests can make their own Christmas ornaments or decorate cookies during movie breaks.
What do you think?
Hosting a Christmas movie marathon with themed snacks is a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. With some thoughtful planning, the right movies, and creative snacks, you can turn a simple movie night into a memorable Christmas tradition. So gather your loved ones, get comfy, and enjoy a day filled with laughter, nostalgia, and plenty of delicious food. Merry Christmas and happy movie-watching!
