Christmasmovies are fun and festive as they bring families together — both on-screen and off — for quality time. While some people get that warm and fuzzy feeling seeing characters work out their differences and find love in their hearts during the holidays, others simply want to jump through the screen and join the chaos. For those of us who are foodies, all we want is a place at the table to try some of the mostdelectable looking meals.
Whether it be animation or live-action, some Christmas meals look mouth-wateringly good, and the characters seem to always appreciate the efforts that go into the whole celebration. While the Griswolds can keep their cold turkey for themselves and no one wants to touch Scott Calvin’s charred dinner, there are quite a few holiday meals worthy of your attention. Indeed, here are 10 meals from Christmas movies that you want to try for yourself.
10The Town’s Feast — How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Although the original Grinch stole everything from every Whos' icebox in 1966’s animatedHow the Grinch Stole Christmas!, he brought it all back for the town feast after finally feeling accepted. Who-hash and Who-pudding sound interesting, but the main dish — the roast beast — looks amazing. It is likely some type of poultry as the legs look similar to a Thanksgiving turkey.
As the Grinch begins carving and passing plates around, plenty of viewers wish they had a seat at the never-ending table. In the 2018 film,The Grinch, Cindy Lou’s mother’s dinner table can barely be seen under all the meats, sides, breads, and cakes. We wouldn’t mind an invitation to her house either this holiday season.Stream on Peacock
9Kevin’s Room-Service Sundae — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
When Kevin McCallister finds himself spending the nightin a New York Cityhotel for the holidays inHome Alone 2: Lost in New York, he does the only sensible thing: he orders room service. By the look of the bill, he surely could have shared with a few people. Between the cakes, custards, tarts, and chocolate covered strawberries, the whole McCallister family could have indulged in the sweet treats.
However, what fans really want to try is his epic sundae. Topped with sprinkles, cherries, nuts, candy, syrup, marshmallows, and whipped cream, this banana sundae is something everyone should taste at least once in their life.Stream on Disney+
8Hot Cholocate — The Polar Express (2004)
Hot chocolate may not be a full meal, but with the way the children inThe Polar Expressmake it look, we can certainly make an exception. Served in enormous mugs, the chocolate comes out piping hot as it is never ever allowed to cool. It looks rich and creamy, and the chocolate mustache that ends up on the young boy’s face is all too relatable.
On a cold winter night at home, a steaming cup ofThe Polar Express' hot chocolate will just hit the spot. Lucky for you, there are tons of recipes that people swear by when it comes to making the best cup of cocoa.Stream on Hulu or Max
The holidays can be stressful, and the moms — Amy, Carla, and Kiki — fromA Bad Moms Christmasknow all about the added pressure that comes with beingpart of dysfunctional families. Instead of making a traditional Christmas dinner and adding even more to their to-do list, the women decide to order Chinese takeout, pour some wine, and enjoy a relaxing evening that requires very little clean-up.
This seems like a tradition everyone should try because it means more time spent with the family (at least the members you like) and no time wasted over a hot stove and oven.Rent on AppleTV
Related:The 10 Most Delicious Looking Thanksgiving Dinners in TV and Movies
6Nora’s Party Trays — Christmas With the Kranks (2004)
If you are going to throw a Christmas party this year for your colleagues, friends, or family, you may want to pick up a few tips and tricks from Nora Krank inChristmas With the Kranks. At the very last minute, she is able to put together a party and menu for her daughter while all the neighbors come together to decorate and make the whole event seem like it was planned.
On the table, there is a variety of breads, desserts, cheeses, pastries, and a perfect (not smashed) Hickory Honey Ham. There is even a festive and delcious-looking snowman cake to add even more decor to the table.Stream on Prime Video
5Traditional Turkey Dinner — The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
After seeing all the pain and anguish he has caused, Ebenezer Scrooge has a change of heart and invites the Cratchit family, his nephew, and everyone in the neighborhood to his home to enjoy a perfectly British Christmas dinner inThe Muppet Christmas Carol(based onCharles Dickens’A Christmas Carol).
The table is set with a huge Christmas turkey, cranberry jellies, potatoes, fruits, carrots, and biscuits. It is a feast that can certainly fill everyone’s hungry bellies, and it is likely the biggest spread the Cratchits have ever seen. Everyone who tries to replicate this meal should also invite those in need of good company to their festive table.Stream on Disney+
4Buddy’s Spaghetti — Elf (2003)
It has been said that calories don’t count on vacation, but that rule should also apply to meals during the holidays, especially when it comes to a certain candy-filled breakfast seen inElf. Buddy, being the kind and caring elf that he is, makes his father’s wife a spaghetti breakfast. She is genuinely surprised and pleased until he pours on a heaping serving of maple syrup.
Later, Buddy sits down for his own plate of dessert-like spaghetti. Instead of tomato sauce, he adds chocolate sauce and maple syrup. He tops off the concoction with M&Ms, mini marshmallows, and a crumbled up chocolate Pop Tart. This can be a fun treat to try by yourself, with your friends, or with the kids on Christmas morning.Stream on Hulu
Related:Elf Returns for Special 20th Anniversary Screening Hosted in the Empire State Building
3Grandma’s Fruitcake — Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2000)
Fruitcake seems to be one of those desserts people either love, absolutely hate, or will not give a chance because of its appearance. However, Jake’s grandmother inGrandma Got Run Over by a Reindeermakes the treat look incredible. The entire town shows up to her little store during the holidays to buy all the cakes and cookies in her display case, and her spongy fruitcake is very well known.
When trying to prove Santa’s innocence, Jake asks the jury to try his grandma’s fruitcake. The jurors and judge are hesitant, but after agreeing, they all find the dessert to be delicious. Perhaps this animated Christmas special will convince you to give the colorful dessert a try.Stream on The CW
2Scott Calvin’s Lunch — The Santa Clause (1994)
Office lunches are often boring and bland, but Scott Calvin fromTim Allen’s Christmas classic,The Santa Clause, really knows how to amp up his rather dry Caesar salad with several desserts. He asks for a warm homemade cookie without nuts, cheesecake, crème brûlée, and a hot fudge sundae. Before completing his order, he requests a glass of ice-cold milk.
Now, even with his colleagues judging his order, plenty of fans can agree that his lunch sounds like the sweetest treat this holiday season. If you want to give this meal a try, perhaps it would be best to share with those around the table as that much sugar will surely make you crash during the second-half of the workday.Stream on Disney+
1All the Specials — Last Holiday (2006)
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would be your last meal? Many people have thought about this question in a shallow way, but inLast Holiday, Georgia (Queen Latifah) makes it her mission to eat the best food before she succumbs to her fatal illness.
One particular dinner every viewer would like to join Georgia for is when she orders every special on the menu after finding out the chef never prepares the same meal twice. A few dishes that make it to her table include a risotto al barolo, a roasted quail, and spiced lamb shanks with blood orange relish. Everything looks amazing, and even the chef is impressed with her desire to try the finest meals on his menu.Stream on Paramount+
If you liked this article on Christmas movie meals, check out our video below on the best casts in holiday movies.
