As a longtime fan of Bob’s Burgers, I have to say that the Christmas episodes are always a highlight of the series for me. However, after years of watching and analyzing these holiday masterpieces, I can confidently say that “The Plight Before Christmas” stands out as my absolute favorite.
Despite the fact that “Bob’s Burgers” is widely recognized for its cherished Thanksgiving episodes, the holiday that the series has consistently celebrated more frequently is Christmas. From hurried last-minute shopping sprees to numerous Christmas tree-related misadventures, the Belcher family has made a Christmas appearance each year since the show started producing holiday episodes in season three. Christmas episodes are common themes for TV shows — almost every network series seems to have at least one — but “Bob’s Burgers” stands out by frequently taking this familiar trope and making it strangely unique.
In Bob’s household, it’s Bob who takes charge during Thanksgiving, while Christmas offers an opportunity for Linda and the kids to step into the limelight. Tina, Gene, and Louise, much like most children, are thrilled about presents. Linda, on the other hand, cherishes the holiday spirit. However, the joy of the season often intermingles with practical worries such as year-end budgeting and the intricate feelings that surface when family gets together during holidays. Some of the most impactful episodes also have a eerie edge, acknowledging the frequently neglected chilling undertones associated with the holiday season (yes, even A Christmas Carol can be considered a horror story). Above all, the exceptional Bob’s Burgers holiday episodes, regardless of the celebration, seem unique and are not suitable to air at any other time of the year.
For those new to the series wanting to catch up on every episode or old fans seeking the top picks, we’ve got you sorted! From the hilarious pilot that sparked it all to the current fan favorite, here is a ranking of every Bob’s Burgers Christmas special.
13.
“Gene’s Christmas Break” (Season 12, Episode 10)
The Christmas season arrives, and traditionally it’s when DJ Gene emerges, but misfortune befalls him as he accidentally damages his cherished ’70s Christmas album (Percy McTinsel-bud’s “Tinsel Machine”), causing both the record and his spirits to break. In an effort to replace the elusive soundtrack, the children venture from one record store to another, even visiting Courtney’s musician father, before ultimately giving up. As a touching gesture, the family decides to remake the album for Gene as a surprise, but the reception isn’t smooth-sailing. Meanwhile, Teddy initiates a Secret Santa in the neighborhood involving the Belchers, Mort, and their mailman. While the Secret Santa plot is engaging, it takes a backseat to Gene’s storyline, which, while enjoyable, doesn’t quite deliver the usual holiday magic that one has come to anticipate from Bob’s special episodes.
12.
“The Nightmare 2 Days Before Christmas” (Season 14, Episode 10)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=aN6IZCjvF28
In this holiday season, as a storm knocks out power in our apartment just days before Christmas, our landlord Mr. Fischoeder generously offers us refuge at his family’s vacant hunting lodge. Eager to bring some festive spirit with us, we strap our Christmas tree onto the roof of our car and embark on a chilly, pitch-black journey through the snowy mountains. However, upon reaching our destination, we find that our beloved tree has vanished en route. After settling in, Linda bravely ventures out to replace it, leading to her own harrowing adventure in the wilderness. The concept is intriguing and offers a fresh setting for the Belchers, but the initial promise unfortunately peters out into an average tale. Despite the opportunity to delve deeper into their temporary home, the narrative veers towards the less engaging tree escapade (which seems somewhat repetitive in light of previous Christmas episodes focused on trees).
11.
“Yachty or Nice” (Season 11, Episode 10)
In the days leading up to Christmas, the Belchers are asked to cater the Glencrest Yacht Club’s annual holiday bash. Bob feels both honored and puzzled by the invitation, wondering why he was chosen. Linda takes it in stride, thinking they deserve it, but focuses on the fact that “the big shot” Jimmy Pesto suggested them. This makes Bob suspicious, believing that his long-time rival is planning to embarrass him. Meanwhile, the kids concoct a plan to snag some of the toys that Teddy (dressed as Santa) will be handing out for charity. The episode, titled “Yachty or Nice,” is funny and sentimental but lacks the lasting impact of other episodes.
10.
“Dog Christmas Day After Afternoon” (Season 15, Episode 9)
One charming trait of the animated series “Bob’s Burgers” lies in its portrayal of the Belcher family, who grapple with everyday financial struggles. In the episode titled “Dog Christmas Day After Afternoon“, the kids harbor hopes for a Game Whiz (similar to Nintendo Switch) as a shared gift, but are disheartened on Christmas morning when they find less expensive presents beneath the tree instead. They conceal their disappointment from their parents, making the letdown even more poignant, yet Bob and Linda pick up on this and express their own sadness about not being able to afford the desired present. In an attempt to lift everyone’s mood, the family decides to explore a neighborhood adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, which leads them on a (nearly fatal) adventure involving puppies. The mission results in earning enough money to purchase a Game Whiz. Although this episode might not make it onto any top-tier “Bob’s Burgers” lists, it offers a relatable perspective on the unspoken pressures and anxieties that often accompany the holiday season.
9.
“Better Off Sled” (Season 9, Episode 10)
The ‘Better Off Sled’ episode from Bob’s Burgers is excellent, although it falls slightly behind in this ranking due to its less Christmas-y atmosphere compared to others. However, it’s a strong snow-themed story that unfolds during the children’s winter vacation. After a heavy snowfall, Tina, Gene, and Louise are excited for sledding with their friends at the local hill. Unfortunately, older teenagers (including Louise’s rival, Logan) have turned the area into a battlefield for snowball fights, putting younger kids in danger. Most opt to leave, but Louise devises a brave counter-attack plan. A comical subplot involves Linda struggling with knitting scarves for Christmas, only to discover she can’t do it (but Bob can!), and her subsequent ‘Knitcracker’ nightmares are quite amusing.
