Are you in the mood to watch a feel-good Christmas movie with your kids but can’t decide which one to watch since there are so many to choose from? When watching anything with children, one needs to be mindful of whether the works are age-appropriate. So, here are some of the best classic as well as new Christmas movies for kids that will make your task much easier. These films come with the promise of a dose of laughter and a good time with your little ones without worrying about exposing them to media that isn’t right for their age.
That Christmas (2024) – PG
This Christmas movie is a great way to teach kids about not losing hope and trying hard till the end to make things work. Based on the book by Richard Curtis, “That Christmas” tells the story of an unforgettable holiday that the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea experienced when the worst snowstorm in history altered everyone’s plans — including Santa’s.
The Polar Express (2004) – G
Do you ever wonder what the North Pole looks like? Watch this classic Christmas movie with your kids to catch a glimpse of the same. The plot revolves around a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve to the North Pole. While traveling on the Polar Express, he meets special people who teach him all about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas, making his journey a memorable one.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) – PG
Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Hugh Bonneville star in this Christmas movie for kids that teaches them to never give up on their dreams. An imaginary world comes to life when a once joyful toy maker finds hope again decades after he had completely lost it — all thanks to his adventurous granddaughter who arrives at his doorstep.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999) – G
Kids absolutely love Mickey Mouse, so make sure to watch this Christmas movie with your brood for an evening full of laughter. Mickey and his friends Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto all come together for Christmas and share their best memories with each other.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017) – G
Who does not love jovial little Olaf? He might as well be everyone’s favorite character from the now-iconic film “Frozen.” His adorable antics have won everyone’s hearts, especially children. In “Frozen,” Olaf helps Elsa and Anna in many ways, and in this Christmas movie, Olaf is on a mission. He is out to visit every household in Arendelle to find a new holiday tradition that the sisters can follow every year.
Candy Cane Lane (2023) – PG
Starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, the movie tells the story of a family man. He can go to any extent to win the neighborhood’s annual decorating contest. To be the winner, the protagonist makes a pact with an elf to help him triumph. However, here’s the twist — the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life but also brings unexpected chaos to town. Now, it is up to our protagonist to save the town and the holiday season. This Christmas movie is great for kids, teaching them some important life lessons.
Jingle All The Way (1996) – PG
This 90s Christmas movie will make your kids giggle. Howard is always busy with his work. However, things change during the festive season. On Christmas Eve, he runs all over town, from shop to shop, to find that one gift for his son, a Turbo Man action figure. Have a laugh as you follow him competing with other parents for the highly sought-after gift.
Home Alone (1990) – PG
You cannot miss this 1990 classic Christmas movie for kids. Through this film, they might learn a big life lesson — never wish for something bad. The story revolves around eight-year-old Kevin, who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for France. Although he is happy to be the man of the house, it is short-lived as thieves try to break into his home. Watch him put up a fight like no other to save his home sweet home. Also, do watch its second part to see Kevin on a brand new adventure.
Elf (2003) – PG
“Elf” is a magical Christmas movie suitable for almost every age group. The film tells the story of Buddy, a human raised amongst elves at the North Pole. However, his world changes when he discovers that, in reality, he is not an elf. He then travels to New York to search for his biological father, who is unaware of his existence.
A Christmas Carol (2009) – PG
Based on Charles Dickens’s 1843 novel of the same name, “A Christmas Carol” is the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old moneylender. Three Christmas spirits visit him on Christmas Eve and take him on a journey of self-redemption to mend his miserly ways. Does Scrooge realize his mistake or do the spirits fail? Watch the movie with your little ones to teach them to practice gratitude.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – PG
This movie follows the titular character Grinch, a cranky, solitary creature living outside Whoville. Nobody is friends with him as he hates the townsfolk and the festival of Christmas. However, a six-year-old girl, Cindy Lou, decided to reform him as she believed in the spirit of the festival and Christmas miracle.
Santa Buddies (2009) – G
If your kids love dogs, they will absolutely adore this Christmas movie as well. The story revolves around Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws. He gets tired of the North Pole and starts looking for ways to get out of the place. Soon, his wish comes true when he finds Budderball on Santa’s naughty list. He decides to enlist his help to experience the joy of being an ordinary pup.
Genie (2023) – PG
This recently released Christmas movie is a must-watch for all Melissa McCarthy fans. After all, McCarthy stars as a magical genie in the film! The fairytale comedy begins when a genie, Flora, pops out of an antique jewelry box after being stuck in there for over 2,000 years. She grants unlimited wishes to the workaholic man, Bernard (Paapa Essiedu), and even helps him win over his family just in time for Christmas. The film is especially great for teens, so make sure to watch it with them.
Naughty Nine (2023) – G
Your kids will love this Christmas movie as it will show them the perks of being good throughout the year. The story starts with fifth grader Andy, who finds himself without a present from Santa on Christmas. Realizing that he’s on Santa’s “naughty list,” he pulls together a team of eight other kids on the same list to execute a heist on Santa’s Village at the North Pole to get the presents they think they deserve.
Family Switch (2023) – PG
Jennifer Garner is switching bodies again! However, this time, she is not alone. She and her on-screen husband, Ed Helms, swap their bodies with their teenage kids, played by Emma Myers and Brady Noon, during a rare planetary alignment. The Walkers must return to normal soon or be stuck in switched-up bodies forever. Will the family be able to pull it off? Watch this Christmas movie with your tweens and teens to find the answer!
Other than these Christmas movies, you can also watch “Dashing Through the Snow,” “The Velveteen Rabbit,” and “The Santa Clause” with your kids. So, which of these films will you watch with your family this year? Do let us know in the comments section below!
