Watching a Christmas Movie is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit! From toddler-friendly animations to family classics, discover the perfect Christmas movies to watch with your kids this festive season.
Looking for the perfect Christmas movies to watch with your children?
Whether you’re planning cosy movie nights at home, need entertainment for rainy December days, or want to build new family traditions, this comprehensive guide has you covered. We’ve rounded up over 25 of the best Christmas films for kids of all ages—from gentle animations for toddlers to beloved classics that the whole family can enjoy together.
Each movie includes age recommendations, ratings, and helpful content notes so you can choose films that suit your family perfectly. From timeless favourites like Home Alone and Elf to newer gems like Klaus and That Christmas, plus short films ideal for little ones with shorter attention spans, this is your go-to resource for festive family viewing.
- Ages 2+: Shaun the Sheep, A Very Merry Pooh Year, Stick Man
- Ages 3+: The Snowman, Piney
- Ages 4+: Angela’s Christmas, Santa Buddies, All I Want for Christmas Is You
- Ages 5+: Arthur Christmas, The Star, Elliot the Littlest Reindeer, The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Ages 6+: Elf, Christmas Chronicles, That Christmas, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause
- Ages 7+: How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Klaus, Jingle All the Way, Home Alone
- Ages 8+: Christmas with the Kranks
- Ages 12+: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 2+
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas
- Rated: G (TV-Y)
- Released: 2021
- Stars: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour
- Ages: Best for ages 2+. This delightful 30-minute Aardman special has no dialogue (just sheep sounds and music), making it perfect for even the youngest viewers. Gentle humour, beautiful stop-motion animation, and heartwarming Christmas spirit throughout.
Stick Man
Stick Man lives happily with his Stick Lady Love and their three stick children. After going for a jog, he’s mistaken for various objects—a fetch toy, cricket bat, and kindling—leading him on an epic adventure across the seasons. With help from a special friend, will he make it back to his family in time for Christmas?
- Rated: G (Not Rated/TV-Y)
- Released: 2015
- Stars: Martin Freeman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins
- Age guideline: Best for ages 2-3+. This 27-minute short is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, though some sensitive children may find a few moments of mild peril (being grabbed by a dog, floating in water) slightly worrying.
A Very Merry Pooh Year
Winnie the Pooh and friends celebrate both New Year’s Eve and Christmas in the Hundred Acre Wood. When Rabbit tries to “un-bounce” Tigger for New Year’s resolutions, and the friends prepare for their winter celebrations, they discover the importance of accepting friends as they are and cherishing traditions together.
- Rated: G
- Released: 2002
- Stars: Jim Cummings, Peter Cullen, John Fiedler
- Ages: Best for ages 2+
BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SYDNEY FOR KIDS
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 3+
The Snowman
On a magical winter’s night, a young boy builds a snowman who comes to life at midnight. Together they embark on a breathtaking adventure, flying over snowy landscapes to the North Pole, where they meet Father Christmas and other snowmen. This wordless, hand-drawn animation set to beautiful music captures childhood wonder and the bittersweet nature of fleeting magical moments.
- Rated: G (Not rated – originally a TV special)
- Released: 1982
- Stars: No dialogue – narrated intro by Raymond Briggs in some versions
- Ages: Best for ages 3+. This gentle, dialogue-free animated short (26 minutes) is perfect for young children. The bittersweet ending, when the snowman melts, may sadden sensitive children, but it’s handled beautifully and teaches the value of cherishing special moments. Features the iconic song “Walking in the Air.”
Piney: The Lonesome Pine
A cheerful Welsh girl named Georgie nurtures a talking pine tree named Piney to be her Christmas tree. When he’s accidentally removed from her grandfather’s farm, their loyal terrier, Jackster, leads Piney on an adventure across the countryside while Georgie and Grandpa frantically search to bring them home before Christmas.
- Rated: G
- Released: 2019
- Stars: Jonathan Pryce, Simon Pegg, Jason Anthony
- Age: Best for ages 3+. Very gentle, perfect for preschoolers and up, no scary content
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 4+
Angela’s Christmas
Set in 1910s Ireland, young Angela notices that the baby Jesus statue in the church’s nativity scene looks cold. With pure-hearted intentions, she “rescues” him and takes him home to keep warm, causing a town-wide search. This beautiful animated short explores childhood innocence, faith, and the true spirit of caring.
