As soon as it’s time for Christmas music and lights, it means it’s time for one other thing: Christmas movies! While the weather gets darker and colder, it can mean a lot more nights for the kids spent indoors this time of year. If they’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, then here is a list of Top Christmas Movies for kids! It is the perfect way to spend quality time with your children at home. So go ahead and cuddle up with some hot chocolate and your kids as you watch these holiday favorites. I have broken these Christmas children & family films down by three age appropriate categories, under 5, ages 5-7, and ages 7+. Enter the enchanting world of these top films, filled with colorful characters, catchy songs, and heartwarming messages that will make this holiday season unforgettable.
This post was originally published December 16, 2014. I have added a few things and republished it here. It now includes a Christmas movie list printable at the end of the post for 25 Days of Family Christmas Movies. Discover the timeless magic of these classic Christmas movies that will bring joy and laughter to your little ones. From heartfelt tales of friendship to whimsical adventures, these films are guaranteed to create treasured memories for the whole family.
Kids Christmas Movies By Age
Get ready for a festive movie marathon with our ultimate kids’ holiday film guide! From beloved classics to hidden gems, we’ve curated a list of must-watch Christmas movies that will captivate your children’s imagination and create a magical atmosphere during this joyous time.
When it comes to choosing for your kids, most of the holiday titles we are already familiar with. But there are some our kids may put in our hand at the rental counter and we have just a moment to make a decision. It’s best to know beforehand what movies your child might put into your hand and to know if they’re age appropriate. Below are more than twenty holiday movie titles split into age categories. Take a look before the next library run this Christmas season!
Best Kids Christmas Movies For Children Ages 5 and Under:
For younger kids, these are shorter, milder Christmas movies that have great characters and lessons. These are perfect Christmas movies for toddlers. We are talking G rated Christmas movies.
The Snowman
A great film adaptation of the book by Raymond Briggs, this is a touching and beautiful movie. It is a great choice for Christmas eve and it tells the story of young boy and the snowman he builds.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
There isn’t much to say about this film. Chances are you’ve seen it already, and are ready to pass down this classic to your kids!
A Muppet Family Christmas
A fun family film with nothing offensive and everything to enjoy.
Frosty the Snowman
What’s not to love about Frosty? Some parents claim their kids watch this on repeat, so be warned before introducing it to your children, for your own sanity!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This movie contains a great message about being yourself, and the “scary” monster is a harmless antagonist. Follow Rudolph as he journeys across the North Pole. This is sure to be one of the holiday favorites.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Our favorite monkey brings some Christmas jinks to the holiday season.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
You can’t go wrong with Disney’s Mickey movies. Besides Scrooge the duck’s scary ghost, this mouse movie keeps everything lighthearted
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Three stories to display the true spirit of Christmas, in typical Mouse spirit.
These rated G Christmas movies are very mild and short, and great for kids below five.
Top Christmas Movies for Kids Ages 5-7:
Arthur Christmas
Parent-reviewed as a fun, family-friendly movie. In this funny computer-animated fantasy film, Santa’s son helps to deliver one of the most important Christmas presents and save the magic of Christmas.
Dr. Seuss – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version)
Always a classic, this film can be a little creepy, and may upset younger children, but it should be just fine for ages five and up. What better way to enjoy a holiday classic with the whole family?
Kung Fu Panda – Holiday Special
If your kids saw the original Kung Fu Panda movie, then they may love this holiday release! With the same fun characters, this movie has a Kung Fu Christmas spin. Sure to be one of the most fun children’s Christmas movies.
Merry Madagascar
This is a favorite holiday sequel to the film, Madagascar, and has some wonderful messages about goodwill and generosity.
Babes in Toyland
While the demons unleashed to ruin Christmas may come off as scary, it should be perfectly fine for ages five and above.
Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas
A classic Disney film with all the favorite characters adds a little Christmas cheer.
