Must-watch Family-friendly Christmas Movies
Christmas Movies to Watch with the whole Family
‘Tis the season to spend quality time with your family. One of the things the kids enjoy doing this time of the year is to gather together to watch Christmas movies. These are usually favorites we watch every year, and it has become a tradition. A tradition I would love to share with you. This is the perfect way to close out a hectic week bonding together. Wondering which holiday favorites to watch? No worries, I am sharing our top 13 must-watch family-friendly Christmas movies as well as tips to have a successful family movie night! Before we get into all the family movie night tips and picks, please take a moment to pin this post to your family board on Pinterest.
Tips for a Successful Family Movie Night
Creating fun, memorable family movie nights is excellent in theory, but sometimes, finding a suitable movie, getting everyone together, and avoiding bickering can be challenging. That is why I am offering some of our go-to tips for enjoying a family movie night!
Family Movie Night Snacks
Everyone can’t help but gather around when snacks are involved. One option is to come up with a themed snack for your movie choice, or you can go with a classic bowl of buttery popcorn. There are also many ways to get everyone together enjoying tasty treats while watching a movie together. Take a moment to get the kids involved in creating the perfect movie night snack, or choose something simple.
Comfort is key
Whether you enjoy movies, we like to gather in the big bed, or get cozy on the couch, creating a comforting environment is key to a magical family movie night. Ensuring the whole family is comfy is essential, so if you need to have separated seating available, pull out those bean bag chairs, or blow up the air mattress in front of the television. Throw some blankets and pillows on the couch or bed or even on the floor to help everyone get comfy. If you have a big backyard and the weather permits, you can even do this outside in a tent with a laptop or projector screen. Getting creative always makes some fantastic memories. Another way to ensure comfort and best viewing experience is to eliminate the light that means turning down the lights and avoiding the use of electronic devices,
No phone zone
Family movie night is a necessary time to spend together. That means that it needs your attention, and you need to shut down all the other distractions that try to take your attention away. That means laptops and cell phones are put out of sight, yes lock them away in another room as the next couple of hours are reserved for family. All members choose to prioritize family movie nights by sacrificing a couple of hours from their phone or work.
Must-watch Family-friendly Christmas Movies
The list of movies below is not in any particular order, but they are all classics that will make for an enjoyable evening. Think of these movies as a tradition to watch over the holiday season.
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a twist on the classic story of redemption and second chances. The movie tells the tale of miserly Scrooge, who is haunted by three Christmas ghosts that show him the error of his ways and help to transform him into a more generous, humble man.
2. The Polar Express
The Polar Express is a beautiful film for children during the holiday season. It tells the story of a boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole and finds himself in Santa’s village with his friends. It’s filled with adventure and humor.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The story revolves around Charlie Brown and his family; Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas, but without much luck. Every year, we can see his friends and family try to help him, but he wasn’t satisfied with anything he got from them. It’s a funny classic and one of our favorites.
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Six-year-old Susan Walker is skeptical of the Christmas tradition surrounding Santa Claus. When tasked with hiring the Santa who will pose with kids at Cole’s, her mother, Dorey, enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle who claims to be Santa himself. His assertions are met with scoffs and threats, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense.
5. Home Alone (1990)
After 8-year-old Kevin acts out the night before a family vacation to Paris, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. When he’s accidentally left home alone by his family the next day, he’s happy to have the house to himself. However, it’s not long before he must protect his family’s house from a pair of evil (and clumsy) burglars.
6. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Sing and dance along to this fun musical, which tells the tale of a talented toymaker and his delightful granddaughter, who helps him find joy again after a heartbreaking betrayal.
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Sam the Snowman narrates a tale of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being cast out for being different, teams up with Hermey (an elf who wants to be a dentist), to look for a place that will accept them. After a scary encounter with the Abominable Snowman, they stumble upon a whole island of misfit toys and need to ask Santa for help.
8. The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974)
In this holiday classic, a very grumpy (not to mention, tired) Kris Kringle thinks that kids have become too ungrateful and decides to take a year-long vacation from his official duties. Mrs. Claus and the elves do their best to try and change his mind, but there’s a possibility there may be no presents under the tree this year.
9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming, and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism.
10. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
When George Bailey wishes aloud that he had never been born, an angel appears to show him exactly how life would be without him.
11. The Santa Clause (1994)
When Scott Calvin accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he’s transported to the North Pole to assume the role before the following Christmas arrives, much to the delight of his son.
12. The Star
A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day, he finds the courage to break free, embarking on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove who has lofty aspirations. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told — the first Christmas.
13. The Christmas Chronicles
Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. When the plan goes awry, the kids join forces with a somewhat jolly Saint Nick and his loyal elves to save the holiday before it’s too late.
