Best Christmas Movie Villains

As Chief of Cheer, I've spent 25 days watching 25 holiday movies, fueled by eggnog and the occasional sugar cookie overdose. But even I can’t deny the allure of the holiday villains who lurk amidst the jingling bells and snowy landscapes. From miserly grumps to conniving criminals, here’s a rundown of the top 12 Christmas villains who make the "most wonderful time of the year" a little less wonderful—and a lot more fun. As far as People Magazine is concerned anyway.

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1. Mr. Potter – It’s a Wonderful Life

Lionel Barrymore’s Henry F. Potter is the Scrooge of Bedford Falls, minus the eventual redemption arc. A ruthless slumlord who’s allergic to kindness, Potter doesn’t just steal the holiday spirit—he hoards it like he hoards money. Fun fact: He partially inspired Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, proving that villainy truly transcends generations.

2. Oogie Boogie – The Nightmare Before Christmas

This bug-infested burlap sack of terror throws dice, kidnaps Santa, and turns Christmas into a neon-lit nightmare. Oogie Boogie, voiced by the late Ken Page, isn’t just bad—he’s delightfully over-the-top. Bonus points for making bugs seem scarier than they already are.

3. Scut Farkus – A Christmas Story

Yellow-eyed and sporting a coonskin cap, Scut Farkus is the neighborhood terror who gets his comeuppance from an unassuming Ralphie. Nothing says Christmas like childhood vengeance, right?

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4. Comet and the Abominable Snow Monster – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Sure, Bumble (the snow monster) reforms and helps with Christmas trees, but Comet remains a certified reindeer jerk. Who knew the coach of the reindeer games would turn out to be such a bully? Someone call Santa's HR department.

5. Hans Gruber – Die Hard

The debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie ends here: Hans Gruber is on this list, and that settles it. Alan Rickman’s suave, calculating terrorist brings seasonal chaos to an office party, proving that even bearer bonds can have holiday spirit.

6. Ted Maltin – Jingle All the Way

Played by the late Phil Hartman, Ted is the overly helpful (and slightly creepy) neighbor who spends the holiday scheming to steal another man’s wife. His comeuppance? A face full of eggnog. Sweet justice.

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7. Harry and Marv – Home Alone

The Wet Bandits, aka Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), take the prize for the most slapstick villainy on this list. These two would-be burglars prove that underestimating an 8-year-old can have painful—and hilarious—consequences.

8. The Grinch – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Jim Carrey’s Grinch gave us the most relatable holiday meltdown ever. With a heart three sizes too small, this fuzzy green grouch takes stealing Christmas to literal heights—only to have his heart warmed by Whoville’s relentless cheer.

9. Ebenezer Scrooge – A Christmas Carol

The original Christmas villain, Scrooge has been bah-humbugging since 1843. George C. Scott’s portrayal in the 1984 adaptation nails the grumpy miser's transformation from greedy grinch to generous giver. But let’s not forget: He spends most of the story being the worst.

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10. Jack Frost – The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

Martin Short’s icy Jack Frost is the ultimate meddler, turning Santa’s workshop into a North Pole amusement park. He’s proof that even holiday mascots can have a flair for hostile takeovers.

11. Burgermeister Meisterburger – Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

This stop-motion classic introduced us to the grumpy mayor who banned toys. Burgermeister Meisterburger is every kid’s nightmare come to life—but hey, at least he’s memorable.

12. Mariah Carey’s High Notes – Every Christmas Ever

Okay, technically not a movie villain, but let's be real: by December 24th, those high notes have terrorized more eardrums than any other villain on this list.

So, next time you curl up with a holiday movie, remember: behind every yuletide hero is a villain stealing the show—and maybe the Christmas cookies.