When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing better than gathering the family together, making some hot cocoa, and watching a heartwarming Christmas movie. Kids especially love the magic and wonder captured in classic Christmas films. If you’re looking for the perfect movie to watch with your little ones this year, here are the 25 best Christmas movies for kids of all ages.
1. Elf (2003)
Elf is a hilarious modern Christmas classic starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf in the North Pole. When Buddy learns the truth about his identity, he heads to New York City to find his biological father. Kids will love Buddy’s silly antics and fish-out-of-water adventures in the big city. With plenty of quotable lines and heartfelt moments, Elf is a must-watch for the whole family.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, is accidentally left behind when his large family goes on vacation in Home Alone. At first, having the house to himself is a dream come true. But when two bumbling burglars target the McCallister home, it’s up to Kevin to protect it with a series of clever and hilarious booby traps. Home Alone‘s slapstick humor and heartwarming ending make it a perennial family favorite.
3. The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the beloved children’s book, The Polar Express uses stunning animation to tell the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks voices multiple characters, including the mysterious train conductor and Santa Claus himself. With a beautiful score and a poignant message about believing, The Polar Express is a visual feast that captures the wonder of the season.
4. A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. But everywhere he turns, the adults in his life warn “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Filled with iconic scenes, like Ralphie’s friend getting his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole, A Christmas Story is a nostalgic and hilarious look at the trials and triumphs of an all-American Christmas.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In this live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic, Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a grumpy green creature who hates Christmas. When the Grinch decides to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos down in Whoville, he learns that there’s more to the season than just presents. With whimsical sets, elaborate costumes, and Carrey’s manic energy, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a visual treat that stays true to the spirit of the original story.
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets put their own spin on the Charles Dickens classic in The Muppet Christmas Carol. Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, while Michael Caine stars as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. With catchy musical numbers and the Muppets’ signature humor, this retelling is a delightful way to introduce kids to the timeless tale of redemption and goodwill.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The original Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming story about a department store Santa who claims to be the real Kris Kringle. When his sanity is questioned, a young lawyer decides to defend him in court. This classic film teaches kids about the importance of faith, kindness, and standing up for what you believe in.
8. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas is a charming animated adventure that reveals the high-tech inner workings of the North Pole. When Santa’s clumsy son Arthur learns that a child’s present has been misplaced, he sets out on a mission to deliver the gift before Christmas morning. With a talented voice cast and plenty of clever jokes, Arthur Christmas is a fresh and funny take on the Santa Claus story.
9. The Santa Clause (1994)
The Santa Clause stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve. When Scott puts on Santa’s suit, he is magically transported to the North Pole and informed that he must take over the role of Santa Claus. As Scott struggles to balance his new responsibilities with his family life, he learns valuable lessons about the true meaning of Christmas.
10. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Based on the popular Christmas song, Frosty the Snowman is a charming animated short about a group of kids who build a snowman that comes to life with the help of a magic hat. But when the temperature starts to rise, Frosty must head north to avoid melting away. With a memorable soundtrack and lovable characters, Frosty the Snowman is a holiday classic that has been delighting kids for generations.
11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Another beloved stop-motion special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tells the story of a young reindeer who is teased by his peers for his glowing red nose. When Christmas is threatened by a terrible blizzard, Rudolph must use his unique feature to guide Santa’s sleigh and save the day. With catchy songs and a message about embracing your differences, Rudolph is a timeless tale of acceptance and heroism.
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The Nightmare Before Christmas blurs the line between the two holidays in this stop-motion musical from director Tim Burton. When Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, he decides to put his own spooky spin on the holiday. With hauntingly beautiful animation and an unforgettable soundtrack, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
13. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a beloved animated special that follows the Peanuts gang as they grapple with the commercialization of the holiday season. When Charlie Brown is put in charge of directing the school Christmas play, he searches for the true meaning of Christmas with the help of his friends. With a jazzy soundtrack and a poignant message about the importance of love and friendship, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday classic for all ages.
14. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
In this stop-motion special, Santa Claus decides to take a year off from delivering presents when he feels unappreciated by the world’s children. It’s up to two elves and a young boy to prove that the Christmas spirit is still alive and convince Santa to return to his duties. The Year Without a Santa Claus features memorable characters like the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, as well as catchy musical numbers that will have kids singing along.