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
Best for those who are already familiar with the characters, this is a really fun and wacky film with the typical slapstick humor and violence.
Santa Buddies
If your kids are fans of the “Buddies” movies, then try out this Christmas-themed one!
Prep & Landing
This is a great film for the family, with kid-friendly tones and messages and with some clean humor to keep even the adults chuckling!
These films have a bit more engaging plot line while remaining clean and family-friendly.
Top Christmas Movies for Kids 7+
Ages seven and up may enjoy these titles that are longer in time length with more complex plots and characters:
Polar Express
Add this to your classic holiday movies list. This is wonderful film adaptation of the book, with beautiful animation and an exciting atmosphere. Some parts can be a little scary, but mostly for quite young children. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure and learns about the real meaning of Christmas.
Miracle on 34th Street
This is the newer version of the heart-warming Christmas classic, great for family night. Some agree that the older version is better, but both are good. Either way, this is one of the best kids Christmas movies out there. The Miracle of 34th Street is such a fabulous Christmas story.
Rise of the Guardians
This is a very exciting and unique portrayal of the holiday legends and fun for adults too!
Shrek the Halls
Most families have seen the Shrek films. Expect similar potty behavior in this film as in the series, but with more kid-friendly humor and less innuendos.
The Santa Clause
If you haven’t seen this by now, then it’s time you do. So grab your kids and relax with this holiday film classic starring Tim Allen.
My Favorite Christmas Movies Kids 9+
I also want to include 2 bonus films for families with older children. These two are the best kids’ Christmas movies for ages 9 and up.
It’s A Wonderful Life
This is my all time favorite Christmas movie so I had to include it on this list. However, word of caution, Common Sense says it is age appropriate for ages 9+. It is an old classic 1946 American Christmas family film with James Stewart and Donna Reed. It explores how a scenario gone wrong can remind us how much we should truly be grateful for. I loved the happy ending as a child and I still find it heart warming. It always gets me in the holiday spirit.
Home Alone
Another of the best Christmas movies of all time that I just have to mention that is on the opposite spectrum as the classic above but still really worth seeing is, Home Alone. It is just fun and funny! Macaulay Culkin shines and it is a great movies for older kids. Common Sense says ages 10+.
25 Days of Family Christmas Movies Printable
I also have a Christmas movie list printable so you can print it out cross them off as you go! I have included an image below of the Christmas movie list printable and I also have it in pdf format, as you prefer. From mischievous elves to heartwarming tales, these films are perfect for creating unforgettable holiday moments with your little ones.
Conclusion
Watching Christmas movies creates a shared experience, strengthening family connections. It’s an opportunity to snuggle up together and enjoy some quality time. Combine entertainment and education with these Christmas family movies that teach kids valuable lessons. From the importance of kindness to the power of believing, these films will not only entertain your children but also inspire them to embrace the true spirit of the holiday season.
Christmas movies are full of festive music, lights, and decorations, helping kids (and adults) feel the joy and excitement of the season. I hope you enjoy these Christmas children & family films. As all parents have different standards for their children’s viewing privileges, this list errs on the side of mild. For further age appropriate movie research, commonsensemedia.org has excellent and detailed information on movies.
This list of best Christmas movies for kids is sure to come in handy this holiday season. Do you enjoy classic Christmas movies or do you like new family movies? Did I leave off any of your favorites on this list of Christmas movies for kids? Tell us some of your kids’ favorite Christmas movies so we can add them to the list!
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help4newmoms says
My girls watched the Beauty and the Beast Christmas movie over and over and over. It really rounds out the charter development of Bell and the Beast. really.
Shiram says
Thanks for sharing the best family Christmas movies. I appreciated all your suggestions. My favorite is the muppet Christmas carol.
Kerrie says
Thanks for sharing the top Christmas movies to see with kids. Stories about Santa Claus, elves, and magical adventures fuel kids’ imaginations and creativity. I would add Candy Cane Lane and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to this list.