ITS CHRISTMAS!

Well, its the 1st December but same thing. So I thought what better way to get us into the Christmas spirit by giving you My Top 10 Favourite Christmas Musicals! Now, I admit some of them aren't exactly classed as musicals but some of them contain some amazing musical sequences that you cannot say no to. So without further adieu, I give you My Top 10 Favourite Christmas Musicals:

10. The Polar Express

Okay, so not exactly a musical. However, there are some absolutely beautiful songs in this Christmas cartoon that will pull at you heartstrings. Believe being one of those beautiful songs sang by The Girl which at the age of 21, still manages to make me want to believe in Santa and the magic of Christmas. It'll definitely be on over Christmas and in fact, I'm pretty sure the movies already being shown on Sky Cinema Christmas. So sit down with a box of chocolates and listen to the haunting yet enchanting soundtrack and if you have a bit of a cry, no ones judging you.

9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Now I know there will be some of you outraged that this film isn't number one on my list. However, it really isn't one of my favourite Christmas films. But I do have to admit that the film is shot beautifully and Jim Carrie's performance is one that cannot helped but be admired. In terms of it being a musical, again it isn't really, however I defy any of you who say they don't hear Where Are You Christmas and gasp or sing along at top belt. It is a beautiful song sung with such innocence that can only be brought around by a child. It is also always on at Christmas and its one of those you can watch after you've eaten Christmas Dinner and chuckle along to with your whole family.

8. Meet Me In St Louis

Yay, finally a musical. But is it a Christmas film? Well considering this was the first outing of the Christmas classic: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'd say so. Judy Garland's sweeping voice singing that song is literally a Christmas present in itself. And considering the tragedy that was her death, it makes sense that at Christmas we should watch this masterpiece of a musical and admire the star and voice that was the great Judy Garland. It's something you can watch with those members of your family who don't really like Christmas films (I know mad but these people do exist) and still feel in the festive mood. You can thank me later.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Danny Elfman's beautiful score makes this Christmas film a welcome change to the Christmas songs that will be invading our airways 24/7 for the next 4 weeks. With Tim Burton's distinctive direction, this film is a change from all the other films that will be on the tele multiple times in December. Many people have their own opinion on their favourite song from the piece but mine is by far (if not the least popular choice because its the one everyone knows) What's This. I just think the lyrics, images and the contrasting feeling of both worlds are felt for the first time in the film in Jacks exploration of Christmas town. Don't lie to me, your deffo gonna watch this over Christmas and if you're not you're lying to yourself, because you should.

6. Elf

Its actually been turned into a musical and is having its opening week in the West End as we speak. However, as I haven't actually listened to the soundtrack (I know, shocking) I can't really comment on that, so instead I will be commenting on the best part of the film by far. I think we all know what we're talking about: Baby Its Cold Outside. This endearing version in the shower of the toy store is my favourite version of the song and that's a mean feat considering Indina and Michael Buble did a version. However, its the final part of the song that gets me because, yes I am guilty of belting out many a song in the shower at the level that Buddy reaches at the end of the song. And lets face it, its a boss film, end of story.

5. Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Again not a musical. However, in a career defining display as Jack Frost, Martin Short performs a musical sequence that takes you back to those of the late 40s, early 50s in a production of New York, New York as North Pole, North Pole. It is funny, witty and beautifully depicted as a star who is loved by the audience, himself but not his elves. The sequence is a fantastic pastiche, some might say parody, of cabaret performers who believe they are at the height of their career. Its one of my families favourite films and does not get the credit it deserves in terms of the other films in this franchise.

4. Holiday Inn

My mums favourite film. There's something about watching this film in the black and white version, not the coloured version, that makes it feel like Christmas. Bing Crosby's earlier (and some might say) better rendition of White Christmas, makes this Irving Berlin classic a triumph on both film and theatre productions that I have been grateful to see. Its a typical Berlin musical, boy meets girl shock, they can both sing, there is a misunderstanding leading to one of them leaving (in this case Crosby has had enough and leaves) they both mope and realise they belong together, reuniting with a big rendition of usually the titular song. Its still one of my favourite musicals never mind Christmas films and as it is never really shown in England over Christmas, I'd say do yourself a favour and watch this classic musical, you will not be disappointed.

3. Nativity! The Musical

Another Christmas film that's being turned into a stage musical. And again, as the soundtrack isn't readily available I can only comment on the masterpiece that is the film. I remember watching this in school with girls who hated musicals but because it wasn't presented as a musical film and every time the children sang their was an excuse for them to do so, they loved it. I mean who can't love the enthusiasm and sheer talent of some of these children. My favourite song will always forever be Nazareth or Sparkle and Shine just because they remind me of my own experiences in British Primary School Nativities. And believe you me, there isn't that much difference in the process of creating a nativity in real life to the one in the film. Its a great film, if you haven't seen it, why not?

2. The Muppets Christmas Carol

No, you are not mistaken, that is Michael Caine dressed as Scrooge surrounded by The Muppets. This was by far my favourite Christmas movie when I was a kid and obviously its still up there as one of the best if this list is anything to go by. The music is ridiculously catchy, I mean of course it is, its Disney. The film is heartfelt, funny and makes you think all whilst filling you with the excitement for Christmas. There is a reason in my family that this is out Christmas Eve film just because its an easy watch for all, whilst I can admire the sweeping scores, dance sequences and try not to cry at Tiny Tim because come on he's a little green frog, how can you not cry?

1. White Christmas

And number one is taken by not only one of the best musicals ever written but one of the best Christmas films ever! I mean who can deny the brilliance that is Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye doing their brilliant variety sequences at the beginning of the film, that includes their hysterical version of Sisters. Couple that with the star quality of Vera Ellen and the beautiful, elegant, feiry Rosemary Clooney as the sisters that are the love interests for Crosby and Kaye's characters. The sequence on the train for Snow, Snow, Snow is one of those genuine delights in Hollywood film musicals that can never be reproduced. And of course, the titular sequence with the flurry of snow (that the cabin hasn't seen in years) rouses a sense of Christmas cheer and the admiration for the great American musical. There's nothing not to love about this musical, so please watch it in December!

And there we go ladies and gentlemen, that is my compiled list of my Top Ten Favourite Christmas Musicals to watch! So do yourself a favour, if you haven't seen any of these films, sit in front the tele with a box of choccies and enjoy.

#musicals #christmas #top10