Is there anything better than snuggling up on the sofa to watch a Christmas movie as a family? Christmas is a time for cozy snuggling under the tree’s twinkling lights, and Christmas movies are the perfect things to watch.
Watching festive films is one of those rare Christmas traditions that’s affordable and easy, making it a perfect activity for this holiday season.
Whether you’re using a movie to fill time on a bad weather day or enjoying some time as a family, there are plenty of excellent films to choose from. Keep reading to discover the best Christmas movies for kids.
If you love Christmas, you’ll love snuggling down with a holiday movie. So grab some popcorn, heat up some hot chocolate and choose a film from the list. We hope you have a most wonderful time!
Here are 12 of the best Christmas movies for kids:
#1. Home Alone
We include the whole franchise here, from the 1990 original, starring Macaulay Culkin, to 2021’s Home Sweet Home Alone based on the same concept. T
hese movies are fantastic fun for all the family. The original is arguably the best but the rest of the collection is certainly worth watching.
The 1990 original is a PG, so you’ll need to consider whether your kids are old enough to watch it. In this holiday classic, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when the rest of the family goes on vacation to Paris.
During his ‘home alone’ time, Kevin must protect the family home from a pair of burglars. Luckily, he has plenty of sneaky ideas up his sleeve to keep them at bay.
#2. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol
This classic film will have you full to the brim with nostalgia. A Muppet’s Christmas Carol is probably one of Jim Henson’s most loved movies and many families watch it together year after year.
As you might have guessed, Jim Henson’s beloved Muppets retell Charles Dickens’ famous tale in this 1992 movie, A Christmas Carol. Expect plenty of belly laughs, catchy songs and cute puppetry.
It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with family favorites: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and some of their friends. Michael Caine stars as Scrooge.
This Christmas film is perfect for younger kiddies, who will love the puppets.
#3. Elf
Elf is one of the top Christmas movies. Released in 2003, this much-loved family favorite stars Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel. When Buddy the Elf receives the devastating news that he’s not really an elf, he decides to search for his birth father.
His search takes him to New York and the offices of his grumpy Dad, Walter. Can Buddy the Christmas fanatic win over Christmas-hating Walter and the rest of New York City in time to save Christmas?
As you would expect from a movie starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, this festive film is laugh-out-loud funny.
The soundtrack will have you singing along and the movie’s message will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. There’s Christmas cheer all around by the end of this fabulous film.
#4. The Christmas Chronicles
It’s not often that a new Christmas film lives up to its hype, but The Christmas Chronicles certainly deserves its place on this list.
Starring Kurt Russell as a (dreamy) Claus, this 2018 movie tells the tale of Kate and Teddy, a brother-sister duo who have to work together to save Christmas.
It has everything you could wish for in a festive film: reindeer, an almost ruined Christmas and a kid who has stopped believing. It’s absolute perfection and definitely worth a watch this holiday season. Be sure to check out the sequel, too.
#5. The Grinch
If you’re a Grinch fan, there are a few options. BellyBelly’s fave is the 2018 animated version from the makers of Despicable Me. The Grinch, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, looks for a way to ruin Christmas for the whole of Whoville.
Luckily, Cindy Lou is on hand to save the day and teach the Grinch how to open his grouchy green heart to Christmas.
This classic Christmas story is true to the original, while including plenty of modern humor and charm to make sure it dazzles audiences of all ages.
It’s one of those movies the whole family will enjoy, so snuggle down and find out why the Grinch stole Christmas. This is the perfect movie to remind your kids about the true meaning of Christmas.
#6. Klaus
This 2019 Christmas release quickly stole hearts around the world. The animated movie tells the story of Jesper, a reluctant postman in the Arctic Circle. He soon befriends a teacher, Alva, and a mysterious carpenter who lives in a cabin filled with handmade toys.
Together, they teach the town’s children about the magic of Christmas. When it comes to Christmas movies for kids, this is a great option.
#7. Noelle
Noelle (2019) begins with the retirement of Santa Claus. His son, who has long been expected to take over the family business, decides he doesn’t want the job and skips town.
His sister, Noelle, famed for her holiday spirit, is left to pick up the pieces and save the holidays.
Anna Kendrick stars as Noelle, and the movie offers all the Anna Kendrick goodness you could wish for this Christmas. Kendrick is perfect for the role and the film itself is ideal viewing for the holiday season.
#8. The Polar Express
This gorgeous film is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book, The Polar Express. A young boy who doesn’t believe much in Santa sees a mysterious train on Christmas Eve.
When the train conductor, voiced by Tom Hanks, invites the boy aboard, it is the beginning of the Christmas journey of a lifetime.
As the children hurtle across the globe to visit the North Pole, the boy learns more about the magic of Christmas and the importance of believing in the big guy.
The only downside to this movie is the animation style, which is almost too lifelike and can leave you feeling uneasy. However, if you can look past the CGI style, this is a gorgeous Christmas movie.
The film features themes including bravery, friendship and the magic of Christmas, so it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
#9. Nativity
In this film, Martin Freeman plays an uptight, irritable, and secretly heartbroken primary teacher, who tells a white lie about Hollywood coming to watch his class nativity play.
The lie, told to annoy an ex-colleague, quickly gets out of hand and Freeman must act quickly to avoid disappointing his class on show day. But can the heartbroken teacher find his Christmas spirit in time to save the day?
This 2009 British Christmas movie features plenty of silliness that will have your kids laughing out loud. It also has a delightful ending that will warm even the coldest of hearts.
In addition, this Christmas musical comedy features a fabulous soundtrack that will stay in your head for the rest of the holiday season.
#10. Miracle on 34th Street
The 1994 retelling of this classic tale deserves a spot on your Christmas movies for kids schedule. This heartwarming Christmas story tells the tale of six-year-old Susan and her lawyer mom, who have to convince the court (and the public) that Kris Kringle is the real Father Christmas.
Although Susan is hard to win over at first, Kris Kringle soon convinces her that he’s the real deal and she helps secure him a court win. This worthy Christmas classic is definitely worth introducing to your kids over the holidays.
#11. The Santa Clause
First released in 1994, The Santa Clause has stood the test of time. Tim Allen plays divorced Dad, Scott Calvin, who accidentally causes Father Christmas to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve.
Scott puts on Father Christmas’ suit and he and his son, Charlie, finish the night’s deliveries to save the day before heading to the North Pole. Reaching the workshop, though, Scott soon discovers he must now become the new Santa.
This film offers everything you would expect from a 90s Tim Allen movie. It’s funny and heart-warming and filled with Christmas magic. And, even better, there’s a whole franchise of sequels for you to enjoy once you’ve exhausted the original.
#12. Arthur Christmas
Perfect for younger viewers, Arthur Christmas is an animated movie that answers the question: ‘How Santa can deliver so many toys in just one night?’ It’s because Santa relies on a high-tech solution to ensure the safe delivery of presents.
Even the reindeer have been replaced with a computerized sleigh. Unfortunately, one child has been missed this year. It’s up to Santa’s son, Arthur, to save the day. But can he get the presents delivered before Christmas morning?
These are our favorite kid friendly Christmas movies. There’s plenty for you to enjoy this holiday season, and it should be enough to satisfy all your family friendly holiday film viewing needs.
