The past week’s flurries have shown that Winter weather is officially here, and with Thanksgiving behind us, now is the perfect time to get under a blanket with hot chocolate or warm apple cider and watch a seasonal movie. For those who don’t celebrate Christmas or simply want a break from holiday films — it may be a challenge to find a movie that matches the atmosphere of this time of year.
Here are four movies that provide a wintry atmosphere without relying on typical holiday tropes about Santa, Christmas miracles or discovering the true holiday spirit. They span a variety of genres, from classic comedy to heartfelt character drama and embody the mix of coziness and melancholy that defines this season.
“The Holdovers” (2023)
“The Holdovers” is a dramatic comedy about a private school teacher who is forced to stay at school over winter break to supervise students who have nowhere to go. Paul Hunham, the teacher played by Paul Giamatti, forms an unlikely bond with Angus Tully, the lone remaining student and Mary Lamb, the school’s head cook. The three navigate loneliness, grief and disappointment during the coldest weeks of the year.
Though it takes place over winter break and features scenes with Christmas celebrations, “The Holdovers” is not a Christmas movie in the traditional sense. It is a funny and heartfelt film about unexpected connections and overcoming wounds re-opened by the holiday season. This movie explores deeply human emotions and paints a scene viewers will empathize with. Its characters find joy in acts of compassion rather than seasonal cheer, highlighting how holidays are more about connection than celebration.
“Little Women” (1994)
While viewers cannot go wrong with any adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, the 1994 version, directed by Gillian Armstrong and starring Winona Ryder, remains one of the most beloved. “Little Women” is the story of four sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy — navigating life as young women growing up and coming of age during the American Civil War.
The warmth of the March sisters’ love for each other combined with memorable scenes of ice skating and gathering around the fireplace creates an inviting winter atmosphere. A palette of candlelight, snow-covered New England streets and familial love give it a soft coziness that feels especially right for winter before the rush of the holidays fully arrives. Even when the story turns somber, its sense of togetherness reminds viewers of the importance of family and community that make this season meaningful beyond its celebrations.
“Serendipity” (2001)
“Serendipity” is a romantic comedy set against the twinkling winter backdrop of New York City. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale play two strangers who share a brief, special encounter while Christmas shopping, then lose track of each other after deciding to let fate decide whether they meet again. The film depicts snowy streets, cozy restaurants and ice rinks, leaning into a whimsical winter romanticism without becoming a full-fledged holiday movie.
What makes “Serendipity” fitting for this time of year is the way it has a rollercoaster of emotions, but by the end it offers hope and optimism. It may be a cliché rom-com, but it certainly works to combat winter blues. Upon watching it, audiences will have a newfound appreciation for the serendipitous moments in life that lead to the most pleasant, albeit unexpected, outcomes.
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
Although traditionally associated with Thanksgiving, this film is driven far more by its winter setting as it follows Steve Martin and John Candy’s characters desperately trying to get home in time for the holiday. Snowstorms ground planes, icy roads send them off-course and freezing temperatures trap them in a rotating cast of questionable motels. As the two scramble from one form of transportation to another, the relentless cold becomes a constant reminder of the unpredictability of the season.
Because the plot unfolds through a series of weather-driven detours, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” fits neatly into the category of winter films that capture both the hassle and humor of the season. The movie’s mix of slapstick and sincerity reflects the mood of winter days, when frustration and camaraderie often show up in equal measure. This movie demonstrates that winter is less about the holiday on the calendar and more about the shared challenge of getting through the season’s challenges with humor intact.
Read More
‘Stranger Things’ season five welcomes viewers back to Hawkins
By Carly Smith | YesterdaySince the fourth season was released in 2022, viewers have been waiting to see the final “chapters” come into fruition, and this introduction into the farewell season did not disappoint.
As the year ends, John R. Miller returns to Charlottesville with a reflective country set
By Amelia Lucien | 3 days agoMiller is known for his finger-picking tunes that tell universal stories of humanity through the lens of his own personal experiences.
How three local women saved the Violet Crown from demolition
By Alena Touve | 3 days agoSince the Violet Crown’s opening in 2015, the theater was shown to have a different mission than the other commercial theaters in Charlottesville. That is, until threats of demolition came crashing down in the fall of 2024.
