50 of the Best Christmas Movies for Kids
Updated: Dec. 17, 2022Here comes Santa Claus (and friends) with awesome kids Christmas movies that are just right for a variety of ages
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’Tis the season for the best kids Christmas movies
Jack Frost’s nipping at your nose, and kids everywhere are amping up for Christmas—and the kids Christmas movies that come with the season! Plan one or several holiday-themed movie nights to get everyone in the spirit. Snuggle up on the couch with the kiddos, serve some hot cocoa (extra marshmallows, please!) and screen a Christmas classic made just for the little ones for the sweetest Christmas tradition. Choose one of these family Christmas movies for a cozy Christmas activity or have a marathon with all of them—we won’t judge!
For even more movies, check out our list of the best Christmas movies of all time and the funny Christmas movies that’ll keep everyone laughing. If you’re looking for kid-centric entertainment, try our selections of kids Christmas movies on both Netflix and Disney Plus, as well as the best Christmas cartoons. You’re sure to have tiny tots with their eyes all aglow!
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
Released: 1966
Rated: G
A true joy for all ages, A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the most enduring kids Christmas movies, and it features a wonderful soundtrack, a heartwarming story, the Peanuts gang and the cutest little Christmas tree ever. Keep it classic with Christmas movie quotes that will take you back.
Best for: Kids age 3 and up. There could hardly be a more appropriate choice for any kid, but toddlers might nod off.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Released: 1992
Rated: G
The classic Dickens Christmas story gets a joyous Muppet-powered update that makes it one of the best kids Christmas movies. Stream it alongside these favorite Christmas movies on Amazon Prime.
Best for: Kids age 5 and up
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Released: 1966
Rated: G
Nearly 60 years old, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is still one of the top kids Christmas movies because of its unique animation and musical score. Don’t be surprised if your kids are singing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” until New Year’s Day. Give your kids extra holiday dreaming and streaming with the best Christmas movies on Hulu.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
The Polar Express
Released: 2004
Rated: G
Based on the classic Christmas book for kids by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express easily makes our list of best kids Christmas movies with its magical journey to the North Pole.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Elf
Released: 2003
Rated: PG
Will Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf in this hysterical kids Christmas movie about a human raised at the North Pole by elves. Make it a fun family evening with the best Christmas games everyone enjoys.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Released: 1993
Rated: PG
Christmas aesthetics merge with Tim Burton’s gothic whimsy in this delightful, ever-watchable animated yarn about a Pumpkin King determined to take over for Santa in what is also one of the best Halloween movies for kids.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Miracle on 34th Street
Released: 1947
Rated: G
This award-winning, heartwarming classic movie original is where true Christmas spirit lives. Miracle on 34th Street is the perfect family Christmas movie: A child meets the real-life Santa and ends up inspiring the adults around her with her belief.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Home Alone
Released: 1990
Rated: PG
This slapstick Christmas blockbuster is one of the best movies of all time. Strap in for a ton of fun as a youngster forgotten by his family fends off holiday burglars.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
White Christmas
Released: 1954
Rated: G
Wow the kiddos with this technicolor Hollywood spectacle featuring over-the-top costumes, dance numbers and classic Christmas songs. “White Christmas” tops the list of the best Christmas songs ever—is your favorite on the list?
Best for: Kids age 10 and up
A Christmas Story
Released: 1983
Rated: PG
Put on your pink rabbit onesie and snuggle up with the kids for one of the best family Christmas movies to watch again and again. A Christmas Story always comes up in Christmas movie trivia, so pay attention to win the next round.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Rise of the Guardians
Released: 2012
Rated: PG
A rare treat, this Christmas movie is best for kids who’d rather imagine Santa battling dark forces alongside the Easter Bunny than nibbling cookies and milk. Check out these stocking stuffers for toddlers your little ones will absolutely love.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Olive, the Other Reindeer
Released: 1999
Rated: G
This animated Christmas special features a determined pup as fresh as the season’s mistletoe.
Best for: Kids age 5 and up
DreamWorks Holiday Classics
Released: 2011
Rated: PG
Kids can spend the holidays with their favorite DreamWorks animated characters, including Shrek, Toothless the dragon and the wacky animals from Madagascar. They’re all part of this roundup of four holiday specials.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Christmas with the Joker
Released: 1992
Rated: PG
Here’s an animated Christmas short for the tiny superhero in your life, starring Batman himself. Episode 2 of Batman: The Animated Series focuses on Christmas.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Little Women
Released: 1994
Rated: PG
This endearing period piece, based on the young adult novel by Louisa May Alcott, features inspiring acts of generosity at Christmas that will challenge kids to think beyond holiday gifts to acts of Christmas charity.
