The Simpsons’ 10 Best Christmas Episodes, Ranked

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As a huge fan of animation, and especially The Simpsons, I have to say it’s surprisingly difficult to narrow down their best Christmas episodes – they’ve done over twenty! Seriously, with 36 seasons under its belt, a movie, and another one on the way, The Simpsons is a total TV landmark, a real American institution. It’s a show that’s just always been there, and continues to deliver.

As a huge animation fan, I was pretty amazed to hear that The Simpsons just hit another milestone! They aired their 800th episode in December 2025 – can you believe it? It was season 37, episode 10, called “Guess Who’s Coming to Skinner,” and featured Kieran Culkin as a guest star. It’s just incredible how many records this show continues to break after all these years!

The Simpsons is a record-breaker – it’s the longest-running American sitcom, animated show, and scripted prime-time series in US television history, among many other awards. With over 20 Christmas episodes, it’s always hard to choose the best when watching it again.

Looking back at the many Christmas episodes of The Simpsons over the years, a few really stand out. These top ten episodes, ranging from the show’s very beginning to as recently as season 36, include both beloved classics featuring Lisa and Bart, and some surprisingly good recent installments.

10. A Springfield Summer Christmas For Christmas (Season 32, Episode 10)

Some viewers might be surprised to see an episode from season 32 included here, and it’s true that season wasn’t the show’s strongest. However, there’s a good reason this relatively recent episode stands out. “A Springfield Summer Christmas For Christmas” has a fantastic idea at its core, and the guest stars really elevate the whole thing.

This episode features a Hallmark executive who comes to Springfield hoping to film a Christmas movie. However, she unexpectedly finds herself in a Hallmark-style romance with Principal Skinner. Ellie Kemper shines as Mary Tannenbaum, and Richard Kind and Chris Parnell deliver plenty of comedic moments in their supporting roles.

9. Simpsons Christmas Stories (Season 17, Episode 9)

It’s surprising to see a newer episode like season 17’s “Simpsons Christmas Stories” ranked higher than some classic episodes. But the episode “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace” from season 9 is just too bleak to enjoy during the holidays. The story depicts the Simpson family being left to fend for themselves when the town turns its back on them, making it a difficult watch for festive re-runs.

“Simpsons Christmas Stories” is a much more lighthearted and comedic Christmas episode. It features Grandpa joining forces with Santa, a funny retelling of the Nativity story, and a playful take on The Nutcracker. While it packs a lot in and can be a bit over-the-top, it’s still a heartwarming and enjoyable Christmas episode for fans of the show.

8. She of Little Faith (Season 13, Episode 6)

The Simpsons has many great Thanksgiving episodes, but season 13’s “She of Little Faith” centers on Lisa. After Bart and Homer cause trouble, Springfield’s church needs repairs, and Mr. Burns offers to help. However, he transforms the church into a place that worships him, which deeply upsets Lisa.

Feeling let down by the church’s actions, Lisa uses the Christmas season to really think about her beliefs in a surprisingly heartfelt episode. While “She of Little Faith” isn’t as laugh-out-loud funny as other episodes, it’s a touching story about faith, family, and a hidden gem for Lisa’s character.

7. The Fight Before Christmas (Season 22, Episode 8)

Season 22 of The Simpsons was arguably its most wild and unpredictable. This special episode was a chaotic mix of ideas, including a parody of The Polar Express featuring Bart’s dream, Marge getting decorating advice from Martha Stewart, and the entire family appearing as *Muppetlike puppets. The show really tried out a lot of different concepts to see what would resonate with viewers.

Okay, things get really weird at the end – Katy Perry shows up as a love interest for Moe, and it’s honestly a trip! The episode, “The Fight Before Christmas,” definitely tries to cram a lot in, but you know what? It’s kind of charming. It’s chaotic, sure, but there are even a few jokes that caught me off guard in a good way. Overall, it’s a fun, if slightly overstuffed, Christmas special.

6. O C’Mon All Ye Faithful (Season 36)

While all episodes of The Simpsons aren’t currently on Disney+, recent seasons have included several that you can only find on the streaming service. One of the first was a heartwarming and touching two-part episode from season 36 called “O C’Mon All Ye Faithful,” which featured a visit from British mentalist Derren Brown to Springfield.

The holiday special, “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” cleverly poked fun at beloved Christmas classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Ned Flanders’ introduction brought a lot of humor. But the episode also surprised viewers with a surprisingly moving storyline about Flanders questioning his faith after experiencing two personal losses, making it a truly impactful and memorable installment.

5. Simpsons Roasting On an Open Fire (Season 1, Episode 1)

If you rewatch the very first episode of The Simpsons, you’ll quickly notice a few big differences. It moves at a much slower speed, and the humor is more understated and a bit edgier, lacking the wild, over-the-top energy that would define the show’s most popular years.

Even though it’s a bit downbeat, there’s something really genuine about this first episode. It’s about a dad who’s not perfect, just doing his best to give his kids a decent Christmas. Honestly, it surprised me with how touching it was! It’s full of characters you won’t forget, and it really shows you what The Simpsons could become – it’s a fantastic start to the series.

4. Holidays of Future Passed (Season 23, Episode 9)

While The Simpsons has often explored the future, the episode “Holidays of Future Passed” is widely considered its best portrayal of the family years later. It’s a funny and surprisingly touching holiday special that centers on Bart and Lisa as parents, and their complicated relationships with their own mothers and fathers.

While the episode has a fast-paced and interesting plot, it’s the tender moments – like Bart and Lisa sharing a sincere conversation with wine in the treehouse – that truly make “Holidays of Future Passed” stand out. This episode proves that The Simpsons continues to deliver excellent television.

3. Skinner’s Sense of Snow (Season 12, Episode 8)

I think it’s my own fondness for the holidays that makes me love this one so much. Even though “Skinner’s Sense of Snow” is set during a snowstorm and doesn’t focus heavily on Christmas itself – there aren’t a ton of Christmas references – it feels like a true Christmas special. Whether it’s Principal Skinner showing that old black-and-white film, The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t, or the kids basically running the school while everyone’s stuck inside, it just captures that classic Christmas spirit for me.

The annual Treehouse of Horror specials on The Simpsons usually stretch the bounds of reality, but “Skinner’s Sense of Snow” stands out because it lets the kids take center stage. Similar to another great holiday episode, it’s a cheerful reminder that the show is, at its core, about childhood and the spirit of Christmas.

2. Grift of the Magi (Season 11, Episode 9)

The storyline of “Grift of the Magi” is completely outlandish – think Gary Coleman making a surprise appearance, Fat Tony redesigning Springfield Elementary with breadsticks, and a toy company actually buying the school. But that’s what makes it so enjoyable!

This episode is brilliantly wacky and has become a classic, as the creation of Funzo unexpectedly causes more problems than joy for Springfield’s kids. It’s a cynical, silly, and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas special that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Marge Be Not Proud (Season 7, Episode 11)

As a huge animation fan, I have to say, there’s a reason Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of BoJack Horseman, loves “Marge Be Not Proud” from The Simpsons so much. It’s just a brilliantly funny episode! It’s packed with jokes that really stick with you – I still laugh thinking about ‘Thrillho’ and Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge. It’s a classic for a reason, honestly.

At its core, “Marge Be Not Proud” is a touching and realistic story about the strong, lasting bond between a mother and son. This heartwarming relationship is what makes it one of the greatest Christmas episodes ever made. Beyond being genuinely moving, the episode is also incredibly funny, making it a truly special installment of The Simpsons.

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2025-12-17 22:51