"If there’s one thing I love about winter, it’s cozying up with a warm blanket, my couch, and the best holiday movies to watch as a family. Usually, by November my family and I have already made it through most of this list of Christmas movies for kids.
As a kid, my favorite part of the holidays was getting the whole family together to watch a Christmas movie. It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Frosty the Snowman, even National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. As an adult, it’s all about the holiday rom-coms like The Holiday, Love Actually, and the Netflix and Hallmark Christmas movies.
If you enjoy getting into the holiday spirit with a family movie night, this list is for you. Our favorite family-friendly holiday movies for kids include animated classics, comedies and romance.
Grab everyone’s favorite treats and let the decision-making begin. It can be tough to decide what to watch, so we’ve rounded up all the best holiday movies for kids available to stream.
We’ve got the best of the best, from classics to new favorites and everything in between. We know you won’t be able to contain your holiday cheer after watching these family Christmas movies. Read on for our favorite holiday movies for kids to watch as a family this year.
Animated Holiday Movies for Kids
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Prime Video or YouTube
Based on the song of the same name by Johnny Marks, this classic stop-motion movie brought Santa’s iconic reindeer Rudolph to life. The sweet story also introduced us to Hermey the Elf, who loves dentistry. We also met explorer Yukon Cornelius and the Island of Misfit Toys.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Who hasn’t related to Charlie Brown and his little Christmas tree at some point when feeling low around the holidays? This classic cartoon follows Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and their pals in search of the true meaning of Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Peacock
This is the first cinematic adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday book. My Grinch memories are of this cartoon version with Cindy Lou Who and lovable Max the dog, not to mention the iconic song. “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…”
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Rating: G
Where to stream: YouTube
Another favorite based on a classic song. This tale follows Karen and her new pal Frosty—who comes to life with the help of a magic top hat—as they try to get Frosty back to the North Pole.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Rating: Not rated
Where to stream: Prime Video
Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney voice some of the characters in this stop-motion movie. It explores the origin story of Santa Claus.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Disney+
A retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, with Mickey as Bob Cratchit, this version is short and sweet at 26 minutes. This version also includes five other holiday shorts like Pluto’s Christmas Tree (with Chip and Dale) and Goofy going skiing.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Disney+
Only a few characters in this movie are technically “animated.” The Muppets star in this family favorite filled with music you can’t help but sing along to like “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas.” Kermit plays Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy is Emily Cratchit, and Animal as Animal all star with Sir Michael Caine as Scrooge.
The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Hulu or Max
As far as holiday movies for kids go, you can’t go wrong with The Polar Express. Based on the bestselling book, Tom Hanks stars as the train conductor of The Polar Express. The train picks up children and takes them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The Grinch (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Peacock or Prime Video
One animated adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss tale wasn’t enough. In 2018, we were given a new rendition of The Grinch starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Children will love the classic tale, while adults will find themselves giggling at the witty humor throughout. This one is truly enjoyable for the whole family.
Funny Holiday Movies for Kids
A Christmas Story (1983)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Max
This is the perfect nostalgic movie. It takes you back to when you begged Santa for that one special Christmas gift. For Ralphie, it’s a Red Ryder Air Rifle. His quest for the perfect Christmas gift is challenged by a grumpy father, a malicious bully, and the difficulties of being a 9-year-old.
This one might win the prize for the most problematic holiday movies for kids. From the leg lamp to bullying to the Chinese restaurant scene. But, it does show how far we’ve come in 40 years and is ripe for starting some good conversations with our kids.
Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
Kevin is accidentally left home alone at Christmas and must defend his house from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. This movie’s magic is in its timelessness. As an adult, you can still relate to Kevin, but you may now also see yourself in Mr. and Mrs. McCallister.
Disney+ has the entire Home Alone franchise. This includes the 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and the new movie, Home Sweet Home Alone, from 2021. You can enjoy a Home Alone movie marathon!
All I Want for Christmas (1991)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Prime Video
This heartwarming story stars a young Ethan Embry and Thora Birch. Two siblings plot to get their divorced parents back together for Christmas.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
When Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) knocks Santa off his roof, he starts transforming into the big guy himself. Disney+ also has the sequels in this beloved series, and a new streaming series, The Santa Clauses, that debuted more recently.
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Rating: PG
Where to Stream: Prime Video
Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston star in this comedy-drama. An angel (Denzel) falls to earth to answer the prayer of a preacher who has lost his way.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Prime Video
Luther and Nora Krank have decided to forgo the usual holiday festivities and opted for a tropical cruise. Their neighborhood isn’t going to let them off so easy, though, and the Kranks quickly become the (negative) talk of the town. When their daughter abruptly decides to return home for the holidays, they must alter their plans dramatically.
