Latest News
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan ReviewCars in Christmas Television Episodes
From a 1991 Saturn SC in Gilmore Girls to a Cadillac Escalade in The Office, these are some of our favorite Christmas episodes, and the cars in them.Cars Spotted in Holiday Television Episodes
Holiday episodes often bring cozy settings, festive decorations, and memorable character moments, but the vehicles in these scenes also play an important role. From classic sedans parked on snowy streets to SUVs pulling away from office parties, cars help define the era, reflect character personalities, and add authenticity to the story. These details can make a holiday episode feel even more immersive.
Gilmore Girls
Throughout its seven seasons, Gilmore Girls features many special episodes to get viewers in the holiday spirit. In season 2, episode 10, “The Bracebridge Dinner”, Lorelai and Rory embark on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. While bundled in winter gear, they pass several vehicles parked in the town center, including a 1991 Saturn SC and a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 190. The Saturn SC was part of Saturn’s first generation of compact coupes, known for its lightweight polymer panels and fuel efficiency. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz 190 was considered a premium sedan of its era. These vehicles differ from Lorelai’s 1999 Jeep Wrangler and Rory’s pale blue 1961 Dodge Lancer, but still add to the cozy, small-town setting of Stars Hollow.
The Office
The Office crew brings a festive holiday atmosphere in season 2, episode 10, “Christmas Party”. All employees gather for a Secret Santa work exchange, in which personalized presents end up in the wrong hands. After a party filled with chaos, the employees head out and start a snowball fight in the parking lot, while piling into a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade was a full-size SUV that became a status symbol in the early 2000s with a powerful V8 engine and a comfortable, plush interior.
Parks and Recreation
In season 2, episode 12 of Parks and Recreation, the main character Leslie Knope is caught in a political scandal. Leslie meets up with Councilman Dexhart in an attempt to clear her name, and he drives up to the meeting in a 1996 Volkswagen Golf III. The Golf III was a practical hatchback that appealed to professionals in the mid-90s for its reliability and European styling. Although it may seem like an interesting choice for a councilman who is trying to maintain a low profile, in watching the episode the viewer learns that is not Dexhart’s goal.
Modern Family
Two notable vehicles appear in Modern Family’s Christmas episode “Stuck in a Moment” from season 10, episode 10. Phil takes the Christmas tree and decorations from the family home to stage a house for a real estate showing and uses a 2002 Kia Spectra to transport the presents and tree back and forth. The Kia Spectra was known for affordability and simplicity, which fits into the family lifestyle in the show. Earlier in the episode, Cameron and Mitchell visit Santa at the local mall, trying to find out what Cal wants for Christmas. Leaving the mall in a hurry, they forget Cal in a shopping cart and take off in a red 2014 Volvo S60.
Doctor Who
The 2006 Doctor Who Christmas special – The Runaway Bride – is filled with a Christmas wedding, evil robot Santas, and more. Donna Noble hops in a 1997 LTI Fairway Driver taxicab and the Doctor quickly realizes an evil Santa is driving the cab. The LTI Fairway Driver is an iconic London taxi, instantly recognizable for its classic black cab design and spacious rear seating. This encounter leads to an action-packed car chase between the taxicab and the Doctor’s mode of transportation, the TARDIS.
Seinfeld
Season 7, episode 10 of Seinfeld takes place around the holidays, with the characters wearing winter gear and Christmas items decorating the background of the scenes. While the plot of this episode doesn’t relate to the holidays, George is seen driving through town and a 1984 Dodge Colt Vista is spotted in the background. The Colt Vista was a quirky compact wagon that offered practicality but little prestige, which fits into the sitcom’s visual language of everyday life. George himself is driving a Chrysler LeBaron convertible, infamously known as the “Jon Voight” car from a different episode. That car later catches on fire due to shoddy engine work while George is distracted by an argument with a woman in traffic.
30 Rock
In the Christmas Special of 30 Rock, Jack has an accidental mishap while backing up his car. After ending a phone call, Jack puts the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S 550 in reverse and accidentally hits his mother who is walking past. The S 550 sedan was equipped with advanced safety features, upgraded technology and a powerful V8 engine. None of those features prevented Jack’s holiday mishap, which adds irony to the scene.
Black Mirror
“White Christmas” is a fitting name for this episode (season 2, episode 4) from Black Mirror. The episode takes place during the Christmas season in a remote, frozen wilderness. Two men swap stories back and forth, and in one scene, one of the main men drives a 1987 Rover 200 while looking for his lost “blocked” love. The Rover 200 was a modest British hatchback that represented late-80s practicality. Its understated nature contrasts sharply with the futuristic technology that dominates this episode. The main character spent several Christmases driving in his Rover to catch a glimpse of his blocked love and their child.
Malcolm in the Middle
In season 5, episode 7 of Malcolm in the Middle, the Christmas theme runs throughout the entire episode. Hal and the boys attempt to outsell a local church by lowering the price of their Christmas trees. Several vehicles make an appearance in this episode, including a 1990 Jeep Cherokee and a 1990 Pontiac 6000. The Jeep Cherokee was a rugged SUV that families loved for its versatility, while the Pontiac 6000 reflected the era’s push for affordable midsize sedans. Both vehicles appear when customers arrive and purchase a tree from the Christmas tree farm and add authenticity to the suburban holiday setting.
Related Articles
