Best Christmas episodes from The Simpsons on Disney+
At this point in time, The Simpsons has been on the air for more than 30 years. Revolving around working-class father Homer and his dysfunctional family, the animated sitcom chronicles the ups and downs of life in the town of Springfield.
The Simpsons has a knack for letting the characters experience all sorts of hilarious and absurd situations, to viewers' delight. Even better, it has featured an impressive number of holiday specials over the years, so there's literally a Simpsons episode for every occasion.
But while Halloween may be the first holiday that comes to mind when you think about The Simpsons due to the popularity of the show's Treehouse of Horrors episodes, Christmas is a staple in Springfield as well. So much so that there are 18 instalments revolving around the festive season so far, which is more than enough for a solid marathon.
The show is streaming on Disney+ in Australia, so there's no time like the present to indulge. Unfortunately, Aussies can't yet stream season 31 in Australia. We've listed all the episodes below, ranked from best to worst based on their IMDb rating. Where does your favourite stand?
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Marge Be Not Proud – Season 7, episode 11
IMDb rating: 8.4
When Marge refuses to buy Bart a new video game, he steals it from a local discount store. After he gets caught the two drift apart, so he works hard to regain her trust. Oh, and the episode is set around Christmas, to make things even more special.
Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire – Season 1, episode 1
IMDb rating: 8.2
The first episode of the series was actually a Christmas special. While Marge has to spend all the family's Christmas money on getting Bart's tattoo removed, Homer gets a job as Santa.
Holidays of Future Passed – Season 23, episode 9
IMDb rating: 8.2
In this exceptional episode, the Simpsons flash forward 30 years and find themselves in a tech-savvy Springfield. Bart and Lisa have children of their own and decide to spend the holidays as one big family, while a pregnant Maggie goes into labor.
This episode was famously written as a potential finale for the show. By this point though, we really doubt that The Simpsons will ever end. At least not anytime soon.
Skinner's Sense of Snow – Season 12, episode 8
IMDb rating: 7.9
A freak blizzard traps the students of Springfield Elementary inside their school and leaves them fearing for their lives. Not if Homer and Ned have something to say about it! Not very Christmassy, but at least snow is involved.
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace – Season 9, episode 10
IMDb rating: 7.6
Bart accidentally burns down the family's Christmas tree and gifts but claims that a robber stole everything. Consequently, the town pitches in to raise funds for the family. Fun fact: the late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek guest stars as himself.
Grift of the Magi – Season 11, episode 9
IMDb rating: 7.3
An episode that satirises the commercialisation of Christmas? Yes, please! After a toy company purchases Springfield Elementary and uses the student body as a focus group for its new evil toy, Bart and Lisa decide to take action.
Gone Boy – Season 29, episode 9
IMDb rating: 7.2
When Bart goes missing, the town puts together a search party to find him. Look, this is a Sideshow Bob episode that has little to do with Christmas, but it opens with a wonderful holiday version of the opening credits. It counts.
She of Little Faith – Season 13, episode 6
IMDb rating: 7.1
The episode centres on Lisa, who is set on finding a new religion right before Christmas, after Mr. Burns takes over her church and runs it like a corporation. Richard Gere has a cameo, teaching Lisa the core concepts of Buddhism.
Tis The Fifteenth Season – Season 15, episode 7
IMDb rating: 7.0
After spending all his money on an expensive gift for himself, Homer decides to change his selfish ways. He's soon regarded as the nicest man in town, which makes Ned Flanders incredibly jealous. Mayhem ensues.
Dude, Where's My Ranch? – Season 14, episode 18
IMDb rating: 6.9
When Homer writes a Christmas carol called Everybody Hates Ned Flanders, it becomes so popular that the family decides to leave town for a while and ends up at a dude ranch. Once there, Bart and Homer agree to help some Native Americans protesting against a beaver dam.
Simpsons Christmas Stories – Season 17, episode 9
IMDb rating: 6.8
In this very festive episode, Homer tells the tale of the first Christmas ever – with the family re-enacting the nativity scene – while Grandpa pursues his decade-old feud with Santa and the children of Springfield Elementary perform The Nutcracker. As the title suggests, it's an anthology, with the Grandpa segment particularly compelling.
The Fight Before Christmas – Season 22, episode 8
IMDb rating: 6.7
Katy Perry and Martha Stewart guest star in this memorable holiday special, which consists of four short dream segments that all take place during Christmas. We're partial to Maggie's story, which stars the beloved family as puppets.
I Won't Be Home for Christmas – Season 26, episode 9
IMDb rating: 6.7
When Homer stays out late drinking with Moe on Christmas Eve, Marge kicks him out. As a result, Homer leaves on an odyssey through a deserted Springfield and ends up having an epiphany: being without your family at Christmas is much worse than being with them.
Tis the 30th Season – Season 30, episode 10
IMDb rating: 6.7
After a failed Black Friday shopping spree, the family heads to a Florida resort for the holidays. They don't particularly enjoy themselves, so they reassess the importance of being home, surrounded by friends, during the festive season.
Bobby, It's Cold Outside – Season 31, episode 10*
IMDb rating: 6.6
Sideshow Bob gets the role of Santa at Santa's Village amusement park, while someone is stealing all the Christmas packages off front porches. Can you guess who the culprit is?
*Season 31 of The Simpson is not yet available to stream in Australia
White Christmas Blues – Season 25, episode 8
IMDb rating: 6.3
When a leak at the power plant causes snowfall in Springfield, tourists barge into town. The family can't afford Christmas so they open up their house to out-of-towners, to mixed results. By the end, the episode is quite heartwarming, so it's worth a rewatch.
Kill Gil, Volumes I & II – Season 18, episode 9
IMDb rating: 6.1
The Simpsons let Gil stay with them during Christmas. But surprise, he stays for 11 months because Marge just can't tell him no. If your relatives have the tendency to overstay their welcome too, you might relate.
The Nightmare After Krustmas – Season 28, episode 10
IMDb rating: 5.8
Krusty and his daughter spend Christmas with the Simpsons, while Reverend Lovejoy tries to boost attendance at church and a toy scares Maggie. Let's just agree that this one is… not the best.