Elf (2003)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Hulu or Max
This hilarious and heartwarming Christmas comedy follows Buddy the Elf (played by Will Ferrell). One of Santa’s elves adopted Buddy as a baby. After discovering he’s not actually an elf, he heads on a quest to find his human father in New York City. This was an instant classic from the first viewing and one you’ll want to watch year after year, if you don’t already.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Prime Video
We can’t imagine anyone other than Jim Carrey embodying the Grinch so well. This version helps explain the Grinch’s backstory, and it’s also the movie that brought us Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas?”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Hulu or Max
Laugh along as Clark Griswold’s (played by Chevy Chase) desire to have a “big old-fashioned family Christmas” hits snags at every turn. With some suggestive scenes and language, this one is probably best for the older kids.
Christmas Rom-Coms
The Holiday (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Hulu
Heartbroken during the holidays, a woman from Los Angeles and a woman from England swap homes for the holidays. As they learn to navigate their new and vastly different environments, each begins a budding relationship with local men. As the time to return home approaches, they realize this could jeopardize their newfound loves.
Four Christmases (2008)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Hulu and Max
Many of us know the struggle well—navigating the endless get-togethers of a split family. After their tropical vacation gets cancelled, Brad and Kate are forced to spend their holidays with their divorced parents and tough families.
The Family Stone (2005)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Hulu or Prime Video
A driven, type-A businesswoman reluctantly agrees to attend her boyfriend’s quirky family’s Christmas celebration. As tensions rise and mishaps pile up, she turns to her sister for help.
But what she hopes will be her saving grace could end up making things even more complicated. (Editor’s Note: This film includes a storyline involving a character with cancer. Please consider this before watching if it may be a sensitive topic for you or your family.)Last Christmas (2019)
Last Christmas (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Prime Video
Even though she works as an elf at a Christmas store, Kate’s life is anything but festive. Until she meets the handsome and charming Tom and the two begin a joyous romance.
Love Hard (2021)
Rating: TV-14
Where to stream: Netflix
In Love Hard, a young writer finds her perfect match on a dating app. She surprises him by appearing at his doorstep for the holidays. When she arrives, she discovers he has catfished her. Although she wants to leave immediately, a series of mishaps force her to stay with the man who deceived her.
Cheesy Holiday Movies
A Christmas Prince (2017)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
This royal holiday series was a huge hit when it premiered on Netflix back in 2017 and has been adding new films ever since. Amber, a curious reporter, goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a famous prince.
However, when she finally does meet Prince Richard, she ends up entangled in royal intrigue and might even find love. Don’t want the magic to end after you watch the first film? Luckily, Netflix also has the movie’s binge-worthy sequels, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby.
Christmas Wedding Planner (2017)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
Kelsey Wilson, a wedding planner, gets her big break when she’s hired to organize her cousin’s extravagant holiday wedding. Things take an unexpected turn when Connor McClane, a private investigator hired by an anonymous source, shows up to investigate the wedding and the couple. While Connor’s presence could disrupt the ceremony, he also wins Kelsey’s heart. This movie’s delightful cheesiness is sure to charm you.
The Holiday Calendar (2018)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Netflix
When a struggling photographer inherits a magical advent calendar, she learns that it may be able to tell her future and point her in the direction of love. If you ask me, anything Kat Graham does is instantly pure gold, but you’ll have to watch and decide for yourself!
The Princess Switch (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
The Princess Switch has been one of Netflix’s most popular holiday movie series for years. All because of the sheer amount of Vanessa Hudgens in this romantic film.
When a duchess and an ordinary woman from Chicago meet and realize they’re each other’s doppelgängers, they subtly switch places. The best part? There are three installations of this series on Netflix, including The Princess Switch: Switched Again and most recently The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star, making for one great trio of holiday movies.
The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
Rating: TV-14
Where to stream: Netflix
Didn’t get enough Vanessa Hudgens in your holiday season by watching all three Princess Switch movies? Neither did we, which is why The Knight Before Christmas is Netflix’s perfect remedy. In this time-traveling adventure, a medieval English knight is transported to 2019. The hardened high school English teacher he meets is skeptical of true love, but she helps him navigate the modern world all the same.
Let It Snow (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Netflix
Based on the book Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, this star-studded holiday movie follows a group of high school seniors who get snowed in on Christmas Eve during the season’s biggest storm. As they’re stranded together, these teens experience an unforgettable holiday that changes their love lives and shapes their futures.
A California Christmas (2020)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Netflix
California real estate is tough. In order to complete a business deal, CEO Amy Van Aston convinces her son Joseph to seduce the female owner of a family farm, to which he happily agrees. But when he gets to the farm, he’s mistaken for a ranch hand—meaning he has to engage in manual labor to manipulate Callie out of her land. The film’s sequel, A California Christmas: City Lights, is also available on Netflix.
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Netflix
Ah yes, a tale as old as time: An American author attempts to escape scandal by purchasing an entire Scottish castle, and in the process, she falls for the grinchy Duke who previously owned the place. A Castle for Christmas may have an out-there premise, but the holiday spirit is infused in every second of this Brooke Shields rom-com. With a series of misadventures, an enemies-to-lovers trope, and a heartwarming conclusion, A Castle for Christmas has every element of a great sappy Christmas movie.
