If you're a fan of "The Office," then the series' several Christmas episodes are must-watch viewing as we approach the holiday season.
The seminal workplace mockumentary took the dry humor of the Ricky Gervais-led BBC Two series and brought it stateside, injecting an extra dose of heart along the way. We watched the cringe-inducing Michael Scott transform from irredeemable douche to beloved boss through brief moments of compassion — however misguided — that became more numerous as his time on the series progressed. "The Office" worked similar magic with its other characters, transforming even the most insufferable or bizarre of co-workers (read: Dwight) into someone we could root for. Somehow, the oppressive cubicles and pale fluorescent lights of the Dunder Mifflin offices began to feel cozy.
A major staple of the American sitcom is that the characters experience seasons and holidays right along with us. Halloween brings Halloween episodes. Thanksgiving brings Thanksgiving episodes. But perhaps the most eagerly anticipated of all sitcom holiday episodes is the Christmas special. "The Office" is no exception, as we are keen to slide into that cozy world as they skewer the more awkward aspects of holiday office life — namely, the office Christmas party.
Just as you probably have one every year at your company, so too did Dunder Mifflin. And it was always a riotous disaster. Each of "The Office" Christmas episodes has something that makes it special, but in the spirit of the season, we did our best to rank them. Here goes ...
7. 'Christmas Wishes' (Season 8, Episode 10)
NBC
The absence of Michael Scott is keenly felt, as Andy Bernard, the new Dunder Mifflin boss, takes center stage in a bid to make the employees' Christmas special. Andy, known for his fear of not being liked, goes all out to fulfill his colleagues' holiday wishes. In a bid to be the likable boss, he even dresses up as Santa and tries to grant everyone's requests, no matter how unusual they may be. He buys Dwight an acre of land on the moon and offers to be Meredith's driver for the night, freeing up Meredith to do what Meredith does best: get blackout drunk.
Meanwhile, Erin's jealous over Andy's new girlfriend. In an attempt to cope with her feelings, she gets a bit too drunk at the party and decides to accept a ride home from Robert California, the enigmatic CEO of Dunder Mifflin/Sabre, who recently went through a divorce. While Robert doesn't make any inappropriate advances toward Erin, his intentions remain somewhat ambiguous, creating a sense of discomfort and entering into a #MeToo gray area. This aspect of the episode introduces a touch of real-world tension, making it difficult to find humor in the situation. The episode even acknowledges this uncomfortable territory when Andy bluntly states, "Mistletoe is not an excuse for sexual assault."
6. 'Dwight Christmas' (Season 9, Episode 9)
NBC
Christmas comes unexpectedly to the office, and Dwight takes the initiative to plan a Pennsylvania Dutch-themed celebration. Pam supports Dwight's idea, and his eccentric party planning committee takes the reins with weird beverages, unappetizing food, German poem readings and the introduction of Belsnickel, a switch-carrying, fur-clad gift-bringer.
The emotional strain on Jim and Pam's relationship is palpable, as Jim is working part-time in Philadelphia. His new work obligations force him to leave the party early; Pam and Dwight feel hurt by his absence. Erin experiences her own heartache as Andy takes a break from their relationship to sail the Caribbean.
The episode delivers a poignant conclusion when Jim returns. We see Dwight's genuine happiness as he embraces Jim, his former rival.
5. 'Classy Christmas' (Season 7, Episodes 10 & 11)
NBC
Michael, upon learning of Holly's return, goes to great lengths to create an extravagant Christmas event to impress her. He envisions a sophisticated affair with live music, elegant decorations and a velvet smoking jacket to replace his Santa suit.
The initial Christmas party planned by Pam gets scrapped, and Michael asks her to reorganize it in line with Holly's arrival. However, Holly's return comes with a twist: She's still in a relationship with commitment-phobic AJ. Kelly, always meddling, encourages Holly to give AJ an ultimatum: Propose by the end of the year or it's over.
As Michael grapples with the complicated situation, Pam offers comfort and support, urging him to be patient. The episode showcases Michael's deep love for Holly, which often leads him to act irrationally. When he's with her, he's at his best; but in her absence, he becomes lonely and jealous. Despite the tumultuous emotions, there's an undeniable sense of hope for their romantic future.
