Celebrate the holidays with laughter! Dive into the chaos of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with our Friday Night Movies pick, packed with humour, heart, and festive spirit.
Is there anything more relatable than untangling a mess of Christmas lights, only to realise half of them don’t work? Welcome to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), where holiday dreams meet hilarious disaster. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and penned by John Hughes, this festive gem is the third instalment in the Vacation series—and arguably the most beloved.
Why is this a must-watch? Because no matter how dysfunctional your holidays may feel, the Griswolds will make you feel better about yourself. From Clark Griswold’s overzealous attempts to create the perfect Christmas to surprise visits that redefine “awkward family dynamics,” this movie balances laugh-out-loud chaos with heartwarming holiday moments. It’s a feel-good reminder that perfection is overrated, and sometimes it’s the disasters that make the best memories.
So, grab your comfiest blanket, pour some eggnog, and prepare for a night of festive fun with the Griswolds in this week’s Friday Night Movie.
Plot
Clark Griswold dreams of hosting the ultimate Christmas for his family. With his endless enthusiasm, he goes all out—an oversized tree, 25,000 twinkling lights, and elaborate holiday plans that would make Martha Stewart blush. But, in classic Griswold style, nothing goes as planned. The tree barely fits, the lights don’t cooperate, and his family? Let’s just say they bring their own brand of chaos.
As Clark juggles malfunctioning decorations, feuding in-laws, and the arrival of his eccentric cousin Eddie in a questionable RV, the pressure to deliver the perfect Christmas mounts. Add in a missing holiday bonus and a surly boss, and you’ve got a recipe for comedic disaster.
Yet, amid all the hilarity and mishaps, Clark’s relentless optimism and love for his family shine through, reminding us that the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about the messy, beautiful moments we share.
Cast
Chevy Chase delivers a comedic masterclass as Clark Griswold, blending boundless optimism with just the right amount of exasperation. Whether he’s climbing ladders or enduring holiday meltdowns, Chase captures the essence of a dad who just wants to make Christmas magical. Beverly D’Angelo complements him perfectly as Ellen, the voice of reason who keeps the family grounded with her quick wit and patience.
Randy Quaid steals the show as Cousin Eddie, whose bizarre antics and questionable hygiene make him both hilarious and oddly endearing. Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki bring charm as Rusty and Audrey Griswold, offering relatable reactions to their parents’ holiday chaos. Supporting performances from Doris Roberts, E.G. Marshall, and Mae Questel as the Griswold grandparents add layers of humour, especially during their bickering matches.
Reviews
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation wasn’t a critical darling upon release but has since become a holiday staple. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a solid 86% rating, with critics praising its humour and relatability, while IMDb users rate it an impressive 7.5/10.
The movie’s enduring appeal lies in its mix of slapstick comedy and genuine Christmas cheer as it perfectly captures the chaos of family gatherings. Fans continue to embrace it as a nostalgic favourite with forever classic one-liners, a movie that ages like fine wine — or perhaps like leftover turkey you just can’t throw out.
Memorable Scenes
Who can forget the moment when Clark finally lights up his 25,000-bulb masterpiece, only to short-circuit the neighbourhood? It’s equal parts triumphant and chaotic. Another standout is Cousin Eddie’s infamous sewer mishap — (“Shitter’s full!”).
And of course, the movie’s climax, featuring an unexpected Christmas bonus and Clark’s epic meltdown, cements its place in holiday comedy history.
To be honest, though there are too many to list so here are the Top 10 moment from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
How To Watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Explore More with the So Binge Christmas Advent Calendar
Can’t get enough of holiday movie magic?
Head over to our So Binge Christmas Advent Calendar for a sleighful of festive favourites to keep your holiday spirit alive all season long. From timeless classics to hidden gems, each day unlocks a new movie recommendation to make your December even merrier.