The Simpsons: Every Christmas Episode (In Chronological Order)

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The Simpsons has created many memorable Christmas episodes, offering fun holiday adventures with TV’s famously quirky family. Though the show is often celebrated for its Halloween specials, their Christmas episodes are also great to watch during the holiday season.

Like any long-running show, some Simpsons episodes are better than others. But with over 30 seasons to choose from, fans are sure to find plenty to enjoy during the holidays. The show continues to be a favorite, and it doesn’t look like it will be ending anytime soon.

It’s no surprise fans love spending the holidays with these characters and seeing their creative Christmas celebrations. With everything from a classic Simpsons bad guy making a comeback to visions of future Christmases and even early episodes of the show, the impressive number of Simpsons holiday specials proves few series capture the festive spirit quite like it.

1. Simpson Xmas

The Tracey Ullman Show, Season 3, Episode 5

Although the short film “Simpson Xmas” isn’t a traditional episode of The Simpsons, it’s still notable as the first time the show depicted a Christmas celebration.

This brief clip from The Tracey Ullman Show offers a first glimpse of the characters and how they interact. It’s a humorous take on the classic poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, reimagined with the Simpsons’ signature style. Bart tells the story, describing his playful efforts to sneak a peek at his Christmas presents before the big day.

2. Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire

Season 1, Episode 1

It’s amazing to consider that this incredibly successful show began with The Simpsons’ very first Christmas special. The episode centers around Homer and Marge facing a money problem during the holidays, leading Homer to secretly work as a mall Santa to help them get by.

For many longtime viewers, the first season of The Simpsons looks quite different today. However, this Christmas episode perfectly captures the show’s signature wit and warmth. It’s full of the funny, slightly edgy humor fans expect, but it also has a genuinely heartwarming ending with the introduction of the family’s adorable dog, Santa’s Little Helper.

3. Marge Be Not Proud

Season 7, Episode 11

In the “Marge Be Not Proud” episode, Bart gets into trouble for shoplifting a video game right before Christmas. This causes a rift between him and his mother, Marge, who feels disconnected from him. Bart, in turn, feels terrible about his actions and struggles with guilt during the holiday season.

This Christmas episode of The Simpsons is really funny, with memorable scenes like the grumpy mall security guard and Homer’s attempt to give a serious talk. While it’s a little sad to see Bart feeling neglected, the episode ultimately has a heartwarming and satisfying conclusion.

4. Miracle On Evergreen Terrace

Season 9, Episode 10

A common thread in The Simpsons Christmas episodes is that Bart or Homer somehow messes up the holidays. For example, in “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace,” Bart tries to sneak a peek at his presents early and accidentally destroys them all.

The town comes together to support the family when he falsely claims a burglar was responsible. This episode features many heartwarming scenes and delivers its message with a classic Simpsons touch. It’s a realistic portrayal of how even a family with problems can have a less-than-perfect holiday.

5. Grift Of The Magi

Season 11, Episode 9

Many episodes touch on how shopping and consumerism affect the holidays, but “Grift of the Magi” tackles this theme most directly and hilariously. When the local school closes, a toy company steps in and exploits the children, having them build the latest must-have Christmas toy, called Funzo.

Even though the episode deals with a serious topic, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and fully leans into the story’s quirky side. Plus, a fantastic appearance by Gary Coleman makes this Simpsons Christmas episode a truly funny and memorable holiday special.

6. Skinner’s Sense Of Snow

Season 12, Episode 8

“Skinner’s Sense of Snow” is a Simpsons Christmas episode that focuses more on a winter story than the holiday itself, which some fans might find disappointing. However, it’s still an enjoyable adventure! The episode begins on the last day before Christmas break, when Principal Skinner and a group of students get stuck inside the school due to a snowstorm.

This episode mainly focuses on the students rebelling against Principal Skinner, but it also includes some funny Christmas bits, such as Skinner’s terrible holiday TV special. Plus, there are plenty of amusing scenes with Homer and Ned as they try to save the kids.

7. She Of Little Faith

Season 13, Episode 6

While The Simpsons is primarily a comedy, it sometimes tackles sensitive subjects, such as religion. In the episode “She of Little Faith,” Lisa loses faith in her local church and explores Buddhism, prompting Marge to try and bring her back to Christianity using the spirit of Christmas.

I have to admit, this episode didn’t fully feel like a classic Simpsons Christmas one until the very end. But even so, I really enjoyed it! It’s a genuinely funny and heartwarming story, especially focusing on Lisa and her journey to be her own person. Plus, it’s a beautiful lesson about accepting what others believe, even if it’s different from your own.

8. ‘Tis The Fifteenth Season

Season 15, Episode 7

It’s become a tradition for Christmas specials to feature someone discovering what the holiday is really about. In this story, Homer Simpson leads the whole town to that realization. After splurging on a gift for himself, he tries to make amends by becoming overly kind, which surprisingly bothers his neighbor, Ned Flanders.

This Simpsons Christmas episode playfully reimagines classic holiday stories like A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s also interesting to see a less-than-perfect side of Ned Flanders, showing him feeling envious for once.

9. Simpsons Christmas Stories

Season 17, Episode 9

“Simpsons Christmas Stories” is a collection of heartwarming tales with a Christmas theme. It’s genuinely funny and full of holiday spirit, featuring stories like a reimagining of the nativity, Grampa Simpson’s Christmas experience during World War II, and the Simpsons’ take on the classic ballet, The Nutcracker.

This Simpsons Christmas episode isn’t quite as good as the show’s peak seasons, but it’s still an enjoyable holiday special. It has some genuinely hilarious moments, and even though one of the storylines is a bit weak, the episode wraps up with a creative and touching musical number.

10. Kill Gil, Volumes I & II

Season 18, Episode 9

Gil Gunderson, often considered Springfield’s unluckiest resident, is another Christmas guest at the Simpsons’ house. Marge feels sorry for him after he loses his job and invites him to join their holiday festivities, but he quickly becomes a bothersome houseguest.

Gil Gunderson is a funny character on The Simpsons, but usually only in brief appearances. This Christmas episode, however, gives him too much focus, and it doesn’t work well. He ends up being irritating not just to the Simpson family, but to viewers as well.

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2025-12-08 15:11