Some holiday traditions require planning, scheduling, invitations or ingredients (and really, who has karo syrup on hand?!).
And then there are the traditions that happen almost effortlessly—the ones you look back on years later and think, that’s what made the season feel like the season.
For us, winter movie nights fall squarely into that second category.
Maybe it’s the early sunsets, the way life seems to slow down for a moment or the nostalgia baked into our favorite films. Whatever the reason, gathering on the sofa with the people you love, dimmed lights, warm treats and a favorite movie playing is one of the simplest and most meaningful rituals of winter.
If you’re looking to make movie nights part of your holiday rhythm—or simply want to elevate the experience this year—here’s how to create magical, cozy, memory-making evenings all season long.
Start by Setting the Scene
A memorable movie night begins long before you press play. Winter is a season of softness and warmth, so lean into that with textures and small design touches that make your living room feel inviting.
Lower the lights or switch on a few warm-toned lamps. Add a candle or diffuse a favorite seasonal scent. Pull your coffee table a little closer so snacks are within reach. And then, of course—blankets. Lots of them.
This is where the right blanket makes all the difference. And when it comes to blankets, we certainly play favorites. Our new Luxe Blanket was designed for exactly this kind of evening. It’s incredibly soft (almost cloud-like), generously sized for sharing or snuggling, and beautiful enough to leave out as part of your winter décor. Whether draped over the sofa or layered into a cozy reading chair, the Luxe Blanket brings that instant “settle in and stay awhile” feeling that makes movie nights so special.
Build the Ritual Around the Viewing
One of the reasons movie nights become beloved traditions is because the experience builds before the show begins. Create small, repeatable rituals that make your family or friends look forward to the whole evening—not just the film.
Try inviting everyone to take turns choosing the movie each week. Build a snack together (a popcorn bar, a caramel apple station or simple hot cocoa with toppings). Let kids hand out the blankets. Or start the night by lighting a favorite seasonal candle.
These little steps—done slowly and without rush—make the whole evening feel intentional. And those tiny rituals are what people remember.
Keep Snacks Simple (But Special)
Holiday movie nights don't need elaborate charcuterie boards or themed desserts—although no one will complain if you make them. Instead, think of winter treats that feel warm and symbolic.
Some easy ideas:
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A popcorn bar with candy mix-ins
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Stovetop hot cocoa with whipped cream or peppermint crumbs
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Cinnamon-roasted almonds
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Simple sugar cookies for decorating
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Sliced fruit with caramel dip
Pairing cozy treats with warm blankets and soft lighting creates a sensory experience that elevates even the most familiar movie.
Choose Movies That Fit the Mood
The best holiday movie nights mix nostalgia with fun. Whether you want classics, comedies, animated favorites or something more modern, here are some crowd-pleasing picks to build your own seasonal watchlist:
Holiday Classics
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Home Alone
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Miracle on 34th Street
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It’s a Wonderful Life
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White Christmas
Family Favorites
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The Santa Clause
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Elf
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The Polar Express
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Arthur Christmas
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live-action or animated)
Cozy Winter Vibes (Non-Holiday)
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Little Women (any version)
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Paddington or Paddington 2
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Feel-Good Modern Picks
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Jingle Jangle
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Klaus
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The Christmas Chronicles
Make a family “December movie jar” filled with paper slips. Every movie night, let someone reach in and choose what you’ll watch.
Create the Coziest Seating Arrangement
Movie nights feel special when the living room transforms—just a little—into something softer, closer and more connected.
Slide furniture inward. Layer pillows on the floor. Scatter blankets across the sofa so everyone has something warm to pull over their lap. This is where the Geometry Luxe Blanket becomes the star of the show. It’s warm enough for winter, soft enough for even the pickiest snuggler, and neutral enough to blend beautifully with any living room palette.
Pro tip: If you have more than one Luxe Blanket, fold and stack them in a basket near the sofa as an inviting grab-and-snuggle moment.
Make Space for Simplicity
As wonderful as movie nights can be, the real magic is in the simplicity. No travel. No reservations. No fuss. Just home, comfort, connection and a sense of slowing down together.
Let the night end gently: turn off the lights slowly, leave the dishes until morning or invite everyone to share their favorite moment from the movie. These small pauses help anchor the memory.
Movie nights don’t need to be grand to be meaningful. They become traditions because they’re easy. Repeatable. Comforting. Because they offer a sense of togetherness we often crave most in winter.
This Season, Build a Tradition That Warms the Whole Home
The holidays pass quickly. The calendar fills, the days blur and before you know it, January arrives. But winter movie nights create space—real space—to breathe and reconnect.
With the right textures, the right snacks and the right movie, you can turn an ordinary weeknight into one of the season’s sweetest moments.
(And, of course, with a Luxe Blanket draped across the sofa, you’ve created an invitation:
Sit closer. Slow down. Stay awhile.
It’s a tradition worth keeping, year after year.