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)
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
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)
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Enjoy the antics of Kermit and Ms Piggy along with Michael Caine as they perform the classic Dickens holiday tale. (Rated G)
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a dad trying to locate the hottest toy of the season, Turbo-Man on Christmas Eve. Reminder to parents not to procrastinate in buying last-minute gifts. (Rated PG)
Klaus (2019)
A beautifully animated origin story of Santa Claus from Netflix. A selfish postman and a mysterious toymaker create joy in a gloomy town — a modern Christmas classic. (Rated G)
Last Christmas (2019)
Set in London during the festive season, Last Christmas follows Kate, a young woman working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Life isn’t going her way until she meets the mysterious and kind Tom, who helps her rediscover joy, gratitude and the true meaning of Christmas. Inspired by the music of George Michael, this romantic dramedy blends humour, heart and a few surprises. Rated M.
Love Actually (2003)
This holiday classic (which has spawned so many memes) is a great movie to watch with older teens. It’s an ensemble romantic comedy that weaves multiple love stories during the Christmas season, making it a feel-good choice for the holidays. (Rated M)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 / 1994)
The story of a department store Santa who claims he’s the real deal. A timeless classic that restores faith in Christmas magic and kindness. There’s two versions so choose which one you want to watch with your family. Rated G.
A Moody Christmas (2012) 🇦🇺
Although this isn’t a movie, just binge the six 30-minute episodes to make it into a movie. This Australian show features the adventures of Dan Moody who returns from London to celebrate Christmas with his dysfunctional family. Each episode follows the Moody family on Christmas Day for six years. (Rated M so watch with your teens)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas getting you stressed? It’s worth watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to remind you why it’s not worth it to try to strive for a perfect family Christmas. There’s chaos, lights, and laughter as Clark Griswold’s family Christmas spirals out of control. (Rated PG)
The Nativity Story (2006)
A beautiful retelling of the journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to the birth of Jesus. The Nativity Story brings the biblical tale to life with warmth and authenticity, capturing the hardship, faith and hope of the first Christmas. It’s a thoughtful, reverent film that families can watch together to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season. Rated PG.
The Nightmare before Christmas (1993)
Bored with his Halloween routine, the pumpkin king Jack Skellington discovers Christmastown and longs to spread Christmas joy, but his antics put Santa and the holiday in jeopardy! A Tim Burton classic (Rated G)
Noelle (2019)
Santa’s daughter Noelle must save Christmas when her brother Nick disappears before his first big night as Santa. Funny, festive, and full of heart. Rated G.
The Polar Express (2004)
A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express train where his questions about whether Santa exists are answered. (Rated G)
Prancer (1989)
A small-town girl discovers an injured reindeer and believes it’s one of Santa’s. A heartwarming story about belief and kindness that’s perfect for family night. (Rated G)
Red One (2024)
When Santa is kidnapped just days before Christmas, the North Pole’s Head of Security must team up with an unlikely ally to save the holiday. Expect action, adventure and plenty of festive fun in this modern Christmas movie packed with magic and humour. Rated PG.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
In this animated fantasy adventure, beloved legends like Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman team up with Jack Frost when the evil spirit Pitch Black threatens children’s dreams and beliefs. Together they protect the world’s hope, wonder and imagination in a beautifully animated story, making it ideal for kids and families. Rated PG.
The Santa Clause (1994)
When a man inadvertently makes Santa fall from his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. (Rated PG)
The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
Magic talking dogs and an orphan team up to save Christmas after Santa loses his memory. (Rated G)
Spirited (2022)
Starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell, Spirited is a musical version of Charles Dickens’ story of a miserly misanthrope who’s taken on a magical journey. (Rated PG-13)
A Sunburnt Christmas (2020) 🇦🇺
When a runaway criminal dressed as Santa crashes his van on a drought-stricken outback farm, a young boy mistakes him for the real Santa, and chaos, comedy and Christmas spirit follow. This heartwarming Aussie tale captures the heat, humour and heart of an Australian summer Christmas. Rated M.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A heartwarming black-and-white gem about George Bailey, who learns just how much his life matters. It’s a classic film but best for families with teens. (Rated PG)
The Wishmas Tree (2020) 🇦🇺
An adventurous young possum accidentally freezes her entire hometown of Sanctuary City when she makes a selfish wish on the magical Wishmas Tree. To set things right, she embarks on a daring journey through the Australian bush to save her family and friends before it’s too late. Filled with native wildlife, heart and humour, this is a uniquely Australian animated Christmas adventure. Rated G.
And for the adults…
Once the kids are asleep, enjoy some Christmas movies for adults like Die Hard, Scrooged, Office Christmas Party, A Bad Mom’s Christmas, Bad Santa, Last Christmas and some classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.
Make sure that you don’t miss any of the other fun and family-friendly Christmas events in Newcastle and the Hunter, visit the Newy with Kids Guide to Christmas.