Summary

• The Simpsons Christmas episodes offer entertaining holiday adventures for fans, showcasing the show's festive spirit.
• From the very first glimpse of a Simpson family Christmas to heartwarming moments and humorous mishaps, there's a variety of episodes to choose from.
• While some Simpsons Christmas episodes excel in storytelling and humor, others fall flat, but overall, fans can find the perfect episode to celebrate the holiday season.

The Simpsons Christmas episodes provide a lot of great holiday adventures for one of television's most iconic and dysfunctional families. While The Simpsons might be better known for their Halloween specials, there are plenty of Christmas offerings that are perfect for this time of year. Of course, like many episodes of the show, some are more entertaining than others. However, fans should have no trouble finding the right episode to help celebrate the holiday season.

The Simpsons remains one of the most beloved shows of all time with over 30 seasons of episodes and no sign of it slowing down. It makes sense that so many fans are excited to share the holiday season with these characters as they find unique ways to celebrate Christmas. From the return of an iconic Simpsons villain to a glimpse at Christmases of the future to Bart's Christmas misdeeds to the very first Simpsons episodes, the long list of Simpsons Christmas episodes shows few television families can match the Simpsons in of festive spirit.

1 Simpson Xmas

The Tracey Ullman Show, Season 3, Episode 5

Since it is not part of the actual series, it's not a full Simpsons Christmas episode, but the first glimpse at a Simpson family Christmas cannot be ignored. The short sketch from The Tracey Ullman Show gives fans a look at the earliest iteration of these characters while also establishing their dynamics. The short is a retelling of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with a Simpsons approach. Bart narrates the poem, detailing his mischievous attempts to get into his presents early.

2 Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire

Season 1, Episode 1

It's strange to think that the record-breaking run of this show all started with a Christmas episode. When Homer and Marge run into some unexpected financial trouble around the holidays, Homer secretly takes a job as a mall Santa Claus to make ends meet. Season 1 of The Simpsons is unrecognizable to many fans now, but this Simpsons Christmas episode immediately sells the charm and humor of the show. And while the irreverent jokes are still funny, the episode packs a satisfying amount of heart in the end as the beloved family pet Santa's Little Helper is introduced.

3 Marge Be Not Proud

Season 7, Episode 11

Once again, Bart finds himself in a controversy that threatens to ruin the family's Christmas in "Marge Be Not Proud." After shoplifting a video game just before Christmas, Marge begins feeling like she has lost touch with Bart, and he is left guilt-ridden during the holidays. This Simpsons Christmas episode is filled with hilarious moments like the gruff mall cop and Homer's failed disciplinary speech. It is also somewhat heartbreaking seeing Bart emotionally abandoned, but it all leads to an emotionally satisfying end.

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4 Miracle On Evergreen Terrace

Season 9, Episode 10

There seems to be a running theme in the Simpsons Christmas episodes that Bart or Homer is responsible for ruining the holidays. In "Miracle on Evergreen Terrace," it's Bart's turn as his attempt to open his presents early results in all the presents getting destroyed. When he lies and says it was a burglar, the town rallies around the family. There are a lot of great moments in this episode as well as some fun messages with a unique Simpsons twist. It is a great look at how this flawed family can have an equally flawed holiday season.

5 Grift Of The Magi

Season 11, Episode 9

The idea of consumerism around the holidays is often explored in these episodes, but "Grift of the Magi" is the most overt and entertaining of them all. After the children's school is shut down, a toy company takes over and uses the children to help create the ultimate Christmas toy, Funzo. Despite the subject matter, the episode never takes itself too seriously and is more than willing to embrace the weird side of the story. Add to that, a great cameo from Gary Coleman and this Simpsons Christmas episode makes for a unique and hilarious holiday treat.

6 Skinner's Sense Of Snow

Season 12, Episode 8

"Skinner's Sense of Snow" is another Simpsons Christmas episode that doesn't quite address Christmas as much as fans might like this time of year, but it is a fun winter adventure. On the last day of school before Christmas break, Principal Skinner finds himself snowed in the school with several of his students. The episode is more about the students' revolt against Skinner, but there are some fun Christmas gags, like Skinner's hilariously lame Christmas special. There are also a lot of fun moments between Homer and Ned as they attempt to rescue the children.

7 She Of Little Faith

Season 13, Episode 6

Though the show is mostly focused on delivering laughs, The Simpsons occasionally addresses more controversial topics like religion. In "She of Little Faith," Lisa becomes disillusioned with Springfield's church and becomes a Buddhist, so Marge tries to lure her back to Christianity with the help of Christmas. The episode receives a lower ranking here since it only really turns into a proper Simpsons Christmas episode in the last five minutes. Still, it is a funny and thoughtful look at Lisa as an independent person and teaches about acceptance of others' beliefs.

8 'Tis The Fifteenth Season

Season 15, Episode 7

It seems like no Christmas special is complete without someone learning the true meaning of the holiday. In this case, Homer helps the entire town come to that realization. After selfishly buying himself an expensive present, Homer tries to reform, becoming the nicest man in town, much to the annoyance of Ned Flanders. This Simpsons Christmas episode is another fun example of the show riffing on classic Christmas tales like A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It's also fun to see a more envious side of Ned Flanders for a change.

9 Simpsons Christmas Stories

Season 17, Episode 9

"Simpsons Christmas Stories" is another anthology story with a yuletide theme, but this one offers a lot of heart, some genuine laughs, and a good amount of Christmas cheer. The stories involve a retelling of the birth of Jesus, Grampa Simpsons WWII Christmas story, and the Simpsons' rendition of the Nutcracker. While never reaching the heights of the show in its best years, this Simpsons Christmas episode is a bit of holiday fun. Some of the jokes are laugh-out-loud funny, and while the second story is a little shaky, the finale is an inventive and heartwarming musical.

10 Kill Gil, Volumes I & II

Season 18, Episode 9

Yet another guest who is welcome to stay with the Simpsons for Christmas is Gil Gunderson, Springfield's biggest sadsack. After losing his job, Marge takes pity on Gil and brings him in on their holiday celebrations. However, it doesn't take long for Gil to overstay his welcome. Gil is an underrated Simpsons character who can be a lot of fun in small doses. Unfortunately, in this Simpsons Christmas episode, the character is ill-suited for the spotlight. Gill not only annoys the Simpsons by sticking around but the audience as well.