Enjoy a Christmas movie with your kids! Grab some popcorn and chill out with your family watching some classic Christmas movies. Here’s a list of the best family Christmas movies to watch with your kids and teens this holiday season. We’ve included some classics from yesteryear as well as newer movies, and even tried to include some Australian films.
These movies are available to stream on Netflix, Stan, Disney+ and Paramount as well as often being available in your local library.
Please note: Parents and caregivers have different ideas about the suitability of movies for their children. We have included ratings but we recognise that everyone has their own opinions about appropriate content.
Also PG ratings have changed dramatically since the 1980s. We recommend visiting Common Sense Media or the Australian site Know Before You Go to determine whether a film is suitable for your family.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Ever wondered how Santa can deliver billions of presents to the whole world in just one night? It happens with an army of one million combat-style Field Elves and a vast, state-of-the-art control center under the ice of the North Pole! So how could this incredible operation have MISSED one child?! To Santa’s young son, Arthur, it threatens to end the magic of Christmas. With retired Grandsanta, a rebellious young elf, an old sleigh and some untrained reindeer, Arthur sets out in a crazy mission to deliver the last present! Rated PG.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Determined young Nikolas sets off for the snowy north in search of his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves. Along on his journey is a a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse. Rated PG.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang teach us the true meaning of Christmas in this beloved animated classic. It’s a timeless story of friendship, togetherness, and the magic of the holiday season. Rated G.
The Claus Family (2020)
A Dutch-Belgian Netflix movie about a boy who discovers his grandfather is Santa. A nice international twist that kids will love. Rated PG.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
This is the classic tale by Charles Dickens about Ebenezer Scrooge, a hardened, miserly old man who doesn’t want anything to do with Christmas. It’s a visually stunning motion-capture retelling of Dickens’ classic ghost story, with Jim Carrey as Scrooge and the three spirits.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
When siblings try to catch Santa on camera, they end up on a wild adventure with him after his sleigh crashes in Chicago. A fun, modern holiday film that’s great for a family movie-night. Rated PG.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
The sequel brings more North-Pole action, so it’s a nice follow-up if your family enjoys the first one. Rated PG.
Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey steals the show in this adaption of the children’s tale about a Grinch who decides to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville. (Rated PG).
Elf (2003)
This holiday favourite features Will Ferrell as one of Santa’s elves who discovers he’s really a human and goes to New York to meet his biological father. Follow along with the adventures of Buddy the Elf (Rated PG)
Fred Claus (2007)
Santa’s older brother Fred has spent his life living in the shadow of Saint Nick, and he’s not exactly thrilled about Christmas. When Fred travels to the North Pole, chaos (and comedy) follows. Fred Claus is a fun, fast-paced Christmas comedy that works well for older primary-aged kids and tweens, with plenty of laughs for parents too. Rated PG.
The Grinch (2018)
This animated retelling of Dr Seuss’s classic story follows the Grinch, a grumpy outsider living above Whoville, who plans to steal Christmas from the town below. Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, this version is gentler and less intense than the live-action film, making it a popular choice for younger kids. Rated PG.
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special (2022)
In the The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, the Guardians, who are on a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, head to Earth in search of the perfect present. Rated PG-13.
The Holiday (2006)
Set between snowy England and sunny Los Angeles, The Holiday follows two women who swap homes over Christmas to escape heartbreak and end up finding unexpected friendship, romance and fresh starts. With a festive backdrop and a feel-good storyline, it’s a popular holiday watch for families with older teens, or for parents once the kids are in bed. Rated M.
Home Alone (1990)
After Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for their Christmas vacation, he enjoys the holidays at home alone. When he’s confronted by two bumbling burglars, he stages some elaborate traps for them. (Rated PG).