Top Kids’ Christmas Movies – The Ultimate Holiday Watch List

There’s nothing more magical than snuggling up with your kids on a chilly December evening, sipping hot cocoa, and getting swept into the sparkle of holiday movies. Whether you’re building your Christmas Eve lineup, planning a themed movie night, or starting a December family tradition, choosing the right movies can turn ordinary evenings into cherished memories.

This guide rounds up the top kids’ Christmas movies—from timeless classics to modern favorites—complete with age recommendations, plot notes, and ideas for turning each movie into a mini celebration. Let’s make this holiday season feel extra merry and bright!

Why Christmas Movies Matter for Kids

Holiday movies aren’t just something to pass the time—they help create a sense of wonder, reinforce family traditions, and teach kids about kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving.

For parents, they’re also an easy way to create meaningful moments during a busy season. Turn on the tree lights, warm up some popcorn or sugar cookies, and suddenly your living room feels like a winter retreat.

Top Kids’ Christmas Movies Of All Time

Below are the best children’s Christmas movies across several categories: classic animation, modern favorites, musical picks, and heartwarming stories perfect for younger viewers.

The Polar Express

Best for ages: 5+
Theme: Believing in the magic of Christmas

“The Polar Express” is a visually stunning movie that captures the childlike wonder of believing in Santa. Kids get whisked away on a magical train ride to the North Pole, and parents will appreciate its nostalgic message about holding onto faith and imagination.

Make it fun: Serve hot chocolate just like the waiters in the movie. Bonus points if you add marshmallows shaped like snowflakes.

Elf

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Family, joy, embracing your quirks

“Elf” is one of the few kids’ movies that adults love just as much. Buddy the Elf’s joyful personality, silly humor, and love for syrup make this a perfect pick for families with school-aged kids.

Movie night idea: Let kids create their own “Buddy-style” snack trays with popcorn, M&Ms, pretzels, and mini marshmallows.

Home Alone

Best for ages: 8+
Theme: Independence, family unity

“Home Alone” follows Kevin McCallister, accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris. Between the hilarious booby traps and heartfelt ending, it’s a must-watch Christmas classic.

Good to know: There’s slapstick violence, so this one’s typically better for older kids.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 animated + 2000 live action)

Best for ages: 4+ for animated, 6+ for live action
Theme: Kindness, community, finding joy beyond presents

The Grinch has been a holiday staple for over 50 years, and both versions bring plenty of whimsy. Kids will love the playful rhymes and colorful characters of Whoville.

Try this: Read the Dr. Seuss book before or after watching to make it a story-and-snuggle night. Plus serve the The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Green Punch at movie night!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Best for ages: 4+
Theme: Embracing differences

This stop-motion Christmas classic is a must-watch for little ones. With the Island of Misfit Toys and timeless songs like “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” it’s a sweet and gentle movie young kids adore.

Make it festive: Set out red-nose cookies or strawberries dipped in white chocolate.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Best for ages: 3+
Theme: Friendship and the magic of winter

Frosty is a simple, cheerful movie with an irresistible soundtrack. It’s short enough to hold toddlers’ attention and nostalgic enough for adults.

Try pairing with: A build-your-own snowman craft using cotton balls for littles.

Klaus

Best for ages: 6+
Theme: Kindness, generosity, uplifting others

“Klaus” is an award-winning Netflix film that gives an imaginative origin story for Santa. It’s beautifully animated with a heartfelt message perfect for the holiday season.

Movie night idea: Kids can write letters to Santa afterward, inspired by the movie’s themes.

The Santa Clause

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Family, belief in magic

When Scott Calvin unexpectedly becomes Santa, he has to learn the ropes while juggling real-life responsibilities. Funny, heartwarming, and totally ’90s, it’s a great holiday pick.

Extra fun: Make “North Pole Sundaes” with peppermint ice cream and red-green sprinkles.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Best for ages: 3+
Theme: Gratitude, generosity

Short and sweet, this Disney retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic is perfect for young kids. The familiar characters help lighten the more serious themes.

Tip: This one’s short (about 25 minutes), so it’s great for before bedtime.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Best for ages: 3+
Theme: Simplicity, the true spirit of Christmas

Charlie Brown’s search for meaning in all the holiday hustle makes this a timeless Christmas tradition. It’s slow-paced and gentle—perfect for winding down.

