Best Christmas movies for families for all ages — from funny holiday movies to Christmas Disney animation, claymation Christmas films and more.
These holiday season films are great for kids and adults alike for holiday family movie night, Christmas sleepovers, or even 12 Days Of Christmas movie ideas.
Best Christmas Movies for Families
What is the best Christmas movie for a family?
What is a good Christmas movie to watch as a family?
- Christmas Of Many Colors: Circle Of Love
- Coat Of Many Colors
- Muppet Christmas
- Arthur Christmas
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol and Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas
- White Christmas
- Prancer
- Thomas Kinkade’s Call Of Santa
- A Gift To Remember
- Christmas With The Kranks (one of our favorite comedy family Christmas movies!)
- Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer
- Charlie Brown Christmas
- Home Alone
- Frosty
- Scrooge
- Polar Express
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas
(see the full Christmas movie title list with movie summary below)
The best part of this holiday movie list is that it includes both classics, newer releases, and animated Christmas movies for kids (and even some underrated Christmas movies!) — so there is something for everyone on this list!
FREEBIE TIP: We’ve included some great holiday films that are older on this list and may not be available to buy or stream online. However, you can check your local library! They often have older movies for loan for free.
Ideas for Christmas Sleepover Movies for Family and Kids
These are great family-oriented holiday movies great for a Christmas Eve sleepover or even a 12 Days Of Christmas movies family activity.
1. White Christmas (1954)
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye & Rosemary Clooney, this movie tells the story about two WWII veterans who joined a show and performed in a beautiful ski resort called Pine Tree, where they have chance to meet two ladies where things get interesting.
2. Home Alone (1990)
This is holiday classic comedy starring Macaulay Culkin tells the story about a Kevin who was left behind in his house by himself due to some unfortunate happenings while his family goes on vacation.
He then must battle (all alone!) two shady burglars trying to break into his house.
Kevin uses some DIY obstacle courses that end up being hilarious.
You’ve probably seen this one (and the Home Alone sequels), but just in case: the plot is funny, but it also delivers lots of valuable lessons — such as family value and close relationship to each other — without getting t0o preachy.
ALSO CHECK OUT MORE HOLIDAY FUN AND WINTER IDEAS:
Ideas For Christmas Party Themes That All Ages Will Love!
Snow Day Party Ideas For Adults
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Directed by Bill Melendez and starring Peter Robbins, Sally Dryer & Christopher Shea, this Christmas classic animated movie tells a story about a boy named Charlie Brown who is put in charge of organizing the Christmas play.
However, he didn’t feel that the play fits his expectation, especially since he felt like the Peanuts Gang weren’t in the Christmas spirit, and it makes him very sad.
Eventually, he found out that true meaning of Christmas (with the help of Linus and his amazing speech about the true meaning of Christmas).
The movie teaches great lesson to kids such as family values, true happiness and the real meaning of Christmas. One of the most iconic and best Christmas cartoons!
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Directed by Henry Selick, this movie might not be considered a traditional Christmas movie because it takes place on Halloween night.
(It’s kinda like is Die Hard a Christmas movie argument.)
In the movie, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King in Halloweentown, accidentally wanders into Christmastown and decided to take over the holiday himself.
WARNING: The plot is quite funny, however, this movie has some scary images that might be too freaky for kids under age 8 or 9 years old.
5. The Polar Express (2004)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this movie tells a story about a young 8-year old boy who travels to the North Pole on The Polar Express train.
I have to be honest, other people love this family movie, but the animation gives me the creeps.
I put it on the list, but don’t say I didn’t warn you…
6. Christmas With The Kranks (2004)
A couple decides to skip Christmas one year since they are fed up with Christmas traffic, costly obligations, and even festive neighbors.
So, they cancel Christmas and plan a relaxing vacation in the Caribbean with the Christmas money.
Then, their daughter surprises them with visit with her new fiancee.
The Kranks have to hurry to create a traditional Christmas before the guests arrive.
There are lots of hysterical holiday happenings and humor in this family Christmas movie. It’s one of my favorite holiday movies that I watch every year!
I’m always surprised when I don’t see it on more Christmas movie lists!
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
You probably know this animated film already, but just in case…
Directed by Robert May, this old-school claymation movie tells a story about a reindeer who runs away, finds new misfit friends along the way, and their struggle against creatures (such as Abominable Snowman).
The plot is cute and funny and suitable for family viewing for kids of all ages.
Plus, the message of this movie is sweet, especially during the ending scene where Rudolph becomes Santa’s most trusted and relied-on reindeer and gets a surprise visit fromthe Abominable Snowman.
8. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
Directed by George Schaefer, this movie tells a story about kids who are responsible for organizing the Christmas Pageant.
This is an unusual movie from the 80s, but I still like it and never see anyone mention it anymore!
9. Christmas Candle
The Christmas Candle is about a legend of the blessed Christmas candle.
The person who gets the candle receives a Christmas Eve miracle.
But with the discovery of electricity, will a new minister end the need for candles and watch the Christmas Candle legend die away?
The minister and the candle maker each fight for their own side in this lovely family Christmas story.
If you like period pieces and want surprising Christmas movies, give this one a try.
This was one of those unexpected Christmas movies that I was skeptical about but ended up loving this movie! This is on my regular holiday movie list now!
10. The Family Channel’s: An Angel For Christmas (1998)
Directed by Robert Iscove, this movie tells a story about how a little girl named Mary Ellen had a troubled life and an angel helped her to find happiness on Christmas day.
You may have to search streaming for this one or even see if the library has it.
11. Four Christmases (2008)
Directed by Seth Gordon, this movie tells a story about a couple who refuse to visit their parents and family for Christmas because they don’t want to face the disappointment and embarrassment of being with their families.
However, one year they get stuck at home and are forced to visit all their blended families, which results in some hysterical movie plots and uncomfortable situations.
MOVIE WARNING: Some adult humor and sexual innuendo make this movie best for ages 13+ (or maybe older).
12. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Directed by Penny Marshall, this movie remake tells a story about an angel who helped a minister overcome his problems on Christmas day so he can concentrate on his family and church duties at the same time.
13. Scrooge (1951)
A Christmas classic movie, it tells a story about a mean old man named Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by Marley’s ghost.
He was shown his past, present and future during the visit to see if he wants to change.
I mean, you gotta introduce this one to the family, right?