24 Best Christmas Movies to Watch With Your Kids

Christmas wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a movie marathon under a soft blanket with the whole family. This is becoming an annual tradition for more and more families, which is why we decided to share the best 24 Christmas movies for kids that grown-ups would also enjoy.  

24 Best Christmas Movies for Kids

To be completely honest, creating this list was not an easy task. We had to make some hard choices as there are way too many good Christmas movies that can fill your family’s nights with laughter and joy.  

At the end of the day, we managed to finalize the list with 24 movies that we think are worth every second. We added a few new ones that sound promising, as well as old classics you can rewatch. Whatever you’re in the mood for, we’ve made sure to have a movie you’d like. 

Klaus (2019)

Age rating: 6+

Klaus’s debut was last year and both kids and adults were impressed. This animated movie has an 8.2 IMDb rating, which is surprisingly high for a holiday, children’s film. Critics say that the movie will be remembered as a Christmas classic due to its beautiful hand-drawn animation, humor, and heartwarming storyline. 

Klaus is a movie about Jasper who’s the worst student in the postal academy. Because of his reputation, he is stationed on a frozen island where no one sends letters. What seems to be a mundane and boring job turns into an adventure when Jasper discovers Klaus, a mysterious man who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. The unlikely friendship will not only transform their lives but will also transform the lives of the people living on the frozen island. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Age rating: 7+

It’s very unlikely that you haven’t heard of the Grinch, a timid child who ends up angry and resentful after being ridiculed and bullied in school. The Grinch hates Christmas and tries to ruin the experience for everyone, but compassion and love from people will make him realize that not everyone is bad. 

The movie is narrated by Anthony Hopkins, while the Grinch is played by Jim Carrey. Those two make a fantastic duo and furthermore contribute to the already amazing storyline, which delivers a valuable lesson for children. 

The Grinch (2018)

Age rating: 7+

Another story about the Grinch comes in 2018 when Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier made an animated adaptation of the original story. The animated movie follows more or less the same storyline. There’s a grumpy and resentful Grinch who plans to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville. 

In the animated version, Pharrell Williams narrates the story, while Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice for bringing the Grinch to life. It’s another fantastic duo that stands up nicely to the major success of the first Grinch movie.

Depending on your and your child’s preferences, you can choose to watch the original movie or its more recent animated version.  

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Age rating: 7+

“The Christmas Chronicles” is a new adventure movie filled with humor and action. It tells the story of two siblings, Kate and Teddy Pierce, who plan to capture and expose Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. They only want to prove to everyone that Santa Claus is real, but their plan goes awry, so they end up crafting a new plan in order to save Christmas. 

The movie was well-received by the audience and critics, which is why this year (2020) “The Christmas Chronicles 2” is being released. If you haven’t watched the “Christmas Chronicles”, we highly recommend that you start with the first one, but if you have and you like it, then “The Christmas Chronicles 2” is the right choice. 

Fred Claus (2007)

Age rating: 7+

If you choose to watch this movie, you’re going to meet Fred Claus, Santa Claus’s (Nick Claus) estranged older brother. He’s childish and irresponsible (mostly because he’s jealous), which causes problems at Nick’s workshop at the North Pole. However, when the government threatens to shut down Nick’s business, meaning the kids won’t get their presents on Christmas, the two brothers must reconcile and join forces to save the holiday. 

Fred Claus is a family movie that guarantees to provoke many laughs. The underlying message is also very beautiful as it shows the importance of family support and close relationships. 

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Age rating: 7+

A promising new Christmas movie that caught our attention is “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.” The movie was released less than two months ago, and it already appealed to many children around the world who particularly enjoy fantasy movies and musicals. 

Jingle Jangle is a magical tale that’s both modern and old-fashioned at the same time. It has a delightful cast, uplifting songs, and a captivating storyline. It’s about an eccentric toymaker who gets a new chance at creating something extraordinary when his granddaughter appears at his doorstep. With the help of a magical invention, they bring to life a whole new world. 

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Age rating: 7+

Disney created yet another magical fairytale that some might call a Christmas version of Alice in Wonderland. The movie is about a young girl named Clara, whose curiosity leads her to the key that opens her late mother’s mysterious box. Instead of a gift, what Clara finds is a magical world of fairies and toy soldiers. Now she has to figure a way out of that magical realm, so she can go back to her own world. 

If your children love Alice in Wonderland then this Christmas fairytale is right up your alley. Surprise them with this movie and watch the excitement in their eyes, as they get absorbed by the spectacular world of magic. 

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Age rating: 6+

“Arthur Christmas” is a must-see Christmas movie for all holiday-movie fans. It’s hard to imagine a list of the best Christmas movies for kids without this goofy comedy. Released in 2011, this animated 3-D film appeals to kids of all ages and also manages to entertain adults with some snappy jokes. 

