Time for some vintage entertainment everyone can enjoy!
The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends and indulging in the warmth of your favorite traditions. If you’re looking for new additions to your traditional holiday movie night, why not pick a few holiday-themed silent movies to watch?
These cinematic gems from a bygone era are accessible to viewers with hearing loss — no subtitles required! — and will make you feel nostalgic for a simpler time.
Here are nine silent movies to watch during the holidays:
- A Christmas Carol (1910)
- The Snowman (1982)
- Santa Claus (1898)
- The Kid (1921)
- The Frozen North (1922)
- The Pilgrim (1923
- A Winter Straw Ride (1906)
- The Gold Rush (1925)
- The Night Before Christmas (1905)
Many of these are quite short, so you can cozy up and pick several silent movies to watch in one night! The best part is all of them can be found for free on YouTube — simply search the title of the film and the year, and you’ll find an option to watch!
A Christmas Carol (1910)
Step back in time with the earliest film adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. This short silent film captures the essence of the classic story with a quiet charm. Of course, the film’s message of redemption and generosity remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
The Snowman (1982)
Based on Raymond Briggs’ beloved children’s book, “The Snowman” tells the tale of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they embark on a magical adventure, soaring through the night sky to Howard Blake’s hauntingly beautiful score (since silent movies often do feature music!).
Santa Claus (1898)
Want to have the shortest movie night ever — while watching the oldest Christmas movie ever!? With a runtime of just one minute (you read that right), this historic gem brings Santa Claus to life for the very first time and captures the essence of the holiday season. For film history buffs, it also serves as a charming time capsule, offering a glimpse into the earliest days of filmmaking when the magic of cinema was still in its infancy.
The Kid (1921)
Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid” is a heartwarming tale that revolves around his iconic character The Tramp as he raises an abandoned child. Filled with humor and emotion, this silent classic is perfect for the holiday season. Its universal themes of love and compassion make it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
The Frozen North (1922)
Buster Keaton takes center stage in “The Frozen North,” a silent comedy that parodies popular Western films of the time. Set against a snowy backdrop, Keaton’s character navigates through misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and a touch of romance. The film’s snowy setting adds a wintry charm to the escapades that ensue.
The Pilgrim (1923)
Charlie Chaplin makes yet another appearance on our list with this silent comedy set during Thanksgiving. The film follows Chaplin’s Tramp as he inadvertently becomes a small-town preacher. The comedic mishaps that ensue, along with Chaplin’s signature physical comedy, make this silent movie a delightful choice for holiday laughter.
A Winter Straw Ride (1906)
Step back in time with this early silent film that captures the joy of winter festivities as a group of friends enjoy a winter sleigh ride and snowball battle. The vintage charm and simplicity of this seven-minute-long gem make it a perfect (and short!) addition to your holiday movie lineup, offering a glimpse into the holiday celebrations of yesteryear.
The Gold Rush (1925)
As long as you aren’t tired of Chaplin films yet, don’t miss this one, which combines humor and heart in the backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush. The Tramp’s adventures in the snowy wilderness create a charming and unforgettable tale. The film’s iconic scenes, including the dance of the dinner rolls, will leave you with a smile, making it an excellent choice for holiday cheer.
The Night Before Christmas (1905)
Directed by Edwin S. Porter, “The Night Before Christmas” is one of the earliest surviving adaptations of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem. This nine-minute-long silent film captures the enchantment of Christmas Eve with its whimsical portrayal of Santa Claus and the joyous anticipation of children. It’s a delightful watch that brings the magic of the season to life.
Now it’s time to pick a night, gather your friends and family, make some popcorn, and get ready to experience the joy of these timeless classics. And once the holidays are over, plan some more movie nights to watch these eight awesome silent films as well!
