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.
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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?
14. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., this movie tells a story about Heat Miser and Snow Miser who were fighting over whether it should be a hot or snowy Christmas.
This is one of my favorite old-school animated Christmas movies (whispers: maybe more than Rudolph!)
15. Prancer (1989)
Directed by John Hancock, this movie tells a story about a young girl who tries to restore her family’s Christmas spirit when she finds a reindeer that she believes in the real Prancer.
This is another really sweet and touching Christmas movie from the 80s that no one talks about!
16. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., this movie tells a story about St. Nicholas who sacrifices his life to save a town from the evil capitalist Mr. Potter.
Another family favorite in our house.
17. The Christmas Gift (2017)
Directed by Brett Sullivan, this touching movie tells a story about two kids who wanted to give gifts to their father on Christmas day.
18. The Santa Clause (1994)
This funny movie tells a story about a man who is chosen to be the new Santa and the funny antics that follow along with it.
There are now three Santa Clause movies, so it’s perfect for Christmas sleepover party ideas or even Christmas movie night marathons.
19. The Star (2017)
This animated movie tells a story about a donkey called Bo who had to take care of his newborn chick and help his friends survive in a dangerous desert while following a star and become involved in the birth of Jesus.
If you’re looking for a “reason for the season” movie for kids, try this one.
20. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This Christmas classic movie tells a story about Kris Kringle who was hired as a store Santa, but believes he is really Santa.
I know everyone likes this movie version, but I actually like this remake better.
21. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook, this animated movie tells a story about Santa’s son named Arthur who did not want to follow his father’s career (and become Santa), so he decided to find a way to create a new system for delivering the Christmas presents.
However things don’t go as planned for Arthur and his new job.
This is another one of my favorites and a fun holiday cartoon even adults will love!
It’s also another one that I’m shocked doesn’t get mentioned on regular holiday lists for movies!
WATCH THIS FAMILY CHRISTMAS MOVIE
22. Scrooged (1988)
This updated version of the Classic Scrooge movie tells a story about a greedy man who was the president of an American television network.
He had planned to cancel all Christmas programming on their channel, but he met three ghosts that shows him his life.
WARNING: Drinking, language, adult humor, and sexual innuendo probably make this movie best for ages 13+ (or older). I recently re-watched this and had forgotten how raunchy it could get. Definitely adults only or older kids.
23. The Santa Incident (2010)
Directed by Michael Lembeck, this movie tells a story about a man who became Santa Claus in order to save his toy factory from bankruptcy.
24. The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
This cute movie is about a dog who believed that his owner was Santa Claus. He was forced to travel all over the world in search of his master after he got kidnapped.
25. Fred Claus (2007)
The FRED CLAUS movie is such a great underrated holiday movie!
This movie tells a story about an older brother who became Santa Claus after their father died.
His brother Fred, who became an anti-Christmas cynic, visits “Santa” a week before Christmas and gets caught up in the festivities.
26. Frosty the Snowman
This animated holiday movie tells a story about a snowman named Frosty who came to life after donning a magic hat.
I always found the Frosty cartoon sad for some reason, but everyone else loves it!
27. Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish (1998)
This holiday movie tells a story about a young boy named Richie Rich who had many things in life, but he wanted to have at least one true friend.
He was going to get what he wished for when he traveled to Australia with his dog Cadbury.
28. Frosty Returns (1992)
Directed did you remember that there is a Frosty 2?
This movie tells a story about a snowman called Frosty and is a follow-up to the original Frosty movie.
29. Jack Frost (1998)
Directed by Michael Cooney and Keita Amemiya, this movie tells a story about Jack who was going to celebrate Christmas with his family on the night before.
Unfortunately, he died in an accident and came back as a snowman after failing to get into heaven.
WARNING: Might be sad and intense for younger children. People love this holiday movie, but it’s never been my favorite.
30. Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure (2011)
This movie tells a story about a young Saint Bernard named Beethoven who was going to spend Christmas with his family and lots of funny things happen.
If you love dog movies, this one’s for you.
31. Sold Out (2013)
The Sold Out movie tells a story about kids who wanted to buy gifts for their parents on Christmas day but they ran out of money and found themselves in trouble.
32. Thomas Kinkade’s Call Of Santa (2013)
This movie tells a story about a boy who wanted to help his dad and restore their Christmas spirit when they were going through financial difficulties.
33. Christmas Angel (2011)
Directed by Michael Landon Jr, this movie tells a story about a man who traveled to California every Christmas because it was his wife’s favorite place.
He made friends with an elderly resident called and they had fun during their trips until… something bad happened to them.
34. Christmas Of Many Colors : Circle Of Love (2016)
If I could only pick one Christmas movie to watch, it would be this one. I love this movie so much!
It’s Inspired by Dolly Parton’s life and is about a hard-working Appalachian family where the father finally wants to buy his wife a wedding ring for Christmas.
While he’s away working for more money, a blizzard comes and he tries to get back to his family.
It is an annual tradition to watch this movie at our house every Christmas!
35. Coat of Many Colors (2015)
Directed by Sarah Thorp, this movie tells a story about an Appalachian family and is centered around little Dolly’s Coat of Many Colors made by her mama (it’s also inspired by Dolly Parton’s life and the real-life coat Dolly’s mom made her).
If you’re looking for best Christmas movies for Christian families, definitely add Coat of Many Colors and Christmas of Many Colors. They will not disappoint!
This is also one of our family favorites!
YOU’LL ALSO HAVE FUN WITH AN ELF-THEMED PARTY!
36. Elf (2003)
Directed by Jon Favreau, this movie follows Elf, who is a human living amongst elves.
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his, um, unusual human size, he finds he was adopted and sets out in search of his true identity.
Seriously one of the best funny Christmas movies for families! We watch this one every year and still laugh!
37. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The Whos of Whoville love Christmas a lot and it shows.
But one day, their happiness is taken away when a mean creature called the Grinch decides to steal all of their decorations, food and presents so no one will have a very merry Christmas… or will he?
If you haven’t watched this for a few years, give it another try. The old school animated Grinch still holds up.
38. Mickey’s Christmas Carol/Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (1983-2000)
Three Christmas themed tales are dramatized featuring Disney characters Mickey Mouse in “Christmas Carol”, Huey, Dewey and Louie in “Toy Tinkers” and Donald Duck in “Tea For Two Hundred”.
If your kids are really into Mickey Mouse or Disney characters, they’ll probably love this set of Christmas cartoons.
39. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
A retelling of the classic story featuring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife and a very special guest appearance by Scrooge himself.
It is hilarious, mainly because the Muppets bring their “personalities” to this classic Christmas tale.
If you haven’t introduced your kids to Muppets, this is a fun one to watch with them.
These are some of our favorite Christmas movies, but obviously we can’t include everything on one list — there are just too many great options out there!
Be sure to share your favorite holiday movies with us as well in the comments and I’ll add them to the list!
MORE HOLIDAY FUN: How To Have a Christmas Tree Sleepover
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
We hope you have fun with this list of best Christmas movies for families for your Christmas activities!
