58 Best Christmas Movies for Kids to Watch This Year
Nothing beats a family Christmas movie night.
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Break out the hot cocoa and candy canes: it's almost time to see the reindeer fly and wait for Old Saint Nick to come down the chimney. Everyone knows nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit quite like a movie marathon, especially when it's full of classics your family watches year after year. Of course, it doesn't help that it's one of the most low-effort Christmas activities, but, hey, we all need some lazy days especially around the holiday season. And, when you're a kid this time of year is always extra magical. Luckily, there are tons of Christmas movies tailored towards kids that the whole family will love (you might even catch yourself watching one or two when the kids aren't around, we won't judge).
From timeless classics like Home Alone and Elf to new favorites like Trolls Holiday, we've rounded up the best Christmas movies for kids to make movie night a breeze all season long (matching PJs and homemade treats not required for viewing, but highly encouraged). If you've exhausted this list and are still looking for more check out the best Christmas movies for kids on Netflix and the greatest Disney Christmas movies of all time.
A Boy Called Christmas
Young Nikolas travels north on a quest to find his father, who is searching for a village of elves. A reindeer and his pet mouse join him on his magical journey in this new Netflix movie.
The Snowy Day
This 2016 adaptation of the beloved Ezra Jack Keats book sees Peter take a snowy walk through his neighborhood to his Nana's house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special
Marvel favorites Guardians of the Galaxy are reunited last year for a holiday special. This time, they're teaming up to make Christmas unforgettable.
Spirited
This musical re-telling of A Christmas Carol stars Will Ferrell as The Ghost of Christmas Present and Ryan Reynolds as Clint Briggs. This Apple TV+ original is PG-13, so save it for the older kids.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
We can never get enough of Scrooge, and lucky for us, there are plenty of adaptations to go around. This new animated version just debuted on Netflix last month.
Angela's Christmas
In this heartwarming short film set in Ireland in the 1910s, Angela visits a church with her family on Christmas Eve and gets an extraordinary idea.
Angela's Christmas 2
If your kids are a fan of the first one, they'll definitely want to tune in to watch the sequel!
When Queen Poppy realizes the Bergens don't have holidays, she enlists help from Branch and the Snack Pack to bring holidays to the Bergens.
Black Nativity
Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, and Forest Whitaker star in this musical adaptation of Langston Hughes' play about family, faith, and forgiveness.
Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas and Other Stories
Peppa Pig: Peppa's Christmas and Other Stories
Peppa Pig is adored by kids everywhere, and this holiday collection of stories sees Peppa and her family getting ready for the holidays by mailing letters to Santa and picking out a Christmas tree.
Kids will love celebrating the season with Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, and the rest of the characters who live in The Hundred Acre Wood.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
In this musical starring Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Phylicia Rashad, a toymaker and his granddaughter bring a magical world to life with a special invention.
This Christmas special follows Thomas as he looks for the best tree on the island of Sodor.
Elf
There are many lessons to be learned from Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell. For one, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing for all to hear." Oh, and that maple syrup can go on spaghetti.
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas
Sesame Street: Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas
It's Christmas Eve when Elmo's father tells him a bedtime story about his great-great-grandmonster, back when Sesame Street was a very different sort of place. With help from his friends, Elmo must find a way to bring the spirit of Christmas to Sesame Street.
This popular winter Disney animated feature is just-right for kids of all ages to enjoy. But be warned—your family may not be able to "Let it go!" We feel a sing-along coming on!
Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You
The story of a little girl's wish for a Christmas puppy is set to a soundtrack by Mariah Carey.
Both the original and the remake will warm your heart as the real Santa Claus helps a skeptical mother and daughter believe.
When 8-year-old Kevin McAllister is left, well, home alone, he has to fend for himself and protect his family's house from two robbing con men.
Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
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