30 Best Family Christmas Movies (Rated by Parents)

Kelly R.:  We like to watch a different assortment of our favorite family Christmas movies every year, but this is the one that's always a must in our house! Upon discovering that he's not really an elf after all, Buddy journeys from the North Pole to NYC in search of his father, where he endures skepticism about Santa and a harsh (and hilarious) dose of reality.

Kelly R.:  If your kids enjoy slapstick humor as much as mine do, this holiday movie is going to be a home run. Young Kevin McCallister defends his house against a pair of absurd burglars after his family forgets to bring him along on their Christmas vacation.

Kelly R.:  Watch the Grinch's heart grow three sizes as he discovers the true meaning of the holiday in one of the most classic kids Christmas movies of all time.

Erika Roh...:  As a self-proclaimed non-believer in Santa Claus, Scott has a chance encounter with Santa as he falls off of Scott's roof! Since it's Christmas Eve, he has no choice but to take the reins and finish Santa's job. This funny, heartwarming comedy is the perfect Christmas movie for kids, even at the "questioning" age, as it solidifies the power of the belief.

Kelly R.:  Charlie Brown seeks the true meaning of Christmas in a family holiday special that just gets better with age. The music is classic, and it's one of our favorite Christmas albums to listen to every year!

Erin P.:  If your kids love Mickey, they will enjoy this Disney take on a Christmas classic. The movie includes the retelling of A Christmas Carol, and also has a number of other Disney Christmas cartoon shorts on it as well. Add this one to your kids Christmas movie rotation!

Kelly R.:  The movie adaptation of the beloved Christmas book where a boy boards a magical train to visit the North Pole manages to capture much of the book's original wonder.

Kelly R.:  The Muppets put their spin on the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. Because Muppets (and musicals) make everything better.

Kelly R.:  Kurt Russell is the Santa Claus we never knew we needed in this fun Netflix Christmas movie about a brother and sister who team up with the big man to save Christmas after his sleigh crashes in Chicago. Check out the sequel, too.

Kelly R.:  It's hard to miss this family Christmas movie if you turn on the TV during the month of December, but I think it strikes a chord with so many people because it feels like you are watching a real family.

Erika Roh...:  This classic Christmas movie embraces what the season is all about - spirituality, love, family, kindness and reflection. Even though old movies aren't typically kids' favorites, the sentiment and plot is something that can't be matched. An angel is sent to Earth to help a struggling man by creating a reality of what life would be like if he never existed. In doing so, George (James Stewart) sees the benefit of his actions, no matter how big or small. This movie will certainly spark conversations on what's important and teaches a great appreciation of family and life.

Chrissy OGorman:  Based loosely on the beloved song, this is one of those classic Christmas movies for kids that's fun to rewatch every year. Since he is different from the other reindeer, Rudolph is bullied and runs away. But once Rudolph realizes people are looking for him, he comes back and becomes the star of Santa's sleigh!

Erin P.:  This compilation of Christmas cartoons featuring the classic Disney characters is a hit with my kids. There are three stories in total. Our kids' favorite story is Groundhog Day-where Huey, Dewey and Louie wish it was Christmas every day of the year. Check out the sequel, too: Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas.

Kelly R.:  An original backstory about how the legend of Santa came to be, this is the beautifully animated and beautifully told story of an unlikely friendship between a reluctant postman and a reclusive toymaker. It focuses on the spirit of giving rather than magic and elves, and is filled with funny and poignant moments. This Netflix film instantly became one of my family's favorite Christmas movies for kids!

Alexandra F.:  This classic Christmas tale about a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal - and whose sanity is therefore questioned and brought to trial - has been one of the best family Christmas movies for decades. I was honestly surprised by how much my then 6 and 8-year-olds were captivated by it, even in black and white. I think it’s the only black and white movie/show they’ve ever enjoyed!