Sometimes, holiday cheer doesn't come in the form of a cheesy Hallmark movie [1], but instead a cheeky Saturday Night Live [2] sketch that'll make you cry tears . . . of laughter. Decades on air means that SNL has explored every facet of the season's greetings, from Mrs. Claus to Santa's elves. Whether you want to enjoy a Kris Kringle-d episode of "Serial" or deck the halls with double entendres in "Schweddy Balls [3]," find the perfect sketch from the show's holiday collection. For a holly, jolly, and hilarious time, scroll ahead to watch the best Christmas Saturday Night Live [4] sketches ever made!
Best Christmas Ever (2018)
Matt Damon [5] and Cecily Strong play a couple reminiscing upon their best Christmas [6] together . . . except their cozy memories are really about the abject terrors of keeping their chaotic children in check over the holidays.
Serial: The Christmas Surprise (2014)
Um, Cecily Strong was kind of born to impersonate Serial's Sarah Koenig with her soothing, assertive voice? Instead of investigating a twisted high school murder, this satirical sketch [7] takes on the mysteries of Kris Kringle, an elf who leaves presents in people's homes. It's hilarious, festive, and has the delightful Amy Adams [8], so it's pretty much perfect.
(Do It on My) Twin Bed (2013)
Aidy Bryant [9]'s hilarious Lil Baby Aidy dominates in this hilarious SNL musical short, in which the female cast members rap about their sexy adventures in their childhood bedrooms when they come home for Christmas. SNL alumnus Jimmy Fallon [10] also happens to have a riveting solo where he raps about struggling to get in the mood and doin' it with "just shirt, no pants, like Winnie the Pooh."
Santa's Workshop (2013)
Ever wondered what it would be like if Paul Rudd [11] had the disposition of a horny Santa Claus who looked like Ted Danson? Well, wonder no more. After months at a wellness spa, Santa returns with a hot girlfriend (Kate McKinnon) and demands that his elves build exercise gear.
You're a Rat Bastard, Charlie Brown (2012)
Imagine if your favorite holiday classic [12] got a profane, grumpy, and dark twist on stage, and you'll get a feel for SNL's spoof on A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's a probing examination of crime and the human psyche, enough to make even Martin Scorsese [13] eat his heart out. Plus, the casting of Martin Short as Larry David [14] as Linus and Bill Hader as Al Pacino [15] as Charlie Brown is, suffice to say, a Christmas miracle.
Monologue: John Malkovich Reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (2008)
John Malkovich is just, well, being John Malkovich here in his darkly funny twist on "'Twas the Night Before Christmas [16]." Talking about Santa in the context of California's home invasion laws and the physics of his sleigh might not be the most magical, kid-friendly approach, but it'll definitely give you a good dose of dry chuckles.
Santa's My Boyfriend (2006)
While SNL musical digital shorts [17] are always a sight to behold, the live musical sketches are always a ton of fun to watch, especially when it's holiday-themed. Amy Poehler [18], Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph (aka the holy trinity of SNL ladies) realize that they all share a boyfriend — Santa Claus, who's all too eager to go down their chimneys.
D*ck in a Box (2006)
We'll never not remember Andy Samberg [19] and Justin Timberlake [20] at their Saturday Night Live [21] prime doing this utterly ridiculous sketch. "D*ck in a Box" might not be as emotive as Mariah Carey [22]'s "All I Want For Christmas" or Kelly Clarkson [23]'s "Underneath the Tree," but you can't say that it hasn't changed the landscape of mostly earnest Christmas songs. It won an Emmy, for goodness' sake!
A Song From SNL: I Wish It Was Christmas Today (2000)
"I Wish It Was Christmas Today" is peak Jimmy Fallon [24] feel-good goofiness. The song lyrics aren't even necessarily funny, but it's the gentle physical comedy with Tracy Morgan jogging in place, Chris Kattan shaking his head, and Horatio Sanz and Fallon rolling their shoulders that make this bit endearing. For a modern reunion, be sure to check out the version on The Tonight Show [25] that gets a little help from Ariana Grande [26].
Weekend Update: Adam Sandler on Hanukkah (1994)
Before he made a breezy murder mystery flick [27] and grisly crime film [28] on Netflix, Adam Sandler [29] was a comedy king on Saturday Night Live [30]. Seth Cohen might have given us Chrismukkah on The O.C. [31], but Sandler penned a Hanukkah bop (in the voice he would use for The Waterboy) to celebrate his Jewish heritage.
NPR's Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls (1998)
Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer portray NPR hosts who exchange lame puns and dirty Christmas jokes in the most low-key, public radio delivery possible that would make Terry Gross blush. Enter Alec Baldwin [32] as guest Pete Schweddy, a baker out to promote . . . his Schweddy balls.
Mister Robinson's Neighborhood: Christmas (1984)
Back during his SNL days, the Dolemite Is My Name [33]star played Mister Robinson, the direct antithesis of Mister Rogers [34]. Instead of spreading goodwill and kindness, Mister Robinson scams kids with Cabbage Patch Kids that have literal cabbage heads.