Hallmark Christmas movies often receive criticism for their lackluster qualities. However, when it comes to the food scenes, they truly shine. Let's take a journey through some of the most iconic Christmas movie food moments.

Savor the Flavors of Christmas Movie Food

Hot chocolate, The Polar Express

The hot chocolate in The Polar Express is a visual and sensory delight. Its thick and creamy texture, along with the warm steam rising from the cup, makes it seem as if it contains a king-sized Hershey's bar. As Tom Hanks professes his love for this beverage in a magical musical number, we learn that it's not your ordinary Swiss Miss blend. It's a rich mixture of decadence, worthy of an entire song and dance. Each sip transports us to a winter wonderland, where the taste of hot chocolate is as comforting as a warm hug.The way the hot chocolate is presented on the screen adds to its allure. The smooth swirls of the liquid and the way it coats the mug make it look like a work of art. It's no wonder that this simple drink has become an iconic part of Christmas movie history.

A lovely cheese pizza, Home Alone

Kevin McCallister's "lovely cheese pizza" in Home Alone is a symbol of victory and revenge. After a chaotic opening scene where his awful cousins eat his slices before he gets a chance to indulge, his satisfaction when he finally gets his own pizza is palpable. Unchaperoned for the first time, the eight-year-old dials up the local delivery joint and requests a hot, gooey pie "just for me."The pizza in the movie looks delicious, with its melted cheese and golden crust. It's a simple pleasure that brings a smile to our faces. It reminds us of the joy of indulging in our favorite foods during the holidays, even in the midst of chaos.

Candy spaghetti, Elf

According to Buddy the Elf, there are four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. But when he takes each of these and piles them over spaghetti, it creates a unique and whimsical dish. The combination of sweet and savory is unexpected yet delightful.The candy spaghetti scene in Elf is a testament to the creativity of Christmas movies. It shows us that food can be a source of magic and wonder during the holiday season. Whether it's a child's imagination or a filmmaker's vision, this scene brings a sense of joy and playfulness to the screen.

Going out for Chinese, A Christmas Story

Today, going out for Chinese on Christmas is almost a tradition. In A Christmas Story, the Parkers' visit to the Chop Suey Palace is a memorable moment. When they arrive at the restaurant for their holiday dinner, it's deserted. But over the years, Chinese restaurants on Christmas have become so popular that they now take reservations months in advance.This scene shows how our holiday traditions have evolved. What was once an unusual choice has now become a beloved part of Christmas. It's a reminder that food can bring people together and create lasting memories.

A sundae at The Plaza, Home Alone 2

Kevin McCallister's triple-scooped ice cream sundae in Home Alone 2 is a mouthwatering sight. With its chocolate syrup and 16 scoops of ice cream, it's a dessert fit for a king. The Plaza Hotel now offers guests a real-life version of this sundae as part of a "Home Alone Experience" package.The price of $2,000 may seem steep, but the experience is worth it. It allows guests to relive the magic of the movie and indulge in a decadent dessert. This sundae is not just a treat; it's a symbol of the holiday spirit.

Should I fix you some sandwiches?, Bad Santa

Thurman Merman's sandwiches in Bad Santa are a memorable part of the movie. While they may not look appetizing with his runny nose, they still hold a certain charm. It shows the human side of the characters and adds a touch of realism to the story.Food can often be a source of comfort and connection, even in the most unlikely situations. Thurman Merman's sandwiches remind us of the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with others.

The roast beast, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The mystery of the roast beast in How the Grinch Stole Christmas adds to the charm of the movie. We'll never know what kind of meat it is, but the anticipation of finding out makes us eager to watch. When the Grinch volunteers to carve it for his newfound friends in Whoville, it's a heartwarming moment.Food has the power to bring people together, and this scene shows how a simple act of sharing a meal can create a sense of community. It's a reminder that the true meaning of Christmas is not about gifts or decorations, but about the people we share our lives with.

The Jelly of the Month Club, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the Jelly of the Month Club scene is a comical yet memorable moment. While getting food on Christmas may not always be a good thing, this scene shows the absurdity of holiday traditions.It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and stress, there are moments of humor and joy. Food can be a source of laughter and entertainment, and this scene captures that perfectly.Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, join our NorthJerseyEats Facebook group, and sign up for her North Jersey Eats newsletter.