The holidays are a great time for friends and family, but they can cause a little bit of chaos and tensions sometimes too. On the flip side, there's also heartwarming moments as most of the time, everyone is in a good mood. These elements are shown in the Abbott Elementary episodes, which make for some hilarious scenarios and fan-favorite moments. Check out our ranking of the episodes below from chaotic to endearing below!
Season 4 episode 7, "Winter Show and episode 8, "Winter Break"
I think the most chaotic and family-focused holiday episodes were recently in the hit ABC comedy's fourth season. In the back-to-back holiday episodes, the staff were each getting for the break in their own ways. Barbara wanted all her students to feel included in the Christmas show, which had to be structured a little differently for the religious beliefs of one of her students. This proved to be a little more complicated than she thought it would be. But it all worked out in the end!
Also, we meet Jacob's brother for the first time and the two are a little bit estranged. He hasn't visited Jacob in three years. And to top off the family drama, you know a lot was coming with the introduction of the Schemmentis! Melissa is hosting the dinner at her place and she's under a lot of stress. We get to meet her mother for the first time, which it's clear Melissa still seeks approval from. Plus, her uncle was dead then not. I told you, chaotic!
But, there were also really heartwarming moments like Barbara being there for her bestie, Jacob and Caleb seeing eye to eye a little more, and of course our faves Janine and Gregory. This is their first major holiday together as a couple, and they are just adorable. It's sweet, that is until Ava pops up and ruins their alone time. However, the two realize that she needed a bit of a place to stay and it was just really heartwarming to see all these work families support each other. It's clear how much they care and how far they've all come in these friendships.
Season 2 episode 6, "Candy Zombies"
One of the craziest episodes definitely has to be season 2 episode 6, "Candy Zombies." Hilariously, one of the students, a student dressed as Marvel villain Thanos does not want to wait until the end of the day to get candy. He recruits other students in a smart and well-planned little rebellion to get access to it.
Well, I guess it wasn't so hard with teacher aide Ashley supposedly watching the candy. Hint, she didn't do it very well. The kids get very worked up with all the sugar in their systems, and the teachers have to find out which student is behind it all and stop them. It was a really fun episode and one of my favorites!
Abbott Elementary season 2 episode 10, "Holiday Hookah"
Another one that gets out of hand a little bit is season 2 episode 10, "Holiday Hookah." Man, the second season was so great with these holiday episodes! Why, might you ask? Well, Janine was ready to go to the club with her friend Erika to try and learn to let loose. Though that's derailed when both Gregory and Ava are there. She, rightfully, feels self-conscious. Though Gregory won't leave her alone and the two end up dancing very, very closely. Our shipper hearts were singing! Though these two still don't get together here, and we all know how long it takes until they finally do.
Melissa and Barbara have their own holiday tradition, but Jacob is sort of a Grinch and ruins it for them. We learn that he doesn't have good memories surrounding the holidays. Perhaps that had to do with his brother? It was never confirmed but it could be a reason. Though Mr. Johnson, wise as he is, points this out to Jacob and why Melissa and Barbara's traidition and love for Christmas is important to them and Jacob puts his feelings to the side. Again, showcasing how thoughtful these characters are towards each other.
Season 2 episode 14, "Valentine's Day"
Another holiday episode from the second season that was a mix of chaotic and heartwarming is "Valentine's Day." For starters, a student has a crush on Janine and she doesn't know what to do about it. Plus, Jacob blabs to her that Gregory likes her. These two are so perfect for each other, but frustratingly stay apart for too long! It's so obvious when Gregory picks out a thoughtful gift for Amber, a flower bouquet Lego set since she's allergic to real ones. While Mo picks out something a little more materialistic, and expensive. The Telfar bag. The two continue to dance around each other and it certainly drove us fans crazy.
Melissa also spends the episode stressing about Gary not reaching out to her on Valentine's Day. Though her worry was for nothing because he was planning a little surprise in the vending machine, spelling out "I love you." Aw! Zach also surprises Jacob with a nice lunch setup during his free period, though Ava ruins it a bit by announcing she's interested in going back to school to actually get the credentials she's supposed to have. That's what's so fun about these Abbott Elementary holiday episodes! They're a mix of crazy and endearing.
Season 4 episode 4, "Costume Contest"
Closing it out is another Halloween episode, this time featured in season 4. Overall, this one is the most calm from the holiday episodes. Janine and Gregory get frustrated when no one understands their matching costume - Mr. DNA and the mosquito trapped in amber from Jurassic Park. But the fact that these two, who have just recently started dating, are doing matching costumes is absolutely adorable.
It's also not an easy one for Barbara who likes to stick to her traditions. She ends up having to change the annual bob for apples as parents believe its unsanitary. However even so, there's minor complications and this holiday episode was the most chill one out of them all. But still very amusing!
Abbott Elementary season 5 premieres in fall 2025 on ABC.