20 Iconic Christmas Movies for Kids To Watch
Ho, ho, ho! Are you ready to dive into the most magical time of the year with some popcorn and a dash of festive spirit? It's time to get cozy under a blanket, sip some hot cocoa, and embark on a cinematic sleigh ride through the most iconic Christmas movies for kids.
From animated classics to sparkling new adventures, your pals here at FUNBOY have the ultimate watchlist that'll keep the whole family merry and bright. So grab your remote, gather your little elves, and let’s light up your holiday season with films that sparkle with magic and merriment!
Why Are Christmas Movies Irresistible Magic for Kids?
Why do kids — and let’s be honest, adults, too — get so jazzed about Christmas movies? Picture this: outside, the weather's frightful, but inside, the TV glows with tales of whimsy that make the holiday sparkle.
Here's the scoop on why these films are a gateway to a winter wonderland of wonder:
- Santa and His Crew:From jolly old Saint Nick hustling in the North Pole to mischievous elves crafting mischief, these characters are as iconic as our FUNBOY snow sleds — essential for a good time!
- Lessons Wrapped in Tinsel: Each story, whether it’s about a misfit reindeer or a boy who just wants to keep his family home safe, packs a heartwarming lesson on love, giving, and the true spirit of Christmas.
- Tradition in Every Frame: Watching these movies becomes a tradition as eagerly anticipated as decorating the tree. They're the backdrop to our holiday preparations, each scene a stitch in the festive fabric of family memories.
- Escape to a Merry Fantasy: And last but not least, these films offer an escape to worlds where reindeer fly and snowmen sing, igniting imaginations with every plot twist.
In short, Christmas movies are like the best kind of holiday magic — irresistible, enchanting, and full of enough spirit to keep the lights twinkling all season long.
What Are the Best Christmas Movies for Kids?
All snuggled in and ready with your hot cocoa? Let's unwrap our festive lineup of the top 20 Christmas movies that’ll have your little ones smiling from ear to ear.
1. The Polar Express
Choo-choo! Imagine a train that whisks you straight to Santa’s home base. That's The Polar Express for you — a magical ride that turns skeptics into believers faster than you can say "North Pole." It's not just a movie. It's a roundtrip ticket to childhood wonder.
2. Home Alone
When young Kevin McCallister gets the house to himself, he doesn’t just lounge — he turns it into a burglar-proof fortress. Think you’re crafty with holiday decorations? Wait till you see Kevin in action in the snowy maze of New York City. It’s slapstick gold with a sprinkle of Yuletide cunning.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
From the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss comes a tale about the green guy who could rival any Scrooge. Watch as the Grinch tries to snatch Christmas away from the festive folks of Whoville, only to find out his heart isn't as frosty as he thought. Spoiler: it’s heart-melting!
4. Arthur Christmas
Have you ever wondered how all those presents get delivered? Cue Arthur Christmas, where high-tech gadgets at the North Pole make FedEx look like snail mail. It’s a goofy, joyous glide through holiday logistics, proving there's an Arthur in every family, ready to save Christmas!
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington, AKA the Pumpkin King, discovers Christmas Town and decides it’s his turn to take over the holiday. Mixing a little spooky with your festive is the recipe for a perfect holiday mash-up. It’s a Tim Burton treat that sings right through to December 25th!
6. A Christmas Carol
Travel back in time with old Ebenezer as he learns life lessons from some ghostly holiday visitors. This Charles Dickens classic will take you from "Bah, Humbug!" to "Bless us, everyone!" faster than you can drop a hot coal in Scrooge’s stocking.
7. Frozen
Okay, so it’s not set at Christmas, but with all that ice, Frozen is cool enough to join the holiday lineup. Princesses, powers, and unforgettable songs make it a frosty favorite that has us belting out tunes by the fireplace.
8. The Santa Clause
Imagine accidentally knocking off Santa and finding out you’ve got to take his place. That’s Tim Allen’s hilarious plight in The Santa Clause, complete with reindeer, elves, and a sleigh that needs some serious piloting skills. It’s as funny as finding a whoopee cushion under your Christmas dinner chair.
9. Miracle on 34th Street
When a nice old man claims he’s the real Santa, it takes a little girl’s belief and a courtroom to prove it. Set in the magical backdrop of New York City, this story warms hearts faster than hot chocolate on a frosty eve.
10. It’s a Wonderful Life
George Bailey discovers how life in his small town would be if he’d never been born, thanks to his guardian angel. It’s a touching reminder that everyone’s life has a purpose, especially during the holiday hustle and bustle.
