20 of the most cheerful holiday characters ranked

17. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

If ever there was a cheerful holiday character that has to make the list, it has to be Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. And when we think of Rudolph, we automatically think of the 1964 stop-motion version of the character. Not only is he cute and endlessly cheerful, even when his fellow reindeer treat him wrong, but he never gives up hope.

And let’s not forget Clarice, who clearly likes Rudolph and makes sure that he knows how cute he is (we agree, Clarice). As far as classics go, this one definitely tops the list. And while we all know the story of Rudolph and his red nose, this particular version always seems to have a place in our hearts for so many reasons.

I mean, when else are you going to get an adorable, flirty Rudolph with a voice that sounds like he is talking with a stuffy nose? Plus, he is the perfect example of a lovable misfit who finds his place in the world. And that shiny, red nose! Who can forget the nose that makes him a holiday icon? We know we can’t.

While there may be other versions of Rudolph out there, we admit this is definitely one of our favorites.