National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
A well-meaning father navigates a chaotic family Christmas, finding wholesome humor in every broad mishap.
It's Christmastime, and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration. But things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and their two kids. Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going, knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
How intense is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has no gore and some violence. Emotionally it carries some weight. The pace is measured, and it is a comfort watch and a family watch. The humor runs broad and wholesome. Rated PG-13.
What National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation feels like
- Tone
- whimsicalheartwarmingcozycampy
- Pace
- Measured
- Humor
- broad and big, wholesome
- Best for
- Comfort watchFamily nightDate night
Where to stream National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for you?
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation scary?
No. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is not a scary watch (scare level 0 of 3).
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation sad or heavy?
A little. There is some emotional weight (1 of 3), but it is not a heavy watch.
Is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 0, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation runs 1h 37m.
Where can I stream National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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