Best 40s & 50s Christmas Movies & Vintage Holiday Fashion
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Best 1940s and 1950s Christmas Movies and their Vintage Christmas Fashion
As you curl up with some hot cocoa and a cozy blanket in front of a crackling fire, the only thing missing is … the perfect classic Christmas film!
Whether it’s the nostalgic charm of a romantic musical, an action-packed holiday adventure, or a laugh-out-loud comedy, there’s a classic Christmas movie for everyone.
The magical Christmas films from the 1940s and 1950s bring alive the most wonderful time of the year. It’s no wonder that they are central to many family holiday traditions.
Not to mention the awesome Vintage Christmas Aesthetic in every film.
Below are the best vintage Christmas films (although we’ve done our very best to rank the these, you could say that they are in no particular order).
Remember, it’s all fun and games ’til Santa checks the naughty list.
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #1 – The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
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A charming romantic drama directed by Ernst Lubitsch, and starring Margaret Sullivan, James Stewart, and Frank Morgan.
Story:
A young and handsome James Stewart and the beautiful Margaret Sullivan star in this comedy about two coworkers in a gift shop in in Budapest. At work they can’t stand each other, but as they prepare for the Christmas holidays, little do they know that they are falling for each other… as secret pen pals!
Vintage Christmas Fashion (1940s Style):
James Stewart looks fabulous in his impeccable vintage menswear. And Margaret Sullivan dazzles in her vintage holiday outfits, ranging from her frilly polkadot ensembles to cozy Christmas sweater and skirt styles, to her glamorous furs, which are perfect for the holiday season.
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #2 – Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
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A romantic comedy, directed by Peter Godfrey, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, and Sydney Greenstreet.
Story:
A successful food writer columnist who has pretended to be a farm housewife, mother, and excellent cook finds herself in a dilemma when the big boss announces that she will host a traditional Christmas dinner for handsome returning war hero.
Holiday Party Outfits (1940s Fashion):
Barbara Stanwyck wears a variety of fabulous 1940s outfits for the holidays. These range from practical day dresses (and adorable vintage aprons for the kitchen), to cocktail evening gowns and over the top fur coats, that are perfect for the winter season.
If you’re a fan of Barbara Stanwyck, you might also like:
30 Best Barbara Stanwyck Movies: Her Top Classic Films
Best 1940s & 1950s Holiday Movies #3 – The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
A Christmas drama, directed by Henry Koster, and starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven.
Story:
During the Christmas holidays, the handsome Cary Grants is sent to earth as angel. His mission? Help a bishop rebuild his marriage and raise money to build a new cathedral.
Christmas Fashion: (1940s Style):
You’ll love the fabulous 1940s winter and Christmas wardrobes, including elegant coats and classic accessories for the chilly holiday season, from boots, to gloves, to hats and scarves.
For more Cary Grant films:
30 Top Movies of Cary Grant Ranked Best to Worst
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #4 – White Christmas (1954)
A funny romantic musical, directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney.
Story:
Dancing, music, and romance collide in this hilarious Christmastime story where two song-and-dance teams partner to save a failing bed and breakfast in Vermont.
Holiday Party Outfits (1950s Fashion):
From classic daytime 50s fashion, to glam evening outfits, and over the top holiday performance outfits, the vintage style outfits in this film are a real visual treat, and in full color!
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #5 – It’s aWonderful Life (1946)
A feel-good drama, directed by Frank Capra, starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore.
Story:
In one of the most famous Christmas films of all time, a struggling businessman, George Bailey, makes a wish that he’d never been born. An angel is sent to show George Bailey what an impact he’s made on the world and the lives he’s touched.
Christmas Fashion (1940s Outfits):
Jimmy Stewart looks fabulous in his vintage winter style and tailored menswear for Christmas. And the beautiful Donna Reed looks just as stunning in her classy vintage style outfits, ranging from simple day dresses to elegant holiday dresses.
This movie is always on high on the list of 1940s movies. For more 1940s movies:
1940s Movies List by Genre – From Westerns to Comedies
Best 1940s & 1950s Holiday Movies #6 – Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
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A charming Christmas drama, directed by George Seaton, starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne.
Story:
In one of the most famous Christmas movies ever made, a sweet old man’s sanity comes into question in New York, after he claims to be the real Santa Clause upon being hired to play Santa at Macys.
Christmas Dress (1940s Fashion):
Who better than a retro Santa Claus and eager children with their Christmas wishes for vintage style inspiration? The beautiful redhead, Maureen O’Hara, also stuns in her 1940s fashion and sleek holiday dresses. And the handsome John Payne looks fabulous, no matter what he wears, whether retro pajamas or tailored menswear!
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #7 – Holiday Inn (1942)
A fun musical comedy, directed by Mark Sandrich, and starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds.
Story:
At a magical inn that only opens for the holidays, two musicians prepare for the Christmas festivities and vie for the love of a beautiful budding performer.
Christmas Fashion (Old Hollywood 1940s Outfits):
The mens’ festive outfits wow. Their statement black and white oxfords and fun hats take their outfits to the next level. You’ll also love the dressy holiday feminine styles, from the ladies’ classy little black dresses to their glittering floor length gowns.
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #8 – I’ll Be Seeing You (1944)
A touching romantic drama set during the Christmas holidays, directed by William Dieterle and George Cukor, and starring Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten, and Shirley Temple.
Story:
A man and a woman, reeling from troubled pasts, meet on a train, while traveling home for the Christmas holiday. As romance blossoms over the holidays, the beautiful woman struggles with breaking the news that she is on furlough from prison, for accidental manslaughter.
