The 5 best Friends Christmas episodes

5. The One with Phoebe’s Dad (Season 2)

Phoebe has a deeply complex family life. In this episode, she sets out to find her real dad. Joey and Chandler ditch their Christmas shopping to go with her for moral support. This episode has a few really warm, tear-jerking moments, plus the hilarity of Chandler giving Rachel windscreen wipers from a petrol station for Christmas. Watch now »

4. The One with Ross’s Step Forward (Season 8)

Ross’s girlfriend, Mona, wants to take their relationship to the next level: a couple’s Christmas card. Ross isn’t ready – but he’s too chicken to tell her. Chandler ties himself up in knots when he lies to his boss, telling him that he and Monica split up. This one is Ross at his awkward best. Hey, at least he didn’t marry her! Watch now »

3. The One where Rachel Quits (Season 3)

The end of an era: much to Gunther’s horror, Rachel quits waitressing at Central Perk to pursue a career in fashion. Ross tries to help a little girl get to Space Camp by selling Brown Bird cookies but runs up against some stiff competition. The image of Ross muscling his way into the tough world of cookie sales already makes this one a Christmas classic, but the Christmas spirit is truly embodied by Joey and Monica. They decide to save all the Christmas trees destined for the wood chipper to make Phoebe happy.  Watch now »

2. The One with the Routine (Season 6)

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is an American New Year tradition, and Ross and Rachel are over the moon when they’re offered the chance to appear on it, thanks to Joey’s girlfriend, Janine (guest star Elle Macpherson). Hilarity ensues as they pull out all the stops to try and get in front of the roving camera. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang try to find Monica’s Christmas presents. This one gets second place for the dance routine of the decade – extra points if you learn it! Watch now »

1. The One with the Holiday Armadillo (Season 7)

Ross tries to teach his son Ben about the magic of Hanukah by pitting the powers of Santa (with Chandler in the Big Man’s suit) against the Holiday Armadillo. Needless to say, it doesn’t go quite as Ross hopes. This one has won several polls as the fan fave festive episode, and it’s not hard to see why. Chandler in a big white beard versus Ross in an armadillo suit makes for an unforgettable showdown you’ll want to revisit this festive season. Watch now »