All 9 "Bob's Burgers" Christmas Episodes, Ranked

Our favorite animated family has graced our screens every holiday season with cheer, hijinks, and lots (and lots!) of singing. Some scratch that specific festive itch and others... not so much. How did your favorite Christmas "Bob's Burgers" episode fare?

Nice-Capades - Season 6, Episode 5

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Even in a fictional animated universe, that the Belcher kids can put on a fully-realized theatrical ice skating show crosses the “implausible” line. Louise’s self-serving antics and skewed moral compass get the better of her when she inadvertently kicks the OMG Mall Santa out of a massage chair, so she stages an elaborate show to convince the real Santa that she deserves to be on the nice list. Louise’s attack of consciousness is something that gets to her from time to time, but in this case she only feels guilty because she doesn’t want to find coal under the tree. The episode is not exactly full of Christmas spirit, but it’s still a must-see for several catchy musical numbers, for featuring both Fischoeder brothers, and for the eight grown men ice skating in chicken nugget costumes.

The Bleakening (Part 2) - Season 8, Episode 7

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It may not be entirely fair to judge the episodes of a two-parter separately from each other, but here we are! Part two of “The Bleakening” is less Christmas-y and more plot-y than its predecessor, but it’s bolstered by both a guest spot from Todrick Hall and some pretty amazing scenes featuring Teddy in an inflatable lawn Santa. And, in the end, the Belchers save Christmas for themselves and their town, so what’s not to like?

The Last Gingerbread House on the Left - Season 7, Episode 7

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Watch out when you’ve got Mr. Fischoeder involved with your holiday: guns are bound to become involved! In a familiar-feeling plot where the Belchers’ landlord offers Bob some free rent for a favor, the favor ends up being a partly charming but partly sketchy (it is Mr. Fisch, after all!) contest involving gingerbread houses. Though some of the more fun moments of the episode involve Linda, Teddy, and the kids caroling, this episode does allow for Bob to win the day, which is always heartwarming.

Father of the Bob, Season 5, Episode 6

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Bob tests his limits in this Christmas episode when he goes back to the place where he discovered his burger talents: his father’s restaurant. Linda plays peacekeeper while Big Bob and Little Bob go at it – as the kids are manufacturing Christmas presents out of found objects in a restaurant basement – and ultimately the only thing that saves Bob’s relationship with his father this holiday is some country line dancing. We’ve all been there.

The Bleakening (Part 1) - Season 8, Episode 6

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The most musical of all of the Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes, part one of “The Bleakening” delivers hit after jaunty hit from nearly every one of the characters. It’s a testament to the show’s majorly talented cast and the songwriting abilities behind the scenes that they’re able to produce such merry musical numbers that can both stand on their own and elevate an already wonderful episode!

Christmas in the Car - Season 4, Episode 8

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At times more terrifying than it is jolly, the catalyst for “Christmas in the Car” is a familiar one to those who believe the Christmas season begins on November 1st: when their (second!) tree has died, the Belchers are left without anything to put the presents under on Christmas Eve. Rather than be tree-less for the holiday, the family heads out to find one of the last runts around. The most festive candy cane truck around has a driver who is less than festive, and the Belchers find themselves at odds with his lack of holiday spirit. It’s always fun to get the family unit working in one episode, and this is an excellent holiday edition. (Bonus: the hilarious moment when Linda tells the kids where babies come from!)

Better Off Sled - Season 9, Episode 10

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Though this episode has less to do with Christmas than some of the other holiday episodes, it packs a punch: Louise versus her nemesis Logan, Tina versus her hormones, and Teddy versus some hilariously unresolved childhood issues. (And then there’s regular-sized Rudy!) It also has Bob embracing a newly discovered talent in knitting and Linda envisioning some festive Nutcracker fantasies. If you’re into animated snowball warfare, this is your episode!

Have Yourself a Maily Linda Christmas - Season 10, Episode 10

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The newest edition to the Bob’s Burgers holiday canon puts Linda’s undying optimism front and center to warm the coldest of winter hearts. After Linda discovers a package hasn’t been shipped from her seasonal part-time job at the post office, she goes to great lengths to ensure that the package is delivered. Complete with an unironically touching moment as Gene and Louise gift Tina with a hug, “Have Yourself a Maily Linda Christmas” contains all of the best this show can offer.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins - Season 3, Episode 9

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Nothing beats the original! In Bob’s Burgers’ very first Christmas episode, a guest spot by Zach Galifianakis as a misguided storage unit dweller (who thinks he used to be a department store mannequin) fuels this cheer-filled episode with laughs, intrigue, and Belcher family love. It’s a perfect example of the Belchers’ guiding principles that money doesn’t matter as much as a one-of-a-kind adventure, and that the holidays are all about spreading joy to those around you.