The holiday season is both wonderful and hectic. While muddling through all the hustle and bustle, sometimes the family just needs a night to veg out. A great way to do that and still feel festive is by throwing on some Christmas movies. It doesn’t take much effort and cuddling on the couch makes everyone feel jolly.
It can be difficult to wade through all the content out there and know what is appropriate for young kids. If you’re wondering what to watch on Christmas, we’ve got you covered — this list is full of mom-approved options. The Christmas films on this list are all rated G, so the whole family can sit back, relax, and be entertained. Bonus points if you make some hot chocolate for your family Christmas movie marathon.
'The Polar Express'
Remember that hot chocolate? It will go especially well with The Polar Express. This 2004 Robert Zemeckis film is based on the popular children’s book of the same name. It tells the story of a skeptical young boy who travels on the magical train to the North Pole. There, he gets to meet Santa and receives the first Christmas gift of the year. This seasonal locomotive adventure is available to rent on Amazon. It will make believers out of your family.
'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
Charles Dickens died in 1870, but there is no doubt he would have approved of this adorable adaptation of his classic work. Who wouldn’t want to be played by a Muppet? Gonzo does this famous author proud telling the story of the grumpy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Michael Caine, who hates Christmas. He is visited by three spirits that help him see the error of his ways. To see how he turns his life around, watch this Christmas movie on Disney+.
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'Frosty the Snowman'
This classic Christmas movie started out as a television special first shown on CBS on December 7, 1969. It is based on the popular song of the same name. A group of kids make a snowman and name him Frosty. When they put a top hat on his head something magical happens. He comes to life! They have a wonderful time playing until the temperatures rise. Can the kids get Frosty to the North Pole in time so he doesn’t melt? Catch this film on Hulu to find out.
'Noelle'
In this 2019 Disney film, Santa Claus has a son and daughter who take over the family business. Nick Kringle, Santa’s son, played by Bill Hader, is struggling to fill his father’s shoes. He runs away but Noelle, his sister played by Anna Kendrick, follows him to bring him home. On her quest to save Christmas she learns about herself and finds out she has what it takes to carry on her father’s legacy. Can Santa be a woman? Watch this Christmas movie on Disney+ to find out.
'Prancer'
That reindeer with the shiny nose gets all the attention, but there are more stories about the magical creatures who pull Santa’s sleigh. When 8-year-old Jessica Riggs, played by Rebecca Harrell, finds a wounded deer in Three Oaks, Michigan, she believes it is one of Santa’s reindeer. She rescues it and nurses back to health. Her family is struggling after the death of her mother. Can Jessica get Prancer to Santa in time for Christmas? Watch this Christmas movie on PlutoTV to find out. As a bonus there are also moving performances from Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman, and Abe Vigoda.
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'
Speaking of that bright nose. The most famous reindeer of all time stars in this 1964 stop-motion Christmas movie. Much like Frosty, it started out as a television special that first aired on NBC on December 6, 1964. We all known the classic story of a reindeer who didn’t fit in because of his nose. One Christmas all that changed when the one thing that made him different saved the day. Cheer him on by purchasing this film on AppleTV. Your family will watch it for years to come.
'The Santa Clause 2'
The bad news is the first Santa Clause movie is rated PG, so doesn’t make this list. The good news is the sequel secures a spot instead. Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, has settled into his new job as Santa Claus. All is going well until he finds out about the “Mrs. Clause.” Now Santa has to find a wife before next Christmas Eve. To make matters worse, his son Charlie, played by Eric Lloyd, is on the naughty list. To see how Santa handles finding true love, stream this on Disney+.
'Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas'
This Christmas movie is a triple threat. It contains three mini-films in one: Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas, A Very Goofy Christmas, and Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi. The first part shows what happens if Christmas was every day. The second deals with themes of belief and happiness. The final offering is based on the classic O. Henry story. Stream it on Disney+ for a smorgasbord of animated offerings.
'All I Want for Christmas Is You'
Let’s be real, Christmastime is also Mariah Carey season. It is impossible to avoid hearing her singing about what she really wants for Christmas. (Spoiler alert: It has four legs and a wet nose.) Lean into it by watching the movie based on her hit song on Amazon Prime. The voice cast includes Mariah herself, Breanna Yde, Lacey Chabert, and Henry Winkler. There’s also a book.
'The Nutcracker'
This Christmas movie selection is both entertaining and educational. Your kids will get some culture and learn about ballet dancing. The Nutcracker ballet was first performed on December 17, 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was not an immediate hit, but the work persisted nonetheless. Flash forward to 1993 and director Emile Ardolino immortalized George Balanchine’s take on the classic ballet. You can stream it for free on Plex.
