The Best Christmas Movies for Kids

Are you looking for a fun Christmas activity to do with the family? Try having a Christmas movie night! We’ve put together a list of the best Christmas movies for kids, and we’ve even included a few fun printables for you to use.

Psst, if you’re reading this around Halloween, be sure and check out our printable list of spooky, kid-friendly Halloween movies! I also think the kids would have a blast with this Christmas Printable Activity Packet for Kids!

Best Christmas Movies for Kids

There are so many great holiday movies out there, but it can be tricky figuring out which ones are the best Christmas movies for kids. That’s why we’ve done the work for you, and taken the guesswork out of choosing a movie! We’ve narrowed our list down to eight classic Christmas films that we know your family will love. That’s over a week of fun movie nights. We’ll even help you keep track with the printable Christmas movie checklist. Try putting it on the fridge and having your little ones check off each movie as you watch it. They’ll love being involved in the movie night planning process!

Materials Required:

Cardstock
Pen/Pencil
Adhesive
Popcorn (or other treats!)

If you’re curious about the films on our list of the best Christmas movies for kids, be sure to keep reading. We’ve made sure to include wholesome, family flicks that work well for both older and younger audiences. Take a look below at our favorite Christmas movies for kids, and to learn more about each one.

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Fun Holiday Movies for Kids

Elf (2003)
Where to watch Elf: You can rent Elf on Amazon Prime Video or watch it free on STARZ if you have a subscription.
This hilarious family favorite follows the journey of Buddy the elf as he seeks to find his real father. Younger kids will love the hijinks that Buddy finds himself in, while older children and adults are sure to love the witty storyline and dialogue. For this reason, we love this option if you have children of various ages in your household. It’s sure to please everyone!

Klaus (2019) –
Where to watch Klaus: Netflix
From the producer of Finding Nemo, Klaus tells the tale of a North Pole postman who finds himself banished to the town of Smeerensburg. There he meets a mysterious toymaker named Klaus. This is a newer film that does a sweet job of portraying a different origin story of Santa Claus, and that is sure to be a smash hit.

The Polar Express (2004) – All aboard for some Christmas fun! A movie adaptation of the Caldecott winning book also titled The Polar Express, this is a truly magical Christmas treat. There’s music, mystery, and a whole lot of train imagery that is sure to please those choo-choo lovers of yours!

Home Alone (1990)
Where to watch Home Alone 1, 2 and 3: Disney +
This is another great option for those families who have children of various ages and stages of life (you might even remember it from your childhood!). It tells the story of Kevin McCallister who wakes up one morning to find himself, you guessed it – home alone! Children will smile and cheer Kevin along as he has all sorts of adventures and defends his home against the Wet Bandits.

The Santa Clause (1994) –
Where to watch The Santa Clause 1, 2 and 3:Disney + has both the first, second and third movie.
What would Christmas be without a viewing of this classic 90’s movie? Join the hilarious Tim Allen as he visits the North Pole and returns as Santa himself! But he isn’t alone. His son, Charlie, joins him in helping him become the best Santa the world has ever had.

Santa Buddies (2009) –
Where to watch Santa Buddies: Disney +
Do you have any animal lovers in your family? If so, this is one film you do not want to miss! It’s a spin-off of the beloved Air Buddies but with a special holiday twist. We really think it’s one of the best Christmas movies for kids who love dogs.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) –
Where to watch The Grinch: You can rent the Grinch on Amazon.
A television special that aired in the ’60s, this animated film is based on the original story of the grinch, written by the beloved Dr. Seuss. Follow along as the grumpy old Grinch attempts to steal Christmas from the Who’s down in Whoville!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Where to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas: Disney +
About the movie: In this animated movie Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town. He is bored doing the same pumpkin things every year, so he tries to put on a fun Christmas.

An Elf Story
Where to watch An Elf Story: Netflix
About the movie: Chippy the Elf is assigned to a family that includes a boy who is questioning the magic of Christmas. He needs to help the boy believe in Christmas magic.
Extension Activity: Do you have an Elf On The Shelf for your little one doing fun tricks throughout the month of December? Besides making Elf Slime and doing Elf Activities you can add the elf movie to your 20+ Elf Ideas + Activities too.

Christmas Chronicles 1 + 2
Where to watch Christmas Chronicles: Netflix
About the movie: Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with Saint Nick and his elves to save the holiday before it’s too late.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ve made this idea even MORE interactive for your little ones by including a blank list that they can fill out and check off themselves.

They will have so much fun choosing the movies they want to watch and putting them on their list. It will help them practice their fine motor (writing) and literacy skills, as well as decision making.

More Disney + Christmas movies:

Prep Landing – Operation: Secret Santa
A Muppet Christmas – Letter To Santa
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Jingle All The Way 1+ 2
Decorating Disney Holiday Magic
Beauty and the Beast Enchangted CHristmas
Ernest Saves Christmas

More Netflix Christmas Movies:

Christmas Chronicles 1+2
Jingle JangleA Boy Called Christmas
Alien Xmas
Christmas Break In
48 Christmas Wishes
A Christmas Prince

Watching the movies will help deepen their understanding of the world and can introduce them to various viewpoints.

Cute snack box to have to watch hoilday movies

Don’t forget the fun Movie Treats!

Be sure and print out the included Christmas treat boxes – because no movie night is complete without a little popcorn, right?

Simply print out the box, trim the edges, fold the flaps in and join it all together with a little bit of adhesive. It doesn’t get much holly jollier than that!