Christmas in Africa does not look like snow, reindeer, or small towns with suspiciously empty streets, as you see in those Christmas movies. It looks like ‘hell-sent’ traffic, family drama, food fights, wholesome and awkward reunions, Detty December chaos, and that one aunt who will not let you rest with errands. Thankfully, our filmmakers are finally giving us something to cheer about with African Christmas movies that tell our stories like it is.
This December 2025, streaming platforms and popular and community cinemas across the continent are packed with new African Christmas movies that understand the assignment. From festive chaos, love, secrets, laughter, and just enough emotional damage to keep things interesting, these stories deliver.
Whether you’re watching from your couch, a family living room, or sneaking in a cinema trip to escape house chores, here are 9 African Christmas movies to add to your 2025 festive watchlist. 
READ ALSO: 9 Best K-Dramas to Binge-Watch This Christmas
1. A Very Dirty Christmas (Nigeria)
If your family Christmas usually starts calmly and ends in shouting, this one is for you. A Very Dirty Christmas follows a family gathering that unravels spectacularly as old grudges, buried secrets, and unresolved beef resurface. Starring Ini Edo, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, IK Ogbonna, and Eucharia Anunobi, this film leans fully into chaotic, dramatic, very Nigerian Christmas energy.
However, there’s been controversy surrounding the movie and its title. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) describes it as “not only offensive but an act of disrespect against the Christian religion.” In response, the movie producer, Ini Edo, said the title was not intended to demean Christianity or show disrespect to the Christmas season. She explained that the film was created to encourage reflection and discussion, adding that all required approvals were obtained before its release.
Regardless, the movie is still showing in these cinemas across Nigeria, with several positive reviews.
2. Christmas in Lagos (Nigeria)
Detty December meets romance in Jade Osiberu’s Christmas in Lagos. Set against the madness of Lagos during the holidays, the film follows four friends navigating love triangles, heartbreak, and cultural expectations. There’s a surprise fiancée, an old flame, and one holiday fling that becomes too serious too fast. It’s glossy, chaotic, and reflect that Lagos energy. Available on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Oversabi Aunty (Nigeria)
Every family has one. In Oversabi Aunty, Toyin Abraham plays a self-righteous aunt whose obsession with fixing everyone’s lives turns a wedding into a full-blown disaster. Directed by Toyin Abraham herself, the film promises pure festive comedy with familiar Nigerian family madness. Showing in these cinemas nationwide.
4. Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (Nigeria)
Not a traditional Christmas movie, but definitely festive-season viewing. This documentary follows Wizkid’s journey from Surulere to global stardom, with behind-the-scenes footage and career-defining moments. Perfect for post-rice exhaustion viewing. Streaming on Showmax.
5. Love & Wine (South Africa)
A classic rom-com twist: a wealthy heir swaps lives with his driver to prove love is not about money. Naturally, everything gets complicated. Set among vineyards and mistaken identities, Love & Wine is light, romantic, and perfect for couples pretending they’re not arguing this Christmas. Streaming on Netflix.
6. How to Ruin Love: The Lobola (South Africa)
If you thought love was hard, add families, traditions, and wedding negotiations. This sequel dives into the chaos of lobola preparations, proving once again that South African holiday films thrive on relationship stress. Streaming on Netflix.
7. A Familiar Christmas (Kenya)
Kenya’s first Christmas feature film follows a family reunion that quickly spirals thanks to secrets and a meddling mother. It’s warm, tense, and painfully relatable. Available on Showmax.
8. A Merry X-Mess (Kenya)
Seven days of Christmas. One family. Zero peace. As modern beliefs clash with tradition and a choir competition raises the stakes, this film asks the real question: will anyone survive Christmas without fighting? Streaming on Showmax.
9. Behind the Scenes
Directed by Funke Akindele and Tunde Olaoye, with Funke also serving as producer, this movie tells the story of Aderonke “Ronky-Fella” Faniran, a thriving real estate mogul and devoted mother whose generosity begins to take a toll on her life. As those around her start to exploit her kindness, she must confront the mounting pressures and challenges that come with her success, family responsibilities, and issues of trust.
The film features Tobi Bakre, Uzor Arukwe, Ini Dima-Okojie, Destiny Etiko, Uche Montana, Iyabo Ojo, Ibrahim Chatta, and Veeiye and is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
Final Thoughts
African Christmas movies are no longer trying to copy snowy foreign traditions. They now tell our stories like Christmas feels here. Whether you want chaos, romance, nostalgia, or laughter, this year’s festive slate has something for every mood.
Now the only hard part is deciding what to watch first and who controls the remote.
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