As the holidays get closer, many Christmas movies are getting released nearly every day. While a majority of these holiday-themed movies are meant for family viewing, not all are safe for kids, and even those that are might not appeal to your kids. While a holiday rom-com might be fun for you, your toddler will have a hard time following along.
To help you find something even the little ones will enjoy, here is a list of kids’ Christmas movies that are sure to capture your child’s heart.
Popular Christmas Movies For Toddlers
The Snowman (1982)
This film is probably the oldest one on this list, but it transcends time. The story follows a young boy and his snowman as they make their way to the North pole to the Snowman Party and back. It’s a short film, so your little ones will not have any trouble following along. With an 8.2/10 IMDb score and an 80% Rotten Tomato score, this Christmas movie is ideal for 3 and 4-year-olds. It will fill your little ones with holiday magic and take them on a fanciful unforgettable adventure. You can watch it on Prime Video.
Home Alone (1990)
Home Alone is probably one of the most beloved kids’ Christmas movies of all time. The story follows Kevin as he is unfortunately left home alone over the holidays and has to defend his home from burglars. Despite being over 30 years old, this movie is still a classic, and your little ones will enjoy every minute of the movie. With a 7.7/10 IMDb score and a 67% Rotten Tomato score, this film embodies everything the holidays are about. You can watch it on Disney+.
Klaus (2019)
This award-winning film is a fantastic animated feature that follows a postal worker who befriends a reclusive toymaker who doesn’t have a lot of interest in kids. This oddball combination of characters makes for an intriguing cast who, in the end, find their true calling and work together to spread holiday cheer. With an 8.1/10 IMDb score and a 95% Rotten Tomato score, this film is a refreshing take on what Christmas is. You can watch it on Netflix.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
This movie tells the story of Nikolas, a boy who loves toys and embarks on a journey in search of the legendary Elfheim. It takes place in a time before Santa Claus existed and is a refreshing, heartwarming tale of what the Christmas spirit. With a 6.7/10 IMDb score and an 83% Rotten Tomato score, this film will remind you of what the Christmas spirit truly is. You can watch it on Netflix.
The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story (2010)
This film provides a fun backstory to the elf-on-a-shelf phenomenon. It follows Chippey, a young elf tasked by Santa to restore a young boy’s faith and belief in Christmas. But as he sets off to complete his task, he faces several challenges, but his friends, Santa, and a child help remind him why his job matters. The film has a 5.1/10 IMDb score, and you can stream it on Netflix.
Noelle (2019)
A lot of Christmas movies that are about Santa passing on his mantle to a worthy successor are often from father to son. But what happens when the chosen successor doesn’t want to be the big man? Noelle Kringle, Santa’s daughter, has to step in and save Christmas before it is too late. This story is a lighthearted warm take on your typical Christmas story that will appeal to you with its holiday-spirit messages and humor. With a 6.3/10 IMDb score and a 55% Rotten Tomato score, this film will appeal to kids and parents alike. You can watch it on Disney+.
Elf (2003)
When a baby crawls into Santa’s toy sack when he is delivering toys to an orphanage, he is taken back with him to the North Pole. This baby, now known as Buddy, is raised as one of the elves, but he is not as skilled as they are at making toys. When he learns that he is not an elf, Buddy embarks on a journey to find his father in a hilariously fun Christmas classic. With a 7/10 IMDb score and an 85% Rotten Tomato score, this film takes you on a journey of self-discovery and finding out the real meaning of family. You can watch it on Netflix, HBO Max, Tubi, and Prime Video.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This Christmas original follows a jaded toymaker Jeronicus Jangle and his granddaughter as she helps him reconnect with his magic and reignite his spark to create toys. There is also a classic villain who is former Jangles apprentice Gustafson, who wants to steal Jangles’ ideas and get rich. While the moral of the story is predictable, it is still heartwarming, and your little ones will definitely love it. With stunning visuals, a 6.4 /10 IMDb score, and an 89% Rotten Tomato score, this film will have you feeling the joy of Christmas magic. You can watch it on Netflix.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In a city where everyone loves Christmas, the Grinch stands out as he hates the holiday. Living away from the rest of town in Mount Crumpit, he plots to steal the town’s Christmas and crush their holiday spirit. However, things don’t go as he planned, and in the end, he realizes that the holiday is more than just presents. With a 6.2 /10 IMDb score and a 49% Rotten Tomato score, this is one of the best kids’ Christmas movies that embodies the importance of forgiveness and sharing. You can watch it on Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Similar to our fast-paced lives, in this version of the North pole, Santa’s oldest son and apparent heir uses a team of highly trained elves to ensure that every child gets their toys and all things run smoothly. However, when one gift gets left behind due to a glitch in the system, Arthur, Santa’s other gawky son, takes it upon himself to ensure the gift gets delivered. What ensues is a hilarious journey as he works to beat the odds and deliver the present before Christmas morning. With a 7.1/10 IMDb score and a 92% Rotten Tomato score, this movie has a fantastic message for kids and adults alike. You can watch it on Netflix and Prime Video.
The Christmas Project (2016)
Christmas is a time of sharing and giving but would you feel the same way if you had to gift the worst bullies in your school? That is the dilemma that faces the boisterous Buckley family of four brothers. When their yearly tradition of presenting gifts puts their holiday spirit and personal feelings to the test, they must rise above. This film serves as a good reminder that everyone needs a bit of kindness and empathy, especially during the holidays. With a 5.5/10 IMDb score, this movie has an amazing message for kids and adults alike. You can watch it on Prime Video.
You can enjoy many more kids’ Christmas movies this season, but this list is a great place to start. Let your kids help you select what movie to watch and have a Christmas movie-watching marathon. Happy holidays.