As temperatures drop and holiday lights twinkle, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good movie, especially heartwarming Christmas lesbian movies. While traditional Christmas romances flood our screens each December, it’s truly meaningful to see lesbian love stories set against the backdrop of holiday magic.
Like the changing seasons, love comes in all colors and forms. Each lesbian Christmas film adds another vibrant hue to the holiday movie palette, creating a more inclusive celebration of romance. These stories serve as a protective shield too, showing LGBTQ+ viewers that their love stories deserve to be told with the same warmth and joy as any other holiday tale.
My holiday wish? To see more lesbian Christmas movies lighting up our screens in the years to come. After all, what could be more festive than celebrating love in all its beautiful diversity?
So this Christmas, why not grab your favorite blanket and cozy up with a heartwarming lesbian holiday film?
In This Article
Last ExMas (2024)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.7/5)
Release Date: 2024
Director: Sarah Rotella
Cast: Shaeane Jimenez/Elena Milo
Review: Maggie and Julianne, former high school sweethearts, unexpectedly reunite during the holidays when both return to their hometown for Christmas.
Maggie’s return forces her to confront not only the changes in her hometown but also her personal growth and unresolved emotions tied to old relationships. Her interactions with Julianne gradually shift from moments of tension and misunderstanding to deep connection and emotional honesty.
While Maggie wrestles with balancing career pressures and personal struggles, Julianne becomes a steadying presence, helping her face these challenges head-on.
As they navigate the whispers of a small-town community and the lingering shadows of past heartbreaks, both women must take a hard look at their feelings to figure out if a new chapter together is possible.
The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, and the storyline offers a sweet take on the “second-chance romance” trope. It’s a warm, feel-good Christmas film—not groundbreaking, but charming enough.
The Gay Women Channel, keep them coming! We need more joyful lesbian Christmas movies like this one.
The Holiday Club (2024)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Release Date: 2024
Director: Alexandra Swarens
Cast: Makaela Shealy/Alexandra Swarens
Review: Alexandra Swarens delivers another lesbian holiday romance with her 2024 Christmas release. Sam can’t stand the holidays, while Bailey adores them. On a lonely Valentine’s Day in a small Ohio town, their paths cross over pastries, and sparks fly. Each holiday brings them closer together… but love, as always, is anything but straightforward.
This film is an absolute charmer—adorable, warm, and deeply cozy! The pacing is a bit on the slow side, but that only adds to the authenticity of the growing connection between the two leads. It’s a story of quiet tenderness and pure love, making it perfect for Christmas viewing. One standout moment happens in a record store, with a scene reminiscent of Before Sunset 1995 that feels like a sweet homage.
I’m continually impressed by Swarens’ ability to deliver one of these films every year. She brings warmth to the holiday season, ensuring we have a delightful, heartfelt urban lesbian love story to look forward to each Christmas.
Love Classified (2022)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5)
Release Date: 2022
Director: Stacey N. Harding
Cast: Melora Hardin/Arienne Mandi/Katherine McNamara
Review: This heartfelt family drama shines in its natural approach to love. Arienne Mandi (known from “The L Word: Generation Q”) and Katherine McNamara create beautiful chemistry as Franki and Taylor. The beach scene perfectly captures those butterfly moments of new love, while the family dynamics add depth to this holiday romance. It’s refreshing to see LGBTQ+ love stories woven so naturally into a family narrative.
Looking for Her (2022)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
Release Date: 2022
Director: Alexandra Swarens
Cast: Olivia Buckle/Alexandra Swarens
Review: Director Alexandra Swarens delivers a sweet holiday treat perfect for cocoa-sipping winter nights. The film cleverly uses the mistletoe tradition (“meet me under the mistletoe”) to add romantic charm to its story of family acceptance and love’s persistence. Despite dealing with separation and deception, it maintains its warmth throughout, leading to a satisfying reunion.
Under the Christmas Tree (2021)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.7/5)
Release Date: 2021
Director: Lisa Rose Snow
Cast: Elise Bauman/Tattiawna Jones/Wendy Crewson
Review: Finally, a lesbian holiday romance that’s pure comfort food! While the plot might be simple, its utopian vision of acceptance is exactly what we need during the holiday season. No coming out drama, no family rejection – just two people falling in love with their parents’ subtle matchmaking in the background. Sometimes, especially during Christmas, we need these sweet, uncomplicated stories.
