Imagine a holiday season where the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree are powered by alien technology, or where Santa's sleigh is a spaceship. This collection of 10 sci-fi holiday films brings together the warmth of traditional celebrations with the boundless imagination of science fiction. These movies offer a fresh perspective on holiday traditions, blending the familiar with the fantastical, making them perfect for those who love both the comfort of home and the thrill of the unknown.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
Description: In this campy classic, Martians kidnap Santa Claus to bring joy to their children, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming events. It's a quirky mix of holiday spirit and space-age fun.
Fact: This film has become a cult classic, often cited for its low-budget charm and has been riffed on by Mystery Science Theater


A Christmas Story (1983)
Description: Though primarily a comedy, this film includes a subplot where the main character's father wins a lamp shaped like a leg, which could be seen as a quirky, futuristic holiday decoration.
Fact: The leg lamp has become an iconic symbol of the film, often replicated by fans during the holiday season.


Gremlins (1984)
Description: This film combines holiday cheer with horror and sci-fi elements, where a young man's new pet leads to chaos in his small town during Christmas.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a horror movie but was toned down to a PG rating, making it a holiday classic with a twist.


Jingle All the Way (1996)
Description: While not overtly sci-fi, the film features a futuristic toy, Turbo Man, which becomes the central plot point during the holiday shopping frenzy.
Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, Howard, goes to extreme lengths to secure the toy, showcasing a comedic take on consumerism and holiday madness.


The Santa Incident (2010)
Description: A sci-fi holiday film where Santa is mistaken for an alien and must prove his identity, blending Christmas magic with interstellar intrigue.
Fact: The film was produced by Hallmark Channel, known for its holiday movies, but with a unique sci-fi twist.


The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this Disney film introduces magical realms and mechanical wonders, blending the traditional Nutcracker story with elements of fantasy and technology.
Fact: The film features a mechanical army and a realm of toys, giving it a steampunk vibe.


The Man Who Saved Christmas (2002)
Description: This film tells the story of A.C. Gilbert, who, during WWI, fought to keep toy production alive, incorporating elements of historical fiction with a touch of holiday magic.
Fact: The film was inspired by true events, showcasing the resilience of holiday spirit in times of crisis.


The Christmas That Almost Wasn't (1966)
Description: Santa faces eviction from his workshop, leading to a plot involving time travel and the spirit of Christmas, making it a blend of holiday and sci-fi themes.
Fact: This film features one of the earliest uses of time travel in a Christmas movie context.


The Christmas Martian (2017)
Description: This French-Canadian film tells the story of a Martian who lands on Earth just before Christmas, causing a stir in a small town. The blend of holiday cheer and extraterrestrial adventure makes it a unique addition to this list.
Fact: The film was originally released in French but has an English dub. It was also nominated for several awards at the Canadian Screen Awards.


Christmas on Mars (2008)
Description: Directed by Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, this film explores a Martian colony's attempt to celebrate Christmas, mixing experimental filmmaking with holiday themes.
Fact: The film took over seven years to make and features a unique blend of music, art, and storytelling.
