Whether Christmas for your family means enjoying a White Christmas in the snow or a lazy summer arvo with the aircon on, a good Christmas movie is one of the easiest ways to get everyone in the festive mood. It’s perfect for a wind-down after Christmas lunch, a rainy or scorching day inside, or filling in the Christmas school holidays.
We’ve pulled together more than 55 of the best Christmas movies for kids and families, from all-time classics to new releases, sorted so you can find the right one for the right night.
Ratings are included as a guide, but every family is different, and ratings have shifted a lot since the 1980s. We’ve included the original ratings for each film, but we recommend checking Know Before You Go or Common Sense Mediabefore watching with younger or more sensitive viewers.
Most of these are streaming on Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Prime Video or Paramount+, and quite a few turn up at your local library through Libby too.
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.
Jump to a section: New & Worth Watching | Best for Littlies (2–6) | Best for Primary School Kids (6–12) | Best for the Whole Family | Aussie Christmas Films | Funny & Feel-Good | For Teens | Christmas Movie Marathons
New & Worth Watching (2025–2026)
Updated regularly, check back each December for the latest additions.
The Man With the Bag (2026)
A holiday family comedy about the chaos that follows when Santa’s bag goes missing on Christmas Eve. Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a big comedic cast, and it’s shaping up to be a fun one for the whole family. Streaming on Prime Video from December. Rated PG.
Alma (2026)
A young girl notices her town has lost its Christmas spirit, so she writes a heartfelt letter asking Santa for help. A gentle, warm story for littlies and primary-aged kids. Rated G.
Best for Littlies (Ages 2–6)
Short attention spans and big feelings, so these are gentle, simple and easy to follow.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Santa’s son Arthur discovers one child has been missed on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wild mission with Grandsanta and an old sleigh to deliver the last present in time. Sweet and funny, with plenty for the grown-ups too. Rated PG.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang teach us the true meaning of Christmas in this beloved animated short. Timeless, gentle and only 25 minutes, perfect for younger kids with shorter attention spans. Rated G.
The Claus Family (2020)
A Dutch-Belgian Netflix film about a boy who discovers his grandfather is secretly Santa. A nice international twist that littlies will enjoy. Rated PG.
Klaus (2019)
A beautifully animated origin story of Santa Claus, following a selfish postman and a mysterious toymaker who bring joy to a gloomy town. A modern classic that holds up on repeat viewings. Rated G.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The original stop-motion classic. Rudolph is ostracised for his glowing nose until it turns out to be exactly what’s needed to save Christmas. A genuine tradition in a lot of households, and only about 45 minutes long. Rated G.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A magic hat brings a snowman to life in this gentle, short animated special. A nice one to pair with Rudolph for a double feature. Rated G.
Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999)
A dog named Olive becomes convinced she’s a reindeer and sets off to help save Christmas. Silly, sweet and a good length for younger kids. Rated G.
Angela’s Christmas (2017)
A gentle, beautifully animated Irish short based on a story by Frank McCourt, following a little girl’s quiet, kind-hearted Christmas Eve. A lovely one for a quieter moment in the day. Rated G.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
The original Boris Karloff-narrated TV special, and still the gentlest version of the Grinch story. Only 26 minutes long, so it’s an easy one to fit in before bedtime. Rated G.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Another Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic, best known for introducing Heat Miser and Snow Miser. A genuine nostalgia trip for a lot of parents too. Rated G.
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas
A short, silly holiday special starring Scrat, Manny, Sid and the rest of the Ice Age gang. An easy watch for littlies already hooked on the franchise. Rated G.
Trolls Holiday
A short special following Poppy and Branch as they try to bring the holiday spirit to a nearby kingdom that’s never celebrated Christmas. Bright, colourful and popular with the preschool set. Rated G.
Noelle (2019)
Santa’s daughter Noelle must save Christmas when her brother Nick goes missing right before his first big night as Santa. Funny, festive and full of heart. Rated G.
The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
Magic talking dogs and an orphan team up to save Christmas after Santa loses his memory. Simple, silly fun for the youngest viewers. Rated G.
Prancer (1989)
A small-town girl discovers an injured reindeer and believes it belongs to Santa. A gentle, heartwarming story about belief and kindness. Rated G.
The Nativity Story (2006)
A warm retelling of Mary and Joseph’s journey leading up to the birth of Jesus. Thoughtful and reverent, and a nice one for families who want to reflect on the story behind the day. Rated PG.
The Star (2017)
The Christmas story told through the eyes of a small, brave donkey named Bo, who follows the Star that leads Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. A faith-friendly film that focuses on courage and hope without feeling heavy. Rated PG.
