When it comes to the holidays, there is nothing better than cuddling up with your kids and watching good Christmas movies. From age-old stories to contemporary hits, we have compiled a list of 11 Christmas films that would sprinkle some fairy dust on your family movie night. Whether it is your toddlers’ first time encountering the shenanigans of the all too familiar Kevin from ‘Home Alone,’ or simply appreciating the stunning animation of ‘Klaus,’ there is something here for all. Prepare to laugh, prepare to cry, and prepare to feel all the warmth to be found as you go about sharing such endearing tales with your children. Get a hot mug of cocoa, some popcorn, and get ready for these great Christmas films!
What Is The Importance of Christmas?
Christmas is a time when magic is everywhere, and people come together to share love, joy, and generosity. The season brings all the wonderful traditions of decorating the tree, exchanging gifts, and singing carols with a lot of wonder and excitement. All these activities build family ties and give wonderful memories that will be kept for life. Christmas also speaks to the spirit of giving, teaching kids the value of kindness and empathy as they participate in charitable activities and share with those in need. Also, the holiday period is another chance to examine and actually enjoy other people’s ways of doing things and practices, which in turn enriches the celebrations and creates oneness in the world.
1. The Snowman (1982)
“The Snowman” is a beautiful piece of timeless animation about bringing the Christmas spirit to life in magical ways with beautiful storytelling, based on the well-loved picture book of Raymond Briggs. The movie describes the tale of a little boy who builds a snowman that magically comes alive. With such a pair, an adventure to the North Pole never to be forgotten awaits. There is a wonderful sequence featuring night sky flying set to the hauntingly beautiful song “Walking in the Air.” And with a wordless narration combined with mesmerizing visuals, “The Snowman” captures the wonder of childhood innocence, thus turning it into a perfect selection for a cozy family movie night.
You can watch it on Prime Video.
2. Home Alone (1990)
“Home Alone” (1990) is an immensely entertaining and funny film, yet a family film full of emotions. This classic feature film stars Macaulay Culkin as young Kevin McCallister, an eight year old boy who is too young to understand the Christmas holiday until his family travels to France for Christmas, and he is, by mistake, left behind in an enormous house. He first enjoys the freedom. However, he is soon visited by two rather incompetent criminals who seek to rob the house – Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern playing the role of the burglars. Kevin protects the house in various entertaining ways, making use of his funny and fast-acting brain and a host of traps. It combines outrageous humor and warm, raw emotions. “Home Alone” is a lovely film that will keep your family in hearty laughter while rooting for Kevin throughout. So, press play on this all-time favorite, get the popcorn, and brace yourselves for an exciting family comedy!
You can watch it on Disney+.
3. Klaus (2019)
“Klaus” (2019) is beautifully animated with a fresh origin story about Santa Claus that is very heartwarming and original. The plot revolves around Jesper, a privileged student at the postal academy, who is condemned to be sent to the most isolated, frozen town in all of Smeerensburg as punishment. Upon his arrival, he finds Klaus, a lonely old toymaker with a heart of gold. Jesper and Klaus start handcrafting toys for the children, bringing joy to the town and changing everything. With fantastic hand-drawn animation and a thrilling storyline of friendship and kindness, “Klaus” is a holiday movie that children and adults will love. This movie would be great for your Christmas movie night because of its comedy and heartwarming moments.
You can watch it on Netflix.
4. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
“A Boy Called Christmas” is an incredible adventure that tells the tale of Santa Claus. A young boy named Nikolas sets out on a promise to find his father and reach the famous Elfhelm village. In this adventure, he befriends talking animals, his loyal mouse friend, and lots more magical surprises. This movie brings a whole new spirit of Christmas with its blend of fantasy, humor, and heart. The stunning visuals and the captivating storyline make “A Boy Called Christmas” a delightful watch that will keep the entire family entertained.
You can watch it on Netflix.
5. The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story (2010)
“The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story” (2010) is a delightful animated film that encompasses a very popular tradition of Scout Elves who are assigned to watch over children during the Christmas season. In the animated special, Chippey the Scout Elf is tasked with assisting a young boy called Taylor in finding the magic of Christmas once again. Encouraging and entertaining, Chippey’s adventures teach children how it is wonderful to believe and why families mean so much. Thanks to the adorable animation, catchy songs, and a heartwarming plot, this film will surely entertain your kids and bring more joy to the festive season.
The film has a 5.1/10 IMDb score, and you can stream it on Netflix.
