The one with the monkey king (Image: Crane productions)

‘Friends’: Best Christmas Episodes, Ranked

Originally posted on FirstCuriosity | Last updated Dec 25, 2024 4:55 AM ET

There were holidays when the famous sitcom ‘Friends‘ played on television. The episodes are widely regarded as legends because of their hilarious that are fun, warm, and festive trifles. From Ross dressing like an odd holiday character to Monica fidgeting with the arrangement and sticking to her guns, the show takes its audience to the spirit with a dash of the familiar hilarity that is ‘Friends‘. Here is a ranking of the best Christmas episodes of Friends:

6. “The One With The Monkey” (Season 1, Episode 10)

The one with the monkey (Image: Crane Productions)

The gang’s very first Christmas together gives birth to their holiday traditions. In this episode, Ross adopts a capuchin monkey named Marcel while all of them make New Year’s resolutions to become better. While not exactly Christmas-centric, it has enough Christmas spirit to warrant its inclusion in this list.

5. “The One With Christmas In Tulsa” (Season 9, Episode 10)

The one with Christmas in Tulsa (Image: Crane Productions)

Chandler finds himself in Tulsa on Christmas Day, and while there, he goes into daydreaming about Christmas past. It relies heavily on segment clips but ends in an emotional flourish when Chandler realizes where his priorities should lie.

4. “The One With The Inappropriate Sister” (Season 5, Episode 10)

The one with the inappropriate sister (Image: Crane Productions)

Phoebe’s Christmas goodwill charity turns into hilarity after she finds out that people are stealing her charity bucket. Ross helps Rachel get over her feelings towards her assistant, Joey gets into some sibling weirdness, combining just the right pinch of merry hilarity with awkwardness.

3. “The One With The Holiday Armadillo” Season 7, Episode 10

The One with the Holiday Armadillo (Image: Crane Productions)

In this quintessential episode, Ross tries to teach Ben about Hanukkah, failing to capture his son’s attention against the alluring figure of Santa Claus. Ross dresses as the “Holidays Armadillo,” a combination of comic absurdity yet meaningful lessons about inclusion.

2.”The One With The Routine” (Season 6, Episode 10)

The one with the routine (Image: Crane Productions)

The episode doesn’t focus purely on Christmas; however, it is prominent for the over-the-top New Year’s Eve dance routine by Monica and Ross. With Joey’s awkward romance subplot and chaotic antics, it’s a classic holiday gem.

1.”The One With The Monkey King” (Season 2, Episode 9)

The one with the monkey king (Image: Crane Productions)

This truly embodies the best of Friends: the spirit of Christmas fused with its eccentric humor and emotional depth. The entire festivity unfolded in Monica’s Christmas party planning, Joey’s career struggles, and Rachel’s romance woes all tied up with the camaraderie that bettered them all together.

Every guild facing a Friends Christmas reminds us why the show remains timeless: laughter, love, and the enjoyment of friendship.

This article first appeared on FirstCuriosity and was syndicated with permission.

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