Make it special: Let kids help decorate a small “Charlie Brown tree.”

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Best for ages: 5+
Theme: Redemption and kindness

The Muppets add humor, music, and heart to the classic Dickens tale, making it far more accessible for kids. Even younger viewers will enjoy the songs and puppetry.

Fun idea: Serve “Kermit’s green punch” (lime sherbet + sprite).

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018, Illumination)

Best for ages: 4+
Theme: Joy, community, holiday cheer

This updated version of the Grinch story is bright, modern, and perfect for younger kids who may prefer animation over the 2000 Jim Carrey version.

Activity: Have kids draw their own versions of Whoville characters.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

Best for ages: 3+
Theme: Traditions, family rituals

If your kids are “Frozen” fans, this short holiday feature is perfect. Olaf goes on a quest to discover family traditions, inspiring conversations about your own.

Tip: Pair with gingerbread cookie decorating.

Jingle All the Way

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Holiday stress, family priorities, humor

“Jingle All the Way” is a comedic holiday classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a dad on a frantic mission to find the year’s hottest Christmas toy—Turbo Man—after forgetting to buy it ahead of time. Kids love the slapstick humor, over-the-top action scenes, and cartoonish villains, while parents appreciate the relatable message about slowing down and focusing on what matters most.

Though packed with physical comedy and silly chaos, the movie has a warm, heartfelt ending perfect for family night.

Fun movie-night activity:
Before watching, help kids make their own “Turbo Man Wish List” or draw their favorite Christmas toy of all time—real or imaginary. Afterward, talk about what makes the holidays meaningful beyond gifts.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Curiosity, identity, embracing who you are

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a magical crossover film that blends Halloween charm with Christmas wonder. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas for the first time and becomes enchanted with the idea of bringing holiday cheer to his spooky world. Kids love the imaginative characters, catchy songs, and whimsical stop-motion animation, while parents appreciate the beautiful storytelling and artistry.

Though not scary, some characters and scenes may be intense for the youngest viewers, making this one especially perfect for school-aged kids and tweens.

Movie-night idea:
Host a “Halloween Meets Christmas” snack bar with pumpkin cookies, candy canes, and hot cocoa. Let kids choose if they want to dress in “Team Halloween” or “Team Christmas” pajamas for the viewing.

Noelle

Best for ages: 6+
Theme: Responsibility, kindness, discovering your purpose

Noelle is a cheerful and heartwarming Disney+ original starring Anna Kendrick as Noelle Kringle—Santa’s daughter—who must help save Christmas after her brother (and next-in-line Santa) disappears. Kids love Noelle’s cheerful personality, the bright North Pole setting, and the fun holiday adventure that takes the characters from candy-cane cottages to sunny Arizona.

The movie delivers a sweet message about believing in yourself, making a difference, and leading with compassion.

Movie-night idea:
Serve “North Pole Snowflake Popcorn” (white-chocolate-drizzled popcorn with sparkly sprinkles) and have kids design their own Santa hat or Christmas card inspired by Noelle’s kindness.

The Christmas Chronicles

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Family connection, adventure

Kurt Russell plays a stylish, rock-and-roll Santa in this fun, action-packed Netflix Christmas adventure. It’s slightly more intense, so better for older kids.

Fun add-on: Have kids write “Naughty and Nice” lists just for fun.

Christmas With the Kranks

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Community, family togetherness, holiday spirit

Christmas With the Kranks is a hilarious, feel-good comedy based on John Grisham’s novel Skipping Christmas. When the Kranks decide to skip the holiday altogether and take a cruise instead, their neighbors—and eventually their own daughter—have other plans. Kids enjoy the silly antics, neighborhood chaos, and over-the-top decorations, while parents appreciate the message about community and the joy of coming together during the holidays.

It’s light, funny, and perfect for families who like a bit of comedy mixed into their Christmas movie nights.

Movie-night idea:
Have kids create their own “ultimate Christmas house decoration” on paper—complete with lights, inflatables, and the famous Frosty rooftop display.