4. 'Moroccan Christmas' (Season 5, Episode 11)
NBC
The episode's hilarity kicks off with a memorable Christmas cold open and one of the series' best Christmas pranks: Dwight falls into his gift-wrapped desk (courtesy of Jim) that isn't actually there. Additionally, the episode features Dwight's side hustle, where he capitalizes on the demand for Princess Unicorn dolls, reselling them at a hefty markup.
Meredith starts drinking a concoction dubbed the "One of Everything," which leads to her inebriation and an accidental incident where she sets her hair on fire while dancing. The Moroccan-themed Christmas party unexpectedly transforms into an intervention for Meredith's alcohol problem, despite her resistance to the label of alcoholic.
Michael's determination to help Meredith ultimately leads to an awkward situation in which he tries to check her into rehab, with Meredith vehemently opposing the idea. The episode also ends on a cringeworthy note when Phyllis reveals Angela's affair with Dwight, despite her engagement to Andy.
3. 'Secret Santa' (Season 6, Episode 13)
NBC
In this episode, Michael's childish and occasionally mean-spirited behavior takes center stage. When Jim and Dwight — who are ill-suited for the role of Santa — grant Phyllis the opportunity to dress up as St. Nick for the Christmas party, Michael's jealousy sends him into a tailspin. In a bid to reclaim the spotlight, he dons a Santa suit and attempts to persuade people to sit on his lap, eventually drowning his Santa hat in the punch bowl as a protest.
Amid the office antics, Dunder Mifflin faces a turbulent situation when David Wallace reveals the potential sale of the company, leading employees to fear job losses. Surprisingly, Michael remains more concerned about Phyllis being allowed to portray Santa at the Christmas party.
Fortunately, the episode concludes on a positive note when the employees confront David over the phone, only to learn that their jobs are safe and the job cuts affect only high-level executives. In the spirit of the holidays, Michael graciously passes the fluffy white beard to Phyllis, ultimately blessing her with the role of Santa. The episode showcases Michael's immaturity and jealousy but ends with a heartwarming resolution that aligns with the holiday season's spirit of generosity and goodwill.
2. 'Christmas Party' (Season 2, Episode 10)
NBC
In "Christmas Party," "The Office" introduces its first Christmas celebration, setting a high bar for the series' holiday episodes. The episode starts with Dunder Mifflin's Secret Santa party, where Michael aims to impress his employees, particularly Ryan. He introduces a video iPod into the gift exchange — which, shockingly, leads to discord and bruised egos among the staff, with Kevin's inappropriate foot massaging caught on camera.
This episode also lays the foundation for one of the show's most beloved romances, as Jim plans to give Pam a thoughtful teapot filled with mementos and inside jokes.
Michael's pride in his extravagant gift to Ryan and his rule-breaking demeanor come crashing down when he receives a homemade oven mitt from Phyllis. In a typical Michael fashion, he disrupts the gift exchange, turning it into a white elephant event.
This early episode also sets the stage for recurring Christmas episode themes, such as bizarre gift exchanges, overindulgence in alcohol, Angela's Party Planning Committee zeal, and Michael's tendency to throw tantrums when things don't go his way.
1. 'A Benihana Christmas' (Season 3, Episodes 10 & 11)
NBC
In Season 3, the Christmas episode showcases the series at its peak. Part of the episode takes place outside the office as Michael, Dwight, Jim and Andy head to Benihana for lunch. Andy tries to help Michael move on from his breakup with Carol by getting him drunk on Nog-a-sakes, leading to awkward flirtation with their waitress. When they return to the office, both Michael and Andy bring "new girlfriends," who are not the actual waitresses. Michael struggles to tell them apart and ends up serenading both of them with "Your Body is a Wonderland" by John Mayer.
The episode's success lies in the little moments, with Michael at the center of attention. He donates his used bicycle to a toy drive, wears his Dunder Mifflin robe around the office, and sends an absurd Christmas card by photoshopping his head onto Carol's ex-husband's body in a family ski trip photo.
He returns to the office just in time for the Christmas party, where he brings waitresses from Benihana to spice things up. The episode includes some rivalry between Angela and Pam, but in the spirit of the holidays, they eventually come together.
Every season of "The Office" is currently streaming on Peacock.
