Movies are a staple of Christmas fun. The question is: what should you watch? Below are our Top 10 Classic Family Christmas Movies. Dive into the enchanting world of Christmas movies for kids, a must-have for families with little ones during the holiday season.
After filling up on the delicious Christmas feast of turkey, potatoes, Christmas ham – or nut roast and vegetables, depending on your family’s preferences – gather around the screen and let the Christmas magic begin. With a variety of heartwarming stories and hilarious adventures waiting to be discovered, these classic films capture the true spirit of the season and create lasting memories for the entire family. So, turn down the lights, grab some popcorn, and get started with our selection of top Christmas movies for kids.
You can also download the safe video app KidsBeeTV and watch a bunch of fun Christmas cartoons and songs with your kids. Enjoy!
Top 10 Family Christmas Movies – Full List
1. Home Alone
Probably the most popular Christmas movie for family
Let’s face it, no Christmas movie list would be complete without this all-time classic. In fact, it was the first one we thought of.
After being sent to the attic for misbehaving, young Kevin McCallister’s family heads to the airport the next day for their Christmas vacation, accidentally leaving poor Kevin behind. The young boy finds himself home alone for several days.
Unfortunately for Kevin, two local thugs find out he’s alone. But Kevin is smarter than both of them. The hilarious encounters that ensue are sure to delight the whole family.
This is a very nostalgic movie that will bring back Christmas memories for parents of a certain age.
Important note
Parental guidance is recommended, especially for younger children, due to the PG rating and some slapstick violence.
2. Elf
A lovely non-animated Christmas movie for kids
Elf is the hilarious story of a human, played by Will Ferrell, who is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby and raised as one of Santa’s elves.
When Buddy realizes he’s a little different from the other elves, he travels to New York in search of his real father.
This feel-good Christmas classic is not only very funny, but more importantly, has a positive holiday message, making it the perfect Christmas movie.
3. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
A Christmas movie to watch with kids over and over again
The Grinch is the story of the miserable creature who lives with his dog, Max, on Mount Crumpet above Whoville. As the residents of Whoville, known as the Whos, expand their Christmas celebrations, the Grinch attempts to steal Christmas. In an attempt to regain some peace and quiet, the Grinch poses as Santa Claus so he can ruin the Whos’ Christmas once and for all.
In conclusion, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is a great update of a classic story that is suitable for the whole family.
4. Klaus
A Christmas must-see with a powerful message
Who wouldn’t want to see the Oscar-nominated origin story of Santa Claus? This gorgeous holiday animation is about a lonely toy maker who befriends a postal worker. Guess what happens next…
Important note
Parental guidance is recommended as there are some slightly scary scenes in what is overall a very sweet movie with a great message.
5. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
A special Family Christmas Movie from Parents’ Childhood
You probably saw Mickey’s Christmas Carol when you were a kid. It is the story of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, told through Disney’s favorite Mickey Mouse characters.
Featuring Scrooge McDuck as the Christmas moneylender, this 28-minute short features many classic Disney characters. This makes it another fun Christmas movie for kids to watch.
6. Frozen
A must-include in your family Christmas movies list.
Although not technically a Christmas movie, as it is set in the summer, Frozen contains many Christmas elements such as snowmen, elves, and reindeer. First released in 2013, Frozen has become a worldwide sensation and an instant classic. It is a wonderful tale of sisterhood, packed with catchy songs and dazzling animation. Certainly a great movie that the whole family will enjoy.
7. A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa.
Certainly, a perfect Christmas movie for kids
In this fun adventure with these classic stuffed characters, the Muppets head to the North Pole with the hope of delivering letters to Santa Claus. Whether your kids are Muppets fans or new to the franchise, they’ll love this entertaining Christmas film. Parents will also enjoy this heartwarming and classic Christmas tale, which at 56 minutes is a short blast of fun.
8. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
A magical Christmas movie, eye and ear candy
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is the story of a grumpy toymaker who has lost his mojo.
The enchantment happens when a visit from his granddaughter helps the old toymaker, played by Forest Whitaker, find his magic touch again. Filled with wonderful visuals, dazzling festivity and Christmas songs, this is an easy watch that will please young kids.
9. Arthur Christmas
An adorable and super fun Christmas movie for children.
Arthur Christmas is a lovely Christmas story full of positive messages. It was created by the British team that brought Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run to life. Starring Hugh Laurie, James McAvoy and Bill Nighy, this hilarious family Christmas movie answers the question of how Santa can visit so many homes in just one night.
The story is about the spirit of Christmas and family, and is filled with wholesome values. That is why we believe this is another good Christmas movie for children to watch.
10. The Snowman
The ultimate Christmas movie for the family
The Snowman is a wordless Christmas story about a – you guessed it – snowman that comes to life.
The snowman and the boy who built him explore the boy’s house and move outside when it gets a little warm for the snowy fellow.
Then they go outside and take to the skies, heading for the North Pole. The highlight of this short movie is Howard Blake’s spectacular song “Walking in the Air”.
All in all, a delightful story and a perfect Christmas movie.
Curiosity: Oscar – Best Animated Short Film – Nominated
Where to watch these Christmas movies for kids and family?
All of these holiday movies are available on the major streaming services. To find out exactly which ones, instead of searching each streaming service until you find them, you can search on a site like JustWatch, which can show you all the streaming services where you can watch your favorite movies.
…And a Christmas bonus suggestion
Not a movie, but a different kind of suggestion: don’t forget to download and tune into KidsBeeTV this Christmas! We have a special offer for new users this season. Take a look here.
Packed with festive content, KidsBeeTV is safe video app for kiddies – available on TVs, tablets, and mobile devices – crams in hours and hours of kid-friendly, teacher-curated content, and educational games.
You will find a lot of songs and Nursery Rhymes, cartoons, stories, and crafting videos handpicked specially for this season.
- Christmas carols by Pinkfong, Lingokids, The Mik Maks, and NxBeats, among others;
- Special Christmas episodes with Pocoyo, Sunny Bunnies, Where’s Chicky, Molang, Mouk, Beadies, and a lot more.
- Animated Christmas stories with Vooks, and KidsBeeTV original audio stories for bedtime inspired by the Christmas classics.
Your kids will simply love it.
Happy Holiday season!