With 22 seasons of NCIS available for viewing, there are countless episodes that are centered around the Christmas season. Even though not every season had an episode that was solely focused on the holiday, there have been plenty for fans to enjoy. In fact, the Christmas episode of NCIS season 22 aired on Dec. 16, and the team worked together to help when a decorated Lieutenant was the subject of a book that could spell trouble for his reputation.
Since this episode is so recent, we wanted to take a look back at past Christmas episodes and see which ones tugged at our heartstrings the most. While there is no singular episode that we loved more than the other, there are still so many to keep track of with such a long-running show.
Some seasons didn’t air Christmas episodes, either due to a writer’s strike or, in the case of 2020, a pandemic that pushed production back, which meant a shorter season. Plus, not every episode in December was based on the holiday, or it was just in the background. So even though we love them all, for the Christmas season, we’re looking at some of the best Christmas episodes of NCIS as we get into the Christmas spirit.
You Better Watch Out
Fans who might be missing Tony DiNozzo on their screen will love “You Better Watch Out” from season 10. This episode brings Tony and his dad, Senior, together as they reunite in order to spend time together for the holidays. Plus, the team investigates a case that involves uncirculated bills and a murder.
Double Down
“Double Down” aired in season 15 and saw the team investigating a Senator’s son’s fall just days before Christmas. His father was in Afghanistan along with Jack Sloan and Nick Torres, so they had to find a way to get back home in time for Christmas so he could be with his son. Coupled with being in dangerous territory and the senator also facing injury, this was a touching episode that also let us see a little more into Jack’s character for the holidays.
False Witness
Season 8’s “False Witness” didn’t solely focus on the Christmas season itself, but it still showed up in the background as it took place during the holiday season. The team looked into who was after the witness in a case involving a murder once he went missing. It was up to them to figure out who did it since it could damage the case if something happened to the witness. It was a twist of an episode and also saw Tim McGee and Ziva David try to determine why Tony was not being his usual self during the episode. It had plenty of laughs even if the holiday was in the background for the most part, at least until the end.
Homesick
“Homesick” is a great season 11 episode to watch as it involves the team looking into a rash of illnesses affecting children in the hospital. Plus, Vance also receives a visit from his father-in-law, which is rough considering at this point in time, Vance had recently become widowed. It’s a holiday staple for NCIS as they solve crimes and get ready for the holidays.
Faith
The season seven episode “Faith” was a touching look at the relationship between Gibbs and his father, Jackson. Coming to town to see his son for Christmas, Jackson also had a secret he had been hiding that he didn’t want Gibbs to know about. Plus, Agent McGee helped give a little boy a special Christmas surprise while Tony dealt with a Secret Santa gift exchange. All in all, it is a heartwarming episode for the holidays to watch.
The Tie that Binds
“The Tie that Binds” was an episode centered around Ducky as he learned more about his recently deceased mother than he knew previously. After an investigation dredges up memories of his mother and her connection to a con man, Ducky can enjoy Christmas with the rest of the team. Plus, Gibbs also has to deal with a recently injured Fornell as he recovers at his house, to surprising results. If you want a good Duckey episode for the holidays, this one is for you.
What Child is This?
Season 16’s “What Child Is This?” saw the team helping to care for a newborn baby after a homeless veteran’s death led to the discovery of a baby with no family. During the holidays, both Nick Torres and Ellie Bishop cared for the infant while they looked for his family. Through it all, the festivities were underway in this heartfelt episode.
Newborn King
From season 9, the episode “Newborn King” was set on Christmas Eve as the team looked into who was after a pregnant Marine and her baby. It is a fun episode that also had Jimmy showing his very critical father-in-law, Ed, around the office to show him where he worked. From a baby’s birth to Ziva taking down the bad guys on her own, this is an amazing Christmas episode of NCIS to watch for the holidays.
Silent Night
“Silent Night” is another standout from NCIS regarding Christmas classics for season six. As the team investigates the mysterious disappearance of a man who was presumed dead, they prepare for the festive holiday season. You can never go wrong with the kind of case that has you believing in miracles and spending time with loved ones.
Spinning Wheel
Season 13’s “Spinning Wheel” was a heartwarming episode set around Christmas as Ducky was abducted after someone claimed to have information about his brother. Through an investigation into his abduction, they learned that his long-lost brother, Nicholas, was alive. It was a touching look into Ducky’s background and it’s a definite must-watch for the holidays. Plus, we could all use some touching Ducky moments to remember the character and his actor, David McCallum, a little over a year after his tragic death.
House Rules
In the season 12 episode “House Rules,” the team looked into a major cyber attack by utilizing the help of three prisoners who were charged with computer-related crimes. Tim was put on the case, but he was reluctant to do so since his dad was supposed to have surgery in the midst of taking cancer treatments. The episode had McGee narrating the case while writing a letter to his dad, using many of Agent Gibbs’s rules to tell the story. It was a touching character study while also diving into the holidays while the team worked a case through it all.
So there you have some of the best Christmas episodes of NCIS to enjoy this holiday season. All of the episodes are available for viewing on Paramount+. Have a happy holiday and Happy New Year!