If you are searching for ideas for quality time at home with your children this holiday season, this list of family-friendly Christmas movies is for you. These are our favorite Christmas movies that are wholesome and meant for the whole family to enjoy together, including classic Christmas films, newer holiday favorites, and gentle, Christmas-themed television specials for young children.
These movies are movies that families will enjoy, but also speak to the heart of Christmas, whether though tales of Santa Claus spreading cheer on Christmas Eve, or the true meaning of Christmas.
To make your own list of must-see Christmas movies, we have included a printable bucket list for you to plan out your family movie nights.
In this blog post:
- Festive Christmas movies for kids and families
- Low stimulation Christmas specials for kids
- Make your own Christmas movie bucket list [Free Printable PDF]
- Meaningful Christmas studies from Treehouse Schoolhouse
Festive Christmas movies for kids and families
These are some of our favorite holiday movies, including classic films, movies inspired by Christmas books, new films, and more.
For parents, we have included links to Common Sense Media reviews for you to research content in advance and ensure whether or not each title is appropriate for your family. For streaming availability, some links are listed below, but we encourage you to check steaming guides like JustWatch.com as streaming rights or availability may change over time, or titles may be available on multiple platforms.
To pair Christmas movies with coordinating books, browse related titles on our Amazon storefront.
Angela’s Christmas (2018)
Based on the book Angela’s Christmas by Frank McCourt, this is a sweet story about a young girl who steals baby Jesus from the church Nativity scene because she is worried the doll is cold. This movie displays Angela’s compassion and empathy for others, as she desires most of all for everyone to be loved at Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages
Where to Watch: Netflix
Angela’s Christmas 2 (2020)
Previously called Angela’s Christmas Wish, this sequel follows young Angela as she attempts to reunite her family by bringing her father home from Australia, where he has traveled to from Ireland for work. Follow Angela as she plots and plans to earn money to bring her father home, emphasizing family and togetherness during Christmastime.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 4+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Elf (2003)
When a human baby from an orphanage accidentally crawls into Santa’s sack, he is inadvertently taken to the North Pole where he is raised by Santa’s elves. Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell, grows up and hilariously travels to New York City to find his biological father, who is on Santa’s naughty list. The story follows Buddy’s trials and tribulations in the city as he brings his skills, honed by his upbringing in the North Pole, to spread Christmas cheer to people everywhere.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for some mild rude humor and language), generally recommended for 6+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Hulu
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Frosty the Snowman is a vintage Christmas special that originally appeared on television in 1969 in the same era as A Charlie Brown Christmas. The story unwinds as a hat is thrown out in the snow in a fit of frustration. Later, as children are building a snowman together, they place the discarded hat on the snowman, which brings Frosty the Snowman to life. The story follows the children as they work together to help Frosty (the jolly, happy soul) make it to the North Pole before he melts.
Age Range: All Ages
Where to Watch: Prime Video
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
This classic short film is based on the Doctor Seuss book, including all of the delightful rhyming narrative in the original story. The miserable Grinch, who lives in a cave far above Whoville, plots to bring Christmas to ruin by stealing all the presents, trees, and food from the town’s cheerful residents. Follow the joy of the story as the Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas and has a change of heart himself.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
This story is featured in A Connected Christmas, Volume Two
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Peacock
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Based on the book The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, a guardian angel shows George Bailey how many lives he has touched and how much worse the world would be without him. This classic film for families is a profound story about community and the unique impact each person’s life has on others, and how everyone is important.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG), generally recommended for 7+ due to complex themes and emotional intensity.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Klaus (2019)
This animated film beautifully reimagines the legend of Santa Claus when a selfish postman is sent to a remote, Arctic town as punishment and enlists the help of a reclusive toymaker to bring toys to children.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for brief rude humor and action), generally recommended for 7+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
In this classic Christmas film, the story unfolds as an old man is hired at the last minute to play Santa Claus at the Macy’s store on 34th Street in New York City. The man spreads Christmas cheer, but then claims to be the real Kris Kringle, causing people to think he is insane. A young lawyer defends him in court to prove his sanity and, ultimately, prove that Christmas magic is real. This is a timeless story about faith, hope, and imagination.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (G), generally recommended for 7+ for full engagement
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The story follows Rudolph, a young reindeer with a shiny red nose. The reindeer struggles as he is shunned by the other reindeers and even kicked out of the Reindeer games. Then on a foggy Christmas Eve, he is needed by Santa to guide the sleigh, and is finally able to use his unique talent. This classic stop-motion special is a sweet message about finding your purpose.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
Based on the book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, the story begins like any other Christmas pageant — angels, shepherds, and the familiar story of the Nativity. But things take a wild and hilarious turn when the unruly Herdman kids show up and insist on being part of the play. What follows is total chaos – equal parts outrageous and heartwarming – as the worst kids in town end up teaching everyone, even the grown-ups, about the true meaning of Christmas and the power of seeing the Nativity story with fresh eyes.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Grab the coordinating Book Study here.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for thematic material, some minor violence, and brief smoking in some versions), generally recommended for 8+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Hulu
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (2007)
Based on the book, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, a widowed woman and her son persuades an ill-tempered, reclusive woodcarver to recreate her late nativity set after it is lost. The woodcarver, alongside the young boy, slowly heals his own grief in the days leading up to Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
This book is featured in A Connected Christmas.
