“Is your house on fire, Clark?” If you’re asking yourself how to watch Christmas Vacation this holiday season, you’re in the right place. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a timeless comedy classic, and making it part of your annual tradition is a must.
This ultimate guide will show you exactly where to watch Christmas Vacation—whether you want to stream, rent, buy, or even catch it on TV. We’ll also help you plan the perfect viewing party to make your holiday a little brighter.
Where to Stream Christmas Vacation
Streaming is the most popular way to watch, but availability changes frequently. Here are the most likely platforms to find the movie during the holiday season.
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HBO Max (in the US): As part of the Warner Bros. library, Christmas Vacation often streams on HBO Max (now simply Max). This is your best bet for a subscription-based stream.
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Hulu (in the US): Through a partnership with Warner Bros., Hulu frequently adds Christmas Vacation to its library for the month of December.
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Amazon Prime Video: You can often stream it for free if you have a Prime membership, or it may require an add-on subscription like Max.
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Peacock: As the home for many classic Universal and NBC properties, Peacock is another strong contender, especially around the holidays.
Pro Tip: Streaming rights change! The most reliable way to find it is to search “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” directly on your streaming app or use a service like JustWatch.com for real-time availability.
How to Rent or Buy Christmas Vacation Online
If you can’t find it on a streaming service you already own, renting or buying is a surefire way to enjoy the movie instantly.
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Amazon Prime Video: Rent in HD for around $3.99 or purchase for $14.99.
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Apple TV (iTunes): Similar pricing, with options to rent or buy.
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YouTube Movies & Google Play: Also offer rental and purchase options.
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Vudu: A great platform for renting or buying digital movies.
Buying the digital copy means you own it forever and can watch it every Christmas without searching for it again!
Is Christmas Vacation Available for Free?
Yes, you can watch Christmas Vacation for free, but there are a few caveats:
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Streaming Free Trials: If the movie is on a platform like Hulu or Max, you could sign up for their free trial, watch the movie, and cancel before being charged.
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Library Streaming Services: Check if your local library offers Kanopy or Hoopla. You can often stream movies for free with a library card.
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Network Television: Major networks like ABC, NBC, or CBS often broadcast Christmas Vacation multiple times during December. Check your local TV listings!
Plan the Ultimate Christmas Vacation Viewing Party
Now that you know how to watch Christmas Vacation, why not elevate the experience? Here’s how to host a viewing party the Griswolds would be proud of.
1. Create the Perfect Menu:
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The “Katherine” Appetizer: Serve a festive Jell-O mold (it’s a beauty!).
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The Uncle Eddie Main: Offer a hearty turkey dinner with plenty of “RV-quality” gravy.
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The Cousin Catherine Dessert: Jell-O with cat food is not recommended. Stick with Christmas cookies and fruitcake.
2. Set the Scene:
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Decorations: Go overboard! Hang enough Christmas lights to be seen from space.
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Ambiance: Have a roaring fire (yule log video on TV works) and a non-functional swimming pool in the yard.
3. Interactive Fun:
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Quote-Along: See who can deliver the line, “Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where’s the Tylenol?” with the most passion.
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Bingo or Trivia: Create bingo cards with events from the movie (e.g., “Squirrel in the tree,” “Aunt Bethany says the Pledge of Allegiance”).
Why We Love to Watch Christmas Vacation Every Year
Christmas Vacation endures because it’s a hilarious, relatable, and heartfelt look at the chaos of the holidays. From the struggle of putting up lights to dealing with difficult relatives, the Griswold family’s misadventures remind us that the perfect Christmas is often the imperfect one, spent with the people we love.
FAQs About Watching Christmas Vacation
Q: Is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Netflix?
A: As of late 2024, it is typically not on Netflix in the United States. It most often resides on Max and Hulu. Always check your local Netflix library.
Q: What is the best way to watch Christmas Vacation in HD?
A: Renting or buying the digital version from Amazon, Apple TV, or Vudu will give you the highest quality HD stream.
Q: Can I watch Christmas Vacation on my phone?
A: Absolutely! All the major streaming and digital storefronts (Max, Hulu, Amazon, Apple) have mobile apps for watching on the go.
Conclusion:
So, grab your eggnog, don your best holiday sweater, and get ready for the funniest Christmas meltdown in cinema history. Now that you know exactly how to watch Christmas Vacation, all that’s left to do is press play and enjoy the show. “We’re gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye!”
Happy holidays, and don’t forget to check the cat.
