One of the most cherished family traditions that I eagerly anticipate every December is gathering all the best Christmas movies to enjoy with loved ones. Classics like The Santa Clause, Elf, and Miracle on 34th Street have stood the test of time, making them must-watch holiday favorites year after year. As a family, we also love discovering new or lesser-known Christmas films that bring joy and laughter to our movie nights.
If you’re looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit with your family, this list is perfect for you. Our favorite family-friendly holiday movies include animated classics, comedies, and even some rom-coms that are great for adults to enjoy after the kids go to bed. Grab your favorite holiday treats and let the fun begin as you decide which movie to watch. With so many options available, it can be tough to choose, but we’ve rounded up the best holiday movies that you can stream with your family. If you’re unsure whether a PG-13 movie is appropriate for your child, previewing it beforehand is always a good idea.
From timeless classics to new favorites and everything in between, these movies are sure to fill your home with holiday cheer. Whether you’re watching with young children or older teens, there’s something on this list for everyone. Read on to discover our favorite Christmas movies to watch as a family this year.
Holiday Movies for Kids
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: G | Run Time: 25m
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
This classic cartoon follows Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and their friends as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a heartwarming story that has resonated with generations.
-
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Rating: G | Run Time: 30m
Where to Watch: Peacock
Based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved book, this adaptation features Cindy Lou Who, Max the dog, and the iconic song “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.” -
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 25m
Where to Watch: Hulu
This tale follows Karen and her magical snowman friend Frosty, who comes to life with a magic top hat. It’s a classic holiday favorite. -
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Rating: G | Run Time: 26m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A short and sweet retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic, featuring Mickey as Bob Cratchit. It also includes five other holiday shorts. -
The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Hulu or Max
Based on the bestselling book, this film follows Tom Hanks as the train conductor of The Polar Express, taking children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. -
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 5m
Where to Watch: Disney+
For fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this movie follows Greg Heffley as he tries to avoid getting on the naughty list. -
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Rating: Not rated | Run Time: 51m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
This stop-motion movie explores the origin of Santa Claus, featuring Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney. -
The Grinch (2018)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 21m
Where to Watch: Peacock or Prime Video
A new animated version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. It’s a family-friendly film that brings both humor and heart. -
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 33m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Follow Arthur, the youngest member of Santa’s family, as he embarks on a mission to ensure no child is forgotten on Christmas. -
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 27m
Where to Watch: Disney+
This musical version of A Christmas Carol features the Muppets and includes memorable songs like “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas.” -
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 52m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
This stop-motion classic introduces Rudolph, Hermey the Elf, and the Island of Misfit Toys. -
The Naughty Nine (2023)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 1h 25m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A group of mischievous kids plan a heist to get the presents they believe they deserve.
Holiday Movies for Tweens and Teens
-
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 37m
Where to Watch: Max
A nostalgic take on A Christmas Story, following a 10-year-old boy dreaming of getting the original Nintendo system. -
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 37m
Where to Watch: Hulu or Max
A comedy about Clark Griswold’s chaotic attempt to have a traditional Christmas. -
A Christmas Prince (2017)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A royal holiday series about a reporter who uncovers a secret about a prince. -
Christmas Wedding Planner (2017)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 24m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A wedding planner finds herself entangled in a mystery while organizing a holiday wedding. -
The Holiday Calendar (2018)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 35m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A photographer inherits a magical advent calendar that may reveal her future. -
The Princess Switch (2018)
Rating: TV-G | Run Time: 1h 41m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A duchess and a woman from Chicago switch places, leading to a romantic adventure. -
The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
Rating: TV-14 | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A medieval knight travels to modern-day America and falls for a high school English teacher. -
Let It Snow (2019)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A group of high schoolers gets stranded during a snowstorm and experiences unforgettable holiday moments. -
Christmas With You (2022)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 29m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A pop star discovers love while spending the holidays in a small town. -
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 33m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A young heiress loses her memory and is taken in by an inn owner and his daughter.