Age Range: All Ages
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Grinch (2018)
Based on the Doctor Seuss book, this is an updated and modern version of the Grinch, a cynical grouch living a solitary life in a cave. As he plots and plans to steal Christmas from the overly joyous residents of Whoville, only to have a change of heart thanks to the unexpected kindness of a little girl.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for brief rude humor), generally recommended for 7+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Peacock
The Legend of the Candy Cane (2001)
Based on the book The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg, this short, animated film is the story of when a curious man arrives in a small town, bringing sweets and tells the origin of the candy cane and how it points to Jesus.
This book is featured in A Connected Christmas.
Age Range: All Ages
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
Based on the C.S. Lewis novel, four siblings discover the magical world of Narnia, a beautiful land trapped in eternal winter by the wicked White Witch. The children join forces with the majestic lion Aslan to fulfill an ancient prophecy and bring peace back to the land.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Grab the coordinating Book Study here.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for battle sequences and frightening moments), generally recommended for 8+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Disney+
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets provide a hilarious adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story, with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as a notably serious Ebenezer Scrooge.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (G), generally recommended for 6+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Disney+
The Nativity Story (2006)
This movie tells the Biblical account of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the birth of Christ. It is a respectful and realistic portrayal of the events leading up to the first Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for some mild violence and thematic elements), generally recommended for 10+ due to historical setting, birth scenes, and serious themes.
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Nutcracker (1993)
Delight in the film adaptation of George Balanchine’s famous ballet, featuring Macaulay Culkin, which follows a young girl’s Christmas Eve dream where her nutcracker doll comes to life and takes her on a journey to the Land of Sweets.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (G), generally suitable for 5+
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Polar Express (2004)
This animated movie is based on the book The Polar Express by Chris Alsburg. The story tells of a young boy who is beginning to doubt the existence of Santa. When he is whisked away on a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve and rediscovers the true spirit of Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (G), but may be scary for very young children due to dark imagery and sequences where the train is in peril; generally recommended for 6+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Hulu
The Santa Clause (1994)
After businessman Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall off of his roof, he mysteriously takes on the role himself. With Tim Allen as the leading role, Calvin transforms into Santa himself, as he swiftly grows a white beard and watches his waistline grow. As he manages the new role of Santa, he also convinces his family of his new identity in this heartwarming, silly story.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for some mischievous acts and language), generally recommended for 6+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Hulu
The Snowman (1982)
Based on the children’s board book by Raymond Briggs, this is a short, animated story of a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Snowy Day (2016)
Based on the classic children’s book by Ezra Jack Keats, this animated short follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his city neighborhood on the first snowy day of winter. It’s a gentle, warm story about the simple magic of childhood and snow.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Star (2017)
When a small, brave donkey named Bo yearns for adventure outside of his ordinary life, he joins a group of misfit animals that become the unlikely heroes of the first Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (PG for some mild peril), generally recommended for 6+
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Low stimulation Christmas specials for kids
These are classic holiday television specials that children will love watching during the holidays. Many of these titles are considered low stimulation television shows, which typically feature characters that are kind and soft-spoken, and the narratives often highlight positivity, cooperation, and understanding rather than conflict or drama. The shows are quiet and peaceful, in contrast to fast-paced, disruptive shows. We love to let kids enjoy watching a show from time to time as a treat or special occasion.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic that focuses on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. In this story, Charlie Brown directs a play that teaches everyone the true meaning of Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages (TV-G), generally recommended for 4+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)
Six-year-old Hank and his best friend, a giant Trash Truck, must work together to save Christmas after Santa crash-lands in the junkyard.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas (2000)
Based on the Arthur series by Marc Brown, Arthur and his friends learn about various holiday traditions, like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, as they overcome obstacles while trying to make their own holiday “perfect.”