The story follows Arthur, Santa’s son, who’s goofy, rebellious, but well-hearted. Arthur helps his dad and the elves to prepare all the gifts for the children who are supposed to receive them on Christmas morning. However, there’s a mistake in the workshop that leaves one child without a gift. Arthur, without the permission of his father, organizes a secret mission to go and take the gift where it belongs, because no children should feel disappointed at Christmas. 

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Age rating: 13+

Another 3-D computer animated film about Christmas is the dark fantasy of 2009, titled “A Christmas Carol.” The movie is about Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man, who’s awakened by three Christmas spirits that show him the past (what he missed out on and how he became miserable), the present (how he behaves now), and the future (what awaits if the doesn’t change). The spirit’s goal is to make him reflect on his behavior and become a better man before it’s too late. 

While this movie is absolutely amazing and delivers a powerful message, we don’t recommend it for children younger than 13 years old. There are some scary and dark scenes that might frighten young kids. 

Home Alone (1990)

Age rating: 9+ 

Diving into the old classics, we begin with the one without who no Christmas movie list is ever complete, the “Home Alone” movie! 

On this list, we included the first movie that was released in the 1990s, but we highly recommend that you watch all of them (if possible). They’re the perfect candidates for a movie marathon. 

We also included “Home Alone” in our “The Best Thanksgiving Movies for kids” list, because families with busy schedules might want a head start. If you did watch it, here are the sequels, so you can continue right where you left off. 

• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
• Home Alone 3 (1997)
• Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House (2002)
• Home Alone 5: The Holiday Heist (2012)

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Age rating: 10+

Another old classic Christmas movie, “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” makes an interesting connection between Halloween and Christmas. The storyline is unique and the cast does an amazing job at making the animated character likable and charismatic. 

The movie tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who throws a big party celebration every Halloween. However, this year, Jack is bored and wants to try something new, so he decides to take over Christmas from Santa Claus. From there on, the adventures begin.

Tim Burton has a specific, gothicky style which might not be to everyone’s taste. This is why we remind you to google Tim Burton first (if you’re not familiar with him) and see what you’re getting into. 

An All Dogs Christmas Carol (1998)

Age rating: All 

“An All Dogs Christmas Carol” is a cute animated movie for kids of all ages. The storyline is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic book of the same name. It’s the third of the four movies before 2000 that we decided to include in our list. There are many reasons for this, but most noteworthy is that “An All Dogs Christmas Carol” is a Christmas special based on the “All Dogs Go To Heaven” universe. It’s touching and heartwarming, but irreplaceable for kids who have a close bond with a pet.  

The Santa Clause (1994)

Age rating: 6+

Another movie from the 90s that still gains a lot of popularity around Christmas is the famous “The Santa Clause” movie. Back in the day, this movie was so popular that creators made three more sequels, a similar situation to Home Alone. 

The original version follows the story of Scott Calvin, an average man, who accidentally makes Santa Claus fall off his roof. Because of the fall, Scott found himself in a weird situation, where he is not in a position to say no. So, he agrees to help Santa Claus deliver all the gifts in time. By saying yes, Scott also becomes the new Santa Claus, although he’s blissfully unaware. 

The movie is hilarious and deserves a chance to make your Christmas night lively and entertaining. 

In case you’ve watched it recently, here are the sequels, which might be more suitable for your family: 

• The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
• The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)

Alone for Christmas (2013)

Age rating: All

As the name suggests, this one has a lot of things in common with the “Home Alone” film series, but with one major difference – the main character is the family dog! The family visits grandma on Christmas Eve, leaving their dog, home alone, and just as you would expect it, burglars try to break in and steal the presents. 

Seeing how a dog uses advanced tricks to outsmart people, never gets old. This movie is funny and makes you feel good, so you shouldn’t give it much thought. 

The Polar Express (2004)

Age rating: 4+

“The Polar Express” is an adaptation of one of the most beautiful Christmas books for kids (with the same name). Fortunately, both the book and the movie are a huge success with the power to captivate children’s interest and make them intensely listen to every word and analyze every scene. 

Best of all, this is a movie for kids of all ages!  

The story is about a boy who loses faith in the existence of Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas until he’s visited by the Polar Express, a magical train. The train takes the boy and some other children to the North Pole to see Santa Claus. However, it’s not about the destination, but the journey itself. On the train, the boy forms new friendships and experiences magical moments that make him forget everything he believed so far.

Elf (2003)

Age rating: 7+

“Elf” is yet another unique Christmas story that focuses on family relationships. This is a feel-good film for all the die-hard fans of holiday movies. The cast involves Will Ferrell, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and the cute Zooey Deschanel. 

