Light Up a Dreary Winter Day with these 7 Holiday Movies

Summer holidays are a time for swimming, sailing and BBQ, but winter holidays call for indoor activities. Get in the spirit by watching these holiday movie classics that never get old.

1. It's a Wonderful Life

Even the Grinch would have tears in his eyes after watching this all-time favorite. Good guy James Stewart selflessly cares for his family and their building and loan company, but sinks into despair when he's on the verge of losing the business. A fledgling angel appears to show Stewart the positive effect he's had on people's lives. It's a Wonderful Life makes a delightful viewing tradition for the whole family.

2. A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story is a charming blend of sentiment and humor that nearly everyone can identify with. Ralphie is a young boy growing up in the Midwest who wants nothing more than to find a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree. Scenes like a memorable schoolyard prank and a holiday dinner in an unexpected location will have you laughing till you cry.

3. Love Actually

If you're a fan of romantic comedies, Love Actually is the perfect holiday treat. The film follows not one but eight couples whose love stories range from heartwarming to bittersweet. Love Actually's star-studded cast includes rom-com regular Hugh Grant as the British Prime Minister and a pre-Walking Dead Andrew Lincoln as a man infatuated with an unattainable woman.

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

What happens when the joyous holiday season takes on a bleak and disturbing tone? When Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, decides he's ready for a change, confusion reigns on both ends. This imaginative Tim Burton-produced film features creative animation and beautiful songs that the whole family will enjoy.

5. Die Hard

Considered by many to be the "holiday film for people who hate holiday films," Die Hard certainly provides a rip-roaring alternative to the good cheer of traditional seasonal movies. Bruce Willis became one of Hollywood's biggest action heroes playing John McClane, an NYPD officer joining his family for the holidays, who encounters more excitement than he bargained for.

6. Bad Santa

Definitely not one for the kiddies, Bad Santa is for those who like a healthy serving of cynicism with their holiday turkey. Billy Bob Thornton is a womanizing, hard-drinking, foul-mouthed con man who takes advantage of his job as a mall Santa to pull off holiday heists. Despite the hilariously crude misadventures of "Santa" and his elf partner-in-crime, Bad Santa ultimately discovers the humanity buried deep in Thornton's character.

7. Bridget Jones' Diary

This hugely popular film, based on an equally beloved novel, is book-ended by New Year's Day and New Year's Eve as we follow a year in the life of the title character. As Bridget Jones, Renee Zellweger finds herself torn between her boss, charming but caddish Hugh Grant, and a longtime family friend, uptight but sincere Colin Firth. The finale features one of the more swoon-worthy scenes in film history.

Share your favorite holiday movie with us in the comments!