Movies to watch with your kids at Christmas! A collection the whole family can enjoy
How about enjoying a movie together with your family on Christmas Day? Santa Claus, reindeer, enchanting snowy scenes, and heartwarming stories…
By watching as a family, both adults and children are sure to share new discoveries and touching moments.
In this article, we’ll introduce Christmas movies recommended for watching with kids.
From timeless classics cherished across generations to underrated gems you might have missed, we’ve got the perfect picks to help your family create wonderful Christmas memories!
Movies to Watch with Your Kids at Christmas! A Family-Friendly Collection (1–10)
The Polar Express
If your child starts to wonder, “Maybe Santa isn’t real…,” The Polar Express is the perfect film to watch together.
Released in 2004, this full-CG animated movie is based on a picture book published in 1985.
On Christmas Eve, a steam locomotive bound for the North Pole suddenly appears before a boy who has lost his belief in Santa Claus.
As he and many other children ride the train toward their destination, they begin to discover what truly matters.
Arthur Christmas’s Great Adventure
Arthur Christmas is a 3D animated film co-produced by the United States and the United Kingdom, released in 2011.
The theme song features Justin Bieber’s rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Arthur, the protagonist and son of Santa Claus, works as the letter sorter who organizes gift requests from children around the world.
On one Christmas Eve, it’s discovered that, due to a mistake, a present hasn’t been delivered to a little girl.
With only two hours until dawn, Arthur sets off to deliver the gift to her.
The Boy Who Became Santa Claus
Some children wonder, “Who exactly is Santa Claus?” A perfect movie to show kids with that question is The Boy Who Became a Santa Claus.
It’s a Finnish film produced in 2002.
The story explains why Santa Claus came to be and why he delivers presents—in other words, it’s the origin story of Santa.
By the way, there’s a Japanese-dubbed version, so even young children can enjoy it.
Guardians: Legendary Heroes
An unusual Christmas movie featuring a Santa Claus who fights is Rise of the Guardians.
Released in 2012, this 3D CG animated film was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature.
The protagonist, Jack, is a frost spirit who can freely control snow and wind, unseen by humans.
With the resurrection of the Boogeyman, the embodiment of nightmares and fear, he is summoned by Santa Claus, who presides over wonder, and joins his companions to fight to save children in danger and to regain his lost memories.
Elf — Came From the Land of Santa
This is a Christmas comedy that humorously portrays the misadventures caused by Buddy, a human raised by tiny elf fairies.
One Christmas, Santa Claus accidentally brings a human baby back to the North Pole while delivering presents.
The baby ends up being raised by the elves who live there.
Named Buddy, he grows up well and, thirty years later, goes to New York to meet his real parents.
However, naive Buddy causes one commotion after another.
It’s a heartwarming fantasy with both laughs and tears that the whole family can enjoy.
Home Alone
When it comes to Christmas movies to watch with kids, Home Alone is a must.
Released in 1990, it’s one of the definitive Christmas films, and thanks to its massive success, its star Macaulay Culkin became the world’s most famous child actor.
It’s a comedy that charms with the slapstick antics between a boy accidentally left behind by his family at Christmas and the burglars targeting his empty house.
It went on to become a hugely popular series with six films in total, so be sure to check it out!
The Boy Called Christmas
The live-action film A Boy Called Christmas, now streaming on Netflix, is also highly recommended.
In a word, it’s a grand adventure fantasy.
Based on the children’s book A Boy Called Christmas, it tells the story of a boy who embarks on an adventure in a fantastical world.
With unexpected twists and turns, it’s crafted to keep your eyes glued to the screen until the very end.
By the way, a Japanese-dubbed version is available, so even those who aren’t comfortable with subtitles can enjoy it with peace of mind.