Best for: Kids age 10 and up
Jingle All the Way
Released: 1996
Rated: PG
There’s an undeniable appeal to seeing the Terminator hoisted into the manic Christmas Eve shopping season. Anyone who’s ever scrambled through the aisles at Walmart after Thanksgiving should be able to relate to this tale of a last-minute toy hunt that’s also one of the best family Christmas movies.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Alone for Christmas
Released: 2013
Rated: PG
This cute adventure plays off the Home Alone premise, but this time it’s a pooch who’s left alone to battle present-stealing burglars.
Best for: Kids age 5 and up
Christmas at Mistletoe Farm
Releasing: Nov. 23, 2022
Rated: PG
In this family film, a widowed father of five inherits a farm in the British countryside just in time for Christmas. He quickly decides rural life isn’t for him, but his feisty kids think differently and hatch a plan to stay on Mistletoe Farm forever. Prepare for a ton of adorable animals (miniature horses, anyone?) and cute kids that will make you want to move to a farm yourself.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
Christmas Oranges
Released: 2013
Rated: G
Set in the early 1900s, this heartfelt story follows a young girl who loses everyone she knows and finds herself in a harsh orphanage run by a grumpy man who despises Christmas. Speaking of the past, here are some old-timey photos to show you what Christmas looked like 100 years ago.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
A Magic Christmas
Released: 2014
Rated: G
A family embarks on a holiday vacation to a wilderness cabin in A Magic Christmas. The dad’s childhood friend shows up, and they find a treasure map to a magical Christmas tree from years before.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Released: 2009
Rated: G
Your favorite adorable monkey, the beloved book character, is here with the Man in the Yellow Hat for Christmas adventures in A Very Monkey Christmas.
Best for: Kids age 3 and up
Mrs. Miracle
Released: 2009
Rated: G
Two youngsters keep scaring away nannies, but then Mrs. Miracle arrives right at Christmas and offers unexpected help to their widowed dad. If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, you’re going to want to add this one to your yearly rewatch.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
The Princess Switch
Released: 2018
Rated: PG
In The Princess Switch, Vanessa Hudgens plays two women who look exactly alike—except one’s a princess-to-be and the other’s a visiting American. Naturally, they switch places over the holidays. Keep your holiday swoon moments going with the best romantic Christmas movies.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Holiday Rush
Released: 2019
Rated: PG
When a widower loses his job over the holidays, he has to convince his kids that a move back into his childhood home is the best thing. It’s a heartfelt Christmas comedy filled with lessons about what really matters. This one’s ready to stream along with our other favorite Christmas movies on Netflix.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
48 Christmas Wishes
Released: 2017
Rated: G
Elves try to pass as real human kids in order to save Christmas in this adorable feel-good comedy. If your kids are precocious smarty-pants, challenge them with these Christmas riddles that are fun to figure out.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish
Released: 2019
Rated: PG
Teens at work at a Christmas theme park find themselves falling for each other in this heartwarming rom-com that’s perfect for every Christmas mood. If you love feel-good, heartfelt stories, here are the best Christmas movies on Lifetime.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Released: 1999
Rated: G
This classic animated special brings together Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the gang to celebrate the magic of the season.
Best for: Kids age 3 and up
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
Released: 2004
Rated: G
This sequel to the early classic cartoon reunites the Disney pals for more Christmas fun. We also recommend the 1952 short cartoon Pluto’s Christmas Tree for extra holiday delight.
