The Griswolds return in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2025, and the holiday season has never looked more chaotic, unhinged, or hysterically familiar. Chevy Chase brings Clark Griswold back to life with that same blend of wide-eyed enthusiasm and absolute disaster magnet energy that made the original a classic. From the very first scene — featuring Clark testing an absurdly unsafe ladder contraption — it’s clear that this sequel embraces everything fans love: big laughs, big heart, and even bigger explosions of festive insanity.
Clark, as always, is on a mission to deliver the perfect Christmas. But this time, he’s convinced that the only way to achieve it is to create the most jaw-dropping holiday light display in neighborhood history. When a mysterious new neighbor moves in — played by a surprise celebrity cameo who steals every scene — the friendly competition transforms into a wild, all-out Christmas arms race. As both households escalate their decorations, the neighborhood becomes a glowing battlefield of lasers, animatronic reindeer, and enough wattage to dim an entire city.
While Clark focuses on holiday dominance, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) tries desperately to hold onto some semblance of normalcy. She becomes the emotional anchor of the film, balancing Clark’s big dreams with her desire for a calm and meaningful holiday. But between malfunctioning decorations, surprise visitors, and Clark’s increasingly questionable holiday engineering, Ellen finds herself dragged into the chaos despite her best efforts.
Audrey (Juliette Lewis) and Rusty (Johnny Galecki) return as well, reprising their roles with a perfect mix of nostalgia and modernization. Now adults with problems of their own, they’re hilariously skeptical of their father’s antics, yet somehow still get swept up in the madness. Their believable sibling banter and growing exasperation add layers of warmth and relatability to the story.
And then, of course, there’s Cousin Eddie. Randy Quaid’s return as the unpredictable, often inappropriate, and always side-splitting Eddie brings some of the film’s biggest laughs. Whether he’s gifting Clark something deeply questionable, accidentally destroying property, or inserting himself into every family moment, Eddie remains the chaotic good the Griswolds never asked for—but somehow always get.
Financial strain becomes a new challenge for the family, grounding the comedy in a relatable crisis. Clark’s belief that Christmas magic will fix everything leads him into an ill-advised spree of shopping, prepping, and spending. Christmas dinner becomes an unforgettable disaster featuring scorched ham, collapsing tables, and a kitchen scene that channels the original film’s chaotic brilliance.
One of the standout sequences involves Clark’s latest attempt to revisit his famous sledding stunt — except this time, he’s older, slower, and even less prepared. The resulting scene is a masterclass in slapstick comedy, blending nostalgia with fresh absurdity, and giving longtime fans a callback they’ll appreciate.
But beneath the madness, the film has a beating heart. Through all the mishaps, broken decorations, and near-catastrophes, the Griswolds rediscover what Christmas truly means. Clark, in one of Chevy Chase’s most touching scenes in years, reflects on why he tries so hard: he wants to give his family the joy he never had growing up. This emotional beat grounds the humor, offering a poignant reminder that love — not perfection — is what makes the holidays special.
The final act brings the entire neighborhood together in true Christmas Vacation style. A massive blackout, a panicked turkey chase, and an accidental fireworks display lead to a finale full of laughter, loss of property, and heartwarming unity. Clark’s house may be in ruins, but his family is closer than ever.
⭐ Review: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2025 perfectly captures the nostalgic charm of the original while bringing enough fresh twists to feel new. Side-splitting, chaotic, and unexpectedly touching, it’s a holiday sequel worthy of the Griswold name — proving once again that the best Christmas moments are the ones that go completely off the rails. 🎄💥✨
