Everyone loves a Chrimbo film, but some need to watch select Christmas movies to get into the festive mood. The holiday season is the perfect time to snuggle under a blanket with the kids, and watch films that bring warmth, laughter, and christmassy cheer.
Here’s my list of Christmas movies to watch with kids, guaranteed to make you feel festive, complete with descriptions, age ratings, suggested viewing ages, and where to watch them in the UK (please note these are correct at the time of writing and some streaming services may change. I have Amazon Prime, Disney and Netflix subscriptions so I checked these 29/10/24 for free subscriber viewings, although they are available for rental on various channels).
Please note, on November 15th on Disney Plus, An Almost Christmas Story is premiered. The third and final of five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón holiday shorts collection. I’ve not seen them, but Le Pupille and The Shepherd were both nominated for Oscars.
Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 7+ (mild violence)
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left home alone and must defend his house from two burglars. Packed with slapstick humour and holiday spirit, this classic is a fun-filled adventure with a heart-warming message about family.
Themes: Independence, family bonds, and holiday spirit.
It’s the film most parents tell me is their go to Christmas film, so I’ve put it top even though it’s not mine (which is it’s a wonderful life for the record but not one kids enjoy).
Everyone knows the plot, it’s the film where the protagonist lone hero is trapped indoors on Christmas eve and has to outsmart the criminals trying to steal everything. And is widely considered a Christmas movie purely as it’s set in the holiday season. But you can say the same about Die Hard and Gremlins. Whatever gets you and your kids in the Christmas spirit I suppose!
Elf (2003)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 6+
Where to Watch: NOW TV/SKY
Description: Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by elves in the North Pole, goes to New York to find his real father while spreading Christmas cheer. Full of laughs and touching moments, this film has become a modern Christmas classic.
Themes: Family, belonging, and spreading joy.
Here’s one I can get behind, any film with a real Santa, songs, and make kids believe is a proper Christmas film in my book. My children are 7 and 9, and not big fans bizarrely!
The Snowman (1982)
Rating: G
Suggested Age: 3+
Where to Watch: All4
Description: This short, wordless film follows a boy and his snowman on a magical journey. The music and animation create a soothing, festive atmosphere, perfect for younger children.
Themes: Friendship, wonder, and fleeting magic. And David Bowie.
This would be first in my personal list, partly because I saw the Premiere at Channel 4 HQ as a kid and Walking in the Air always hits me right in the nostalgic feels. I got to share the Christmas magic with my own children, especially as Raymond Briggs lived in Sussex so they fly over Brighton where we live. Sadly, they have outgrown it and I hope they lock the love deep inside for when they start their own families.
The follow up The Snowman and the Snow Dog is worth a watch too, and Briggs’ Father Christmas too.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 6+
Where to Watch: Disney+ (both versions)
Description: A touching story about belief in Santa Claus, perfect for kids starting to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas. This remake of the 1947 original keeps the magic alive.
Themes: Belief, kindness, and faith.
When I imagine Kris Kringle as a real person, Richard Attenborough is who springs to mind. It’s great watch, if a little dated now.
The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: U
Suggested Age: 6+
Where to Watch: NOW TV/SKY
Description: A magical train ride to the North Pole teaches a boy about the wonder of Christmas. With its stunning animation and festive themes, it’s a great watch for young children.
Themes: Belief, wonder, and the magic of Christmas.
Director Robert Zemeckis brings long time collaborator Tom Hanks in animated form in a very easy watch.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 5+
Where to Watch: NOW TV/SKY
Description: Santa’s clumsy son Arthur races against time to deliver a missed gift. A fast-paced and heart-warming film packed with humour and the magic of Christmas.
Themes: Family teamwork, generosity, and holiday magic.
I watched this last year with the kids, and it was actually pretty enjoyable. Recommended, more so as both kids sat and watched it which is a tough ask. It was on Netflix last year so hoping that comes back.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Description: Two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, sending them on a thrilling, heart-warming adventure to save Christmas. Kurt Russell’s portrayal of Saint Nick brings a fresh, cool vibe to the role, opposite real life partner Goldie Hawn as Mrs Claus.
Themes: Family, teamwork, and holiday spirit.
Another winner in our house, including the sequel with the naught Elf Belsnickel, which we prefer.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rating: G
Suggested Age: 5+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: The Muppets put their fun, musical twist on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” With catchy songs and heartfelt moments, it’s a perfect film to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit.
Themes: Redemption, kindness, and holiday cheer.
My kids found this quite slow in all honesty, mainly as modern film-making has much better pacing. Plus, the classic tale doesn’t seem to resonate with the young generation as much, and neither sadly does Jim Henson’s wonderful creations.
There is also a Jim Carey Disney 2009 version of A Christmas Carol and these classic below:
Scrooged (1988)
Rating: PG-13
Suggested Age: 12+
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Description: A modern(ish), comedic retelling of A Christmas Carol, where Bill Murray plays a cynical TV executive who gets visited by the ghosts of Christmas. Darkly funny but with a heart-warming message.
Themes: Redemption, generosity, and self-reflection.
Good choice for young teens and those Gen X and Millennial parents who appreciate Murray’s talents.
Scrooge (1951)
Rating: G
Suggested Age: 6+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: This classic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brings the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge to life, as he learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Themes: Compassion, change, and forgiveness.
Alistair Sim’s is Ebenezer Scrooge for me, and it’s fantastic film, but not one my kids could get into. If yours love Marry Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, give this a chance.
