Heroes and holidays possess a timeless charm for me. As a fan of Superman, I cherish the childlike wonder that this season brings to the Man of Steel, Lois and their supporting characters. When a special holiday episode featuring Superman and Christmas is released, it brings me joy. So I decided to rank my top six.
Each special discussed in this review emphasizes themes of compassion, selflessness, and the true spirit of the holidays, while also exploring the characters’ struggles and growth. This combination of nostalgia and heartfelt storytelling is particularly impactful during the festive season.
6: ‘Lois & Clark’ — ‘Home Is Where the Hurt Is’
Synopsis: Mindy Church (Jessica Collins), the griping new leader of Intergang, infects Superman (Dean Cain) with a rare Kryptonian virus that takes away his powers and renders him bedridden just as Lois’s (Teri Hatcher) estranged parents come to visit for the holidays. Family ties and strong friendships highlight the holiday message of compassion and bravery.
“Oh, I love your parents. They’re just so…not insane.”
Lois Lane
Review: This later episode of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” seems to rub me the wrong way. It’s hard to stay on board after the frog feasting and the whole “will they, won’t they” frenzies that followed the phony matrimony, which takes place later on in the season. This episode really wanders off for me because of Lois’s parents, their craziness, selfish behavior, and their utter bewilderment towards Superman and Clark’s true identities. It’s hard to defend the whole “how do they not know” argument here.
The drama aspect of this show seemed to be pushed up a few notches on this episode as well, and it really took me out of it. When compared to other Superman classics, this one falls dead and flat, almost like Clark did. Also, how the hell does an alien virus not affect others? I had to suspend my disbelief one too many times.
Air date: December 17, 1995
Episode: 3×11
Streamable on: MAX & Tubi
5: ‘Lois & Clark’ — ”Twas the Night Before Mxymas’
On Christmas Eve, a mischievous elf (Howie Mandel), Mxyzptlk, casts a spell on time, causing the night’s events to repeat over and over again, resulting in a major drain of the Christmas spirit. As Clark (Dean Cain) relives Christmas over and over again, he witnesses the loss and sorrow felt when the spirit is gone. It’s a cathartic journey of why the holiday season is so important.
“It was you. I could feel you rejecting hopelessness. It hit me like a wave. That’s what broke me free. And you are not going anywhere!”
Lois Lane
Review: “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’s” last Christmas special was also one of the best renditions of an iconic Man of Steel foe, Mxyzptlk. It may be Christmas, but it feels like Groundhog Day as Clark relives the same (part of the) day over and over, losing a bit of hope as each reset happens. Many may cite “Man of Steel” as the origin of Superman’s association with hope, but this episode begs to differ. I’m not sure if this is the first reference, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable.
Lois snapping out of the cycle and recalling Clark’s refusal to give up hope for a better tomorrow moved me to smile, and that really counts for something when I’m watching an episode such as this. When Christmas is involved, I need to feel a sense of joy and hope. This episode really delivered.
Air date: December 15, 1996
Episode: 4×11
Streamable on: MAX & Tubi
4. ‘Lois & Clark’ — ‘Seasons Greedings’
After being fired, inventor Mr. Schott (Sherman Hemsley) seeks revenge by creating the hottest toy of the holidays –– Atomic Space Rats. These rats spray a substance that makes everyone greedy, turning adults like Lois (Teri Hatcher) and Clark (Dean Cain) into childlike, crazed individuals. It’s a funny adventure that teaches the true meaning of Christmas: selflessness.
“Clark Jerome Kent, you get over here right now.”
Martha Kent
Review: I feel really bad, but all of my lower rated specials are “Lois & Clark” related. This nostalgia-filled 90s comedy-romance-drama did it first. They brought Superman and Christmas together so perfectly. Hope for the holidays, delivered directly by Superman. He’s (almost) better than Santa. I say almost because Clark would beg to differ.
There’s something so charming about “Lois & Clark’s” earlier seasons. Maybe it’s Teri Hatcher’s bob, or maybe it’s the inert 90s aura that whirs around the clearly overheated Metropolis set in California. Whatever it may be, this fun-filled, frantic phase of the series brought in a classic Superman villain perfect for such a story, Mr. Schott (known as Toyman in comics). With proper comedic timing on Teri’s part and humorous parental retribution from the series Martha Kent (K Callan), the episode became an instant classic in my household that fulfills that Christmas charm quota. It made me chuckle and clutch onto my glass of eggnog, hoping for a Superman-drawn sleigh to fly by my window.
Air date: December 4, 1994
Episode: 2×09
Streamable on: MAX
3: ‘Smallville’ — ‘Gemini’
Synopsis: It’s Christmas Eve at the Daily Planet, and Lois Lane (Erica Durance) finds herself in the midst of a crisis. After receiving a call regarding a bomb threat involving her cousin, a man urges Lois to write his story to ensure Chloe’s safety about Lex Luthor’s (Michael Rosenbaum) illegal and unethical experiments. Chaos ensues, and Lois discovers the total extent of the situation when she’s forced to confront Lex with a gun. In true “Smallville” fashion, Clark (Tom Welling) comes to the rescue, preventing the bomb from decimating the Planet. If you’re a fan of Christmas and Superman, this episode is the one for you.