- Rated: G (TV-Y7)
- Released: 2017
- Stars: Lucy O’Connell, Ruth Negga, Pat Kinevane
- Ages: Best for ages 4+
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Young Mariah dreams of having a puppy for Christmas, but her parents think she’s not ready for the responsibility. When a mischievous little dog named Princess enters her life, Mariah must prove she can handle caring for a pet while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, love, and the true meaning of Christmas wishes.
- Rated: G
- Released: 2017
- Stars: Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, Henry Winkler
- Ages: Best for ages 4+
Santa Buddies
When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets bored with the North Pole and runs away to Fernfield, he meets the Buddies and discovers the joys of an ordinary life. But when Christmas spirit begins fading, and Santa’s magic weakens, Puppy Paws and the Buddies must save Christmas.
- Rated: G
- Released: 2009
- Stars: Zachary Gordon, Craig Anton, Christopher Lloyd (voices)
- Ages: Best for ages 4+
BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SYDNEY FOR KIDS
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 5+
Arthur Christmas
When Santa’s son Arthur discovers a missed present on Christmas morning, he embarks on a high-tech sleigh mission to deliver it before dawn. This heartwarming animation explores family dynamics at the North Pole while celebrating the true spirit of Christmas and the meaning of being Santa.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2011
- Stars: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy
- Ages: Best for ages 5+. Mild peril and some emotional moments, but generally suitable for younger children
The Star
A small donkey named Bo dreams of adventure beyond his daily grind at the village mill. When he escapes and befriends Mary and Joseph, he becomes an unlikely hero in the greatest story ever told—the first Christmas. A charming animated retelling of the nativity from the animals’ perspective.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2017
- Stars: Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Keegan-Michael Key
- Ages: Best for ages 5+. Mild action and some tense moments during the nativity story, family-friendly
Elliot the Littlest Reindeer
When Santa’s lead reindeer Blitzen announces his retirement, miniature horse Elliot sees his chance to join Santa’s sleigh team. He enters the Reindeer Games competition at the North Pole, facing off against bigger, stronger competitors while learning that determination and heart matter more than size in this heartwarming animated adventure.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2018
- Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Samantha Bee, Jeff Dunham
- Ages: Best for ages 5+
The Muppet Christmas Carol
In this faithful yet whimsical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Christmas ghosts who show him his past, present, and future. With Kermit as Bob Cratchit and the Muppets bringing humour and heart to Victorian London, Scrooge learns it’s never too late to change and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
- Rated: G
- Released: 1992
- Stars: Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Rizzo the Rat
- Ages: Best for ages 5+. While rated G, some scenes with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and Marley’s ghost can be genuinely spooky for very young or sensitive children. However, the Muppets’ humour balances the darker moments, making this one of the most beloved family Christmas films of all time.
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 6+
Elf
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. This has to be one of the best family Christmas films.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2003
- Stars: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
- Ages: Best for ages 6+. Some mild rude humour, brief language, and adult themes (cynicism, workaholic parent). The PG rating is mainly for these elements, but it’s a beloved family classic that older kids and adults thoroughly enjoy.
Christmas Chronicles
When siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce attempt to capture Santa on camera, their plan goes awry and they accidentally cause his sleigh to crash. The duo must team up with a charismatic, street-smart Santa to save Christmas before dawn, leading to a wild adventure filled with elves, reindeer, and holiday magic.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2018
- Stars: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis
- Ages: Best for ages 6+. Mild action, some peril, and a few mildly scary moments (car chase, jail scene)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Toymaker Jeronicus Jangle was once the most celebrated inventor in his town until his apprentice betrayed him and stole his greatest invention. Years later, his spirited granddaughter Journey arrives, determined to help her grandfather rediscover his imagination and save the family business before Christmas. With stunning steampunk-style costumes and spectacular dance numbers, this musical celebrates family, belief, and never giving up on your dreams.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2020
- Stars: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose
- Ages: Best for ages 6+
The Polar Express
Christmas Eve, a doubting young boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. Along the journey with other children, he experiences spectacular adventures, meets Santa Claus, and discovers that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. This groundbreaking motion-capture animation celebrates faith, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas.
- Rated: G
- Released: 2004
- Stars: Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye
- Ages: Best for ages 6+. While rated G, the realistic animation style and some intense scenes (a runaway train on ice, encounters with wolves, puppet sequences) can be frightening for sensitive or very young children. The themes about belief resonate most with kids old enough to question Santa.
