Movies & TV / Columns

Top Saturday Night Live Holiday Sketches

December 28, 2021 | Posted by Steve Gustafson
Adam Sandler Hanukkah Saturday Night Live

Another holiday season is coming to an end and I thought it would be a treat to look back at some of my favorite (winter) holiday sketches from Saturday Night Live. Say what you want but they’ve had some gems over the years. This list could be double and I’d still miss some. 

Yes, I know I’m leaving off a few big ones but I had to “forget” a few so some of you would have something to complain about in the comments below.

Hope your holidays were safe and happy!

“Christmas Morning”
Why is this so funny? Because it hits it right on the nose. But to be fair, the dog did deserve all those presents because he’s a good boy.

“Debbie Downer: Christmas Eve With Santa Claus”
As you get older you come to realize that Debbie Downer isn’t just a character on SNL but someone you meet just about everyday of your life.

“Consumer Probe”
One of my dad’s favorites and always makes me laugh. As great as Dan Aykroyd is, I still think his run on SNL was too short and not given enough credit. 

“Dick in a Box”
A classic that is still catchy after all these years and opened the door for lots of Lonely Island songs that would become instant highlights. 

“Glengarry Glen Christmas: Elf Motivation”
When you put the innocence of Santa’s elves into the world of Glengarry Glen Ross, you’re going to find gold. 

“You’re a Rat Bastard, Charlie Brown”
Is Martin Short the greatest Larry David impressionist ever? He just might be in this tour de force musical that absolutely should be made. I’d be first in line!

“Jebidiah Atkinson on Holiday Movies”
The Jebidiah Atkinson character is the most underrated character on Weekend Update. I could never tire of him and miss him. I share his clips with everyone. NEXT!

“First Impression”
I admit that I’m a huge absurdist when it comes to my humor. That’s why I love this sketch and watch it regularly. “Very nice. Very handsome.”

“Santa Baby”
I’m still not entirely convinced that Quentin Tarantino DIDN’T direct this superb sketch that would make my Top 5 of all time. 

“Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood: Christmas”
Another classic that gives us a glimpse of Eddie Murphy’s comedic power. His delivery is what keeps me tuning in over and over.

“Christmastime for the Jews”
Everything about this is hysterical and spot on. I’m a sucker for anything that uses the retro Rankin/Bass-style animation.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: The Lost Ending”
Another one where I can remember my dad laughing at this and since we would watch It’s a Wonderful Life every holiday, it made it that much better.

“Adam Sandler on Hanukkah”
The one that started it all and went on to become a massive hit in pop culture. Sandman was always a must watch for me when he was on Update and this is a great example why. 

“Twas the Night Before Christmas”
John Malkovich owns this from start to finish and this is one of the most overlooked holiday sketches that people don’t love enough. 

“NPR’s Delicious Dish”
While this doesn’t pack the same punch as it did when it first came out, the word play and understated performances bring this to life.

“Best Christmas Ever”
Perfection. Another one that gets it on the nose and hits all the right notes. This is the holidays. 

What’s your favorite SNL holiday sketch?