Best for Primary School Kids (Ages 6–12)
Old enough for a bit more plot and adventure, young enough to still believe in the magic.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Young Nikolas sets off for the snowy north in search of his father, who’s on a quest to find the fabled village of the elves. Along for the journey is a headstrong reindeer named Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse. A genuinely magical origin story. Rated PG.
The Grinch (2018)
This animated retelling of Dr Seuss’s classic follows the Grinch, a grumpy outsider living above Whoville, who plans to steal Christmas from the town below. Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s gentler than the live-action version and a great fit for this age group. Rated PG.
Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey steals the show in this live-action version of the same tale. A bit more chaotic and a bit more intense than the 2018 animated version, so better suited to slightly older kids in this age bracket. Rated PG.
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell plays one of Santa’s elves who discovers he’s actually human and heads to New York to find his biological father. A genuine holiday favourite that works for almost every age. Rated PG.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Two siblings try to catch Santa on camera and end up on a wild adventure with him after his sleigh crashes in Chicago. Fun, modern and a great movie-night pick. Rated PG.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
More North Pole action in this sequel, a solid follow-up if your family enjoyed the first one. Rated PG.
The Polar Express (2004)
A young boy embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole, where his doubts about Santa are answered. Beautifully animated and a genuine Christmas Eve tradition for a lot of families. Rated G.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
The story of a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal. There are two versions, so pick whichever suits your family, both are timeless. Rated G.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Bored with his usual Halloween routine, pumpkin king Jack Skellington discovers Christmastown and decides to take over the holiday himself, with chaotic results. A Tim Burton classic that’s a little spookier than most on this list, best for kids who don’t mind a bit of gothic charm. Rated G.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A dazzling, music-filled Netflix film about a once-great toymaker and the granddaughter who helps him rediscover his magic. Great songs, great visuals and a genuinely heartfelt story. Rated PG.
Home Alone (1990)
Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas, and stages some very elaborate traps when two bumbling burglars target the house. A true classic. Rated PG.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Kevin gets separated from his family again, this time ending up alone in New York City, where the same two burglars are waiting for him. Just as fun as the original. Rated PG.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Ralphie wants exactly one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. A warm, funny, nostalgic look at a very ordinary family Christmas. Rated PG.
Nativity! (2009)
A British comedy about a primary school teacher who gets talked into staging the most ambitious Nativity play the school has ever seen. Genuinely funny for the whole family. Rated PG.
Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
A Disney+ original starring Ludacris as a father who has to get his son to Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve, with a little Christmas magic thrown in along the way. A solid, modern family adventure. Rated PG.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Kermit, Miss Piggy and Michael Caine perform the classic Dickens tale, with plenty of Muppet antics along the way. Rated G.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a dad desperately trying to track down the hottest toy of the season on Christmas Eve. A good reminder not to leave gift shopping to the last minute. Rated PG.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman team up with Jack Frost when the evil spirit Pitch Black threatens children’s dreams. Beautifully animated and a fun watch for this age group. Rated PG.
Red One (2024)
When Santa is kidnapped days before Christmas, the North Pole’s Head of Security has to team up with an unlikely ally to save the holiday. Big budget, plenty of action and humour, and a good pick for this age group and up. Rated PG.
The Santa Clause (1994)
When a man accidentally makes Santa fall from his roof, he finds himself magically recruited to take over the job. A genuine 90s classic. Rated PG.
Best for the Whole Family
Films that hold up for everyone in the room, from the youngest to the grandparents.
White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star in this classic musical about two performers who help save a struggling Vermont ski lodge in time for Christmas. Gorgeous songs and a genuine tradition in a lot of families. Unrated, suitable for all ages.
Get Santa (2014)
A British family comedy about a father and son who have to break Santa out of jail after a mix-up leaves him behind bars just days before Christmas. Warm, funny and a bit different from the usual Santa story. Rated PG.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
A couple decide to skip Christmas entirely and go on a cruise instead, only for chaos to erupt when their daughter announces she’s coming home after all. Silly, chaotic fun. Rated PG.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A heartwarming black-and-white classic about George Bailey, who learns just how much his life matters. Best suited to families with older kids and teens who can sit with a slower, more reflective film. Rated PG.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
A visually striking motion-capture retelling of Dickens’s classic ghost story, with Jim Carrey playing Scrooge and all three spirits. A good option for families who’ve outgrown the Muppet version. Rated PG.
Scrooge (1951)
Alastair Sim’s take on Ebenezer Scrooge is still considered the definitive “classic era” version of A Christmas Carol by a lot of film buffs and grandparents. Black and white, and all the better for it. Unrated, suitable for all ages.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold’s quest for the perfect family Christmas spirals into glorious chaos. A great reminder not to sweat the small stuff over the holidays. Rated PG.
