25 Christmas Movies for Kids & Families
Christmas movies get everyone in the spirit, no matter what’s going on around them.
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The Polar Express
Ages: 6 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, YouTube
Based on the book of the same name, this animated holiday movie follows the story of a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa and is whisked away on a train to the North Pole to meet jolly old St. Nick himself.
Klaus
Ages: 6 and older
Where to watch: Netflix
When Jesper, a young postal worker, is sent to a remote island, he can’t leave until he processes 6,000 pieces of mail. The only catch? The residents don’t send mail. But he gets an idea when a child accidentally sends a letter to a hermit and toymaker, who then sends the child back a toy.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Ages: 7 and older
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon, iTunes, YouTube
While many may consider this a Halloween movie (Jack Skellington is to Halloween what Santa is to Christmas), we’re considering it a Christmas movie. Skellington tries to bring Christmas to Halloweentown, after all.
Elf
Ages: 7 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, YouTube
An instant holiday classic that’s oft-quoted during the holidays, Will Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, who was raised in the North Pole but isn’t actually an elf. What we particularly love is Buddy’s antics while exploring NYC.
A Christmas Story
Ages: 8 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, YouTube
Unlike many other Christmas movies, this holiday classic is an unvarnished look at a 1940s family told from the perspective of Ralphie, who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Ages: 8 and older
Where to watch: Netflix
Jeronicus Jangle is a fantastical inventor, but his apprentice keeps stealing his best inventions. Find out what happens when his granddaughter decides to do something about it. This diverse Christmas film has some flashy musical numbers and positive messages about family, tradition, patience, forgiveness, and curiosity.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ages: 8 and older
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon, iTunes
The 2000 version of the classic Dr. Seuss story reveals how the Grinch came to hate Christmas—and what happens when everyone realizes that Christmas is about family and what’s in your heart rather than what’s under the tree.
Christmas Movies for ages 9 and older
Disney’s a Christmas Carol
Ages: 9 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, Disney+, YouTube
This animated 3-D adaptation of Dickens’ classic stars Jim Carrey as Scrooge, who gets visits from Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Ages: 9 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes, YouTube
This black-and-white classic is the heartwarming tale of George Bailey, who comes to learn the tremendous impact he has had on his community—and how the world would be completely different without him.
The Santa Clause
Ages: 9 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, Disney+, iTunes, YouTube
Find out what happens when Scott Calvin, a toy industry exec, puts on Santa’s suit and transforms into jolly old St. Nick—all because of the Santa clause.
Home Alone
Ages: 10 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, Disney+, iTunes, YouTube
You can’t go wrong with this holiday classic! Your kids will be entertained by the holiday hijinx Kevin McCallister gets into as he tries to save his home from burglars. Just remind your kids that the shenanigans Kevin pulls shouldn’t be tried in real life!
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Ages: 10 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, Disney+, iTunes, YouTube
While sequels don’t usually live up to the original, Home Alone 2 holds a special place in our hearts (especially since it takes place in NYC!). Once again, Kevin McCallister goes up against the burglars from the original, but this time he saves Duncan’s Toy Chest, a toy store based on FAO Schwarz.
The Mistle-Tones
Ages: 11 and older
Where to watch: Amazon, Disney+
Holly has always dreamed of landing a spot in the town’s vocal group, The Snow Belles. But when she’s overlooked by the group’s leader, she challenges the Belles to a sing-off for a spot at the town’s Christmas Eve event.
