What are the best holiday movies or traditions around Indianapolis?
Well, we asked around — because we’re curious — and because the holidays are about fellowship, sharing joy and spending time with loved ones. So, according to Indianapolis’ city-county councilors, here’s some good ones.
Responses were submitted via email and edited for clarity.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
“Every season has a soundtrack in our family, and no record captures the holidays quite like the Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” said Councilor John Barth, District 7.
“We play it nearly every day in December—sometimes more than once! It’s become a tradition that brings our family together every year.”
Councilor Kristin Jones, District 18, said watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is one of her favorite holiday movie-watching traditions to do with her family.
“When our children were born, we started watching it every year and it was a way to begin and express the true meaning of the Holiday season,” she said.
“A Christmas Story”
“My favorite holiday movie is ‘A Christmas Story’ because it reminds me a bit of my own childhood, while not of the same era, growing up in Indiana,” said Councilor Dan Boots, District 3.
“Christmas Vacation”
Councilor Derek Cahill, District 23, said he can quote the entire movie.
READ MORE: Community Arts Calendar: Winter holiday edition
“Elf”
“Elf is my favorite Christmas movie,” Councilor Nick Roberts, District 4, told the Recorder. “Will Ferrell is hilarious in it, and the whole thing just feels so ‘Christmas-y.’”
However, when it comes to celebrating and engaging in local holiday traditions, Roberts said the Circle of Lights, the annual celebration at Monument Circle, is his favorite “because of how epic it feels for our downtown.”
“The Best Man Holiday”
“My favorite Christmas movie is ‘The Best Man Holiday,’” Councilor Ron Gibson, District 8, told the Recorder. “I love it for showing the strength of friendship through good and tough times.”
“This Christmas”
Family is a huge part of the holidays for a lot of Hoosiers, and Council Carlos Perkins, District 6, said his favorite holiday movie reflects those values.
“‘This Christmas’ is one of my favorite holiday movies because it captures the essence of family—its challenges, joys, and the love that holds it all together,” Perkins said. “The relatable characters, heartfelt moments and soulful soundtrack remind me of the special energy of family during the holiday season.”
In 2003, Councilor Maggie Lewis, District 5, got engaged to her husband LeRoy in front of both sides of their families.
“Since then, for the past twenty-two years, both sides of the family have come together on Christmas Eve for an evening of family fun, which includes a gift exchange, holiday cheers, food, and laughter,” Lewis said. “One thing of note: each year, LeRoy and I spend the holidays watching our favorite holiday movies on repeat, which are ‘This Christmas’ and ‘Almost Christmas.’”
“The Muppet Christmas Carol”
Some people may prefer the original, but according to City-County Council Vice President Ali Brown, no Christmas movie can beat the Muppets version of the Charles Dicken’s holiday classic.
“It’s so good,” Brown said. “It’s incredibly true to Dickens’ original, however it’s nearly all Muppets and Sir Michael Caine. Christmas movies don’t get more ridiculous or perfect than that.”
“The Preacher’s Wife”
Rena Allen, District 15, said her favorite movie is “The Preacher’s Wife” because of the way it explores themes of faith, family and community.
“I particularly love the soundtrack, featuring songs like “I Go To Rock” and “I Love The Lord,” with Whitney Houston singing,” Allen said.
“The Wizard of Oz”
“Growing up, the Wizard of Oz was a movie that would be on TV around the holidays,” said Councilor Crista Carlino, District 11. “It’s my favorite musical and always gets me in the spirit! Now, I share it with my little girl, and it’s so true — ‘There’s no place like home.’ Especially for the holidays!”
“Meet Me in St. Louis”
Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas reached out by phone to let us know her favorite movies to watch with family during the holidays are “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Friday After Next.”
“My favorite movie, and it’s kind of become my favorite movie last couple years, is ‘Meet Me in St Louis,'” Thomas said. “The song ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ is in it. … It’s an old school movie, and kind of showcases a couple different holidays, but also shows a family and shows a city at the turn of the century and the hope for St Louis.”
When it comes to local holiday traditions and celebrations, Thomas said she enjoys attending holiday parties, shopping local and the Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society.
“Yuletide Celebration”
Councilor Michael Paul-Hart, District 20, said the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s “Yuletide Celebration” at the Hilbert Circle Theatre holds a special place in his heart.
“I was fortunate to attend it as a child with my mother, and the experience left an indelible mark on me,” Paul-Hart said. “Every time I think of the event, I’m reminded of her and the joy we shared. The music, the performances, and the festive atmosphere create a magical connection to those cherished memories, making it a tradition that will always feel deeply personal and meaningful.”
Other traditions
Another big part of the holidays is the music.
“Nat King Cole’s Christmas Album played consistently in our house when I was a kid and always brings back memories of childhood,” said City-County Council President Vop Osili. “It still plays in our house during the holidays and my kids know it as a part of our Christmas tradition, though now they are more used to Mariah Carey’s first Christmas album which my wife and I have played during the season since they were babies.”
The Recorder also reached out to Mayor Joe Hogsett to see what his favorite holiday movies and traditions are, but alas, we didn’t receive a response.
However, in an interview with Hogsett last winter, he told us he was excited to take his family skating at the Bicentennial Unity Plaza — maybe we’ll see him there this year!
This story has been updated to include a response from Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