15. The Polar Express (2004)
Another entry for The Polar Express, which deserves a second mention for its groundbreaking animation and heartwarming story. The film’s “performance capture” technology allows Tom Hanks to play multiple roles, from the mysterious train conductor to Santa Claus himself. With stunning visuals and a powerful message about the importance of belief, The Polar Express is a modern Christmas classic that will enchant viewers of all ages.
16. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Disney puts its own spin on the Dickens classic in Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Mickey Mouse plays Bob Cratchit, while Scrooge McDuck takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. With appearances from other beloved Disney characters like Donald Duck and Goofy, this animated short is a fun and accessible way to introduce kids to the timeless tale of redemption and goodwill.
17. The Snowman (1982)
Based on the picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is a wordless animated short that follows a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they embark on a magical adventure, flying over the countryside and even meeting Santa Claus. With beautiful hand-drawn animation and a haunting musical score, The Snowman is a gentle and dreamlike holiday tale that will enchant viewers of all ages.
18. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is a stop-motion special that tells the origin story of Santa Claus, from his childhood as an orphan named Kris Kringle to his eventual role as the beloved bringer of gifts. Along the way, Kris must contend with the grumpy Burgermeister Meisterburger, who has banned all toys in the town of Sombertown. With a catchy soundtrack and a heartwarming message about the power of generosity, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town is a holiday classic that has been delighting families for generations.
19. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
Based on the popular Christmas carol, The Little Drummer Boy tells the story of a poor young boy named Aaron who hates humanity after his family is killed by bandits. When he meets the Three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem, Aaron learns the true meaning of love and forgiveness. With beautiful Rankin/Bass stop-motion animation and a poignant message about the transformative power of kindness, The Little Drummer Boy is a moving and inspiring holiday tale.
20. Jingle All the Way (1996)
In this hilarious family comedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a father who will stop at nothing to get his son the hottest toy of the holiday season, the Turbo Man action figure. But when he waits until Christmas Eve to start shopping, he finds himself in a mad scramble against other desperate parents. With slapstick humor and a heartwarming message about the importance of family, Jingle All the Way is a fun and festive holiday romp.
21. The Nutcracker Prince (1990)
This animated adaptation of the classic ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve. When the nutcracker comes to life as a handsome prince, Clara must help him defeat the evil Mouse King and break the curse that turned him to wood. With beautiful animation and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker Prince is a magical and enchanting holiday fantasy.
22. Prancer (1989)
In this heartwarming family drama, a young girl named Jessica finds an injured reindeer that she believes belongs to Santa Claus. As she nurses the reindeer back to health, Jessica must also deal with her father’s struggling farm and the skepticism of the adults around her. With a touching performance by Rebecca Harrell as Jessica and a message about the power of faith and love, Prancer is a moving and inspiring holiday film.
23. Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
Based on the popular children’s books, Eloise at Christmastime follows the adventures of a precocious six-year-old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel in New York City. When Eloise learns that the hotel’s owner is planning to sell it, she sets out to save the day with the help of her friends and family. With a talented cast that includes Julie Andrews and Sofia Vassilieva as Eloise, this charming holiday comedy is perfect for kids who love a little mischief and a lot of heart.
24. The Christmas Toy (1986)
In this beloved Jim Henson special, a group of toys in a playroom come to life when their owner, Jamie, is not around. When a new toy arrives for Christmas, the other toys must navigate their own jealousy and insecurity while also protecting Jamie from the truth about their existence. With clever humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about the importance of friendship and acceptance, The Christmas Toy is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of kids.
25. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
This Netflix original movie stars Kurt Russell as a cool and charismatic Santa Claus who must work with two siblings to save Christmas after his sleigh crashes in Chicago. With exciting action sequences, heartwarming moments, and plenty of holiday magic, The Christmas Chronicles is a fun and fresh take on the Santa Claus story that the whole family will enjoy. A sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, was released in 2020 and features even more adventures with Santa and his elves.
No matter what your family’s holiday traditions are, watching a beloved Christmas movie together is a great way to spend quality time and get into the festive spirit. From classic stop-motion specials to modern animated adventures, these 25 best Christmas movies for kids offer something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up on the couch, and enjoy the magic of the season with your little ones. Happy holidays!
