Celebrate the season with a cozy family movie night. From old school classics to recent releases, here are 10 holiday movies that will put your family in the holiday spirit.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
A perennial fave that addresses the material and spiritual aspects of the holiday season. Cartoonist Charles Schulz first brought his soulful Peanuts comic strip to life in this divine television special, a clever skewering of Christmas commercialization and a heartfelt celebration of holiday holiness, all set to Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz piano.
Run time: 30 min. Not rated. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
2. Original Christmas Classics
This is a “must have” collection, including seven holiday faves like the classic stop-motion animated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (narrated by Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman), Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Special, Frosty the Snowman (narrated by Jimmy Durante), Frosty Returns, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy and Cricket on the Hearth. Your kids are sure to love them all!
Run time: 275 minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
3. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Every Who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot, but the Grinch who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT! So the cuddly as a cactus Grinch (with termites in his smile and garlic in his soul) tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Who-villians, only to discover: Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more! Narrated by Boris Karloff and animated by cartoon legend Chuck Jones!
Run time: 26 minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
4. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Jim Henson’s lovable menagerie puts its own spin on the classic Charles Dickens tale. Michael Caine is a straight-faced Scrooge amid the slapstick charm of the renowned puppets. Even better casting: Kermit as Bob Cratchit—and his nephew Robin as Tiny Tim. God bless them, everyone!
Run time: 85 minutes. Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
5. The Santa Clause (1994)
Scott Calvin is a divorced father whose strained relationship with his son, Charlie, begins to mend only after a bizarre twist of fate transforms him into the new Santa. When the current Mr. Clause falls off the roof on Christmas Eve, Scott dons Santa’s suit, and he and his son are whisked off to the North Pole. There he finds out about the Clause, a contract stating that whoever puts on the Santa suit must also take on all the responsibilities that go with the position. Scott isn’t too thrilled about his sudden career change. Charlie, however, is overjoyed.
Run time: 97 minutes. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Is that bearded fella really Santa Claus? Macy’s hires Kris Kringle to be its department store St. Nick, but his commitment to the job (as well as insistence on being the genuine article) has all the kids in awe and sets off a media firestorm that ends up in a court of law. It’s a classic that continues to appeal to kids generation after generation.
Run time: 96 minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
7. The Polar Express (2004)
Chris Van Allsburg’s picture book about a train headed for Santa’s workshop becomes a computer-generated spectacle in this holiday film. This heart-warming film is filled with adventure, including lots of roller coaster thrills. The Express roars, speeds, and skids on its perilous journey to the North Pole. Sometimes out of control, sometimes racing against dangers and obstacles in its path, it’s filled with suspense almost from beginning to end.
Run time: 100 minutes. Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
8. Home Alone (1990)
Macaulay Culkin holds down the fort against bumbling burglars while his family accidentally flies to Paris without him in this massive hit that’s every kid’s fantasy—and nightmare. While his Rube Goldberg booby traps and Edvard Munch–inspired visage deliver the laughs, it’s the warmer moments with negligent parents (as well as a mysterious shut-in neighbor) that give heart to this comic evergreen.
Run time: 103 minutes. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
9. White Christmas
This 1954 musical is yet another true holiday classic. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. The quartet resolve to entertain former military troopers with a memorable and heartwarming holiday show. Featuring the Irving Berlin song “White Christmas.” The ending is pure magic.
Run time: 120 minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
10. It’s a Wonderful Life
This beloved classic (offered in black and white and color in this set) is still popular more 60 years after its release. The reigning king of Christmas movies, Frank Capra’s poignant fable stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a man with big ambitions (and a bigger heart) who defers his dream of leaving small-town Bedford Falls, but makes personal sacrifices that create a staggering ripple effect of inspirational goodwill on earth—a great message for young viewers watching at home. He even helps an angel get his wings.
Run time: 130 minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
What holiday movie would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