11. Klaus
In the snowy shadows of a joyless town, an unlikely friendship forms between a down-on-his-luck postman and a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. This Netflix gem crafts a fresh slice of Santa lore, delivering a heartfelt reminder of how a simple act of kindness can forge a whole new holiday tradition.
12. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Magic in the Mechanics! If your holiday spirit needs a little tune-up, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey has all the right tools. This vibrant musical whirlwind packs a festive punch with catchy tunes and dazzling inventions that light up the screen brighter than a Christmas tree.
13. The Christmas Chronicles
When two kids hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh, they get more than they bargained for in this holiday romp. It’s a wild sleigh ride across the skies that shows sometimes the biggest adventures come in the most unexpected packages — much like finding a FUNBOY float under your tree!
14. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang unwrap three tales of holiday cheer that remind us what the festive season is truly about. It's like opening three gifts in one sitting, each story sparkling with that timeless Disney magic.
15. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Who better to bring the classic story of Scrooge to life than Kermit the Frog and Michael Caine? The Muppet Christmas Carol serves up a feast of wit and warmth, proving that even the coldest hearts can learn to sing a holiday tune.
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Ever felt a bit different? So has Rudolph, whose glowing nose goes from flaw to fame in this timeless tale. It’s a story that lights up the path to acceptance and bravery, shining brightly as Rudolph himself on a foggy Christmas Eve.
17. Noelle
Noelle Kringle brings a sprinkle of feminism to Christmas in this Disney+ special. Watch as she steps out of her father’s jolly shadow to show the North Pole that girls can do anything boys can do — maybe even better when it comes to spreading holiday cheer!
18. Frosty the Snowman
When a magical hat brings Frosty to life, he’s not just cool — he’s super chill. Frosty the Snowman is a jolly, happy romp through winter wonderlands, proving that with a little magic and a warm heart, winter can be the warmest season of all.
19. A Charlie Brown Christmas
In a season often swamped by commercialism, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang cut through the noise to find the true meaning of Christmas. This special is a gentle reminder of the simplicity and sincerity at the heart of the holiday.
20. Elf
What happens when a human raised by elves in the North Pole tries to find his family in New York City? A lot of syrup, spaghetti, and silly antics! Will Ferrell’s Elf is an explosion of pure joy and a testament to the infectious, boundless spirit of Christmas.
How Can You Elevate Your Holiday Movie Night?
Ready to turn your living room into the ultimate holiday cinema? Here are some festive tips to bring the Christmas spirit right into your home cinema experience:
- Deck the Viewing Area: Kick off your movie marathon by decorating your space with our Light Up Christmas Ornament Holiday Balls or inflatable Nutcrackers. With their bright LEDs and versatile design, they’ll light up your room as beautifully as they do your yard. Plus, they float! Imagine a poolside movie night with these glowing gently on the water. Epic, right?
- Themed Snacks Are a Must:Whip up some treats that match the night’s theme. Watching The Nutcracker? How about some nutty snacks or sugar plum-inspired sweets to keep the theme alive?
- Plan an Intermission:Halfway through your holiday movie marathon, ring a bell to announce a brief intermission. It’s the perfect time to stretch, refill those snacks, or swap out holiday classics for the next family movie on your list.
- Create a Cozy Nest: Whether it's a fort of blankets and pillows or a special setup with our Kids Sleepover Air Mattresses, make your movie-watching spot so cozy that even the Grinch would want to join in.
- Capture the Moments: Keep your camera handy to snap some candid photos or take a family selfie with everyone in their holiday pajamas. These moments are as precious as the holiday memories you’re watching on screen.
With these tips, you’re not just watching holiday movies; you’re making holiday memories that’ll last long after the credits roll.
The Wrap Up
Well, there you have it — 20 epic Christmas flicks guaranteed to spice up your holiday like a cinnamon stick in hot apple cider! At FUNBOY, we’re all about making every moment as magical as a ride on one of our dazzling floats.
So, why not turn this Christmas into a blockbuster holiday? With movies packed with everything from reindeer flights to snowball fights and Ebenezer Scrooge learning a thing or two about the holiday spirit, there's no shortage of Christmas cheer.
Lights, camera, action — let the holiday magic begin!
Sources:
Dr. Seuss | Western Oregon University
50 Life Purpose Quotes to Give Meaning to Your Life | LifeHack
commercialism, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
