Merriment sparkled fantasy: The MCU movies set around Christmas

The biggest selling point of this list might as well be the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) insertion instead of the Christmas and everything merriment, and no one could be blamed for buying it because of the title. MCU made history in the cinematic realm, carrying the title of one of the two best entertainment and media companies in comic publishing history, working its way up since 1939. Despite fantasy being the main point of focus of the franchise that’s known for giving birth to the super-heroes Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and more, individuals with any cinematic preferences can find something they like in their creations. Even if you haven’t watched Black Panther, X-Men, or Spider-Man on screen, randomly seeing some Marvel Funko Pop! figures and collectables inspired by them will spark a recognition of the characters they depict and offer glimpses into their origins.

Hollywood had long revolved around Christmas, an endless source of inspiration and creativity. The MCU had to create something different but also use the holiday as a starting point, creating some titles set around this merry time of the year so that a broader watcher base could be delighted. If you’ve always been a fan of Home Alone or other iconic Christmas movies, you likely have a thing for the holiday-inspired feel and setting. Here’s a list of Christmas-infused MCU titles that mesmerize with the traditional enthralling fantasy realm and also succeed in adding a touch of festive magic to your holiday, regardless of the genre and category you’re generally keen on.

Hawkeye

With luminaries like Jeremy Renner, Troy Baker, Chris Cox, Tony Daniels, Adrian Petriw, and other recognizable names on the screens, Hawkeye deserves its mantle as the most Christmas-ish movie in the MCU. From its pre-advertisement exuding festive vibes to every aspect of the series intricately deepened in the holiday spirit, Hawkeye gives viewers a yuletide experience like no other movie.

Launched in 2021 on Disney+ a few days before Christmas, the whole plot of the piece surrounded the approaching celebration and festivities. There were even comparisons between this iconic production and Die Hard, given the discrepancy between the title’s exudence of action and the festive atmosphere delivered by the Christmas-centric motives. Both creations are action and Christmas plots.

The trailer raised and exceeded the audience’s expectations, showing a montage between Kate and Clint crafting their attack strategy. The whole scene seems subtracted from Home Alone as they bring together unique arrows. The film’s finale also depicts a memorable Christmas image with an ice rink and decked-out Christmas tree serving as key pieces in the setting, with thematic sweaters and parties featuring, too.

One of the main ambitions of Hawkeye is to respect his promise of coming back to the Barton farm by Christmas so he won’t let his children down again. The Christmas spirit effuses from Hawkeye, yet the plot isn’t flawless. The fact that the dynamic between Kate and Clint pulsates with challenges keeps viewers glued to the screen, whereas the infusion of fun over the Christmas season adds some extra amusement for the public.  

Iron Man 3

The first ever MCU Christmas-oriented movie to air is Iron Man 3, released in May 2013 despite its significance. It uses the winter holiday as a backdrop, but a cinematic creation must be built around a holiday air around the same date. Given the movie’s controversial twist, the reunion of the actors, the Mandarin’s attacks, and other special moments and turnarounds, the movie has maintained its relevancy as a cinematic masterpiece and a must-see in the Yuletide.

The trilogy’s most fascinating moment arrives six minutes into the movie with the arrival of Tony Stark’s Mark 42 armour. Other memorable moments are played by Paul Bettany as WandaVision and Downey as a talented dancer. Christmas is the focal point, and even if the holiday isn’t dissected in plain sight, the numerous décor elements, the Tony Stark “Jingle Bells” dance moment and the scene that exudes New Year’s Eve vibes contour the atmosphere similar to those of winter holidays.

The intrigue of a man renouncing anything that may have defined him just to keep the woman of his life close might seem like an MCU cliché, but this singular piece also explores other themes. The film isn’t as reliant on this theme as other MCU titles, but it started the pattern as the first of its kind.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is the movie that cheers this holiday the most. From the soundtrack to the decor elements, Christmas flows out of every corner of the setting. Furthermore, it transposes the borders of a mere story that can’t exist outside Christmas time.

Drax and Mantis plan to offer Peter an unforgettable present after discovering how Yondu supposedly messed it up for the youngster. This special conveys an all-time thematic present in almost any Christmas movie, represented by the altruism and joy associated with the gift of giving and bringing a smile to anyone’s face during this winter holiday. 

This title remains one of the best Christmas-fueled ones launched by MCU, and together with the end’s credits scene, the masterpiece seems to create a pattern of viewing for the team’s supporters.

The movie explores the meaning behind Christmas and how it hints at Peter’s mind and enthusiasm about Christmas, making it even more heartwarming and easier to munch. This iconic movie shows the extent to which the MCU team cares for one another.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Many may contest the place of Spider-Man: No Way Home on the Christmas-steeped list of movies of the MCU, but there’s a huge selling point to it that makes it deserving of its ranking. After everyone loses their memory, the main character, Peter Parker, must start their life all over again. The finale takes place in December and features a decorated Christmas and Hannukah stage. However, the merry spirit goes beyond the setting and reminds the public of a specific moment in It’s a Wonderful Life, whereas a more entrenched Christmas-like sentiment flows.

These are just four MCU titles intricately woven with the spirit of Christmas, but you can expect more to come as this franchise stands out as the one using this holiday as a backdrop the most.