That Christmas
Based on Richard Curtis’ stories, this animated film follows multiple intertwining tales in a seaside town on Christmas Eve, when a massive snowstorm hits. Separated families, a lonely boy, and various townspeople discover the magic of togetherness, kindness, and unexpected Christmas miracles in this charming Netflix animation.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2024
- Stars: Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Bill Nighy
- Ages: Best for ages 6+
Miracle On 34th Street
When a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, a sceptical single mother and her pragmatic daughter find their beliefs challenged. As Kris spreads Christmas spirit throughout New York City, a court case ensues to determine his sanity and identity, leading to a heartwarming exploration of faith, wonder, and the magic of believing.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 1994
- Stars: Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott
- Ages: Best for ages 6+. Gentle family film with themes about belief and cynicism. Some courtroom drama and the question of Santa’s existence may be complex for very young children, but overall it’s a warm, feel-good Christmas classic.
Note: There’s also the beloved 1947 original black-and-white version (not rated, suitable for all ages) if you’re looking for the classic film.
The Santa Clauses
When Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he unknowingly agrees to take Santa’s place by putting on the suit. Over the next year, he transforms into Santa Claus—gaining weight, growing a beard—while struggling to convince his sceptical family and navigate his new magical responsibilities.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 1994
- Stars: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd
- Ages: Best for ages 6+
BEST CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN SYDNEY FOR KIDS
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 7+
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Living in a cave atop Mount Crumpit, the green, grumpy Grinch despises Christmas and the joyful Whos of Whoville below. When he decides to steal Christmas by dressing as Santa and pilfering all their decorations and gifts, a kindhearted little girl named Cindy Lou Who shows him the true meaning of the season.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2000
- Stars: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor
- Ages: Best for ages 7+. Some crude humour, dark/creepy imagery, and the Grinch’s mean-spirited behaviour throughout most of the film can be intense for younger children. Jim Carrey’s manic energy and the elaborate makeup effects may also be overwhelming for very young viewers.
Klaus
A selfish postman stationed in a frozen town befriends a mysterious toymaker named Klaus, sparking an unlikely friendship that brings joy to the gloomy community. This beautifully animated film reimagines the origin of Santa Claus, exploring themes of kindness, generosity, and how small acts of goodness can transform an entire town.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2019
- Stars: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack
- Age: Best for ages 7+. Some darker themes, mild violence, and emotional scenes that might be intense for very young children
Jingle All the Way
Workaholic father Howard Langston promises his son the hottest toy of the season—Turbo Man—for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he discovers it’s sold out everywhere. He embarks on a frantic, competitive hunt across the city, battling other desperate parents in this comedic exploration of holiday commercialism and what truly matters.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 1996
- Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson
- Ages: Best for ages 7+
Home Alone
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind while his family flies to Paris for Christmas, he initially revels in his freedom. But when two bumbling burglars target his house, Kevin must defend his home using ingenious booby traps and clever tactics in this beloved comedy about resourcefulness, family, and the true meaning of home.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 1990
- Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara
- Ages: Best for ages 7+. Traps repeatedly cause slapstick violence and mild peril as burglars, plus brief moments that might frighten younger children (the basement scene, “Old Man Marley”). The humour is primarily physical comedy that older kids find hilarious.
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 8+
Christmas with the Kranks
When empty-nesters Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas and take a Caribbean cruise instead, their neighbourhood erupts in outrage. Their plans for a holiday-free December face mounting pressure from neighbours, carolers, and Christmas enthusiasts. But when their daughter announces a surprise Christmas Eve homecoming, the Kranks must scramble to create Christmas overnight.
- Rated: PG
- Released: 2004
- Stars: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd, Julie Gonzalo
- Ages: Best for ages 8+. Some mild crude humour, a tanning bed mishap scene, and themes about peer pressure and neighbourhood conformity. The frantic comedy and satirical take on holiday obligations works better for older children and adults who can appreciate the commentary on Christmas commercialism.
Best Christmas Movies for Kids: Ages 12+
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswold is determined to create the perfect family Christmas, complete with elaborate decorations, a massive tree, and relatives descending on his home. But his ambitious holiday plans spiral into hilarious chaos involving tangled lights, exploding trees, a dried-up turkey, an unexpected kidnapping, and a SWAT team in this outrageous comedy about holiday expectations versus reality.
- Rated: PG-13
- Released: 1989
- Stars: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Juliette Lewis
- Ages: Best for ages 12+. While a beloved family Christmas tradition for many, it contains adult humour, some crude jokes, partial nudity (department store fantasy sequence), mild language, and slapstick violence. Parents should preview to determine if it’s appropriate for their family’s comfort level. Many families watch it together, but it’s definitely more suitable for teens and adults.
