31 Holiday Movies Your Kids Will Love (and You’ll Love Rewatching!)

At one point or another, every parent has sat down for a family movie night and proceeded to spend the next hour tracking down the perfect film, especially a good Christmas movie for kids. As a parent to a 3-year-old (and a newborn who’s not in on the movie action yet), I know I’ve fallen victim to this. Just last week, our family sat down to watch a relaxing holiday flick, only to spend half the length of a movie trying to find an option that was age-appropriate and enjoyable for everyone. After several weeks in a row of watching The Grinch (the 2018 version, my kid’s favorite), I was ready for something new.

After years of watching holiday movies as a parent, an aunt, and, of course, a kid myself, I’ve got a pretty good handle on some great options. Which is how I’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas movies for kids, whether you’re looking to take in a classic, a short feature, or simply a film with some wintry vibes.

Classic Christmas Movies for Kids

The Polar Express (2004)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Based on the classic children’s book, The Polar Express follows a young boy who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus but has the chance to board a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. From a message on the Christmas spirit to whimsical hijinks (with Tom Hanks also thrown into the mix), the tale is the perfect family film for the holiday season.

Elf (2003)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes

While my 3-year-old has yet to sit through a full showing of Elf, I’m psyched for the year she does, because this one is a personal favorite. The movie tells the story of Buddy, a human who has been raised among elves in the North Pole. Upon learning the truth of his heritage, he travels to New York City to meet his birth father, a publishing executive. Buddy is shocked to find out he is on (gasp!) the naughty list. With slapstick humor and lots of heart, there’s a reason this movie is beloved by kids and adults alike.

The Santa Clause (1994)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes

The Santa Clause features Tim Allen (whose voice your kids may recognize as Buzz Lightyear) as Scott Calvin, a dad who accidentally causes Santa to fall off a roof. Turns out, that act changed his life because now he’s set to become the next Santa Claus. Millennial parents will remember this movie fondly from their childhoods, making it a great nostalgic watch to enjoy with the next generation.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes

If there’s any Christmas movie I hope I can make my kids a fan of one day, it’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. This Muppet-infused retelling of Dickens’ classic follows Scrooge as he’s visited by three spirits who teach him the meaning of compassion and kindness. The musical numbers and Muppets’ humor make for a more lighthearted retelling of this traditional story. It’s a great way to introduce younger kids to the timeless holiday tale in a more digestible format.

Home Alone (1990)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes

Home Alone follows Kevin, an 8-year-old who is accidentally left behind when his family travels overseas for the holidays. Soon Kevin must protect his home from two bumbling burglars. With plenty of physical comedy and heart, it’s an excellent pick for school-age kids who may feel like they’ve outgrown some of the more saccharine Christmas tales.

A Christmas Story (1983)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes

A nostalgic tale, A Christmas Story follows Ralphie Parker, a 9-year-old boy who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. If you can’t stream it through HBO Max, you can watch live on TBS throughout most of the holiday season, as the channel is famous for its annual 24-hour marathon of the film on Christmas Day.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)

One of the many famous stop-motion Christmas specials from the ’60s and ’70s, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town follows the beginnings of Santa Claus, when a baby named Claus is rescued by a family of elves. With catchy music and a unique story, the film is a great length for a family movie night.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

For toddlers and younger kids who may not be able to sit through a full movie, a shorter option like Frosty the Snowman provides a great alternative. The animated musical is based on the song of the same name, telling the story of a group of kids who build a snowman that they name “Frosty.” If you’ve heard the song, you know how the rest goes!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

While there are a few variations of the classic Dr. Seuss story, a good place to start is the iconic animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas! from the 1960s. Watch as the Grinch tries to stop Christmas from coming to Whoville by stealing every present and decoration. The rhyming narration and memorable songs keep kids entertained while teaching a meaningful message about generosity.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Another movie based on a classic Christmas song, Rudolph follows the misfit reindeer whose glowing nose ostracizes him from the rest of Santa’s group. The stop-motion film is nostalgic and charming, which is why it’s become an annual watch for families for generations. For our toddler, this has been a favorite for her fourth Christmas season. Three has been the age she’s really gotten into the stop-motion, and Rudolph was a fast favorite.

Free Christmas Movies for Kids

Songs for Littles Christmas Movie (2021)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 10 minutes

For babies, toddlers, and young kids who can’t sit through a full short or movie, try the Ms. Rachel holiday special! Like all of her videos, you’ll find singing, movement, and simple educational moments — just this time with a holiday twist. The pacing, visuals, holiday music, and interactive prompts make this ideal for the youngest of viewers. While my newborn is too young for any screen time, this will be the ideal starter for us next Christmas season when he’s freshly 1!

