The best Christmas movies for kids to watch this December

The holiday season kicks into high gear once the calendar turns to December. Sure, there’s shopping, wrapping, decorating, and baking on the list, but there needs to be some movie watching, too. Remember how much fun it was as a kid to put on those pajamas, grab the cozy blanket, and cuddle up to watch those classic Christmas movies and shows with the whole family?

Those chilly December nights are earmarked for family time on the couch, and what’s better to watch than those Christmas classics you loved from your childhood. Those classics are some of the best Christmas movies for kids. So, this holiday season, stir up the hot chocolate, pop the popcorn, and enjoy a couple of freshly baked cookies while watching holiday classics that always leave you filled with Christmas cheer.

Best Christmas movies for kids

Every holiday season, new Christmas movies come out. Hallmark, Lifetime, and even Netflix typically premiere holiday movies. Sure, it’s always a blast to check out the new holiday films that are streaming, but there’s something special about those classic Christmas movies. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without watching these heart-warming holiday flicks.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

96m

Genre

Comedy, Drama, Family

Stars

Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn

Directed by

George Seaton

Watch on disney+

This Christmas classic about whether or not Santa is real dates back to 1947. Starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and a very young Natalie Wood, Miracle on 34th Street is the don’t-miss holiday season. It’s a wonderful movie to share with your kiddos as everyone rallies around Kris to prove that he is the real Santa Claus. Kris turns cynical single mom Doris and her non-Santa-believing little girl Susan into true believers. Set against the backdrop of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, watch the original first before tuning into the 90s remake.

Home Alone (1990)

103m

Genre

Comedy, Family

Stars

Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

Directed by

Chris Columbus

Watch on disney+

Everyone has probably seen the memes about this holiday movie, but if you actually sit down and watch, there’s a real sentimental component to it. Sure, it’s funny with all the craziness when you accept the fact that a family actually went to Paris without their 8-year-old child. Home Alone is definitely a Christmas movie kids and parents can relate to.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

76m

Genre

Fantasy, Animation, Family

Stars

Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara

Directed by

Henry Selick

Watch on disney+

Is this ’90s cult classic about Jack Skellington a Halloween movie or a Christmas film? The truth is it’s both. It’s been an endearing Christmas movie kids and adults have been loving for 30 years. If you haven’t watched it yet, make it a point this December.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

26m

Genre

Animation, Family, Comedy

Stars

Boris Karloff, June Foray, Dal McKennon

Directed by

Chuck Jones

Watch on peacock

The Grinch has gained almost as must notoriety during Christmas as the big guy in red. Dr. Seuss’ classic story was made into an animated classic in 1966. The original continues to endure and should definitely be watched. In 2000, Ron Howard brought the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the big screen starring Jim Carrey. Settle in for a Grinch night to watch the original, the movie, and the animated Grinch remake with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the mean one.

A Christmas Story (1983)

93m

Genre

Comedy, Family

Stars

Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin

Directed by

Bob Clark

Watch on max

This holiday movie is absolutely beloved by many. An ’80s film about Ralphie’s quest to get a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas despite being repeatedly warned about potentially shooting his eye out is legendary. It’s often played at least once during the month of December as a marathon. See what all the memes are about if you haven’t watched it in its entirety.

The Santa Clause (1994)

97m

Genre

Fantasy, Drama, Comedy, Family

Stars

Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson

Directed by

John Pasquin

Watch on amazon

Another ’90s smash, Tim Allen’s The Santa Claus is now actually a franchise with three movies and a series. The first one is of course the best and is a joy to watch every December. Put the series on the watch list, too. It’s actually a delight as Scott Calvin (Santa) and his family try to navigate their changing lives at the North Pole. You can watch all the Santa Clauses on Disney+.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

85m

Genre

Music, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Drama

Stars

Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire

Directed by

Brian Henson

Watch on disney+

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been done in movies, on stage, and on television. Perhaps the most charming and kid-friendly version is The Muppet Christmas Carol. This is a perfect way to introduce kids to the Dickens’ classic.

Elf (2003)

97m

Genre

Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Stars

Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart

Directed by

Jon Favreau

Watch on max

Every December this Christmas gem starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is also shown as a marathon. If you hated it the first time, you’ll love it now. It’s just that kind of holiday movie, and Christmas wouldn’t be the same without watching it.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

130m

Genre

Drama, Family, Fantasy

Stars

James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

Directed by

Frank Capra

Watch on apple tv+

The story of what life would have been like without George Bailey is a Christmas story that has also been told many different ways since this Christmas classic debuted in 1946. This holiday movie never gets old and is always a seasonal watch for the whole family.

Animated Christmas classics

While Christmas movies are amazing, let’s not forget those holiday animated shows that are simply unforgettable. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without one showing of Charlie Brown’s search for the meaning of Christmas and Rudolph helping those misfit toys find a child to love. These animated Christmas classics are getting harder to find on network television but are worth the effort.

• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• The Year Without a Santa Claus
• Frosty the Snowman
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town
• Mickey’s Christmas Carol

It is so easy to get swept away by the craziness of the holiday season. Enjoying holiday movie classics with the family is a simple way to recharge the batteries and get an influx of Christmas spirit. If you’re looking for the best Christmas movies for kids, think back to your childhood. This list captures many of those classic Christmas movies you just need to watch every year. Now, you get to share them with your children and start the tradition all over again.