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No, we're not talking Chinese and a movie—though that's a wonderful, special tradition that shouldn't be frowned upon. These are the movies about Christmas itself (or set around Christmas time). You're going to want to escape your family anyway. Cut out a little personal time for Eyes Wide Shut or Gremlins.
RECOMMENDED: See the full Christmas in New York guide
It’s a Wonderful Life Jimmy Stewart stars in the ubiquitous Xmas-related tearjerker, one that still works magnificently last time we checked. IFC Center, Thu 17–Dec 25
Eyes Wide Shut Stanley Kubrick’s final film was unfairly castigated for not being sufficiently erotic, but its deliberately hermetic virtues—not to mention Nicole Kidman’s brilliantly mannered performance—are becoming more appreciated as time goes on. IFC Center, Thu 17
Home Alone Do you hear what I hear? A child—a wise-cracking, cheek-slapping child—defends his house from burglars in this beloved comedy, which we should call a classic at this point, since it's 25 years old. IFC Center, Thu 17–Sun 20
Batman Returns Tim Burton’s second stab at the Caped Crusader marks an improvement on the original, due to Michelle Pfeiffer’s mega-fierce performance as Catwoman. Also, the whole thing takes place during Christmas time. Videology, Fri 18
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation A John Hughes script is the draw here, but a potent draw it is. Mostly, we’re talking stoopid Griswoldian pratfalls and the like (we’re totally fine with that). Landmark’s Sunshine, Fri 18, Sat 19; Nitehawk Cinema, Sat 26, Sun 27
Silent Night, Deadly Night You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to murder your motherfucking ass, bitch! With an ax. Nitehawk Cinema, Fri 18, Sat 19
Gremlins Credit director Joe Dante for making this fantasy about kids ’n’ cuddly creatures more than just a Spielberg-lite romp. Remember: No bright lights. Don’t get them wet. And above all, never feed them after midnight. Nitehawk Cinema, Fri 25, Sat 26
Carol Todd Haynes’s latest—besides being an exquisite portrait of a dawning, secret love—is a Christmas movie. (One could argue the title has a double meaning.) It’s certainly one the best presents of the year. Local theaters, now playing; Museum of Modern Art, Dec 26
Love Actually It’s become a Christmas perennial at this point. Why deny it? You’re so going, with a box of tissues. Plus, you can order brunch at these screenings. Nitehawk Cinema, Sat 26, Sun 27
Tree Man You see them on almost every street corner come Thanksgiving: the Christmas tree sellers, flooding NYC with the fresh scent of their piney wares. This heartfelt documentary examines the routine of one such vendor. Symphony Space, Dec 27