Fred Claus (2007)
Santa’s older brother Fred has spent his whole life in Saint Nick’s shadow, and isn’t exactly thrilled about Christmas. A fast-paced comedy with plenty of laughs for parents too. Rated PG.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
The Guardians head to Earth in search of the perfect gift for Quill, in this short but fun Disney+ special. A good one for families already into the Marvel universe. Rated PG-13.
Aussie Christmas Films
A few home-grown gems worth adding to the mix, including some that capture a very different, sunburnt kind of Christmas.
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 thing. Chaos, comedy and genuine Christmas spirit follow, and it actually captures what an Australian summer Christmas feels like. Rated M, best for older kids and teens.
The Wishmas Tree (2020) 🇦🇺
An adventurous young possum accidentally freezes her entire hometown after making a selfish wish on the magical Wishmas Tree, and must journey through the Australian bush to fix it. Filled with native wildlife and genuine heart. Rated G.
A Moody Christmas (2012) 🇦🇺
Not a movie, but six half-hour episodes that work well binged together as one. Dan Moody returns from London each year to spend Christmas Day with his wonderfully dysfunctional family. Best watched with teens given the M rating.
Funny & Feel-Good
For when you just need everyone in the room laughing.
Deck the Halls (2006)
Two neighbours get caught up in an escalating competition to have the most spectacular Christmas lights display on the street. Silly, over the top and genuinely funny. Rated PG.
Four Christmases (2008)
A couple tries to visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes in one day. Better suited to older teens given some coarse humour. Rated M.
The Holiday (2006)
Two women swap homes over Christmas to escape heartbreak, and end up finding unexpected romance instead. A popular one for families with older teens, or for parents once the kids are asleep. Rated M.
Last Christmas (2019)
Set in a year-round Christmas shop in London, this follows Kate as she rediscovers joy and gratitude with the help of a mysterious stranger. Inspired by the music of George Michael. Rated M.
For Tweens & Teens
A bit more nuance and a bit less G-rated sparkle. Most films here suit ages 13 and up.
Love Actually (2003)
An ensemble romantic comedy weaving together multiple love stories over the Christmas season. A holiday favourite for older teens. Rated M due to nudity and sex scenes.
Spirited (2022)
Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell star in this musical spin on Dickens’s classic tale of a miserly misanthrope taken on a magical journey. Rated PG-13.
The Princess Switch (2018)
A Chicago baker and a European duchess who look identical decide to swap lives for two weeks over the festive season. Light, silly, and a genuine tween and teen favourite, with two sequels to follow if your family gets hooked. Rated G.
A Christmas Prince (2017)
A journalist goes undercover to investigate a small European kingdom’s playboy prince, and ends up falling for him instead. One of Netflix’s most-searched Christmas franchises every December. Rated TV-G.
Tween and teen Marvel fans should also check out The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, listed above in the Whole Family section.
Christmas Movie Marathons
Why watch one when you can watch the whole series?
The Santa Clause Trilogy (1994–2006)
Three films following Scott Calvin’s journey from accidental Santa to full North Pole veteran. Great for a long, lazy day between Christmas and New Year. Rated PG.
The Christmas Chronicles Series (2018–2020)
Two films of sibling adventures with Santa, both solid family entertainment. Rated PG.
The Grinch Films (2000 & 2018)
Watch both versions back to back and let the family debate which Grinch does it better. Rated PG.
And for the Grown-Ups
Once the kids are asleep, this is where the adult Christmas movies live. Die Hard, Bad Santa, Scrooged, Office Christmas Party, A Bad Moms Christmas, Violent Night and its 2026 sequel Violent Night 2 are all worth a look, alongside classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stick to G and PG-rated films with gentle themes: Klaus, Noelle, Arthur Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Search for Santa Paws are all great choices for littlies. Avoid anything with a villain that feels too intense, like The Nightmare Before Christmas, until they’re a bit older.
A Sunburnt Christmas and The Wishmas Tree both capture what a summer Christmas looks and feels like, a nice change of pace if your family’s used to the snowy, fireplace version of the holiday. A Moody Christmas is a great pick once the kids are teenagers.
It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Elf all work well across generations. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a great one if your family leans towards chaos over sentimentality.
Yes. The Man With the Bag and Alma are both new family-friendly releases for the 2026 season. If you haven’t caught Red One yet, it’s also worth adding to the list, it’s become a firm favourite for primary school aged kids and up since its 2024 release.
Love Actually, Spirited and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special are all solid choices for teens who want something with a bit more depth or humour than the littlies’ options.
Know a great Christmas film we’ve missed? Get in touch and we’ll consider adding it. We update this page regularly, so bookmark it for next Christmas.
Looking for more to do these school holidays? Check out our School Holiday Activity Guide, our Christmas in Newcastle and the Hunter Guide, and our Best Kids Movies to Watch With Your Family for the rest of the year.