There’s nothing quite like curling up with a cozy blanket, a mug of cocoa, and a Christmas movie the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re introducing your little ones to their first holiday classic or finding something your older kids will actually sit through, this list has you covered. I’ve organized my favorite Christmas movies in order from youngest to oldest viewers, and each title includes a link to Common Sense Media so you can easily decide if it’s the right fit for your family.
If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
If it’s holiday time in Mouse’s house then, that means Christmas cookies, caroling…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant. Can Mouse and his animal friends save the show, without getting utterly distracted along the way?
Best for Ages: 4+
The Snowy Day
Based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana's house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.
Best for Ages: 4+
The Star
A big-dreaming donkey escapes his menial existence and befriends some free-spirited animal pals in this imaginative retelling of the Nativity story.
Best for Ages: 5+
Arthur Christmas
How CAN Santa deliver billions of presents to the whole world in just one night? 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?!
Best for Ages: 6+
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
A grump with a mean streak plots to bring Christmas to a halt in the cheerful town of Whoville. But a generous little girl could change his heart.
Best for Ages: 6+
Noelle
Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
Best for Ages: 6+
Klaus
When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.
Best for Ages: 6+
Elf
Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists.
Best for Ages: 8+
Jingle Jangle
Decades after his trusted apprentice betrayed him, a once-joyful toymaker finds new hope when his kind and curious granddaughter comes into his life.
Best for Ages: 8+
A Boy Called Christmas
An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father.
Best for Ages: 8+
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
A young girl is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.
Best for Ages: 8+
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter Pevensie enter a magical wardrobe only to discover the world of Narnia on the other side.
Best for Ages: 9+
Home Alone
An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.
Best for Ages: 10+
The Christmas Chronicles
After accidentally crashing Santa's sleigh, a brother and sister pull an all-nighter to save Christmas with a savvy, straight-talking St. Nick.
Best for Ages: 10+
