If you’re looking for the best family Christmas movies to watch this holiday season, here are 32 all-time favourites. From old classic Christmas movies to modern day holiday films, for family movie nights over the Christmas break, or for Christmas Day movie marathons, this list won’t disappoint.
Recently, on my Facebook page, I asked my followers “What are the best family Christmas movies to watch over the holidays”.
For the record, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas for my family without the classic kids’ Christmas movies Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Arthur’s Christmas.
My followers began chatting about their families’ favourite holiday flicks, and I was filled with nostalgia as the titles came pouring in. Many of my favourite childhood Christmas movies and television specials were mentioned. I’d forgotten all about The House Without a Christmas Tree, but oh my gosh, I loved that movie when I was a kid. I think it was one of those old ABC Family Christmas movies, wasn’t it?
Several holiday movie titles, I’d never heard of before, so I’ve added some to my family’s personal must-watch list for the holidays this year.
And many were well-known holiday classics. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without them.
I compiled the titles that were mentioned over and over again, and I’ve put together the following list of the most popular Christmas movie suggestions. Hopefully you’ll get cozy on the couch with your family this Christmas to enjoy some of these holiday classics.
32 Classic Christmas Movies for Families
For your convenience, I’ve included Amazon links in this post. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
All-time Favourite Family Christmas Movies
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
2. Elf
3. Fred Claus
4. The Santa Claus (1, 2 and 3)
6. Home Alone
Old Classic Christmas Movies
It wouldn’t be Christmas without these flicks!
12. Polar Express
13. The Grinch
15. Prancer
16. Love Actually
18. The House Without a Christmas Tree
19. The Snowman
20. Nativity
21. The Nightmare Before Christmas
More Old-Time Holiday Classics
24. Holiday Inn
Kids’ Christmas Movies that Never Grow Old
26. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
27. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Christmas Movies for Toddlers and Preschoolers
30. Annabelle’s Wish
And lastly…
Pop some popcorn, grab the remote, and settle in for some of these timeless Christmas classics with your family this year.
Let the holidays begin!
Follow the Hooligans on Facebook
Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.
Cathy
Obscure but very good – “The Wish That Changed Christmas”. Only ever released on VHS but it may also be on YouTube. Definitely worth seeking out.
Also the old CBC Sharon, Lois & Bram special “Candles, Snow & Mistletoe”. Again only on VHS but you can find them on Amazon.
Bambi
Christmas in Connecticut , The Holiday, A Dog named Christmas
Stacy Travis
What about “Holiday Inn”?!?! I know it shows more than just Christmas, but it is a great movie for this time of year. As an added bonus…Bing Crosby sings White Christmas in this movie!!!
happyhooligans
Holiday Inn is actually #24 on the list, Stacy. I guess you missed it. 🙂
Liz
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band’s Christmas (Jim Henson). We watch every Christmas Eve (Family tradition from when my dh was a boy!)
Shirley
I always loved The Christmas Gift with John Denver,A family Circus Christmas not released on dvd but can be found on Youtube, thank goodness since they never air it anymore. And A Smokey Mountain Christmas with Dolly Parton.
Kelly
Great list you put together here – I just could add Christmas in Boston and The Family Stone – these two we watch every year on Christmas with my family!