Klaus (2019)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Description: This beautifully animated film tells the origin story of Santa Claus in Norway, with a focus on friendship, kindness, and selflessness.
Themes: Generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving.
With an all-star voiceover cast, this is worth a watch. Although the animation is “weird” according to my daughter.
The Grinch (2018)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 5+
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Description: A reimagining of Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic, this animated version follows the Grinch (an excellent Benedict Cumberbatch) as he attempts to steal Christmas, only to have his heart warmed by the spirit of the holiday.
Themes: Transformation, kindness, and joy.
Based on the original animated 1966 version of how the Grinch Stole Christmas! And not to be confused with the 2000 live action Jim Carey film (also on Prime and scarier for kids).
The soundtrack is guaranteed to get me into the Christmas mood, partly as my kids have easily watched this 100 times. You’ll often find me singing Feliz Navidad and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Pentatonix while cooking and washing up over December.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 6+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: When Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally becomes Santa, he learns to embrace the role and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. A light-hearted, festive movie perfect for families.
Themes: Responsibility, family, and holiday magic.
We watched all three films, and the TV series (the latter being a fav for my daughter).
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Description: Based on the bestselling book, this film follows young Nikolas as he embarks on a journey to find his father and, in the process, discovers the magic of Christmas.
Themes: Adventure, belief, and family.
Not seen this yet, but it stars Dame Maggie Smith so will be on our watch list for December for sure.
Nativity! (2009)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Description: A heart-warming British comedy about a school teacher (Martin Freeman) tasked with directing his class’s nativity play, which spirals out of control in the funniest way.
Themes: Creativity, fun, and the magic of childhood.
It has the feel of someone trying to replicate the success of Brit-coms to the younger market, but is an easy watch and my daughter liked it. It spawned sequels Danger in the Manger (with David Tennant in the lead role), Dude, Where’s My Donkey? (Martin Clunes), and Nativity Rocks! (Simon Lipkin).
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Disney+ apparently, but says content unavailable
Description: The lovable Ernest helps Santa find his successor in this goofy but fun Christmas comedy that will entertain the whole family.
Themes: Loyalty, holiday spirit, and humour.
On our watchlist for 2024.
Jack Frost (1998)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Netflix
Description: A father who passes away is brought back as a snowman to reconnect with his son in this touching, magical Christmas tale.
Themes: Family, loss, and second chances.
On our list to watch this year.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: G
Suggested Age: 3+
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Description: Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas in this gentle, beloved special. It’s a perfect introduction to the season’s deeper messages for younger kids.
Themes: Simplicity, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Highly rated so we gave it a go, but kids weren’t keen. Suspect some parents may trigger childhood Christmas nostalgia, but not for me.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rating: U
Suggested Age: 4+
Where to Watch: Not available in the UK
Description: Rudolph, the reindeer with the glowing red nose, learns to embrace his differences and finds his place on Santa’s sleigh team. This stop-motion classic is full of nostalgia apparently.
Themes: Acceptance, self-worth, and inclusion.
It’s a classic, but impossible to find to stream for free in the UK, so can’t comment as never seen it.
Frozen (2013)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 5+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: While not a traditional Christmas movie, the icy landscape and themes of family love and unity make it a winter singalong favourite.
Themes: Family, self-discovery, and love.
Okay, sneaky add as my daughter was a massive Frozen fan in the early years so we watched it a LOT. Plus Olaf the snowman and Sven the Reindeer are good festive characters in my eyes. And it also gives me reason to do the Frozen Elf on a Shelf so all good.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 7+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: A father’s frantic Christmas Eve quest to get his son the season’s most popular toy is full of comedic mishaps. It’s a fun, light-hearted film that older kids will enjoy.
Themes: Family, commercialism, and perseverance.
I love this Arnie movie more than the kids do, maybe because I appreciate it on a different level now I’m a parent.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Rating: PG
Suggested Age: 8+
Where to Watch: Disney+
Description: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, discovers Christmas and tries to make it his own. With its spooky tone, this Tim Burton classic is better suited for older kids who enjoy a mix of Halloween and Christmas.
Themes: Identity, discovery, and holiday spirit.
My 9 year old daughter loves this, but my 7 year old son finds it far too scary.
How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Movie
- For the Little Ones (3-5 years): A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and The Snowman are gentle, short films that convey simple messages in a warm, festive atmosphere. There is also a Shaun the Sheep 30 minute special called the flight before Christmas on Netflix.
- For Kids Aged 5-7: Films like Frozen, Arthur Christmas, and The Muppet Christmas Carol bring laughter, adventure, and heart, making them ideal for this age group.
- For Older Kids (7+): Home Alone, Elf, Klaus, and The Nightmare Before Christmas offer humour and deeper themes for kids who can appreciate a bit more complexity in storytelling.
- For Adults and bigger kids: Love Actually (contains nudity), The Holiday, Bad Santa (contains a lot of swearing).
Where to Watch
For added convenience, here’s a breakdown of where to stream these movies:
Disney+:
- Home Alone
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Santa Clause
- Frozen
- Jingle All the Way
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Scrooge (1951)
Netflix:
- Arthur Christmas (hopefully)
- Klaus
- The Christmas Chronicles
- A Boy Called Christmas
- Jack Frost
Amazon Prime:
- Nativity!
- Scrooged
- The Grinch (2018)
NOW TV/SKY:
- Elf
- The Polar Express
- Arthur Christmas
Apple TV+:
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
All4:
- The Snowman
