Christmas Detective Films: A Festive Whodunit Collection

Description: Set during the Christmas season, this film follows Nick and Nora Charles, a wealthy couple who solve a murder mystery while enjoying the holiday festivities. It's a delightful blend of comedy, romance, and detective work.

Fact: The film was based on Dashiell Hammett's novel and spawned several sequels. It's known for its witty dialogue and the chemistry between William Powell and Myrna Loy.

Description: While primarily a ghost story, this adaptation of Dickens' classic involves Scrooge solving the mystery of his own life through visits from the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

Fact: This version stars Reginald Owen as Scrooge and is considered one of the earliest sound film adaptations of the story.

Description: While primarily a Christmas fantasy, this film involves a bishop who, in his quest to build a new cathedral, encounters an angel who helps him solve personal and community issues, including a mysterious disappearance.

Fact: Cary Grant plays the angel, and the film was remade in 1996 as "The Preacher's Wife."

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's dark comedy involves a small town dealing with the corpse of a man named Harry during the autumn, with elements of mystery and holiday cheer.

Fact: This was one of Hitchcock's few forays into comedy, and it features a young Shirley MacLaine in her film debut.

Description: A bank teller devises a plan to steal money from a bank robber during the Christmas season, leading to a cat-and-mouse game filled with suspense and holiday cheer.

Fact: Christopher Plummer delivers a chilling performance as the villain, and the film was remade in 2001 with a different title.

Description: A burglar takes a bickering couple hostage on Christmas Eve, leading to a series of comedic and criminal events. While not a traditional detective story, it involves solving personal and criminal mysteries.

Fact: Denis Leary stars as the burglar, and the film has gained a cult following for its dark humor and holiday setting.

Description: Although not a detective film, it involves a mystery of identity as Scott Calvin must figure out how to become Santa Claus after inadvertently causing the previous Santa's demise.

Fact: Tim Allen's performance as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus helped make this film a holiday classic, spawning sequels and a TV series.

Description: While not explicitly set during Christmas, the film's opening scenes are filled with holiday decorations, making it a perfect fit for this list. A master detective investigates the death of a wealthy patriarch amidst a family gathering that turns into a whodunit.

Fact: The film features an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas. It was critically acclaimed for its clever script and homage to classic detective stories.

Description: Although not a detective story per se, this classic comedy involves a radio personality who becomes an unwelcome guest during the holiday season, leading to a series of humorous and mysterious events.

Fact: The film was adapted from a play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, and features Bette Davis in a supporting role.

Description: A detective must solve a series of mysterious events in a small town during the Christmas season, involving a missing Santa and a hidden treasure.

Fact: This Hallmark movie features a heartwarming story with a touch of mystery, perfect for family viewing.