A Christmas Story

Best for ages: 7+
Theme: Nostalgia, childhood wishes, holiday traditions

A Christmas Story is a beloved holiday classic that follows young Ralphie Parker and his single Christmas wish: a Red Ryder BB gun. Set in the 1940s, this movie is full of humor, memorable quotes, quirky family dynamics, and charmingly relatable childhood moments. Kids enjoy the silly school scenes, Santa encounter, and holiday mishaps, while parents appreciate the nostalgic storytelling and laugh-out-loud moments.

Some humor is dry or a bit mischievous, making it ideal for school-aged kids and tweens.

Movie-night idea:
Serve classic “Ralphie snacks” like popcorn and Christmas cookies. For fun, let kids design their own “Christmas wish list” inspired by Ralphie’s unforgettable dream gift.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Best for ages: 9+
Theme: Family chaos, holiday expectations, making the best of imperfect moments

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a hilarious, high-energy holiday classic that follows Clark Griswold’s over-the-top attempts to create the perfect Christmas for his family. Kids (especially tweens) love the wild decorations, slapstick humor, and goofy characters, while parents appreciate the iconic moments, quotable lines, and painfully relatable holiday mishaps.

This one does include mild language and adult humor, so it’s best for older kids who can understand the jokes without the film feeling too mature.

Movie-night idea:
Set up a “Griswold Decorating Station” where kids can create their own outrageous Christmas house drawings—complete with tangled lights and giant glowing snowmen. Pair it with popcorn and hot cocoa for a fun, cozy evening.

Edward Scissorhands

Best for ages: 10+
Theme: Acceptance, compassion, celebrating uniqueness

While Edward Scissorhands isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, its snowy scenes, gentle message, and magical Tim Burton atmosphere have made it a beloved winter favorite. The film tells the story of Edward, a gentle creation with scissors for hands, who tries to find belonging in a colorful suburban community. Kids (especially tweens) appreciate the fairy-tale feel, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling, while adults enjoy the deeper themes of kindness, identity, and empathy.

Because of some melancholy moments and mild mature elements, this one is best for older children who can understand the emotional nuance.

Movie-night idea:
Create “snowflake art” using white paper and scissors (with adult supervision). Pair it with cozy winter snacks and talk about how differences make people special.

Arthur Christmas

Best for ages: 5+
Theme: Teamwork, helping others

This cleverly animated movie explores how Santa manages to deliver millions of gifts worldwide. Arthur, the sweetest underdog, embarks on a mission that teaches kids the meaning of thoughtfulness and dedication.

Activity idea: Have kids draw their own “delivery system” for Santa with crayons or markers.

An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf

Best for ages: 3+
Theme: Believing in magic, kindness, holiday wonder

An Elf’s Story brings the beloved Elf on the Shelf tradition to life as Scout Elf “Chippey” helps a little boy rediscover the magic of Christmas. The movie is short, sweet, and perfect for younger kids who already adore their own Elf. With cheerful music, a gentle storyline, and plenty of Christmas sparkle, it’s an easy and heartwarming addition to any family holiday lineup.

Movie-night idea:
Before watching, have your elf leave a mini “movie ticket” or a festive note for the kids. Serve simple holiday treats—like hot cocoa with marshmallows or sugar cookies—to make the moment feel extra magical.

How to Make Your Kids’ Christmas Movie Night Extra Special

A cozy movie night is great—but with a couple simple touches, it can feel like a full holiday experience.

1. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar

Set out:

  • Marshmallows
  • Mini candy canes
  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed peppermint
  • Chocolate chips

Kids LOVE building their own Christmas cocoa mugs.

2. Make a Christmas Snack Board

Think:

Simple, festive, and fun!

3. Dress for the Theme

Have everyone wear matching pajamas—or choose pajama themes based on the movie. Of course ugly Christmas sweaters are always a festive option!

4. Add a Craft or Activity

For example:

5. Turn It Into a Countdown

Watch one movie each weekend (or each night of Christmas week) leading up to Christmas.

Final Thoughts – Christmas Movies Make Magic

Kids grow up fast, but these cozy Christmas movie nights and classic stories become part of your family’s holiday traditions. Whether you lean toward timeless films like “Rudolph,” modern favorites like “Klaus,” or silly comedies like “Elf,” the right movie can transform a simple night into a memory your kids will cherish for years.

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