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The 7 Best Christmas Apps 2023
Zoe Williams
Published on October 10, 2023
As 2023 winds down, a year marked by soaring inflation and rapidly changing rates, there's a silver lining on the horizon: the festive cheer of the holiday season! It's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly and more importantly, load up our smartphones with the best Christmas apps of the year. These digital helpers are here to sprinkle some extra joy and convenience into our holiday preparations. Whether you're looking for the perfect Christmas playlist, a countdown to the big day or interactive ways to keep the kids entertained, there's an app for every festive need. This year, more than ever, we deserve to indulge in the little things that bring us happiness. So, let's dive into the top 7 Christmas apps of 2023 that are sure to add a dash of magic to your holiday season!
Elfster
General apps
4.7
Elfster
Kicking off our list at number seven, Elfster is the ultimate secret Santa organizer. Perfect for those who love gift-giving with a twist, this app simplifies the process of organizing a Secret Santa. With Elfster, you can effortlessly set up a gift exchange, draw names and even shop for gifts, all while keeping the secret safe. It's a great way to bring friends and family together, even if they're miles apart.
ElfYourself
Photo and video sharing apps
4.6
ElfYourself
Next up at number six, ElfYourself offers a hilarious way to spread holiday cheer. This app lets you turn yourself and your loved ones into dancing elves! Simply upload photos, choose a dance theme and watch as you're transformed into elfish versions of yourselves, grooving to festive tunes. It's a fun, lighthearted way to create personalized holiday greetings to share with friends and family.
Allrecipes
Recipe apps
4.2
Allrecipes
Cooking and baking are integral parts of the holiday season and at number five, the Allrecipes app is here to inspire your Christmas feast. From traditional holiday dinners to festive cookies and cocktails, this app is a treasure trove of recipes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Allrecipes offers step-by-step instructions and videos to help you whip up the perfect holiday meal.
Personalized Call from Santa
Video and voice calling apps
4.4
Personalized Call from Santa
Imagine the look of wonder on a child's face when they receive a call from Santa! Ranked at number four, the Personalized Call from Santa app offers just that. You can arrange for Santa to make a special call to your kids, adding a personalized touch to the experience. It's a magical way to add to the Christmas excitement, especially for the little ones.
Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles
Mobile Puzzle and Trivia Games
4.6
Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles
Sitting at number three, the Christmas Jigsaw Puzzles app is perfect for cozy family evenings. This app offers a variety of festive-themed puzzles that are suitable for all ages. It's a great way to relax and spend quality time with loved ones, piecing together scenes of snowy landscapes, cheerful Santas and twinkling Christmas trees.
Christmas Countdown
General utility apps
4.8
Christmas Countdowm
As we near the big day, the Christmas Countdown app takes the number two spot. This app keeps the excitement building with a festive countdown, complete with holiday-themed backgrounds and music. It also includes a host of fun features like daily Christmas facts, wallpapers and a widget for your home screen.
NORAD Tracks Santa
General utility apps
3.7
NORAD Tracks Santa
And finally, at the top of our list at number one, the NORAD Tracks Santa app. This classic favorite brings the magic of Santa's journey to life. Track Santa's progress around the globe on Christmas Eve, learn about holiday traditions worldwide and enjoy interactive games. It's a wonderful way to combine technology, education and holiday spirit, keeping the enchantment of Santa Claus alive for another generation.
Apps to Help You Shop for Christmas
As we embrace the holiday spirit, the joy of gift-giving takes center stage, and with the Amazon Shopping app at our fingertips, finding the perfect present becomes a breeze. This app is a treasure trove of everything you could possibly need for the holidays, offering an unparalleled variety of products. From the latest tech gadgets and toys that top every child's wish list to beautiful home decorations that bring festive cheer, Amazon simplifies your holiday shopping with its vast selection and quick delivery options. The convenience of browsing through reviews and ratings ensures that you find just what your loved ones desire, making your gift-giving thoughtful and effortless.
But for those special gifts that require a personal touch, the Etsy app is your gateway to the world of unique, handmade and personalized items. This app connects you with independent creators and artisans from around the globe, allowing you to find one-of-a-kind gifts that speak volumes. Be it handcrafted jewelry, custom-made decorations or vintage finds, Etsy's offerings are not just gifts; they are stories waiting to be shared and cherished. Shopping on Etsy is more than a transaction; it's an experience that supports small businesses and brings a sense of community and authenticity to your holiday gift-giving.
And when it comes to sparking the inspiration for these perfect gifts, the Pinterest app stands as your creative companion. It's a platform brimming with ideas and trends that can transform your gift-giving into an exciting and fulfilling journey. On Pinterest, you can explore a myriad of gift ideas, from DIY projects that add a personal touch to discovering the latest trends that your loved ones will adore. It's the ideal starting point for organizing your shopping plans, where you can pin your favorite ideas and come back to them when you're ready to start shopping. Pinterest bridges the gap between imagination and reality, turning the art of finding the perfect gift into an enjoyable and inspiring process.
Together, these three apps – Amazon, Etsy and Pinterest – form the perfect trio for your holiday shopping. They offer the convenience, uniqueness and inspiration needed to make your Christmas gift-giving joyful, meaningful and, most importantly, a reflection of the love and thought you put into each present.
Stream the Best Christmas Movies
As the holiday season unfolds, streaming platforms become our entrance to the cherished world of Christmas movies, offering an array of choices to suit every mood and preference. Netflix, with its ever-expanding library, is home to modern holiday favorites like "Klaus" and "The Christmas Chronicles," both of which offer a fresh take on classic Christmas themes. These films, with their heartwarming narratives and stunning animation, are perfect for family movie nights or a cozy evening by the fireplace. Netflix's diverse selection ensures that whether you're looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy or a feel-good family story, you'll find something to enhance your holiday cheer.
Shifting the focus to other streaming giants, Disney+ captivates its audience with timeless classics and family-friendly hits. Here, you can revisit the adventures in "Home Alone" or explore the world of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Disney+ is particularly ideal for those who love the nostalgia and magic often associated with Disney's holiday offerings. On the other hand, HBO Max caters to a more diverse audience with beloved classics like "A Christmas Story" and the ever-popular "Elf," perfect for inducing laughs and spreading joy. Amazon Prime rounds out the options with traditional favorites such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and romantic tales like "The Holiday." These platforms collectively ensure that every evening can be filled with the spirit and joy of the holiday season, offering a perfect blend of old and new to satisfy all cinematic tastes.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our festive guide to the best Christmas apps and streaming platforms of 2023, it's clear that technology is set to add extra sparkle to our holiday celebrations. From convenient shopping on Amazon and Etsy to heartwarming movie nights courtesy of Netflix and Disney+, these digital tools promise to make our season both joyful and stress-free. Let's dive into these apps and platforms, embrace their festive offerings and make this holiday season one filled with memorable moments and cheer. Here's to a tech-enhanced, merry and bright Christmas!
My Personal Recommendation
“From my own holiday experiences, I have to give a special shoutout to the ElfYourself app. It's become a treasured tradition in my circle, bringing endless laughter to both family gatherings and social media shares. There's something genuinely heartwarming about turning ourselves into goofy, dancing elves and sharing the joy with friends. It's not just an app for us; it's a catalyst for laughter, bonding and creating those priceless holiday memories. Trust me, ElfYourself is a must-try for a dose of festive fun and personal hilarity!”
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023