6. Noelle (2019)
“Noelle” (2019) is yet another lengthy addition to the Christmas movie genre, but it comes with a distinctive perspective of Santa’s legacy. Anna Kendrick portrays the titular character, Noelle Eriksen, a young lady who is the daughter of Santa Claus and who has to take on her brother Nick’s responsibilities since he gets nervous at the time of his first flight on Christmas Eve. There is loads of laughter, warm feelings, and a bit of winter magic, so ‘Noelle’ is both funny and sweet to watch as the heroine travels from the North Pole to warm Phoenix, Arizona. Adding to the delightful film is the enthralling performance by Bill Hader who plays the bumbling Nick. This comic outing is bound to be a hit with families.
You can watch it on Disney+.
7. Elf (2003)
Directed by Jon Favreau and released in 2003, ‘Elf’ is a sweet movie to be enjoyed by one and all. The star cast of the movie ‘Elf’ includes Will Ferrell as Buddy, the human who was raised at the North Pole by elves. The movie is a riot of warmth, laughter, and festive spirit, though the trouble begins when Buddy while growing up in such a warm and fuzzy place, realizes he is not an elf after all. As we join Buddy in his quest to search for his biological father back in New York, the city where he thinks he came from, we encounter a sense of love and warmth for everyone. ‘Elf’ is filled with outrageous comedy and a beautiful drama that centers around family and acceptance, and for this reason, it has earned its place as a cherished contemporary holiday tale.
You can watch it on Netflix, HBO Max, Tubi, and Prime Video.
8. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This has a colorful, musical theme where magic is added during the holiday season. In it, Jeronicus Jangle is a joyful toy maker who has forgotten what joy is all about. With the help of an inventive granddaughter named Journey and a little help of holiday magic, this becomes a heartwarming trip with Jeronicus looking forward to rediscovering himself with joy and creativity. To say this motion picture is infused with catchy songs and beautiful images and is well within an uplifting message would be an understatement. It primarily focuses on family ties and values. The movie “Jingle Jangle” is very inclusive in its casting and brilliant acting which makes it an enjoyable festive season film that will have the whole family clapping and grinning by the end of it.
You can watch it on Netflix.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is an enjoyable live-action version of a well-known children’s book by Dr. Seuss that brings unrestrained energy and the vibrant sights and sounds of Whoville to its audience. The Grinch (played by Jim Carrey, is a grumpy green character whose heart is, according to himself “two sizes too small”, hatches a plan to put an end to Christmas celebrations among the Jolly Whos who populate the town. The movie is a visual treat with lively sets and creative costumes. It teaches about what Christmas actually is. A heartwarming, funny film for the season!
You can watch it on Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
10. Arthur Christmas (2011)
“Arthur Christmas” (2011) is a heartwarming animated movie, perfect for the holiday season, which cleverly addresses the question that has been asked many times before: How can Santa deliver all those presents in one night? Meet Arthur, the sweet and clumsy younger son of Santa, who realizes that there is one child left without a gift. Knowing how important it is for every child to experience the wonders of Christmas, Arthur prepares to go on a funny but dangerous adventure, aided by his weirdly endearing Grandsanta and a stubborn elf named Bryony. It is a very funny family film with a heartwarming theme about family and the urge to dream the impossible dream. With brilliant colors and great story, “Arthur Christmas” will be a definite hit during the holidays.
You can watch it on Netflix and Prime Video.
11. The Christmas Project (2016)
The Christmas Project (2016) is a delightful holiday movie focused on the ever-challenging life of a middle schooler. Watch the Buckley brothers deal with some school bullies and first crushes, as well as family tensions, all while engaging in their family’s strange holiday custom of sneaking presents to the neighbors. This touching and funny narrative emphasizes the need for compassion and selflessness, even in facing everyday hurdles. “The Christmas Project,” with its witty yet realistic characters as well as a holiday spirit, will definitely be a good film to add into your family’s collection of Christmas movies.
You can watch it on Prime Video.
Conclusion
It is all about magic moments during the holiday season, which are made so memorable and cherished when you spend them with your loved ones. It’s about fun traditions, decorating cookies, watching your favorite Christmas movies together, and the sense of togetherness these activities bring along, teaching children the values of kindness and generosity. Also, the fun of delving into various holiday customs may add to the richness and excitement of your celebrations.
FAQs
1. How can I make a Christmas movie night special for kids?
Make your Christmas movie night extra special with cozy blankets, themed snacks like reindeer cookies, and maybe even a holiday-themed craft session before the movie!
2. Are there any educational Christmas movies for kids?
Consider “The Star” (2017) for educational Christmas movie, which offers lessons on the nativity story with a fun twist.
3. What are some animated Christmas movies for children?
Animated Christmas movies like “Arthur Christmas” and “The Snowman” are perfect for captivating young imaginations.
4. Are there Christmas movies that feature diverse characters and cultures?
Movies like “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” feature diverse characters and rich cultural elements.
5. Where can I stream popular kids’ Christmas movies?
Stream popular kids’ Christmas movies on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.