10 Best Christmas Comedy Episodes, Ranked (PHOTOS)
10. “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas,” Community (Season 2, Episode 11)
Abed (Danny Pudi) envisions the gang as stop-motion animated characters on a trip to the North Pole to find the meaning of Christmas.
Available to stream on Hulu.
9. “Christmas Party Sex Trap,” The Mindy Project (Season 2, Episode 11)
Mindy (Mindy Kaling) throws a gluten- and alcohol-free party to seduce her crush Cliff (Glenn Howerton), but the real Christmas present is Danny (Chris Messina) dancing to Mindy’s favorite song, “Try Again,” by Aaliyah.
Available to stream on Hulu.
8. “The BoJack Horseman Christmas Special,” BoJack Horseman (Season 2)
Even though this technically isn’t an episode, this Christmas special holds a deer (pun intended) place in our hearts. It’s two stories in one, with BoJack (Will Arnett) and Todd (Aaron Paul) watching the holiday episode for “Horsin’ Around” while sharing their takes on what Christmas means.
Available to stream on Netflix.
7. “Christmas Special,” 30 Rock (Season 3, Episode 6)
Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) uses Letters to Santa to boost her own self-esteem, while Jack (Alec Baldwin) hits his mother (Elaine Stritch) with a car. While this might not be “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” level of festive cheer, the episode has that quick-witted lovable charm that makes 30 Rock one of the best shows of the past decade.
Available to stream on Hulu.
6. “December: Berkshires County,” The Real Housewives of New York City (Season 8, Episode 9)
Call it what you want, but the RHONY ladies know how to bring comedy and drama to any holiday. This special episode of the “Berserk”-shires annual Bluestone Manor getaway focuses on a showdown between Bethenny Frankel and Luann de Lesseps, which spurred Dorinda Medley’s famous tagline: “I made it nice.” This show is everlasting pure gold.
Available to stream on Hulu.
5. “The Real Santa,” Fresh Off the Boat (Season 2, Episode 10)
Jessica (Constance Wu) tells her young kids that Santa is Chinese, but their peers at school begin teasing them for believing. So Jessica instead invents Lao Ban Santa, or “Boss Santa,” who is a Chinese female CEO that oversees all of the white, male Santas. This empowering episode is one for the books.
Available to stream on Hulu.
4. “Woodland Critter Christmas,” South Park (Season 8, Episode 14)
Stan (Trey Parker) helps adorable forest animals before realizing they are prepping to birth the Antichrist. If a satirical take on beloved Christmas animation isn’t for you, check out the fantastic quintessential South Park Christmas story with “Red Sleigh Down” from Season 6, complete with Santa and Jesus traveling to Iraq with the help of Mr. Hanky.
Available to stream on Hulu.
3. “Jingle Balls,” Will & Grace (Season 4, Episode 12)
Will (Eric McCormack) and Grace (Debra Messing) butt heads per usual, and Karen (Megan Mullally) models a seductive S&M Santa outfit for Jack’s (Sean Hayes) window vision. With Jack’s job on the line, Grace swoops in to surprise Jack with picture-perfect festive windows for retail store Barneys, and Jack thinks Santa answered his prayers.
Available to stream on Hulu.
2. “Citizen Knope,” Parks and Recreation (Season 4, Episode 10)
Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) struggles with her job suspension and eventually loses her campaign team due to the scandal with Ben (Adam Scott). In the final moments of the episode, the whole office comes together to surprise Leslie with a gingerbread version of Pawnee and offer to be her new campaign staff. The It’s a Wonderful Life gesture brings tears to both Leslie and viewers alike.
Available to stream on Netflix.
1. “Christmas Party,” The Office (Season 2, Episode 19)
Every Office Christmas party is hilarious and endearing, but this very first holiday-themed episode remains the most iconic. Jim (John Krasinski) gifts Pam (Jenna Fischer) a sentimental teapot, while Michael (Steve Carrell) shows his favoritism for Ryan (BJ Novak) by giving him an expensive iPod. It’s comedic, sad, heartfelt, and overall perfect.
Available to stream on Netflix.
It’s that time of year again as loved ones gather together to celebrate the holidays. Between sips of egg nog and gingerbread cookies, check out the best Christmas comedy episodes to stream this winter vacation.
Click through the gallery above for our top Kris Kringle picks, ranked in order of holiday spirit.
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