8 Christmas shows on Netflix to learn a language with

Learning a language while enjoying some festive TV? We’re sold! Watching Christmas-themed Netflix series in their original languages is a fun and effective way to improve your skills while enjoying the cozy, holiday cheer. 

Whether you're into dramatic family tales, humorous holiday mishaps, or quirky game shows, these series offer something for everyone. Choose from compelling festive stories in Italian, German, Norwegian, French, and English.

How can Netflix shows help with language learning?

Aside from providing an insight into cultural customs and injecting fun festive themes, foreign-language TV shows can also boost your language practice. You'll familiarize yourself further with the language through the dialogue and continuously get exposed to new vocabulary.

Not yet well-versed enough to understand what’s going on? No problem; you can turn on the subtitles to help you learn — either in your native language or the show's language, depending on your level. That way, you can match up the words in real-time.

So grab your hot chocolate, snuggle up under a blanket, and let these Christmas shows bring both festive spirit and language learning to your living room. Happy holidays!

Learn English

Merry Happy Whatever

Watch as the Quinn family navigates the holiday season with a big twist — there’s a new boyfriend in town. Emmy and her partner Todd receive an unfriendly welcome upon their return home for Christmas. Matt is a free-spirited musician from Los Angeles and struggles to win over Emmy’s protective father, Don. 

Indulge in American Christmas traditions, like Christmas lights, gift-giving, and big family meals as you root for Emmy and Todd and their happily ever after. 

Is It Cake? Holiday

For something a bit different, this quirky show follows bakers as they make hyper-realistic cakes with a festive twist.

While this show may not focus on a traditional holiday narrative, it’s a fun, light-hearted way to learn English, especially if you enjoy all things food, baked goods, and competitive game shows.

Learn German

Over Christmas (ÜberWeihnachten)

Bastian, a struggling musician, returns home for Christmas and learns that his brother is dating his ex-girlfriend. Hoping for a simple Christmas, instead, he finds himself amid unexpected chaos as he faces the challenge of rekindling family relationships. 

The show explores the emotional complexity of family dynamics with a festive undertone like traditional Christmas markets, hearty meals, and customs like the Advent calendar.

Learn Spanish

Three Days of Christmas (Días de Navidad)

In this Spanish drama, four sisters celebrate Christmas at 3 different times in their lives: teenhood, adulthood, and in their elderly years. At each stage, they struggle with holiday-related dilemmas and look to each other for help. 

Through its multi-generational storytelling, this show explores themes of forgiveness, love, and unbreakable family bonds. You’ll also discover some Spanish Christmas traditions and customs like “Nochebuena” and the "Tió de Nadal".

Learn Norwegian

Home for Christmas (Hjem til jul)

Single nurse Johanne is fed up with the constant comments about her love life — or lack thereof. So, she desperately tries to find the perfect man to bring home for Christmas. She navigates family pressure, awkward dates, heart-felt self-discovery, and plenty of holiday chaos in her search to find him. 

The backdrop of Norway’s snowy streets and Christmas markets will transport you to a winter wonderland — plus, you’ll get to experience some traditional holiday customs.

A Storm for Christmas (Julestorm)

Destinies collide when a snowstorm disrupts all flights just before Christmas, leaving passengers and airport staff stranded at Oslo airport. Enjoy stories ranging from a famous musician trying to avoid the spotlight, to families reuniting, and individuals grappling with personal struggles — all becoming intertwined.

Aside from being a great way to dip into Norweigan, this mini-series is filled with humor and heartwarming moments. A great one to get you in the holiday spirit!

Learn Italian

I Hate Christmas (Odio il Natale)

If you enjoyed the Norwegian original “Home for Christmas”, check out the Italian take on this story of love and self-acceptance. After lying to her family about having a boyfriend, Gianna, a single nurse, begins a desperate search to find a partner by Christmas — until everything goes wrong! 

The show offers a fun look at the Italian family’s dynamics during the holiday season, and you’ll pick up plenty of great phrases and festive celebrations like the Feast of the Seven Fishes.

Learn French

Christmas Flow 

Famous rapper, Marcus, is forced to confront his past when he meets the tenacious and idealistic journalist, Lila. Their paths cross during the Christmas season, triggering a series of misunderstandings due to their wildly different lifestyles. However, sparks soon fly between the two, leading to an unexpected romantic connection. 

The series blends romance, humor, festive cheer, and French music for a light-hearted holiday watch.

We hope you enjoy these Christmas Netflix picks and that they give your language learning a festive twist. Happy holidays!