A new Christmas film has been praised for holding its own among favourites like Elf, The Holiday, Home Alone and many more. In the run up to December 25, settling down and watching festive films is a staple of many families’ Christmas countdown.

Whether you prefer the classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas to more modern hits, there’s no shortage of seasonal films to tune in to while you curl up on the sofa, laden down with blankets and chocolate.

New films continue to be made but it’s not often they become part of the established set of hits re-watched year after year – though one could be making an exception. According to Zoe Sugg, one of the UK’s first influencers to make it big, 2024’s That Christmas is well worth adding to your Christmas film line-up.

Sugg – who shot to fame under the name ‘Zoella’ – is currently completing the popular online challenge ‘Vlogmas’, which sees video creators release a vlog every day of December until Christmas day. It tends to be most popular on YouTube.

In a recent video, Sugg, 35, told her devoted fans: “I need all your recommendations please for any, like, new-ish Christmas films. This time last year, That Christmas came out on Netflix and that is up there with one of my favourite Christmas films now. It is gold.

“So, are there any other new Christmas films this year that are gold that are going to go straight into that category?

“I don’t know. Nothing has grabbed my attention in the same way, I have to say. But I want to know, what are you watching right now? 

“What’s making you feel festive? Are there any new Christmas films or Christmas TV shows you’d really recommend?”

That Christmas is an animated film directed by Simon Otto and written by esteemed screenwriter and producer Richard Curtis and radio, theatre and TV writer Peter Souter. 

Released on Netflix, it follows three entwined stories in a small Suffolk town hit by a huge snowstorm in the run up to Christmas.

Danny Williams is a new boy in town who’s shy and learning to cope with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce; identical twin girls Sam and Charlie Beccles are dealing with their differences – Sam is thoughtful and anxious, and Charlie is rebellious and mischievous – and energetic local Bernadette McNutt, who’s got a more unconventional approach to the festive season. 

Sugg is very open about her love for Christmas and festive films, and re-watches specific ones – such as Elf, Home Alone, The Holiday, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and more.

In the comments section, fellow YouTube users were keen to share their festive film recommendations.

One person said: “I’d recommend ‘Klaus’. Not new but it’s so good. Such a heartfelt cosy Christmas watch that kids and adults can enjoy – the animation is stunning too.”

Another agreed: “Klaus is hands down one of the greatest Christmas movies! Stunning, gorgeous and lovely!! And so underrated. Highly recommend!”

A third shared: “I recently watched The Holdovers for the first time and it instantly became a classic. It’s one of those films that will definitely feel nostalgic in years to come, much like Home Alone, dare I say. Also, highly recommend watching It’s a Wonderful Life if you haven’t already!”

And someone else added: “‘Oh what fun’ on Prime is definitely worth a watch!”