The 15 best Christmas Sketches from SNL
By Max Parker
Saturday Night Live’s Christmas and holiday sketches are some of the best and most memorable from the show’s 40-year run. From Alec Baldwin’s Schweddy Balls to Eddy Murphy’s Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood, the sketch show’s Christmas sketches bring repeated laughter ever year around this time. There are so many to choose from that it’s not easy to narrow them down, but here are 15 of the best sketches from various years. Check them out to get into the holiday spirit.
Glengarry Glen Christmas
Alec Baldwin is always a comedic slam dunk when he steps into the role of SNL host. This spoof of his classic scene from Glengarry Glen Ross about elves making Christmas toys is a laugh riot. His mid-scene flub makes it even better.
I Wish it was Christmas Today
Jimmy Fallon, Horatio Sanz, Tracy Morgan and Chris Kattan created their own catchy Christmas song. Who knew that it would stand the test of time and become a popular song for the show and season? It gets stuck in our heads every year around this time.
Hanukah Song
The holidays aren’t all about Christmas. That’s why Adam Sandler gave us this SNL classic with the Hanukah Song to remind us of all the Hollywood celebs who celebrate the Jewish holiday.
The Mark Jenson Family Christmas
Will Ferrell was a comedic force during his time on SNL. It wasn’t always physical comedy, but he was able to bring that to the stage, too. Watching him sing “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on a rotating platform until he vomits everywhere should be a Christmas staple.
Serial: The Christmas Surprise
This is the most underrated of the SNL holiday sketches. You have to be a listener of the podcast Serial to get all the references. If you do, you’ll appreciate the spot-on impressions of everyone involved. Serious props go to Cecily Strong for her work as the Serial host Sarah Koenig.
Schweddy Balls
Alec Baldwin’s Schweddy Balls is in that pantheon of SNL’s finest sketches. It’s not even all about the hilarious wordplay, but how Baldwin, Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer nail the dry NPR mannerisms.
Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood
The younger generation forgets how Eddy Murphy defined an entire generation of not just SNL, but an entire generation of comedy. His signature sketch of Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood is a holiday classic.
This you call a wonderful life?
The Jewish version of It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my personal favorites. It brings out the skills of the all-star cast of Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Andy Samberg and Fred Armisen as they all play key roles in this incredible concept.
Michael Buble Christmas Duets
Jimmy Fallon was a master impressionist during his time on SNL. When he came back to host SNL’s Christmas episode with musical guest Michael Buble, the duo were able to make this brilliant take on today’s musicians.
Santa’s my Boyfriend
Kristen Wiig, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph show off their singing and writing talents with this memorable cold open from the early 2000s. It was a great note to kick off the holiday episode.
Dick in a Box
In quite possibly the most famous sketch from its generation of SNL, Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg’s “Dick in a Box” digital short has somehow gotten better with age. It’s basically a perfect sketch for the holidays or otherwise.
Do it on My Twin Bed
The “Do it on My Twin Bed” song is about as clever as “Dick in a Box,” but didn’t quite get the same level of love. Anyone who goes to their childhood home with their significant other for the holidays can relate to the struggle.
Steve Martin’s Holiday Wish
Steve Martin’s Holiday Wish is always featured on SNL’s holiday special. It’s a perfect example of Martin’s ability to write and act, as it’s basically him commanding the audience with what he wants for Christmas.
St. Joseph’s Christmas Mass Spectacular
The current crop of pre-recorded sketches from SNL are hit or miss, but St. Joseph’s Christmas Mass Spectacular is a masterpiece of observational humor. See if you can relate to the usual suspects from Christmas mass.
Christmas Time for the Jews
This animated holiday sketch is so authentic, it doesn’t look like an it came from SNL at all. Christmas Time for the Jews should be played on the radio every year at this time.
So there you have it: some of the best holiday sketches from SNL over the years, and some of the best sketches from the show in general. What are some of your favorites that didn’t make the cut? Sound off in the comments below.