National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 3: Holiday Heritage (2026) brings back the beloved Griswold family for another wild holiday season, with Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) determined to continue the family traditions—except this time, he’s trying to go wireless. The film takes everything that made the previous installments so iconic and cranks it up a notch, blending old-school chaos with new-tech nightmares for a hysterical and heartwarming holiday adventure.
Clark, now a grandfather, has traded his traditional Christmas light display for a “Smart Home” light setup controlled by AI. But as expected in the Griswold universe, things go horribly wrong. The AI is far from cooperating, and soon Clark’s high-tech, holiday extravaganza threatens to blackout the entire state of Florida. Chevy Chase brings back his manic, well-meaning optimism, and it’s just as endearing and frustrating as ever. His relentless determination to create the perfect Griswold Christmas is the heart of the film, and his physical comedy remains top-notch, much to the dismay of everyone around him.
Beverly D’Angelo returns as Ellen, the long-suffering but ever-patient wife, still trying to hold the family together despite Clark’s antics. Her calm presence plays perfectly against Clark’s chaos, and the chemistry between the two remains a highlight of the series. Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) also return, bringing their own families and setting the stage for even more holiday mayhem. The new generation is more interested in their phones and screens than the traditional Griswold rituals, making the clash between old-school family values and new-tech distractions even funnier.
The movie kicks off with all the familiar Griswold disasters: the turkey is drier than ever, the tree is even bigger (and somehow even more dangerous), and a rogue drone takes the place of the infamous Christmas squirrel. The combination of slapstick humor and absurd situations is the perfect formula for a Christmas disaster of epic proportions. When a freak blizzard hits their tropical paradise, the Griswolds must band together to survive, both physically and emotionally. It’s a reminder that no matter how many things go wrong, family is what matters most.
What makes Holiday Heritage stand out is the way it captures the spirit of the original Christmas Vacation films while introducing new comedic elements that reflect the changes in technology and family dynamics. The contrast between Clark’s love for traditional holiday customs and his family’s obsession with modern tech creates some of the film’s funniest and most relatable moments. Whether it’s Clark trying to control the lights with his voice or dealing with malfunctioning AI, Holiday Heritage is a hilarious take on the growing divide between the old and the new.
At its core, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 3 is a love letter to the Griswold family. The Christmas spirit remains intact despite all the chaos and technological failures. While the jokes come fast and furious, there’s a genuine warmth and tenderness beneath the madness. The Griswolds might have their quirks, but their love for each other—and for Christmas—burns brighter than any malfunctioning light display.
In conclusion, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 3: Holiday Heritage is a hysterical, heartwarming Christmas disaster that will have you laughing out loud and feeling all the holiday feels. Chevy Chase’s return as Clark Griswold brings back the best of what made the first films so memorable, and the clash of old-school traditions with modern technology provides plenty of laughs for a new generation. If you’re looking for a holiday film that delivers both chaos and heart, this is the one to watch.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 – A perfect blend of slapstick humor, family chaos, and Christmas spirit that will make you laugh and feel warm inside
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 – A perfect blend of slapstick humor, family chaos, and Christmas spirit that will make you laugh and feel warm inside.
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 – A perfect blend of slapstick humor, family chaos, and Christmas spirit that will make you laugh and feel warm inside..
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