Top 10 'SNL' Holiday Sketches, Ranked

Christmas and the holiday season wouldnt be the same without the festive hilarity that Saturday Night Live brings to the table every year. Over the last five decades, the show has delivered countless iconic Christmas sketches, featuring everything from Kenan Thompson as Santa to Drunk Uncles unforgettable rants. To get you into the holiday spirit, we've put together a list of the 10 funniest and most memorable SNL Christmas sketches.

Honorable Mention: Adam Sandlers Hanukkah Song

No holiday season on SNL would be complete without the mention of Adam Sandler's classic "The Hanukkah Song." This moment has become a beloved part of SNL history, but since its 1994 debut, there have been even funnier holiday moments to follow. Nonetheless, we have to give it the recognition it deserves.

10. Rudolph's Big Night

What if Rudolph, tired of years of bullying, finally sought revenge? Pete Davidson brilliantly imagines this dark twist on the classic red-nosed reindeer story. Now that hes finally getting some respect, Rudolph isnt holding back even if it means going to extreme lengths.

9. Childrens Clothing Ad

Trying to create the perfect holiday moment often means dressing your kids in cute Christmas outfits, but this sketch hilariously shatters that illusion. The reality behind the perfect family Christmas photo is more chaotic than the picture-perfect holiday cards let on.

8. Christmas Robe

We've all been guilty of giving or receiving impersonal gifts, and Kristen Wiigs hilarious song about getting a robe for Christmas hits way too close to home. The sketch perfectly captures the bittersweet reality of the holidays, reminding us that moms deserve a little holiday magic too.

7. Visit with Santa Cold Open

When children start asking Santa for impossible things like solutions to global problems, even the big guy in red starts to draw the line. Kenan Thompsons Santa and Kate McKinnons fast-talking elf make this sketch a riot, showing that there are limits to Santas magic.

6. Steve Martins Holiday Wish

Steve Martins sketch is a true holiday classic. Sometimes, it's okay to be a little selfish, especially during the holidays. Martins character takes this idea to the extreme, and the ridiculousness of his holiday wish makes it a standout moment in SNL history.

5. Christmas Epiphany

Is he experiencing a deep, existential crisis, or just reflecting on his life during the holidays? Austin Butler delivers an emotional monologue, questioning his purpose while standing outside a familys Christmas dinner. The awkward tension that unfolds adds a hilarious twist to the usual holiday movie tropes.

4. North Pole News Report

When disaster strikes at the North Pole, the local news doesnt seem to take the situation seriously. Eddie Murphy, in a performance for the ages, rages against the elf massacre he witnessed, blaming Santa himself. Murphys over-the-top delivery turns this sketch into pure comedy gold.

3. Home for the Holidays

If youve ever spent the holidays with your family, this sketch will feel all too real. The chaotic events that unfold behind the scenes of a family holiday dinner are spot on, with Eddie Murphys characters speech being a funny, yet familiar, depiction of family dynamics at Christmas.

2. Santa Baby

In this sketch, Ryan Gosling and Vanessa Bayer play a married couple who go to extremes in their obsession with meeting Santa. When they learn hell be attending a neighborhood party, they do whatever it takes to get close to the big guy. Their hilarious, borderline desperate antics make this one of the funniest sketches of all time.

1. Holiday Pageant

Without a doubt, this sketch is the best way to transition into a musical guests performance on SNL. Martin Short and Paul McCartney audition for a local holiday pageant, and their comedic chemistry despite their dysfunctional relationship makes this sketch unforgettable. Its one of those rare moments that would be incredible to watch for the first time all over again.

Be sure to catch Saturday Night Live on Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC for more holiday cheer and laughs!

Sources:

• 10 Best ‘SNL’ Holiday Sketches, Ranked

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.