Spot the Easter Eggs in Christmas Classics

Secret Details in Your Favorite Holiday Movies

You need to rewatch some of the classic Christmas movies because chances are, you must have missed these hidden elements in them. Christmas movies are a delight and when you throw easter eggs in the mix, things get even more exciting.

From written hidden messages to references added by filmmakers, movies can trick us in several ways. Keep reading to find out where to spot these easter eggs.

Home Alone (1990)

Not visible to the naked unless you look closely, Marv (Pesci), the robber in Home Alone, is wearing fake feet while he tries to break into Kevin’s house. Besides being hilarious, this scene reflects the robber’s clumsiness.

This fun element is definitely a memorable Easter egg. The fake feet added to the slapstick nature of the film, making it more enjoyable upon rewatching.

The Polar Express (2004)

A subtle detail you might have missed in The Polar Express (2004) is the tribute the film pays to Back to the Future. As the train moves towards the North Pole, one can spot the flux capacitor hidden among the train’s mechanical components.

The flux capacitor, many of you might know, is the core element of the time-travelling DeLorean from Back to the Future. This detail made up for a clever reference to the classic film.

Elf (2003)

Peter Billingsley, who played the famous role of Ralphie in A Christmas Story (1983), made a surprise cameo in Elf (2003) as Ming Ming, the head elf in Santa’s workshop.

Only those who have watched A Christmas Story would have been able to spot this detail. This element also honors the legacy of the Christmas film.

Gremlins (1984)

While the Gremlins were busy wreaking havoc, you might have missed the E.T. doll hidden in the background. This detail was a playful tribute to Steven Spielberg, an executive producer of Gremlins.

Steven Spielberg’s film Extra-Terrestrial (1982) featured the iconic alien E.T., and the detail in Gremlins was a nod to this character. Such an element made for a perfect way to tie both films together.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

In the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), the memorable character of ZuZu, played by Karolyn Grimes, had a little easter egg hidden in her name. And what was it?

George Bailey affectionately calls the 6-year-old girl ZuZu, “my little gingersnap.” Zu Zu Ginger Snaps were a popular type of cookie at the time the movie was filmed.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

In the movie trailer, the narrator says, “You’ll see something new every time you watch it.” And it’s true.

If you look closely, you’d see that during the iconic Making Christmas number scene, the Cyclops disappears after a box comes into the frame. These details are what make this movie a distinctive watch.

Frozen II (2019)

Unless you’re watching the movie with a keen eye, you’re bound to miss out on this clever Easter egg. At the beginning of the film, Elsa’s father is seen reading a book written by a “Danish author” indicating that he’s reading Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.

This was a subtle reference to none other than Chris Andersen, the man behind the film’s story.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

During the film Arthur Christmas (2011), you must have missed the subtle reference to Shaun the Sheep. The beloved character of Aaardman Creations, the squeaky doll, is hidden in the background.

Shaun the Sheep is known for its stop-motion animation and humor. This unique cameo adds a layer of fun for the viewers.

The Santa Clause (1994)

The transformation of Tim Allen from an ordinary, non-magical guy to a Santa Claus is slow and progressive throughout the 1994 film. However, one detail you might have missed out on is the character’s shows.

When Tim is a normal human being, he’s seen wearing black Converse, but as he takes on the role of Santa Claus, his shoes magically change to bright red. The red, of course, relates to the iconic color of Santa’s suits.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

If you’ve watched The Muppet Christmas Carol (1922), you’d know that the film is full of little surprises. One such delightful element is the slight nod to the film’s lead actor, Michael Caine.

A shop named Micklewhite’s comes into view in the background of a street scene. Michael Caines’s birth name is Maurice Micklewhite.

Die Hard (1988)

We all have watched Die Hard, but some might not know about the subtle parallels to A Christmas Carol woven into the storyline. The film starts with John McClane portrayed as being estranged from his wife, similar to Ebenezer Scrooge’s isolation and selfishness.

As the movie progresses, John overcomes many of his flaws, following a path of redemption and saving his loved ones. This storyline, in its essence, was similar to Scrooge’s transformation.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

If you observe How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) closely, you’ll see different parallels added to the film, and many of these are related to Dr. Seuss’s characters from other literary universes. A statue resembling Yertle (Yertle the Turtle) is placed among the Grinch’s clutter.

Similarly, Lorax’s truffula trees also make a subtle appearance in the background. These little elements connect Dr. Seuss’s innovations to different films.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

In National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Griswold’s family is known for its over-the-top Christmas decorations, which they don’t limit to their home.

Easy to miss at first look, you’d have to look closely to find out the Griswold family car has “EGGNOG” written on the number plate. Nothing less could be expected from the extravagant family.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Where are all the Stranger Things fans? Next time when you’re watching The Christmas Chronicles (2018) keep an eye out for a Stranger Things reference.

In a scene featuring the valet, in the background, he can be seen watching Stranger Things.

Speaking of Stranger Things, one of its breakout stars is gearing up to take on exciting new roles beyond the show. Curious? Check out Millie Bobby Brown’s Steps Beyond Stranger Things for more information.

Klaus (2019)

The well-known “A113” makes a subtle appearance in Klaus (2019). The phrase appears as a part of a postal code during the movie.

A113, which references the California Institute of Arts, is used as an easter egg in animated movies, and fans love it, but for that, you’d have to notice it in the first place.

Talking about animated movies, did you know The Wild Robot has been a hit? Check out “ The Wild Robot Hits $100M ” for more details.

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