Christmas is the season of twinkling lights, cozy evenings and heartwarming movies. They remind everyone of the joy, love and magic of the holidays. This year, celebrate the season with Christmas movies with Black women in leading roles, adding representation and radiance to your holiday movie marathon. From timeless romances to fantastical tales, these films are as diverse and vibrant as the women who shine in them.

Christmas in Harmony (2021)

This is a holiday movie with a musical twist! Harmony, a music exec, expected a holiday promotion but instead heads home to North Carolina to win her job back while also co-directing the church choir with her ex-boyfriend. Stars Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Loretta Devine.

The Last Holiday (2006)

Queen Latifah delivers an unforgettable performance in this feel-good holiday classic. “The Last Holiday” tells the story of Georgia Byrd, a shy department store worker who learns she has only a few weeks to live. With nothing to lose, Georgia embarks on the trip of a lifetime to Europe, embracing bold adventures, glamorous makeovers, and even romance. This inspiring story of living life fully will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for Georgia all the way.

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

If you’re in the mood for something heartwarming with a touch of gospel magic, then “The Preacher’s Wife” is a must-watch. Whitney Houston dazzles as Julia Biggs, the wife of a struggling preacher who is played by Courtney B. Vance. When an angel named Dudley (Denzel Washington) comes to help the couple during their church’s financial troubles, his presence shakes things up in unexpected ways. Featuring Houston’s angelic voice in soul-stirring performances, this film is pure holiday gold.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

For something whimsical and family-friendly, “Jingle Jangle” is a breathtaking option. This musical fantasy follows the journey of Journey (played by Madalen Mills), a bright and brave young girl who helps her toymaker grandfather rekindle his spark of invention. With stunning visuals, an all-Black cast, and infectious holiday cheer, this movie delivers a magical Christmas experience like no other.

The Perfect Holiday (2007)

What’s Christmas without a bit of romance? Gabrielle Union stars as Nancy, a single mom who finds herself swept off her feet by a charming man (played by Morris Chestnut) in “The Perfect Holiday.” With comedic hijinks and heartwarming moments, this film captures the essence of finding love and happiness during the most wonderful time of the year.

A Gingerbread Romance (2018)

With Christmas just weeks away, the architecture firm Taylor works for enters her in a contest in which the teams will design and build life-sized gingerbread houses. After the contest, Taylor will likely be getting a promotion to a position in another city. The firm teams her up with Annabelle, a renowned French pastry chef with whom Taylor instantly locks horns. When Annabelle backs out, Taylor stumbles into a local bakery and meets Adam, a baker and single dad. In an act of desperation, Taylor convinces Adam to partner with her for the contest, arguing that winning would give the bakery and his designs much-needed exposure. For years Taylor has been resistant to call anywhere ‘home’ for fear it will only be temporary. But the time she spends with Adam and his daughter in their cozy home, decorating for the holidays and exploring the town at Christmas, fills her with a longing for a place to call home.

Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)

This modern holiday rom-com is perfect for cozy nights in. “Meet Me Next Christmas” centers on Layla (Christina Milian), a woman determined to attend a sold-out Pentatonix Christmas concert. Along the way, she finds herself in hilarious situations and romantic entanglements. This Christmas movie is a fresh, fun addition to your Christmas playlist.

More Black Christmas Movies

Looking for more Black Christmas movies to watch? 21Ninety has compiled a list of additional holiday films with Black leads.

Hallmark

  • Inventing the Christmas Prince
  • Christmas on Call
  • Christmas with a Kiss
  • Magic in Mistletoe
  • Scouting for Christmas

Hallmark Mystery

  • A Christmas Duet
  • A Christmas Miracle
  • A Christmas Treasure 
  • A Chrstimas Tree Grown in Colorado
  • Christmas Comes Twice
  • A Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing
  • Christmas In My Heart
  • Deliver By Christmas 
  • Heaven Down Here
  • Holiday Heritage
  • Memories of Christmas
  • Our Christmas Journey
  • The Christmas Doctor
  • The Holiday Stocking
  • The Santa Stakeout

Hallmark Family

  • A Family Christmas Gift
  • A Holiday in Harlem 
  • A Majestic Christmas
  • All Saints Christams
  • My Best Friends Bouquet

Netflix

  • Christmas With a Kiss 
  • Operation Christmas Drop 
  • Best Christmas Ever 
  • A Family Reunion Christmas 
  • A Soweto Love Story
  • A Naija Christmas
  • Holiday Rush
  • Free Reign: The Twelve Nights of Christmas
  • Christmas Love
  • Jingle Jangle 
  • Christmas Flow
  • Yoh! Christmas
  • How to Ruin Christmas

Lifetime

  • Saying Yes to Christmas 
  • Everyday is Christmas 
  • A Very Merry Beauty Salon
  • BeBe Winans’ We Three Kings
  • Merry Liddle Christmas
  • Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding
  • Merry Liddle Christmas Baby