Single All the Way (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
Peter is having a rough start to his holiday season: Single for yet another holiday, he’s facing a bombardment of questions from his nosy family members about his dating status. Desperate, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to come home with him for the holidays and pretend to be his boyfriend, but things get complicated when Peter’s mom sets him up with a hot personal trainer. We’ll definitely be curling up with a cup of hot cocoa to watch this cute and funny Christmas rom-com.
Christmas With You (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
A pop star seeking inspiration for a new holiday song forgoes the hustle and bustle of her regular life and grants a fan’s wish by joining her in her small town for the holidays. It’s here that she finds something more than just inspiration—the possibility of true love. We loved seeing Freddie Prinze Jr. on our screens again for this heartwarming Christmas tale.
Newer Holiday Movies
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
This is the perfect film to help all of us believe in the magic of the holidays again. When young Nikolas sets out to find his father in a magical land, he ends up finding much more. With the help of a few extraordinary friends, he discovers his destiny.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
Plagued by decades of hardship and betrayal, a toymaker’s hope is restored when he becomes united with his granddaughter. Together they craft something that has the power to alter life as they know it.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
In an effort to live every kid’s dream—seeing Santa with their own eyes—siblings Kate and Teddy craft a plan to capture the jolly man. When things don’t go as planned, it’s up to them to help Saint Nick save Christmas. A sequel, The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, also debuted on Netflix in 2020 if you’re up for a double feature!
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Max
Almost like a reimagined version of A Christmas Story, 8-Bit Christmas is full of 1980s nostalgia. In this story, 10-year-old Jake from Chicago is dreaming about getting the original Nintendo gaming system for Christmas.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
We could not be more excited about Lindsay Lohan’s return to the big (TV) screen with her wholesome holiday film, Falling for Christmas. A young heiress to her father’s successful hotel business sustains an injury while skiing just after getting engaged. Her fall wipes her memory so she no longer knows who she is. A charming inn owner and his daughter take it upon themselves to take care of the mystery woman.
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Max
Getting a long-awaited follow-up to A Christmas Story is even better than a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. This time, Ralphie is in the parental role and aims to give his kids a magical Christmas experience like he had as a child.
The Noel Diary (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
After the passing of his estranged mother, author Jake Turner must return home to settle her estate. In doing so, he uncovers information about his past and the past of a young woman named Rachel. Together they must determine what the past means for their future.
Spirited (2022)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Apple TV+
If you’ve been waiting since Elf to see Will Ferrell in another Christmas movie, then add Spirited to your watchlist immediately. Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present who sets out to redeem Clint Briggs, played by Ryan Reynolds, in this musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story.
The Naughty Nine (2023)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Disney+
Andy is a typical mischievous fifth grader who finds himself without presents on Christmas morning. Thinking he must have made it on the naughty list, he bands together a group of other “naughty listers.” Together they plan the ultimate heist: get to the North Pole and find the presents they deserve, learning some valuable lessons along the way.
Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
Just in time for the holidays is a new Christmas film from Disney+ starring Ludacris as a social worker and estranged father who has all but lost his Christmas spirit. Spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, the two are tasked with helping Santa save Christmas.
Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
We’ve all been in Charlotte’s shoes: playing the comparison game with our seemingly-perfect friend. But, when she goes to uncover the “truth” behind the too-good-to-be-true exterior of her friend Jackie’s life, she learns a lot more about what Christmas, friendship, and life is all about.
Holiday Movie Classics
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Prime Video
Frank Capra’s Golden Globe-winning film It’s a Wonderful Life gives main character George Bailey a glimpse into what life would be like if he’d never been born. As a kid, this one felt long, but it’s filled with lessons older kids might start to grasp. Now, it’s become a “wonderful” tradition to watch every year.
Holiday Inn (1942)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Prime Video
Starring the King of Christmas, Mr. Bing Crosby, Holiday Inn is a musical portrayal of a classic love triangle. At a picturesque inn during the holidays, a singer and a professional dancer battle for the affection of young performer.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Prime Video
Judy Garland stars in this classic musical following the story of four sisters who learn to navigate life and love in the lead-up to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Miracle on 34th St (1947)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Disney+
When Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa Claus in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, he quickly wins the hearts and admiration of spectators. After making several other appearances in the role, he begins to fall into character a bit too literally by claiming to be the real Santa Claus, and his mental health and authenticity are called into question. The 1994 remake is also a treat and also available to stream on Disney+.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Max
Because you can never have too many black-and-white Christmas family films, consider choosing Christmas in Connecticut for your next movie night. Determined not to be caught in her lie, a food writer must pretend to be the perfect housewife when her boss and a distinguished war hero invite themselves to her home for Christmas.
White Christmas (1954)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Netflix
Bing Crosby does it again in a personal favorite Christmas film. Two friends, Bob and Phil, found success as a performance duo following World War II. The two friends team up with a sister act to save a beloved Vermont inn.
Final Thoughts on the Best Holiday Movies for Kids
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.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!