If The Best Christmas Pageant Ever made you laugh, cry, and maybe even remind you of your own childhood Christmas shenanigans, you’re not alone. Barbara Robinson’s beloved story, brought to life on screen, is a charming nod to family, community, and the unexpected miracles that make the holiday season unforgettable. And since it’s officially movie-marathon season, here are five more Christmas classics you’ll love—especially if you’re from Portsmouth, Ohio!
The Homecoming: A Christmas Story
Before The Waltons became a beloved TV series, there was The Homecoming, a heartfelt Christmas special that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm quilt. Set during the Great Depression, the movie follows John Boy as he anxiously awaits his father’s return on Christmas Eve. This story recalls the hardships many of our parents and grandparents experienced during the Depression.
A Christmas Story
You’ll shoot your eye out if you skip this one! A Christmas Story captures the quirky chaos of Christmas through the eyes of Ralphie, a boy determined to get a Red Ryder BB gun. Watching Ralphie trudge through snowy streets to school is a time machine straight back to Portsmouth’s elementary schools, and the bustling department store scenes might bring back memories of Marting’s Department Store during the holiday rush. Can’t you just smell the roasted nuts and hear the carolers?
It’s a Wonderful Life
No Christmas movie list is complete without this timeless gem. George Bailey’s journey through regret and redemption resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt the pull of a small-town life. Like the folks in Bedford Falls, Portsmouth’s residents know the magic of neighbors coming together to lift one another up. Watch it, cry your eyes out, and remind yourself that no one is truly poor who has friends.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The holiday magic of Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas come alive in this black-and-white classic. While Marting’s didn’t have Santa on trial, it sure had the kind of holiday spirit that’s captured in this movie. The bustling city storefronts of Portsmouth during its heyday had a magic not unlike Macy’s, where Christmas dreams came alive with every decorated window.
Prancer
This 1989 treasure about a young girl nursing an injured reindeer back to health has a heartfelt charm that’s perfect for a cozy family movie night. Set in a snowy rural town, Prancer will remind you of Portsmouth’s connection to nature and small-town wonder. Plus, it’s a reminder that a little faith and kindness can light up the darkest winter nights.
So grab a cup of hot cocoa, some buttery popcorn, and your coziest blanket, and settle in for a trip down memory lane with these holiday classics. Just like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, these movies are filled with laughter, love, and enough nostalgia to make your holiday season truly magical.