Holiday Party Outfits (1940s Fashion):
We love the inside glimpse at vintage winter and holiday outfits in this film. From Joseph Cotton’s impeccable military uniforms and suit styles, to Ginger Roger’s fun dresses and her formal blouse and skirt outfit for Christmas dinner.
Best 1940s & 1950s Holiday Movies #9 – Remember the Night (1940)
A romantic comedy-drama set directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Fred MacMurray and Beulah Bondi.
Story:
Around the Christmas holidays a handsome attorney posts bail for a lonely shoplifter. Unexpectedly love blossoms as she joins him and his mother to celebrate the holidays and Christmas day.
Holiday Outfits (1940s Fashion):
Barbara Stanwyck looks chic and feminine in her Old Hollywood 1940s style gowns, ranging from cozy evening robe styles, to two piece day dresses and classy accessories. We love her fabulous fur coat and matching gloves outfit, which are such an iconic 1940s look, and oh so perfect for glamming up for the holidays.
Fred MacMurray also showcases some fabulous vintage menswear for the holiday season, from retro silk lounging wear to tasteful suits, and winter coats. His sharp 1940s fedora hat styles add a touch of class for going out.
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #10 – Holiday Affair (1949)
A Christmas romantic comedy directed by Don Hartman, and starring Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, and Wendell Corey.
Story:
A poor and beautiful widow must choose between two suitors — a boring (but successful) businessman vs a charming (and romantic) man with no prospects.
Christmas Fashion (1940s Christmas Dress):
The beautiful and curvy Janet Leigh stuns in her retro holiday outfits, ranging from chic loungewear to simple skirt and shirt outfits, to tailored coats, and glam furs.
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #11 – The Great Rupert (1950)
A heartwarming comedy, directed by Irving Pichel, and starring Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, and Tom Drake.
Story:
Jimmy Durante stars in this classic and charming family movie centered around the holiday season, where a dancing squirrel helps two families overcome hardships.
Holiday Party Outfits (1950s Vintage Style Outfits):
You’ll love the inside glimpse of retro holiday fashion worn by the loveable cast of family characters. The tailored winter coats and furs are definitely a treat, and are great examples of classic vintage fashion.
Best 1940s & 1950s Holiday Movies #12 – A Christmas Carol (1951)
A Christmas drama, directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, starring Alastair Sim, Jack Warner, and Kathleen Harrison.
Story:
This is one of the most famous films depicting Charles Dickens classic Christmas novel. When the rich and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge refuses to believe in Christmas, he is paid a surprise visit by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Will the eye-opening experience inspire Ebenezer Scrooge to changes his ways? Is it possible for him to discover the true meaning of Christmas?
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #13 – The Holly and the Ivy (1952)
A Christmas drama directed by George More O’Ferrall, and starring Ralph Richardson, Celia Johnson, and Margaret Leighton.
Story:
In this heartwarming story, an English minister is reunited with his family for the Christmas holidays. This includes glimpses into their struggles during the World War II years.
Holiday Party Outfits (1950s Fashion):
This film delightfully depicts classic 1950s fashion for middle class families during the holidays. You’ll also enjoy the vintage uniform styles highlighted in the World War II flashbacks.
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #14 – We’re No Angels (1955)
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A romantic crime comedy, directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray, and Joan Bennett.
Story:
This classic Christmas comedy is about three escaped convicts from Devil’s Island who hide with a merchant and his family in a small costal town in France.
Christmas Fashion (1950s Fashion):
You’ll enjoy this film’s vintage style outfits in color which are funky blend of 1950s and early colonial styles–in color! Humphrey Bogart’s ragtag convict outfit and Joan Bennett’s unexpected styles are especially unforgettable.
Best 1940s & 1950s Holiday Movies #15 – The Crowded Day (1954)
A drama, directed by John Guillermin, and starring Joan Rice, Josephine Griffin, and Freda Jackson.
Story:
An inside look at the drama and romance of five young women in the ‘50s. Not only do they live together at a boarding house, but they all work together at a huge bustling London department during the holidays.
Holiday Party Outfits (1950s Fashion):
You’ll love the inside glimpse of the classy fashion and wardrobes for working women in the ‘50s. Plus the behind the scenes glimpses into the popular 1950s styles at the women’s boarding house are a treat.
Best 1940s & 1950s Christmas Movies #16 – Susan Slept Here (1954)
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A romantic comedy directed by Frank Tashlin, and starring Dick Powell, Debbie Reynolds, and Anne Francis.
Story:
To ensure a delinquent teenager, named Susan, doesn’t have to spend her Christmas behind bars, a struggling screenwriter agrees to house her over the holidays. This surprise Christmas present may end up being more than inspiration for his script on juvenile delinquents!
Christmas Fashion (1950s Fashion):
The stunning holiday outfits for this all star cast are in glorious technicolor. You’ll especially enjoy the sophisticated fashions of the classy and gorgeous Ann Francis (the girlfriend) compared to the fun ‘50s teenage wardrobe of Debbie Reynolds.
1940s & 1950s Classic Christmas Movie #17 – The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)
A fun comedy directed by Sidney Lanfield and Frank Tashlin, and starring Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, and Lloyd Nolan.
Story:
In this old classic movie, a New York swindler owes a dangerous gangster $10,000. He has until Christmas to come up with the money. Luckily it’s Christmas time, so it easier than ever to run ridiculous scrams to collect money.
Christmas Fashion (1950s Fashion):
You’ll love the retro Santa costume wardrobes featuring Bob Hope and a whole line-up of Old Saint Nicks! Marilyn Maxwell also looks beautiful in her classy Old Hollywood holiday styles.
This post was all about the best 1940s and 1950s Christmas Movies
What is your favorite 1940s or 1950s Christmas movie?
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