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 4+
Where to Watch: Prime Video, PBS Kids
Christmastime with Mister Rogers (1977)
Mr. Rogers explores the feeling of waiting for Christmas, and shares his own Christmas wish. He also talks about holiday traditions and visits different places like the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and a Pennsylvania craft shop.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 2+
Where to watch: Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009)
George and The Man with the Yellow Hat search for the perfect gifts for each other, leading them on a humorous search for the true meaning of Christmas. Follow them as they try to find the right gifts before Christmas morning.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to watch: Prime Video
Little Bear: Gingerbread Cookies (1995)
Based on the characters in the books by Else Holmelund Minarik, in this episode Little Bear and his friends do festive activities together like making gingerbread cookies and preparing for winter.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 2+
Where to watch: YouTube
Peter Rabbit Christmas Special (2012)
This special often follows Peter Rabbit and his friends trying to ensure their Christmas goes perfectly, usually involving a mishap with Mr. McGregor or a need to help another animal in the forest. It is a charming, often mischievous adventure based on the classic tales.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 4+
Where to Watch: YouTube
Postman Pat’s Christmas Special
In this British stop animation television show, Postman Pat and his trusty cat Jess embark on adventures to ensure the Christmas mail, packages, and spirit are delivered safely to the people of Greendale.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 3+
Where to Watch: YouTube
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)
When Timmy, the smallest sheep, goes missing and is sent to the town’s Christmas celebration by accident, Shaun and the flock must race to the city to find him in this stop-motion film.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 5+
Where to Watch: Prime Video
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas (2012)
Based on the book characters by Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat, Nick, and Sally go on an adventure to help a young reindeer find his way home to his family in time for Christmas.
For a detailed content overview, click here to read the Parent Guide Review on Common Sense Media.
Age Range: All Ages, generally suitable for 4+
Where to Watch: PBS Kids
Make your own Christmas movie bucket list [Free Printable PDF]
Use the Christmas Movie Bucket List below to jot down all of your favorite movies you hope to watch with your family this year.
Save and print the FREE Printable PDF below.
Meaningful Christmas studies from Treehouse Schoolhouse
If you are looking with ways to connect with your family this holiday season, enjoy these intentional advent studies from Treehouse Schoolhouse.
A Connected Christmas
A Connected Christmas is our original, three-week advent study designed for the whole family. Gather your family and celebrate beauty and delight through festive carols, stories, poetry, art, baking, and handcrafts. It’s about family, it’s about Him. It’s about connecting hearts to the heart of Christmas–to the truth of Jesus coming to earth to seek and save the lost.
A Connected Christmas, Volume Two
A Connected Christmas, Volume Two continues the same holiday tradition of carols, stories, poetry, art, baking, and handcrafts, designed to bring your family together during this holiday season. Share in the love of Christ by revisiting the Nativity story along with new stories and heartwarming activities to enjoy this season together.
is an invitation to gather your family and celebrate beauty and delight through festive carols, stories, poetry, art, baking, and handcrafts. It’s about family, it’s about Him. It’s about connecting hearts to the heart of Christmas–to the truth of Jesus coming to earth to seek and save the lost.
A Connected Christmas: Around the World
Travel around the world this holiday season and connect hearts to the truth of Jesus while experiencing how Christmas is celebrated across the globe through A Connected Christmas: Around the World. This study has a special focus on geography and cultural traditions as you learn how Christmas is celebrated worldwide during this special time of year.
