By Zahra Arshad

You know winter has arrived when you’re forced to wrap up warm for some Christmas shopping. It’s one of the busiest times of year, but it’s also important to take the time to relax over the festive period. Why not watch films and revel in the Christmas spirit? Below is a countdown of favourite movie moments from your favourite Christmas films!

The Harry Potter series (2001-2011)
Directed by Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates.

You can’t go wrong with any of these films. A young boy who lives with his aunt and uncle discovers he’s a wizard. Follow him and his friends on a long journey to defeat the one and only dark lord. Watch their friendship grow, follow their hardships and their laughter. You will be in for quite a ride.

Top 5 best moments of Harry Potter

5. The graveyard scene (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)

4. Protecting the castle (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2)

3. Neville’s speech (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2)

2. Dobby’s heroics (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1)

1. Finding out Snape’s Patronus is a Doe (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2)

Elf  (2003)
Directed by Jon Favreau

A guy who has gallons of Christmas joy. You won’t be able to find another film quite like this. Will Ferrell will have you laughing to the end; this comedic genius is the perfect guy to watch during this time. A grown man who acts like a child, loves Christmas, is a real elf, goes on a trip to find his father in New York. Watch as he falls in love and meets his family.

Top 5 best moments of Elf

5. It’s cold outside

4. Buddy and Jovie’s date

3. Candy spaghetti

2. The Angry Elf

1. The snowball fight

Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
Directed by Tim Hill

Spend Christmas watching your favourite singing chipmunks. A struggling songwriter named Dave Seville finds success when he comes across Alvin, Simon and Theodore. However, that success presents its own trials as their unscrupulous record executive, Ian Hawke, plans to break up the family to exploit the boys. Can Dave and the Chipmunks discover what they really value amid the superficial glamour around them?

Top 5 best moments of Alvin and the Chipmunks

5. Chipmunks sing Dave’s Song

4. Dave’s date

3. Theadore’s nightmare

2. Coffee Buzz

1. Alvin takes a shower in the dishwasher

Home Alone (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus

Left behind at Christmas, what could be better at this festive time? Kevin doesn’t quite fit in with his family, so being left behind is like a dream come true for him. No more getting bullied by his brother, all the cheese pizzas he can eat, and no more getting told off. But what mischief can one boy get into? Well a lot, as he must defend himself against two burglars who are trying to break into his house. Watch as Kevin puts a plan into action to stop them.

Top 5 best moments of Home Alone

5. The tarantula and Kevin’s other traps

4. “I’m not afraid anymore”

3. The McCallister’s sleep in

2. Kevin makes his family disappear.

1. “Keep the change, you filthy animal.”

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Directed by Brian Henson

A retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Christmas Carol, which tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. Scrooge receives visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, showing him the errors of his self-serving ways.

Top 5 best moments of The Muppet Christmas Carol

5. Ms Piggy as Mrs Cratchit

4. The Muppet Christmas carol.

3. Gonzo and Rizzo as narrators.

2. Michael Caine as Scrooge.

1. Tiny Tim’s empty chair.