For fans of heartwarming humor and relatable family dynamics, Modern Family Christmas episodes are a festive treat. Across its impressive 11-season run, this Emmy-winning series gifted viewers with six holiday installments, each showcasing the sprawling, often chaotic, but always loving Pritchett-Delgado-Dunphy-Tucker clan. From last-minute celebrations to snowless cabin retreats, these episodes capture the spirit of Christmas with a unique Modern Family twist.
The charm of the Modern Family cast lies in their ability to make you feel like you’re part of their extended family, especially during the holidays. While the series boasts numerous standout episodes, the Christmas specials hold a special place in fans’ hearts, perfectly blending the fun of the season with the show’s signature humor and heart. Let’s unwrap the magic and rank these memorable Modern Family Christmas episodes, diving into what makes each one a holiday gem.
6. Stuck In A Moment (Season 10, Episode 10)
While “Stuck in a Moment” brings the festive cheer of Christmas, it unfortunately ranks lower compared to other Modern Family Christmas episodes. By season 10, some of the show’s initial spark had dimmed, and this episode, while enjoyable, feels less vibrant than earlier holiday specials. The storyline revolves around Haley and Dylan’s pregnancy announcement, a significant moment, yet the episode struggles to capture the same comedic heights as previous Christmas outings.
The episode presents parallel storylines: Jay and Gloria are forced out of their home due to a venomous spider scare, and Mitch and Cam encounter a mall Santa with a familiar storyline reminiscent of past episodes. While these subplots offer moments of classic Modern Family humor, they lack the freshness of earlier seasons. However, the Haley and Dylan narrative provides redeeming moments, particularly Dylan’s Santa-chimney mishap and Alex’s hilarious stress-induced gray hair. Despite not being the strongest in the collection, “Stuck in a Moment” still delivers heartwarming family moments amidst the holiday chaos.
5. The Last Christmas (Season 11, Episode 9)
As the final Christmas episode of the series, “The Last Christmas” carries a bittersweet sentiment. Knowing it’s the last holiday adventure with the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family adds an emotional layer, but the episode itself leans towards a more tense and awkward family gathering than a joyful sendoff. Instead of holiday cheer, the episode focuses on various family members avoiding each other, creating a somewhat strained atmosphere. Luke’s relationship with Manny’s ex-girlfriend, Jay’s attempts to involve Claire in his dog bed business, and Gloria’s secret job interviews contribute to the underlying tension.
While “The Last Christmas” encapsulates the show’s signature blend of comedy and heart, it treads familiar ground. The setup of family members hiding secrets during a celebration isn’t new for Modern Family. However, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the show’s strength in portraying relatable family dynamics, even amidst holiday awkwardness. Despite not being the most festive, it’s a fitting, if slightly melancholic, farewell to the Modern Family Christmas tradition.
4. The Old Man And The Tree (Season 5, Episode 10)
“The Old Man and the Tree,” from season 5, takes a slightly different approach to the Modern Family Christmas episode formula. It shifts focus from a large family gathering to the individual stresses and preparations leading up to Christmas Day. The episode explores the pressures of baking, gift shopping, and finding the perfect Christmas tree, resonating with the universal holiday experience. Instead of intertwining storylines, “The Old Man and the Tree” presents separate narratives for each family unit. Gloria grapples with jealousy as Claire bonds with her mother, Haley and Alex take on elf and Mrs. Claus roles at the mall, and Phil ambitiously pursues his New Year’s resolution.
While the episode may lack the central family togetherness typically associated with Modern Family Christmas episodes, it compensates with abundant humor. Cam’s accidental detour to a charity fundraiser with Lily and Alex’s evolving dynamic with the mall Santa provide comedic highlights. Phil’s unwavering pursuit of his often outlandish dreams also delivers memorable moments. Directed by Bryan Cranston, “The Old Man and the Tree” leans more heavily into comedy, offering a laugh-filled take on the pre-Christmas frenzy.
3. White Christmas (Season 7, Episode 9)
“White Christmas” stands out as a highlight among the later Modern Family Christmas episodes. The title itself is a humorous irony, setting the stage for holiday mishaps. Gloria’s plan for a traditional snowy Christmas at a mountain cabin for her first Christmas as an American citizen is hilariously derailed by unseasonably hot weather and the unexpected presence of Fig, the cabin’s quirky resident. Adding to the comedic chaos, Haley and Andy’s secret relationship is exposed, further complicated by the arrival of Andy’s fiancée.
Despite the absence of snow, “White Christmas” radiates festive cheer. The episode culminates in a delightful duet of “Silent Night” by Alex and Fig, much to the chagrin of Cam and Mitch who had their own performance planned. Andrea Martin’s guest appearance as Fig is a comedic masterstroke, seamlessly integrating into the Modern Family ensemble. While the Haley-Andy relationship drama adds intrigue, the true joy lies in seeing the entire cast together, embracing the holiday spirit in a uniquely snowless Christmas setting. “White Christmas” earned a Directors Guild of America Award nomination, solidifying its place as a standout episode.
2. Express Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)
“Express Christmas” marks a significant milestone as the first Modern Family Christmas episode to feature the entire extended family together on screen for the holidays, a major factor in its success. The episode’s inventive premise and rapid-fire pacing further contribute to its appeal. Upon realizing their original holiday plans would keep them apart on Christmas Day, the family improvises “express Christmas,” cramming all the holiday festivities into a single day before their scheduled separations. Predictably, this last-minute endeavor descends into delightful chaos.
The episode thrives on interconnected mishaps, with each family unit’s individual misadventures spiraling into disaster, often impacting the others. Jay’s sons-in-law, Phil and Mitchell, vying for his affection with increasingly disastrous gifts, and Cam’s overly sentimental present creating awkwardness are just a few highlights. The rushed timeline injects a unique energy into the gags, escalating the humor as everything unravels. “Express Christmas” received a Directors Guild of America Award nomination, a testament to its comedic brilliance and inventive storytelling.
1. Undeck The Halls (Season 1, Episode 10)
“Undeck the Halls,” the very first Modern Family Christmas episode, rightfully claims the top spot as the best in the series. It masterfully established the show’s tone, character dynamics, and comedic style right from the start. Mirroring many season 1 episodes, “Undeck the Halls” divides the families into their respective households, showcasing their individual, often flawed, attempts at a “perfect” Christmas. Jay’s clash with Gloria and Manny’s Colombian holiday traditions, and Mitch and Cam’s accidental firing of a mall Santa, provide humorous subplots. However, the central storyline revolves around the Dunphy household and a mysterious cigarette burn on their couch.
Phil’s over-the-top reaction and subsequent attempts to backtrack his Christmas cancellation when no one confesses to the couch damage perfectly exemplifies his relatable, well-meaning but sometimes misguided parenting style. Mitch and Cam’s efforts to rectify their Santa mishap, only to discover the fired Santa’s surprisingly intense personality, deliver some of the episode’s funniest moments. “Undeck the Halls” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Modern Family Christmas episodes: relatable family struggles, heartwarming moments, and laugh-out-loud comedy, all wrapped in festive cheer.
In conclusion, Modern Family Christmas episodes offer a delightful and diverse range of holiday experiences. From chaotic last-minute plans to snowless cabin retreats, each episode captures the spirit of Christmas through the lens of this beloved, modern family. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, these episodes are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer and laughter to your viewing.
