All Twilight Zone Christmas Episodes

Article Overview

The Twilight Zone has a collection of Christmas episodes that range from creepy and philosophical to heartwarming and festive.

The episodes "What You Need" and "A Passage for Trumpet" delve into themes of fate and gratitude, delivering messages that are perfect for the Christmas season. On the other hand, "The Changing of the Guard" and "The Star" tackle themes of redemption and religion, making them some of the top Christmas episodes of The Twilight Zone.

The Twilight Zone is a groundbreaking and eerie TV series that managed to infuse some holiday spirit with a number of Christmas and festive-themed episodes. As a pioneer in the anthology show genre, it paved the way for similar series like Tales from the Crypt, Amazing Stories, and Black Mirror. The show made its mark on the Christmas genre by incorporating its signature blend of existentialism, philosophy, and social commentary.

The festive episodes of The Twilight Zone encompass a wide range of Christmas themes. Some simply coincided with the holiday season and have since become associated with winter and the festivities. Others directly tackle and explore the concept of Christmas, featuring unique takes on gift-giving, a jolly but intoxicated Santa Claus spreading cheer, and even Christmas toys unaware of their true purpose. These Christmas episodes span from the original run of the show as well as the 1985 revival.

9. What You Need

Season 1, Episode 12

8. A Passage For Trumpet

Originally broadcasted on Christmas Day in 1959, this episode delves into the concept of gift-giving in a unique way. "What You Need" follows the tale of a shady salesman taking advantage of a generous man with the uncanny ability to provide people with exactly what they need, just before they need it. Adapted by Rod Serling from a short science fiction story by Lewis Padgett, the episode is shrouded in a chilly, urban setting, exploring themes of fate, destiny, and exploitation. When it first graced television screens over 60 years ago, it undoubtedly sparked intriguing conversations among its viewers.

Season 1, Episode 32

7. The After Hours

The themes in this episode mirror those of the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life, both of which are based on the same short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. Just as George Bailey experiences a world without him in It's a Wonderful Life, Joey Crown in “A Passage for Trumpet” is confronted with the darker aspects of the afterlife and the importance of facing life's challenges head-on. Serving as a reminder to appreciate the little things in life, “A Passage for a Trumpet” delivers a powerful message of gratitude, making it a perfect fit for the Christmas season.

Season 1, Episode 34

Centered on the festive theme of gift-giving, “The After Hours” offers a chilling take on last-minute shopping sprees. The episode follows Marsha White as she hunts for a present for her mother in a department store, only to encounter eerie occurrences when the mannequins suddenly come to life. A timeless installment of The Twilight Zone, “The After Hours” exudes an unsettling atmosphere and culminates in a surprising twist that will undoubtedly prompt any late-night shoppers to give a second glance to every mannequin they encounter, just to ensure it remains still.

6. The Night of the Meek

Season 2, Episode 11

"The Night of the Meek" is perhaps the most overtly Christmas-themed episode of The Twilight Zone. It features Henry Corwin, a department store Santa Claus who, after a few drinks, discovers the real Santa's sack of magical toys and sets out to spread some genuine Christmas cheer. Art Carney's portrayal of Henry Corwin stands out, making this episode one of the more heartwarming and uplifting installments of The Twilight Zone, offering a positive message about the magic of Christmas in a series known for its darker tone.

The episode was remade as "Night of the Meek" for the 1985 revival series of The Twilight Zone, with Richard Mulligan taking on the role of Henry Corwin. Along with the casting change, the original opening monologue was also altered.

5. Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?

Season 2, Episode 28

Set in a snowy winter setting, "Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?" follows the story of two state troopers and a group of bus passengers, one of whom is suspected of being an alien. With a talented ensemble cast, the episode unfolds on a night of heavy snowfall and a severe winter storm. Its themes of mystery, surprise, and unexpected connections among people make it a beloved holiday favorite in The Twilight Zone, despite originally airing in May 1961.

4. Five Characters in Search of an Exit

Season 3, Episode 14

Originally broadcasted on December 22, 1961, "Five Characters in Search of an Exit" follows five individuals with little in common trapped together in a confined space, reminiscent of many families on Christmas Day. With a holiday twist revealing the characters as part of the Christmas toy collection at a girls' orphanage, this episode is a timeless installment of The Twilight Zone and one of the most unforgettable twists of the series. Blending elements from Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author and the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit, it exemplifies The Twilight Zone at its most literary and referential.

3. The Changing of the Guard

Season 3, Episode 37

2. But Can She Type?

"The Changing of the Guard" centers around themes of depression and suicide during the holiday season, as it follows Donald Pleasence in the role of the elderly Professor Ellis Fowler who is being forced into retirement. Convinced that he has accomplished nothing in his life, he contemplates taking his own life. However, he is visited by the spirits of his former students who perished heroically, and they reveal to him how he positively influenced numerous young men. This episode of The Twilight Zone, "The Changing of the Guard," resonates with other tales of finding redemption and self-worth during Christmas, such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life, and is widely regarded as one of the finest episodes of the series.

Season 1, Episode 13b (The Twilight Zone 1985)

1. The Star

Originally aired as the second part of the Christmas episode of the 1980s revival of The Twilight Zone, "But Can She Type?" may not be explicitly about Christmas, but it does explore themes of human connection and the impact of actions on others, which are particularly relevant during the holidays. The episode follows the story of a secretary who finds herself in an alternative world where secretaries are celebrated in the same way as A-list celebrities and movie stars, creating a fantasy atmosphere that resonates well with the magical Christmas season.

Season 1 Episode 13c (The Twilight Zone 1985)

The last installment of the 1980s revival of The Twilight Zone has a Christmas episode titled "The Star," which delves into the Christian aspect of the holiday. It follows astrophysicists in space as they discuss the existence of God and are surprised to find the light from a supernova explosion, which they believe to be the Star of Bethlehem that guided the way for Jesus' birth. This rare direct reference to religion in The Twilight Zone series solidifies its place as one of the most Christmas-themed episodes in the entire show.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I find the Christmas episodes of The Twilight Zone to be a fascinating blend of nostalgia and thought-provoking storytelling. The show's ability to weave philosophical and social commentary into its holiday-themed episodes makes for a unique and captivating viewing experience. Episodes like "What You Need" and "A Passage for Trumpet" offer heartwarming messages about gratitude and the importance of appreciating life's simple gifts, while "The Changing of the Guard" and "The Star" explore deeper themes of redemption and religion.

The Twilight Zone's Christmas episodes also showcase the show's signature eerie and unsettling atmosphere, creating a distinct blend of holiday cheer and existential dread. Episodes like "The After Hours" and "The Night of the Meek" exemplify this perfectly, with their chilling takes on last-minute shopping sprees and intoxicated Santas. Overall, these Christmas episodes offer a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday fare, providing a thought-provoking and memorable viewing experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.