From nostalgic classics to family-friendly flicks, I’ve put together a list that’ll keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or introducing your own kids to the classics, there’s something for everyone.
And for those quiet (ahem, maybe a little less quiet) moments when the adults finally get a break, I’ve got that covered too.
Nostalgic Classics (The OG Must-Sees)
These are the holiday films that started it all. They’re the ones you grew up with, and now it’s time to share them with the next generation. Trust me, these are the ones your kids will remember as “the good ones.”
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (OG)
- Frosty the Snowman (OG)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (OG)
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (OG)
- The Night Before Christmas (OG)
- Miracle on 34th Street
- The Grinch (Original) (You know, the one with the real Grinch voice!)
- Annabelle’s Wish (OG)
- A Christmas Story
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- The Grinch (Live Action)
- The Santa Clause Trilogy
(And don’t forget to quote: “Are you serious, Clark?” when the kids start to wonder why Christmas lights are so tricky to hang in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. You’ll get it.)
Family-Friendly Favorites
These ones are sure to keep the kids entertained with a bit of holiday magic, fun animation, and lighthearted adventure. Some are new, some are classics—but all are family-approved.
- Home Alone Series
- The Polar Express
- The Grinch (New Animated)
- Arthur Christmas
- Klaus
- Rise of the Guardians
- Unaccompanied Minors
- Jingle All the Way
- Elf
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
- Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
- Mickey’s Magical Christmas
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Mom & Dad (For When You Need a Little Something Extra)
These are the holiday movies that might be a little less kid-friendly and a lot more relatable for adults. From laughs to a bit of holiday chaos, this list is perfect for when the kids are in bed and you finally get to kick back with something a little more grown-up.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
- Violent Night
- Four Christmases
- Scrooged
- Deck the Halls
- Christmas with the Kranks
- A Bad Moms Christmas
- Die Hard
- The Ref
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Christmas Inheritance
- The Holiday Calendar
- The Princess Switch Trilogy
- The Knight Before Christmas
- The Holiday
So, whether you’re watching A Christmas Story for the 20th time, sipping hot cocoa during The Polar Express, or quoting National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (because let’s be honest, you know you will), this list has everything to make your holiday movie marathon complete.
What are your favorite holiday films? Drop me a comment, and let’s keep the holiday cheer going!
The holidays: pajamas, popcorn, and pretending you haven’t seen The Santa Claus a hundred times.