The main protagonist is Buddy (Will Ferrell), who’s an orphan who falls into Santa’s gift bag on Christmas Eve and it’s taken back to the North Pole. Instead of going back, Buddy is raised as a toy-making elf in Santa’s workshop. However, as he grows up he realizes he doesn’t fit there and goes on his own journey to find his real father. 

The Christmas Dragon (2014)

Age rating: 8+

Again, appealing to the young fans of adventure/fantasy movies, “The Christmas Dragon” has a little bit of everything. It’s a holiday movie that takes place in medieval Europe. It features dragons, magic, and a little girl as the main protagonist. Oh, and the essential ingredient – a mission to save Christmas!

You may wonder how all that fits into one movie, but don’t worry! “The Christmas Dragon” is a brilliant film that your child (maybe even you) is going to enjoy all the way through. 

All I Want for Christmas Is You (2017)

Age rating: All

The infamous song, which is a symbol of Christmas, is now a movie, too. Yap, it’s not just the title that’s the same, but this cute animated movie is actually based on the song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff. 

The story is about a young girl named Mariah who only has one wish for Christmas, and that’s to own a dog. Not just any dog, but a little puppy she saw in the pet store. However, her parents give her a challenge before they make her wish come true. They make her prove she’s a responsible dog-owner by dog-sitting her uncle’s dog, Jack, who’s a very energetic and playful dog!

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”  is a festive and joyful movie for kids of all ages. It teaches them about responsibility, while also making them laugh. 

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas! (2012)

Age rating: All

Another very chill Christmas movie for kids of all ages is the Christmas special from “The Cat in the Hat” universe. It’s a one-hour animated film that features Martin Short and Alexa Torrington. 

The story follows the well-known characters, The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick, and Fish, who help a baby reindeer get home safely in time for Christmas.

Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas (2011)

Age rating: 8+

“Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas” is the third movie in a series adapted from Lois Gladys Leppard’s books about the heroine Mandie. In the movie, Mandie finds herself in a 1900’s boarding school where she struggles to fit in and while exploring the school she finds a mystery that she has to solve. 

The movie, unfortunately, doesn’t answer how Mandie got to 1900s when she’s born just before the turn of the 20th century in North Carolina (a fact from previous movies and books). The plot focuses on the mystery, highlights the prejudices that Mandie has to deal with, and closely relates to coming-of-age children, who might face similar experiences. 

The Search for Santa Paws (2010)

Age rating: All

For all the animal-lovers, here’s another cute movie that features adorable little puppies that talk! It’s the ultimate feel-good movie that’s going to fill your heart with joy. 

The story follows the adventure of Santa Claus and his little puppy named Paws. While in New York, Santa is hit by a car and loses his memory, so it’s up to Paws and a couple of amazing kids to save Santa and bring him and Paws back to the North Pole. 

This movie is the tenth film in the Air Bud franchise, and a prequel to Santa Buddies, which is also a great choice for Christmas to watch after the “The Search for Santa Paws.”

A Christmas Tree Miracle (2013)

Age rating: 6+

“A Christmas Tree Miracle” is a truly inspirational film that reminds everyone of what’s really important in life and during Christmas as well – the simple things and family relationships, not gifts or big celebrations. 

The story follows a dysfunctional family who loses “everything” when the father loses his job. However, during Christmas, a former tree farmer takes them into his home, where they learn how to communicate again, what’s important, and how to overcome the obstacles life throws at them, in order to be happier. 

Frozen (2013)

Age rating: All

It’s hard to imagine that there’s anything left for us to say about this movie, that you haven’t heard already. There’s a very little possibility that you and your children haven’t watched “Frozen” by now, but it’s a highly rewatchable movie, and we couldn’t skip it. It’s the perfect Christmas movie for kids of all ages, and as a parent, you know you can’t miss this one. 

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

Age rating: All

On the other hand, if your family has watched “Frozen” many times before, then “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” might be the right choice for this year. It’s a 22 minutes musical created by Disney+. In this movie, our beloved Olaf goes on a mission to find the best Christmas traditions, so he can surprise Elsa and Anna. To do this, he visits every household in Arendelle, and we follow his journey. 

Although short, this musical infects kids with all the positive emotions it shows, like love, affection, kindness, empathy, and so on.   

Before You Leave

Did you find something you like? 

We’re sure you did, and hopefully more than one movie. Movie marathons for Christmas are sure fun, so make sure you’re prepared and have a backup! We guarantee your kids will laugh or get super-excited while watching the adventures we’ve selected. 

If you need more ideas on what to do during the holidays, we also have guides on the Best Christmas Activities for Kids and Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids. On our website, you’ll also find a lot of different worksheet packages about Christmas, Winter, New Year, and other similar subjects. 

Plus, we made sure to regularly share interesting articles regarding the holidays, so don’t forget to check out our blog.