Christmas At The Ranch (2021)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.8/5)
Release Date: 2021
Director: Christin Baker
Cast: Amanda Righetti/Lindsay Wagner
Review: While not breaking new ground, this cozy holiday rom-com delivers genuine charm. Seeing Van Pelt from “The Mentalist” in a lesbian romance adds star power, while Laur Allen brings cool sophistication to her role as urban power broker Haley. It’s the perfect light entertainment for those seeking comfort viewing during the holiday season.
Happiest Season (2020)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
Release Date: 2020
Director: Clea DuVall
Cast: Kristen Stewart/Mackenzie Davis
Review: Finally, a mainstream holiday rom-com that gets it right! Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis deliver performances that crackle with authentic chemistry. Their on-screen connection feels genuinely intimate – something often missing in LGBTQ+ holiday films. As someone who’s reviewed countless lesbian movies, I can confidently say this Canadian gem resonates deeply with younger queer audiences, offering both representation and reliability.
Season of Love (2019)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5)
Release Date: 2019
Director: Christin Baker
Cast: Jessica Clark/Sandra Mae Frank
Review: Think “Love Actually” with a sapphic twist! This delightful holiday ensemble piece starts with a wedding-gone-wrong and blooms into three interconnected lesbian love stories. For fans of “Wynonna Earp,” seeing Dominique Provost-Chalkley (our beloved Waverly) in a different queer role is an extra holiday treat.
What makes this film special is its unapologetically lesbian world – where coming out leads to celebration rather than conflict. While some might find the all-lesbian cast unrealistic, isn’t that exactly what we need in our holiday entertainment? Pure, joyful escapism with plenty of queer representation.
Moonlit Winter (2019)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.4/5)
Release Date: 2019
Director: Dae Hyung Lim
Cast: Kim Hee-ae/Yûko Nakamura/Kim Sohye
Review: This Korean winter romance proves that lesbian stories can be both subtle and powerful. Following four women’s interconnected lives between Japan and Korea, the film uses Otaru’s snow-covered landscape to beautiful effect. Kim Hee-ae’s performance is particularly noteworthy, bringing depth to every scene. The film’s gentle approach to loneliness and connection makes it perfect for thoughtful holiday viewing.
Related:
City of Trees (2019)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.9/5)
Release Date: 2019
Director: Alexandra Swarens
Cast: Alexandra Swarens/Olivia Buckle/Kate McIntyre
Review: As someone who’s reviewed countless lesbian films, I’m always excited when I discover a gem that doesn’t feel the need to shout its messages from the rooftops. “City of Trees” is exactly that kind of treasure.
Alexandra Swarens proves herself a triple threat here – writing, directing, and starring in this beautifully nuanced film. After her success with “Looking for Her,” Swarens continues to demonstrate her talent for capturing authentic lesbian stories with a gentle touch.
Carol (2015)
Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.6/5)
Release Date: 2015
Director: Todd Haynes
Cast: Cate Blanchett/Rooney Mara
Review: Set against the magical backdrop of 1950s Christmas, “Carol” is a masterclass in subtle lesbian storytelling. The chemistry between Blanchett and Mara is electric, conveyed through lingering glances and delicate gestures. What fascinates me most is how the film explores feminine mentorship blossoming into love – Carol doesn’t just capture Therese’s heart; she awakens her to her own potential. The costume design and cinematography perfectly capture both the period’s class divisions and the characters’ emotional journey.
We hope to see more beautifully crafted and heartwarming lesbian films during the Christmas season. For those interested in exploring diverse LGBTQ+ storytelling year-round, check out our guides to Must-Watch Korean LGBT Films and Best Thai GL Series of 2024. From snowy holiday romances to compelling year-round stories, there’s always something new to discover in queer cinema. We’ll be sure to keep the updates coming!
Further Reading
- 20 Most Beautiful Lesbian Love Poems: A Collection of Love & Passion
- 24 Must-See German Lesbian Movies Complete list（2024 updated）
- Best Lesbian Wedding Gifts: 25 Thoughtful Ideas to Celebrate Love in 2024
- Best 15 Lesbian Korean Dramas: Must-Watch Korean GL Web Series (2024 Update)
- 11 Must-Watch Christmas Lesbian Movies for Your Holiday List
