Gilmore Girls is a show that excels at Christmas episodes. From the charm of Stars Hollow in the snow to the glamor of the Gilmore's annual Christmas parties, this is the perfect series for a little holiday rewatching. It helps that Gilmore Girls is a show that would never miss a winter episode, and that it devotes a full quarter of the revival (Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life) to winter.
Of course, even for those who can't throw a massive black tie bash like Emily and Richard, or who don't have a charming gazebo to sit in and gaze out at the snow, there are other Gilmore holiday traditions that can be borrowed to make the season merry and bright (not to mention heavily caffeinated).
Updated on December 24th, 2022 by Stacie Rook: Gilmore Girls continues to be especially popular with fans in the fall and winter months, as its storylines fully embrace the colder seasons. Wholly available to stream on Netflix, the original show and its revival feature some wonderful Christmas traditions that viewers can make their own.
Make A Santa Burger
In the show's first-ever Christmas episode, "Forgiveness and Stuff" (S1 E10), Emily and Lorelai are fighting, and Lorelai is told not to come to her parents' big annual Christmas party at the Gilmore house. So instead, she finds her way to Luke's, and he makes her a special 'festive' meal in order to cheer her up.
It's a burger, but one decorated to look like Santa, and though it sounds absolutely disgusting, with piped-on cream cheese and too much ketchup, it's a wholesome moment of thoughtfulness from Luke, in a moment where Lorelai really needs it.
Stand In The First Snowfall
Lorelai makes no secret of the fact that she loves winter, and she believes that she can smell the first snowfall just before it happens, a talent revealed in the first snow episode of Gilmore Girls "Love and War and Snow" (S1E8).
Lorelai also loves to go outside and stand in the first snow, drinking it in and just appreciating the season - which is a lovely yet simple tradition to borrow. Just bundle up warm, and appreciate the beautiful weather that December has to offer.
Make A Mini Skating Rink
In a heartfelt gesture that sums up Luke as a character, he builds Lorelai her own tiny ice skating rink outside her home in "Women of Questionable Morals" (S5E11), and for those who have enough outdoor space (and handyman skills), this is an amazing idea.
It may not be quite as cost-effective as just going to a public rink (or frozen pond, for those who live in very cold climates), but there is something magical about a private rink, no matter how small.
Build A Snowoman
A perfect activity for those in snowy climates, as shown in "The Bracebridge Dinner" (S2E10), is taking part in building a snowman, or in Lorelai and Rory's case, a snow-woman instead.
Of course, it's always possible to really go for it, and make the kind of impressive snow sculptures that left Rory and Lorelai so disgruntled at the unfairness of the contest, but where's the fun in that? Stick with a simple snow-person, and dress up with whatever is lying around.
Go For A Sleigh Ride
In the jam-packed episode "The Bracebridge Dinner" (S2E10), Lorelai hosts a dinner at the Inn. Originally intended for a large group coming in from out of town, it's disrupted when a storm hits, and Lorelai's friends and family get to enjoy it all instead.
Part of this gorgeous event, of course, was the sleigh rides through the town in the snow - and there's little more magical than bundling up and enjoying a sleigh ride! (Making sure, of course, that the horses are well-loved and treated appropriately.)
Decorate Cookies & String Popcorn
One of the most realistic things about Gilmore Girls is how it shows its characters progressing through different life stages. In later seasons, Rory is no longer the kid of the family, as Gigi has taken her place - and loves her Christmastime with Lorelai.
The two are seen decorating cookies together and stringing popcorn as a decoration in "Santa's Secret Stuff" (S7E11), and both are wonderful treats to create together for the holidays. Being Lorelai, of course, the cookies are sure to be eaten by the dozen, but baking in any capacity is a great holiday activity.
Watch A Christmas Pageant
The town of Star's Hollow loves to put on a show, and throughout the series, fans are treated to parades, pageants, plays, and more. It's impressive, given the size of the town, and Star's Hollow wouldn't be the same without it.
It may not be possible, of course, to get a Miss Patty to train up some small snowflakes to dance around, but there are plenty of online or local performances to check out instead.
Make A Period Feast
"The Bracebridge Dinner" is one of the best Gilmore Girls episodes for winter, and is full of ideas for Christmas celebrations, as it includes as its centerpiece a great period feast.
Gilmore Girls does all kinds of Christmas parties, from catered cocktails to local get-togethers, but the Bracebridge Dinner is probably the most special. It may not be easy to pull together the kind of food that Sookie would, but making the effort would certainly be a unique Christmas tradition!
Enjoy The Holiday Sounds
One of the best festive episodes of Gilmore Girls is "In the Clamor and the Clangor" (S4E11), where Star's Hollow repairs its bells, which is beautiful, for a while. Soon, though, the sounds of the chiming bells start to drive the townspeople to distraction, until Luke and Lorelai sneak into the tower to break them again.
It's a cute episode for Luke and Lorelai, but it's also a nice reminder to enjoy the sounds of the holiday season, and maybe take a walk to listen to some local bells ringing.
Take A Walk Around Town (Don't Forget The Coffee)
Probably the biggest winter activity around Stars Hollow is simply taking a stroll around the beautiful snowy town, coffee in hand, a common occurrence for Lorelai and Rory. The Winter Festival, the snow sculptures, the re-enactors, the gazebo - it's all just a beautiful backdrop for snowy walks together and a good chat, and that's a holiday tradition for anyone to enjoy.
Even in places that aren't quite as stunning as Stars Hollow, there are bound to be cute spots and good views to discover, or else a great excuse for a winter trip to somewhere a little prettier!