Movies to Watch As a Family This Christmas
-
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 37m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A classic tale about Kris Kringle and his quest to prove he is the real Santa Claus. -
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 46m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A timeless film about George Bailey and the impact of his life on others. -
A Christmas Story (1983)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 33m
Where to Watch: Max
A nostalgic look at a boy’s quest for a Red Ryder air rifle. -
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 38m
Where to Watch: Hulu
A sequel to the classic, following Ralphie as a parent trying to recreate his childhood Christmas. -
Elf (2003)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 37m
Where to Watch: Hulu or Max
A hilarious and heartwarming story about Buddy the Elf searching for his human father. -
Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 44m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A classic about Kevin defending his home from burglars. -
The Santa Clause (1994)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 38m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A tale about Scott Calvin accidentally becoming Santa Claus. -
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Hulu
A new adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s classic book, featuring the Herdman siblings. -
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 44m
Where to Watch: Netflix
Siblings Kate and Teddy try to capture Santa to save Christmas.
-
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, bringing the character to life with humor and heart. -
The Nutcracker (1993)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A magical journey featuring Macauley Culkin and the New York City Ballet. -
All I Want for Christmas (1991)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 28m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A heartwarming story about siblings trying to reunite their divorced parents. -
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 46m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A magical tale about a boy who sets out to find his father in a mystical land. -
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 22m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A toymaker and his granddaughter embark on a journey to restore hope and magic. -
Noelle (2019)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 46m
Where to Watch: Disney+
Noelle, the sister of Santa, goes on an adventure to save Christmas. -
Godmothered (2020)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 55m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A fairy godmother helps a mother and daughter rediscover the magic of the holidays. -
Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Disney+
A social worker and his daughter help Santa save Christmas. -
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 2h 3m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A comedy-drama about an angel helping a preacher find his way back to faith. -
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 34m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A couple decides to skip the holiday festivities, only to face unexpected challenges. -
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Rating: Not Rated | Run Time: 1h 48m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A classic musical following four sisters navigating life and love before the 1904 World’s Fair. -
White Christmas (1954)
Rating: Not Rated | Run Time: 2h
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Bing Crosby stars in this beloved musical about two friends reuniting for a holiday performance.
Christmas Movies for Adults
-
The Holiday (2006)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 10m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Two women swap homes for the holidays and fall in love with local men. -
The Family Stone (2005)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Hulu or Prime Video
A businesswoman attends her boyfriend’s quirky family’s Christmas celebration, leading to chaos. -
Four Christmases (2008)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 28m
Where to Watch: Hulu and Max
A couple navigates the challenges of spending the holidays with their divorced families.
-
Our Little Secret (2024)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 41m
Where to Watch: Netflix
Exes are forced to keep their past a secret while dealing with their new relationships. -
EXmas (2023)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 33m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A man faces a dilemma when his ex returns for the holidays. -
Love Hard (2021)
Rating: TV-14 | Run Time: 1h 44m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A writer is deceived by her online match and must navigate the situation. -
Holidate (2020)
Rating: TV-MA | Run Time: 1h 44m
Where to Watch: Netflix
Two people agree to be fake dates to avoid being single during the holidays. -
Last Christmas (2019)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 38m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A woman working at a Christmas store finds love with a charming man. -
Hot Frosty (2024)
Rating: TV-PG | Run Time: 1h 32m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A magical snowman brings warmth and joy to a small town. -
A California Christmas (2020)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 1h 46m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A CEO’s son is sent to a farm to seduce the owner, leading to unexpected events. -
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
Rating: G | Run Time: 1h 38m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A romance set in Scotland involving a castle and a grumpy duke. -
Single All the Way (2021)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A man pretends to be gay to avoid questions about his dating life. -
The Noel Diary (2022)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 39m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A man uncovers secrets about his mother and a mysterious woman. -
Spirited (2022)
Rating: PG-13 | Run Time: 2h 7m
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present in a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol. -
Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
Rating: PG | Run Time: 1h 22m
Where to Watch: Netflix
A woman learns the true meaning of friendship and Christmas through her friend’s life. -
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Rating: Not Rated | Run Time: 1h 41m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A food writer pretends to be the perfect housewife for a holiday visit. -
Holiday Inn (1942)
Rating: Not Rated | Run Time: 1h 41m
Where to Watch: Prime Video
A musical about a singer and dancer competing for a performer’s affection.
Final Thoughts on the Best Holiday and Christmas Movies for Kids and the Family
Watching these holiday movies for kids as a family is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate togetherness and tradition this holiday season! Some of these may be a bigger hit for older kids and young adults, and some are strictly for the G-rated crowd. Whether you’re going with a classic or a new rom-com, any of these holiday movies for kids will surely set up a great Christmas family movie night.
