Favorite Kids' Christmas Movies

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (G)

Filled with positive messages that focus on the religious story of Christmas, this 25-minute TV flick is perfect for the youngest celebrants in your home. Charlie Brown is sad that people have made Christmas too commercial. So, when Lucy asks him to direct the holiday pageant, Charlie Brown seizes the opportunity.

2. The Snowman (G)

This nearly wordless animated film is based on Raymond Briggs’ classic picture book of the same name. At just 26 minutes, it's a visual delight. The snowman comes to life and takes a young boy on a magical adventure up to the North Pole for a party.

3. Yes, Virginia (TV-Y)

"Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Claus!” When an 8-year-old little girl goes on a quest to prove Santa’s existence, she is inspired by small acts of kindness from the most unlikely of places. Kids will delight in the 2009 version of this animated Christmas movie voiced by the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Bea Miller.

4. Elliott the Littlest Reindeer (PG)

Have you ever had a dream that was so crazy, it couldn’t possibly come true? Well, Elliott always dreamed about joining all the other reindeer on Santa’s ride. When Blitzen unexpectedly retires, he just may get his chance, but first there's a mystery to solve in this kids' animated Christmas movie.

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Curl up with your little ones for The Muppet Christmas Carol. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures and Jim Henson Productions

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (G)

This preschooler's retelling of the classic Dickens tale about redemption features the whole Muppets gang: Gonzo, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy. Of course, there are a few Christmas Carol remakes on this list, but this is the only one that features your fuzzy Muppet friends.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG)

This Jim Carrey-led tale is a classic Christmas movie for a reason! How the Grinch Stole Christmas has all the elements of a great family Christmas story: playful rhymes, a grouchy Grinch who doesn’t feel the Christmas spirit, and a village of Whos determined to save the day.

7. Mickey's Christmas Carol (G)

Mickey’s Christmas Carol, part of the Classic Short Films Animation Collection, depicts the classic Dickens tale with some Disney magic. At just 26 minutes, it's perfect for your littlest mouse fans.

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Take a wondrous trip to the North Pole with The Polar Express. Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers/ABC Family

8. The Polar Express (G)

“Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.” Based on the book of the same name, this animated movie starring Tom Hanks depicts the pure magic of Christmas. When a young boy questions the existence of Santa, the Polar Express train roars onto his street and whisks him away to the North Pole for a night filled with wonder.

9. Prancer (G)

Jessica believes in the magic of Christmas, so when a reindeer with an injured leg winds up on her farm, she knows he is one of Santa's helpers. Watch as this determined kid nurses the reindeer back to health— along with someone's holiday spirit—in this classic Christmas movie for kids.

10. Trolls Holiday (PG)

This TV short brings a certain sparkle (and singing and dancing) to the holiday movie scene. 
Queen Poppy and her kingdom try desperately to find a replacement holiday for the Bergens to celebrate. You know, one that doesn’t involve eating trolls!

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Watch Olaf's Frozen Adventure to see the lovable snowman search for a new holiday tradition. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Animation and Pixar

11. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (G)

Olaf really wants to find a new holiday tradition for his friends Elsa and Anna. This short from Disney inspires family discussions on what your own traditions mean during a season made up of more than just one holiday.

Classic Christmas Movies

12. It's a Wonderful Life (PG)

This 1940s feel-good flick has a love story, redemption, angels, and a bowl full of life lessons that will make your whole crew feel warm and fuzzy. Watch as George Bailey and Mary Hatch fall in love, raise a family, and then face down financial hardship before the community comes together to help each other. A classic among the classic Christmas movies!

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Judy Garland shines in the musical Meet Me in St. Louis.

13. Meet Me in St. Louis (not rated)

Your whole family will enjoy this classic MGM musical. The movie depicts all four seasons in the life of the Smith family living in turn-of-the-century St Louis. It is filled with several catchy tunes; however, none as memorable as Judy Garland singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

14. Miracle on 34th Street

When little Susan doesn’t believe in the existence of Santa, it takes a very special Santa at Macy’s to change her mind. Although your kids may be turned off by the lack of color and flashy special effects in the circa-1947 flick, this movie is the quintessential family Christmas movie that will likely win over even the youngest of hearts with its seasonal sweetness.

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This triple-dog dare will keep you on the edge of your seat in A Christmas Story. Photo courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

15. A Christmas Story (PG)

This family comedy follows a 9-year-old boy in the 1940s as he pines for a BB gun, avoids a bully, and enjoys the holiday with his brother and sweet, but overbearing parents. Make it a double-feature and check out the sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas on HBO Max.

16. Frosty the Snowman (G)

The magic of winter and children's imaginations come to life. Thumpty-thump-thump!

17. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (G)

Bullied by his peers, Rudolph, a young reindeer (the most famous of all!), turns a handicap into an asset for Santa and his sleigh. Of course, the young buck finds self-confidence along the way. Kids will delight in the classic story done in stop-motion.

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Buddy the Elf will keep the whole family in stitches. Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema

LOL Funny Christmas Movies

18. Elf (PG)

Buddy the Elf never quite fit in at the North Pole as a human raised as one of Santa’s elves. When he discovers that his real, human father is on the naughty list, Buddy heads to New York City to set things right. Everyone will laugh their way through this 2003 family Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell.

19. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (PG-13)

Tweens and teens will love this Chevy Chase, 1980s classic story of the Griswold family trying to throw a picture-perfect Christmas. With tons of slapstick humor, 25,000 Christmas lights, and a few surprise guests, nothing seems to be going right for poor Clark Griswold.

20. The Santa Clause (PG)

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a toy company executive, startles Santa into a fatal fall that leaves only the famous red suit behind. When Calvin puts on the red suit, he discovers that he is legally obligated to be the jolly man in red, according to the “Santa Clause.” So he and his son Charlie head off in the sleigh for a serious adventure! Also check out the new series on Disney+, The Santa Clauses.

21. Scrooged (PG-13)

Tweens and teens may get a kick out of this throwback from the 1980s starring Bill Murray as a workaholic who has put his job in television above everything else. Striving for perfect ratings, he neglects his family, friends, and loved ones, earning him a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Cheer on Kevin as he takes on robbers—and wins—in Home Alone. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

22. Home Alone (PG)

As a mom, Home Alone depicts my (and probably every parent's) biggest nightmare—leaving a family member behind for the holidays. But kids love to cheer and laugh along with middle-child Kevin as his Christmas dream of “wishing my family would just disappear” comes true, leaving him home alone to defend the house against a set of witless, would-be robbers. Kids will be in hysterics as the robbers get hit with the kid's pranks in this feel-good Christmas movie.

23. Noelle (G)

Find out what happens when Santa’s daughter, Noelle, has to take over the family business. Centered around the village at the North Pole, kids will love the magic in this newer Christmas movie comedy on Disney+.

24. 8-Bit Christmas (PG)

Video games—check. Chicago—check. Tons of 80s references—check, check, and check! On a hunt for the highly coveted latest greatest video game system, 8-Bit Christmas brings back all the best bits of the 80s for your family to enjoy.

25. Spirited (PG-13)

Will Ferrell must love the holiday season, as he makes his second appearance on our list. Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol gets a modern, musical, and comedic update with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell leading the cast. It's streaming on Apple TV. 

More of the Best Holiday and Christmas Movies for the Whole Family

26. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker (G)

Danced by the New York City Ballet, this televised production of The Nutcracker is a perfect way to introduce a younger audience to the world of dance. The narration makes it easy to follow along with this dazzling production.

27. Rise of the Guardians (PG)

Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Sandman join Jack Frost for an action-packed Christmas movie adventure. Although not an obvious Christmas classic, this movie is one of those rare gems that appeals to the entire family.

Teens will howl with laughter at Adam Sandler's character in Eight Crazy Nights.

28. Eight Crazy Nights (PG-13)

An animated Adam Sandler and his famous Chanukah song star in this holiday movie that has plenty of crudeness the teens will like. Don't worry, the story is all about Sandler's need to reform and repent, so there are plenty of learning moments, too.

29. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (PG)

We all know that Mr. Grinch can be a mean one, but that doesn’t stop Cindy-Lou Who from trying to melt his heart. Among the Christmas movies on Netflix, this is one of my kids' favorites, playing year-round on a loop!

 
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is filled with adventure that will keep kids on the edge of their seats. 

30. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (PG)

Take an amazing adventure with Clara as she travels through the Land of Snowflakes, the Land of Flowers, and the Land of Sweets. This visually appealing film may not be a traditional retelling of the beloved Nutcracker, but it is packed with adventure, which appeals to children.

31. The Christmas Chronicles (TV-PG)

The Christmas Chronicles will make a believer out of just about anyone. Kurt Russell portrays a pretty up-to-date Santa who takes a brother-and-sister duo on an unexpected adventure in another new favorite among the Christmas movies on Netflix. Children love watching the kids take charge in this comedy.

32. Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special (G)

Donald Duck is supposed to fly south (or in this case, drive south) for the winter, but he opts to stay with Mickey to enjoy Christmas instead. Hilarity ensues when Donald, who can't tolerate the cold, gets sicker and sicker during each of the holiday festivities, culminating in Mickey stealing Santa's sleigh in an effort to save his pal Donald. The special can be found on Disney+.

33. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (PG)

This recently released animated musical can be found on Netflix. It doesn't have any new twists on the classic tale, but younger ones will enjoy the updated animation and storytelling techniques that make it feel more modern.

A version of this article first ran in 2018.