“I am your boss. Merry Christmas, Lois. I just bought the Daily Planet.”
Lex Luthor
Review: I love Erica Durance’s Lois Lane, and this episode was ALL ABOUT HER, and most of the episode takes place at the Daily Planet! When a man calls the Reporter of Steel and threatens to kill Chloe, and by collateral Jimmy, Lois follows instructions while fighting against the force of her foe. She eventually faces a Lex who has fully embraced his dark side, and I love it.
We’ve come a long way since “Lexmas.” When Lex and Lois face off before Lane is knocked out for the billionth time in the series, she really gets under his skin. It’s so comic book-accurate. The looks, the acting, and the drama all set to the backdrop of the Daily Planet Building at Christmas time make this a must-see rewatch for me. PS: Who do they pay to decorate the Daily Planet Globe like that in this universe? That seems dangerous.
Air date: December 13, 2007
Season: 7×09
Streamable on: Hulu
2: ‘Justice League’ — ‘Comfort and Joy’
Synopsis: On an alien planet, the Justice League joins forces to build a machine that will stop a collision with another planet, saving its people. Their mission succeeds, and the League anticipates the Christmas season—though J’onn J’onzz and Hawkgirl are not familiar with Earth’s holidays. This unique take offers a fresh perspective on Earth’s heroes. The episode highlights the importance of our different traditions. It stars the voice talents of Maria Canals-Barrera, Phil LaMarr, Carl Lumbly, and George Newbern.
J’onn J’onzz: Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I hope I’m not disturbing you. Super… uh, Clark, was most insistent that I spend the holidays with you. My name is J’onn… I’m a Martian.
Pa Kent: Oh, we’re no strangers to aliens in this house. You just make yourself at home.
Review: You know those classic claymation holiday movies? The ones that brought us stories like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Well, this is that for me. I grew up watching the animated universe, and “Justice League” was played so often on my Playstation 2 that I scratched the DVD so bad it’d skip half the episodes. It was nonstop action with hero versus villain over and over, and I loved that formula very much. However, this holiday special that followed some select heroes through their individual lives was a breath of fresh air in the series.
Superman brings Martian Manhunter to Smallville, Flash simply being the Flash in Central City to help some kids in need with the help of Ultra-Humanite, and Hawkgirl and Green Lantern spending quality time with each other was an enjoyable experience all around. However, what really took this home for me was J’onn ‘J’onzz finding his comfort and joy at the Kent Farm with a cat. His elated mood causes him to sing, and it’s so beautiful. The special really grounded these characters and helped raise the stakes for the Thanagarian invasion that took place in the episodes that followed.
Air date: December 13, 2003
Season: 2×23
Streamable on: MAX
1: ‘Smallville’ — ‘Lexmas’
On a gloomy Christmas Eve, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) is shot during a shady business deal for his senate run. While on the operating table, he dreams of a better life with Lana Lang (Kirsten Kreuk) and knows he must change his ways before it’s too late. However, tragedy strikes in his vision, forcing him into a tough decision. Meanwhile, Clark (Tom Welling) delivers gifts to Metropolis children and meets a struggling Santa. This episode is a Christmas classic that highlights the value of kindness, even amid hardship.
“Ho, ho, HOLY COW!”
Santa Claus
Review: Magical. That’s all I have to say about this “Smallville” classic. I lied; I have more to say (obviously). I just wanted to be dramatic. “Lexmas” truly is iconic. Two Christmas stories are happening simultaneously, one based in reality and one in a near possible future. Lex’s dream of a wonderful life feels like a trademark Hallmark holiday film, at least for the earlier portion. It’s light and beautiful until Lana faces complications from her pregnancy. Then, the tone goes into a nosedive towards darkness as Lex has to face a tipping point of his own. It’s a true nod to the fashion of the show, and I appreciate the consistency.
There’s a tremendous amount of holiday hope mixed with a twinge of destiny as Lex faces the ghost of his past, his dead mother, Lillian (Alisen Richmond-Peck). I’ve got to say that Lillian was absolutely haunting in this. Her few future appearances will be equally as captivating. Everonne’s performance in “Lexmas” is why I love this episode so much.
Lex’s dream sequence was important, of course, but when Clark stopped Santa Claus from falling to his death and the two held a conversation, the episode lesson came through. The cheesy holiday tunes in the background just added to it. Clark’s interaction with what we presume to be a drunken street Santa proves to be something far more jolly; it also helps us recognize the magic Clark feels, even when he’s the most powerful being around. Superman and Santa go together like peanut butter and chocolate. They’re great on their own, but when they come together, something magnificent happens. They remind each other that Christmas is about helping and sharing your gifts to make the world a happier place.
This urges Santa to swipe all the presents from the Daily Planet bullpen in a twinkle of an eye, and we’re left to believe that Clark and Chloe have met the real deal. The cozy camera filters and festive background music all help morph this complicated Christmas caper into an instant classic. I just hope Santa delivered his annual lump of coal to Darkseid after that.
Air date: December 8, 2005
Season: 5×09
Streamble on: Hulu
