We’re full-on into the holiday season—a perfect time to cozy up to a classic holiday movie. Here are some suggestions to get you and your patrons in the spirit, all available in Access Video On Demand, Infobase’s streaming video platform for public libraries. Enjoy old favorites and discover new ones!
It’s a Wonderful Life
Directed by Frank Capra. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. Featuring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore.
A Christmas Carol
An old bitter miser is given a chance for redemption when he is haunted by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Carol (animated)
This amusing musical cartoon adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol is an excellent introduction to the story for younger viewers. The premise is that the famous Mr. Magoo is performing as Ebenezer Scrooge in a Broadway production of A Christmas Carol. The songs are engaging, but at the same time, most of Dickens’s story and even a good deal of his language is retained.
A Frozen Christmas Carol
Hop on Santa’s sleigh for a ride of a lifetime! This holiday season, Santa and his trusty sidekick, Lear the reindeer, tell the magical classic tale of A Christmas Carol. Join all your favorite Christmas characters—Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghost of Christmas Past—in this retelling of Charles Dickens’ famous Christmas classic.
Stolichnaya Nutcracker – Bolshoi Ballet
Live from the Bolshoi Theatre, this 1978 remake is a truly spellbinding version of this Christmas classic. Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies combine with superb dancing to create pure delight. Starring Yekaterina Maximova, Vladimir Vasiliev, and Victor Levashev.
Beyond Tomorrow
In this long-forgotten holiday fable—a charming story of love and guardian angels—the ghosts of three elderly men return to earth to reunite a young couple. A spirited rendition of “Jingle Bells” in English, Russian, German, and Italian is guaranteed to fill the viewer with holiday cheer.
Doctor Who: Best of the Christmas Specials
This special takes an inside look at the very best moments from the incredible Doctor Who Christmas specials that have captivated audiences around the world. A collection of fans from the celebrity, comedy, sci-fi, and digital worlds discuss their favorite moments from both David Tennant and Matt Smith-era Christmas episodes.