8.
“Bob Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins” (Season 3, Episode 9)
As a movie reviewer, I must say that the first “Bob’s Burgers” holiday special is nothing short of extraordinary – it truly breaks new ground! In the intriguingly titled “Bob Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins,” Bob inherits an unusual legacy when his uncle passes away: a storage unit, complete with a resident named Chet. The Belchers graciously accommodate this peculiar guest as they prepare for Christmas. Chet, it turns out, is not your average houseguest; he transforms their restaurant window into a dazzling holiday spectacle that draws in customers. However, as the big day approaches, they begin to suspect that there’s something odd about Chet – it seems he may have lost touch with reality, believing himself to be a mannequin who has regained consciousness and is searching for his long-lost wife, Nadine. This unique storyline might seem like a stretch, but the writers manage to pull it off seamlessly, demonstrating their incredible versatility during the festive episodes.
7.
“Nice-Capades” (Season 6, Episode 5)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=mQw6LvZsqF8
When the children annoyed the shopping mall Santa, Louise worried he would tell the real Santa in the North Pole and they wouldn’t receive any presents on Christmas morning. To make amends, Louise organized a show at the ice-skating rink where she and her siblings would share their good acts of the year. The highlight, though, was not the children’s performances but the adults who participated – Mr. Fischoeder and his brother performing a bourbon-themed number, and Teddy and his hockey team skating along. This episode showcases Louise’s eagerness for gifts, yet it also triggers some thoughtful reflections from the youngest Belcher about what true kindness entails. “Nice-Capades” is a charming addition to the Christmas special collection, although it falls short compared to some other Christmas episodes in the series.
6.
“Have Yourself a Maily Linda Christmas” (Season 10, Episode 10)
“A Linda-styled Holiday Hustle
5.
“The Last Gingerbread House on the Left” (Season 7, Episode 7)
In “The Last Gingerbread House on the Left,” Bob is asked by Mr. Fischoeder to deliver food for a party, thinking it’s a brief errand before he can join his family for caroling. However, things take an unexpected turn when Bob learns that Mr. Fischoeder is hosting a gingerbread-house competition with wealthy friends and wants Bob to deliberately lose. Agreeing to the deal since it means a rent-free month and better gifts for the kids, Bob gradually finds himself developing a competitive spirit to win the prize of meeting an albino baby polar bear at the zoo. Meanwhile, Linda, Teddy, and the kids have a blast caroling, with their fun escalating when they suspect a murderer (with impressive singing skills) resides in a certain house. The episode also pays homage to the delightful concept of found family within the Belcher clan’s antics.
4.
“Father of the Bob” (Season 5, Episode 6)
Since the initial season, Linda’s family has been a significant presence on the show, but Bob’s family background has been gradually revealed. Not until “Father of the Bob” did we finally meet Big Bob, Bob’s father, and learn about their strained relationship, which was further complicated by the death of Bob’s mother at a young age. Despite his reservations, Bob hesitates to attend his father’s Christmas Eve party at Big Bob’s Diner. However, Linda holds out hope that this year might be different and they can reconcile their differences. Tensions reach a climax but are eventually resolved in a unique way: by line dancing in a gay bar. This episode is particularly touching and embodies the traditional spirit of “Bob’s” Christmas while also delving deeper into Bob’s personal life. What sets it apart from “Last Gingerbread” and “Maily Linda” is its ability to progress the series narrative, which is unusual in a long-running animated comedy.
3.
“Christmas in the Car” (Season 4, Episode 8)
In a quirky twist, when Linda’s Christmas enthusiasm prompts her to decorate early (and then replace the deceased trees), the Belcher family finds themselves without a tree on Christmas Eve. Bob takes it in stride, but Linda sees it as blasphemous. Determined to rectify the situation, they venture out on a snowy night to find a last-minute Christmas tree. However, their peaceful journey is disrupted when they accidentally block a long-haul truck shaped like a candy cane. To their shock, they discover that the driver is in hot pursuit, believing them to be the cause of his predicament. This tense situation escalates into a humorous standoff, reminding the Belchers of the joy of celebrating holidays together. The episode strikes the perfect balance: from the witty Dutch-baby references at the diner, the spontaneous “where do babies come from?” conversation in the car, to the kids’ accidental capture of Teddy in their Santa trap. Moreover, Gene’s favorite song, “Jingle in the Jungle,” lives up to its hype and becomes a catchy earworm.
2.
“The Bleakening (Parts 1 & 2)” (Season 8, Episodes 6 & 7)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=tF2eGkMOBhk
As a die-hard fan, it’s hard to believe that eight seasons into this amazing series, the team behind Bob’s Burgers dared to imagine a Christmas episode as a chilling, musical two-parter! And let me tell you, it was a stroke of genius. In “The Bleakening,” Linda remarks that something just isn’t right about this holiday season, and they decide to host a neighborhood party at the restaurant to spread some cheer. But Linda’s festive spirit is soon dampened when their tree, adorned with the kids’ ornaments, mysteriously disappears during the party.
1.
“The Plight Before Christmas” (Season 13, Episode 10)
This episode of television, created by series mastermind Loren Bouchard and penned by longtime writer Kelvin Yu, is a stunning delight after ten years of Belcher family Christmases. Titled “The Plight Before Christmas,” it offers an unexpected charm as the Belchers face a particularly hectic holiday night. Gene’s sixth-grade concert clashes with Tina’s Thundergirls performance, and Bob and Linda believe they have a solution by attending one event each. However, Louise throws a curveball when she reminds everyone about her library poetry reading. Initially claiming it was just a joke, she later reveals that it might hold significance for her.
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2024-12-16 23:54