Arthur Christmas (2011)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes

When Santa accidentally misses giving a gift to one child, it’s up to his youngest son, Arthur, to deliver a bicycle to the girl before Christmas. The heartwarming animated film is available to watch for free on Tubi.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009)

Toddlers and younger viewers will love watching Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat as they seek out the perfect presents to give one another for Christmas. You can watch A Very Monkey Christmas, which is under an hour long, for free through the PBS Kids app.

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas (2000)

Another PBS Kids option is a one-hour Christmas special based on the show Arthur. The film follows Arthur, D.W., their family, and friends as they try to make the best Christmas ever in their hometown of Elwood City.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

If you’re looking for a shorter take on the story of A Christmas Carol, try Mickey’s Christmas Carol, which is available to watch for free on YouTube. Scrooge McDuck takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, Goofy as Jacob Marley, and Donald Duck as Scrooge’s nephew Fred. The animated short is another lighthearted take on the Dickensian tale, an excellent option for those who may find The Muppets’ version a bit too long to handle (which my 3-year-old does).

Short Christmas Movies for Kids

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday (2023)

For fans of 2022’s The Bad Guys, this Christmas short checks in with the main characters of the franchise. The Bad Guys are on a mission to save Christmas after they accidentally destroyed the town.

A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)

Trash Truck and his friends go on a journey to help Santa fix his sleigh. A quick storyline and a Christmas setting make this a quick and easy pick for those with shorter attention spans.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

Fans of Frozen will adore this short, which follows Olaf as he sets out to find holiday traditions for Anna and Elsa. With original music and the chance to revisit your favorite characters from Arendelle, it’s a fun and festive extension to the world of Frozen for young fans. We discovered this short when my daughter was 2, and I needed something new to watch with her. It ended up being the ideal pick for a quick watch that the whole family enjoyed.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This classic film has been beloved by generations (it could’ve fit in the classics category, but this runtime is too good to leave it out of “short” Christmas movies!). In it, Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas amid the commercial chaos of the holiday. Instead, he chooses to put together a simple school pageant, providing a reminder for the deeper meaning of the holiday season.

Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952)

In this ultrashort feature, Mickey and Pluto bring home a Christmas tree that secretly houses Chip and Dale. The short is playful, quick, and easy to follow for kids. If you’re looking for a bite-size Christmas tale, this is it.

New Christmas Movies for Kids

That Christmas (2024)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Taking place in a small English seaside town, That Christmas follows interweaving tales from various town members as a blizzard hits. For adults that love Love Actually, this far more kid-friendly story takes place in a similar format (which makes sense, as the two films share the same screenwriter).

Dashing Through the Snow (2023)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes

The family comedy follows an Atlanta social worker over Christmas Eve, when he and his daughter come across a mysterious man in a red suit named Nick. The original story is a fun adventure for those that may want something different from the old classics.

Candy Cane Lane (2023)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes

Eddie Murphy stars as Chris, a man determined to win his neighborhood’s holiday decoration contest. To do so, he makes a deal with an elf, who casts a spell to bring his holiday decorations to life.

Family Switch (2023)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 45 minutes

During a rare planetary alignment, a family wakes up realizing they’ve all switched bodies over the holiday season. With a cast that includes Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms, the Netflix comedy is a great choice for watching with school-age kids.

Winter Holiday Movies for Kids

Wonka (2023)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutes

The musical fantasy tells the origin story of the beloved chocolatier, played by Timothée Chalamet. With imaginative visuals and catchy music, there’s something particularly enchanting about this movie around the holiday season, especially for school-age kids and older.

Abominable (2019)

In Abominable, a girl discovers a young Yeti and seeks to help him return home. It’s a cozy winter movie with a kind and gentle Yeti (a bit different from how we meet Bumble in Rudolph!).

Frozen (2013)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes

While it’s doubtful any toddler or kid-age parents haven’t seen Frozen, it’s well worth a watch on a cold winter day. The story of two royal sisters, one of them born with the power to conjure ice and snow. With catchy music and a sweet sibling story, it’s the perfect tale for a snow day.

Happy Feet (2006)

• Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes

Happy Feet shares the story of Mumble, a penguin who can’t sing but has a gift for dancing. The music-driven film is upbeat and fun, with a great message about embracing your own individuality.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

• Runtime: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Based on the C.S. Lewis book series, the first entry introduces viewers to four siblings, who enter the magical world of Narnia to free the world from an eternal winter created by the White Witch. The epic story is one well worth a watch for fans of stories like Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

• Runtime: 2 hours, 33 minutes

Speaking of Harry Potter, head back to his first year of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the years since their release, the films have become de facto holiday watches with their snowy, cozy atmosphere during Christmas scenes.

Balto (1995)

The animated movie is loosely based on a true story about a remote Alaskan town that was infected with diphtheria in the 1920s. The story follows wolf-dog Balto, who finds purpose (and a few friends along the way!) when helps lead a sled team to bring medicine to help the sick children.

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