Best for: Kids age 3 and up
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
Released: 2011
Rated: G
Fans of the Ice Age crew love this sweet and funny Christmas special that finds Sid and his buddies traveling to the North Pole to see Santa.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Released: 1997
Rated: G
Christmas is a tale as old as time in this touching return to the classic Belle and Beast story, with the voice actors from the original film.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
The Santa Clause
Released: 1994
Rated: PG
In this classic comedy (with two sequels and a forthcoming TV miniseries), Tim Allen plays a dad who finds himself transforming into the jolly old man. If your kiddos like this one, both follow-ups are on Disney+. Lovers of this classic will be pleased that Disney+ is releasing a streaming, six-episode, series of The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
Released: 1976
Rated: G
Indulge in nostalgia when you watch this sweet Christmas special from 1976 in which Frosty gets a mate, but Jack Frost gets in the way. If you’re hosting this year, here are some awesome Christmas party themes you haven’t thought of yet.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Prancer
Released: 1989
Rated: PG
Sam Elliott plays a single dad whose daughter believes she’s found one of Santa’s reindeer in this sweetly classic dramedy that’s effortlessly sentimental. Awww. Here are some Christmas quotes that will touch your heart.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July
Released: 1979
Rated: G
Yes, you can finally stream the classic stop-motion animation TV Christmas specials from the 1960s and 1970s. This film pits the evil Winterbolt against a magic queen who enlists Rudolph and pals for help.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
Santa Buddies
Released: 2009
Rated: G
Kids love the Buddies movie series with talking golden retrievers. The adorable puppies are dressed up in festive cheer and ready to save Christmas in this romp that mesmerizes little ones.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Released: 2018
Rated: PG
This gorgeous fairy tale with spectacular effects features Morgan Freeman, Keira Knightley and an all-star cast in a live-action retelling of the classic Christmas ballet.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
Released: 2002
Rated: G
The Hundred Acre Wood gang has a Christmas adventure in this sweet musical. Watching it is a totally adorable Christmas Eve tradition.
Best for: Kids age 4 and up
Arthur Christmas
Released: 2011
Rated: PG
Stunning CGI animation delights in this comedy-adventure about the technological elf system that makes Christmas gifting happen—but then a glitch makes them miss one kid.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
The Christmas Chronicles
Released: 2018
Rated: PG
Kurt Russell steals the show as the ultimate Santa Claus for cool kids in this dashing comedy that’ll warm everyone’s heart.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
The Christmas Chronicles 2
Released: 2020
Rated: PG
Return to the magic with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. In this holiday sequel, they’re up against naughty elves who have it out for Christmas. Impress your kids with these holiday-themed jokes.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Released: 2020
Rated: PG
Settle in for this magical tale about the granddaughter of a toymaker whose best invention is under threat. Stunning dance numbers and glorious costumes fill the screen with wonder.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
Klaus
Released: 2019
Rated: PG
Strikingly gorgeous animation captures a sweet story about a toymaker living on his own who wins the hearts of local children with the help of a postman. The two join forces to cheer up an unhappy town.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Noelle
Released: 2019
Rated: G
It’s time for the grown-up Kringle kids to take over Christmas, but neither one is up for the job in this sweet-natured comedy starring Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. For more seasonal laughs, check out these Christmas memes.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas
Released: 2021
Rated: G
This stop-motion film, based on the hilarious hit British series, follows a lost lamb who is about to become someone’s Christmas present. The farm animals band together to help save him.
Best for: Kids of all ages
Robin Robin
Released: 2021
Rated: G
This little birdie, who has been raised by a family of mice, makes a heartwarming wish on a Christmas star to be a mouse too. Robin Robin is a sweet tale the whole family will love.
Best for: Kids of all ages
A Boy Called Christmas
Released: 2021
Rated: PG
In this 2021 Christmas favorite, you’ll find young Nikolas embarking on a quest to Elfhelm, accompanied by a talking mouse, to find his father and seek hope for the kingdom. An all-star cast—Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent and others—bring their acting chops to this magical fantasy filled with dazzling enchantment.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
8-Bit Christmas
Released: 2021
Rated: PG
In the nostalgia-inducing 8-Bit Christmas, Neil Patrick Harris stars as Jake, an adult who tells the story of the Christmas when he was 10 years old and all he wanted was a Nintendo Entertainment System. If your kids still prefer glitter and glue to video games, keep them entertained with these Christmas crafts for kids.
Best for: Kids age 8 and up
The Claus Family
Released: 2020
Rated: G
Young Jules hates the holidays, but when his grandfather becomes sick, he learns of his legacy—and that he is the one who has to save Christmas. If your kids like this film, good news! The two sequels are also streaming on Netflix.
Best for: Kids age 7 and up
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
Released: 2017
Rated: G
Anna and Elsa come to the realization that their family doesn’t have any holiday traditions, so Olaf sets out on a quest to bring them some in this Disney holiday film. Need a little homemade Christmas joy? Here are some easy DIY Christmas decorations that anyone can handle.
Best for: Kids of all ages
David and the Elves
Released: 2021
Rated: PG
This Polish family film (dubbed in English) brings Christmas delight to little ones as one of Santa’s elves befriends a kid who misses his grandparents after his mom and dad relocate to the big city. The boy and elf head off on an adventure—but they better hurry because the elf shrinks the longer he’s away from the North Pole. A tiny elf would make an adorable addition to a Christmas wreath, though.
Best for: Kids age 6 and up
Additional reporting by Chloë Nannestad.
