Is there anything cozier than a December night, a big bowl of popcorn, and a pile of kids in pajamas arguing over whether Elf or Home Alone should go first? We have refreshed our favorite list of Christmas movies for kids for 2026, checked every rating and release year, and added new family picks from the last couple of seasons.

This time we grouped the list by age, so you can find something gentle for your toddler, something funny for your first grader, and something your tween won't roll their eyes at. We also added a few ways to see holiday movies on the big screen in Los Angeles this season.

How We Picked These Family Christmas Movies

Every movie on this list has a Christmas or winter-holiday story at its heart, and every rating was double-checked for 2026. Where a film carries an MPA rating (G, PG, PG-13), we list it. Netflix originals and TV specials often carry TV ratings instead (TV-Y, TV-G, TV-PG), and some older TV specials were never rated at all.

A quick word about streaming: movies hop between services all the time, especially in November and December. We note "Netflix original" when a movie is made by Netflix and has an active Netflix title page, and we note Disney+ for Disney-owned titles that were on the service when we checked in September 2026. Everything else is usually available to rent or buy on the major digital stores. Always confirm on the service before you promise the kids a specific movie.

Parent Tip: A rating tells you a lot, but not everything. If you have a sensitive viewer, watch the trailer together first or skim a parent review before movie night.

Christmas Movies for Toddlers and Preschoolers

These picks are short, sweet, and light on scary moments. Most run under an hour, which is perfect for little attention spans and early bedtimes.

A Trash Truck Christmas

Rated: TV-Y | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 28 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

Santa crash-lands in the junkyard on Christmas Eve, and Hank, Trash Truck, and their animal friends pitch in to save the night. It is gentle, funny, and a total hit with truck-obsessed preschoolers.

Super Monsters Save Christmas

Rated: TV-Y | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 24 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

The preschool Super Monsters use their friendly powers to help Santa when Christmas starts going sideways. The "monsters" are about as scary as a teddy bear.

Elf Pets: A Fox Cub's Christmas Tale

Rated: TV-Y | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 28 min | Where to watch: Netflix

A team of Scout Elves and their arctic fox cub helpers work to spread Christmas spirit to a boy whose mom may not make it home for the holidays. A sweet pick for families who already have an Elf on the Shelf.

Elf Pets: Santa's Reindeer Rescue

Rated: TV-Y | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 27 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Santa's test flights hit a snag, and a crew of reindeer pets and Scout Elves have to figure out why before Christmas Eve. Catchy songs and a message about the power of kindness make it an easy repeat watch.

Angela's Christmas and Angela's Christmas Wish

Rated: G | Years: 2017 and 2020 | Runtime: 30 and 48 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Based on a story by Frank McCourt, these hand-crafted animated shorts follow a little girl in 1910s Ireland whose big heart leads to big ideas. They are quiet, touching, and lovely for a winding-down evening.

Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas

Rated: G | Year: 2021 | Runtime: 47 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Mickey, Minnie, and the gang get scattered around the world and race to get home to Hot Dog Hills by Christmas Eve. Toddlers who love the Clubhouse crew will be glued to the screen.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

Rated: G | Year: 1999 | Runtime: 66 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Three short stories star Donald's nephews, Goofy and Max, and Mickey and Minnie, each with a simple lesson about what matters most at Christmas. The short segments make it easy to pause for snacks.

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

Rated: G | Year: 2017 | Runtime: 22 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Olaf sets out to collect the best holiday traditions for Anna and Elsa, with new songs along the way. At 22 minutes, it is the perfect "one more show" before bed.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Rated: Not rated (TV special) | Year: 2009 | Runtime: 58 min

George and the Man with the Yellow Hat count down to Christmas while each tries to figure out the perfect gift for the other. Calm, funny, and full of curiosity.

Pete the Cat: A Very Groovy Christmas

Rated: TV special | Where to watch: Prime Video

Pete and his friends search for the Christmas Cat and discover that the best part of the holiday isn't the presents. Kids who know the picture books will love the music.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!

Rated: Not rated (TV special) | Year: 2012 | Runtime: 60 min

The Cat, Nick, and Sally travel the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home, learning about holiday customs along the way. It sneaks in a little geography with the giggles.

Frosty's Winter Wonderland

Rated: Not rated (TV special) | Year: 1976 | Runtime: 25 min

Frosty returns and the children build him a snow wife named Crystal, but jealous Jack Frost has other plans. A short, sweet sequel for kids who loved the original.

Trolls Holiday

Rated: PG | Year: 2017 | Runtime: 26 min

Queen Poppy realizes the Bergens have no holidays on their calendar and sets out to fix that with plenty of glitter and song. Short, loud, and cheerful. Netflix lists a version as Trolls Holiday Special.

Puppy Star Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2018 | Runtime: 90 min | Where to watch: Netflix

A crew of talking puppies has to save Christmas after a group of mischievous dogs hijacks Santa and the North Pole. Silly and slapstick, with lots of barking.

Parent Tip: For toddlers, a 25-minute special beats a full-length feature every time. Stack two short ones with a hot cocoa break in between.

Christmas Movies for Little Kids Ages 5 to 8

This age group is ready for longer stories, a little more adventure, and a few "will they make it in time?" moments. Most of these are rated G or PG.

That Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2024 | Runtime: 91 min | Where to watch: Netflix

New to our list. In a seaside English town, the worst snowstorm anyone can remember scrambles everyone's Christmas plans, including Santa's. Based on Richard Curtis's picture books, it is warm, funny, and a little bit mischievous.

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland

Rated: PG | Year: 2024 | Runtime: 80 min | Where to watch: Prime Video (as of September 2026)

New to our list. St. Nick tumbles down the rabbit hole and meets the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and a Queen of Hearts with a grudge against Christmas. Families who like quirky storybook worlds will enjoy it.

Arthur Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2011 | Runtime: 97 min

Santa's youngest son, Arthur, discovers one child's present was missed and sets off on a wild mission to deliver it before morning. It is clever enough for parents and heartfelt enough for the kids.

The Grinch

Rated: PG | Year: 2018 | Runtime: 85 min

Illumination's animated Grinch is softer around the edges, with a sweet friendship with a Who named Cindy-Lou at its center. A great "first Grinch" for younger kids.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Rated: G | Year: 1966 | Runtime: 25 min

The original Chuck Jones cartoon with Boris Karloff narrating is still a family must. Twenty-five minutes, a heart that grows three sizes, and one very good dog named Max.

The Polar Express

Rated: G | Year: 2004 | Runtime: 100 min

A boy who is starting to doubt Santa boards a magical train to the North Pole. Some scenes on the train roof may feel intense for very young kids, so this one fits best at five and up.

Santa Buddies

Rated: G | Year: 2009 | Runtime: 88 min

Puppy Paws, son of Santa Paws, trades places with one of the Buddies, and Christmas magic goes wobbly. Talking golden retriever puppies: need we say more?

The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol

Rated: PG | Year: 2011 | Runtime: 22 min

Grouchy Smurf gets the full Scrooge treatment, complete with ghostly visits, in this short holiday special. A fun, painless introduction to the Dickens story.

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2011 | Runtime: 26 min

After Sid breaks one of Manny's cherished traditions, he heads to the North Pole to get himself off the naughty list. Short and full of physical comedy.

12 Pups of Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 90 min

A small-business owner and his new hire try to save his struggling company and find homes for a dozen adorable puppies before Christmas. Expect a lot of "can we get a dog?" afterward.

48 Christmas Wishes

Rated: TV-G | Year: 2017 | Runtime: 84 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Two junior elves discover that a bag of letters to Santa has gone missing and head out into the wide world to find the lost wishes.

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Rated: PG | Year: 2018 | Runtime: 89 min

A miniature horse named Elliot dreams of joining Santa's team when Blitzen retires, so he tries out with the help of his goat best friend, Hazel. An underdog story kids cheer for.

Prince of Peoria: A Christmas Moose Miracle

Rated: TV-G | Year: 2018 | Runtime: 29 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

Teddy's favorite holiday festival is in trouble when the bowling alley gets snowed in, but his friend Emil insists a Christmas moose will save the day.

The Claus Family

Rated: TV-G | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 96 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Jules doesn't love Christmas, so it is a shock to learn his grandfather is Santa and needs his help. This is a Dutch film, so choose the English dub or subtitles in the audio menu.

Noelle

Rated: G | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 100 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Santa's daughter Noelle has to track down her brother Nick after he bolts from the pressure of taking over the family business. Anna Kendrick gives it a bright, funny energy.

'Twas the Night

Rated: G | Year: 2001 | Runtime: 84 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

A 14-year-old and his irresponsible uncle take Santa's sleigh for a joyride and nearly wreck Christmas. Silly Disney Channel fun.

Christmas Movies for Big Kids and Tweens

Older kids like a little more wit, a little more action, and characters closer to their own age. A couple of these are rated PG-13, so read the notes.

Klaus

Rated: PG | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 97 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

A spoiled postal academy student is sent to a frozen island town where he meets a reclusive toymaker. Gorgeous hand-drawn-style animation and a story that grown-ups love as much as kids do. This is one of our top picks for the whole list.

A Boy Called Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2021 | Runtime: 104 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Based on Matt Haig's book, this fantasy follows an ordinary boy on a quest to the far north that turns into the origin story of Father Christmas. Some peril and sad moments, so it suits ages 8 and up.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Rated: PG | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 122 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

A once-great toymaker gets his spark back when his inventive granddaughter arrives. Big musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and a lead kid character who loves math.

The Christmas Chronicles and The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two

Rated: TV-PG and PG | Years: 2018 and 2020 | Runtime: 104 and 112 min | Where to watch: Netflix originals

Siblings Kate and Teddy try to catch Santa on camera and end up helping Kurt Russell's rock-and-roll Santa save Christmas. In Part Two, a troublemaker threatens to cancel the holiday for good.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 1993 | Runtime: 76 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Jack Skellington discovers Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday himself. The spooky-cute stop-motion style is a perfect bridge between Halloween and December.

Merry Little Batman

Rated: PG | Year: 2023 | Runtime: 97 min

Bruce Wayne's young son, Damian, is left home alone on Christmas Eve and has to defend Wayne Manor and Gotham from a gang of villains. Think superhero action meets Home Alone.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Rated: PG | Year: 2024 | Runtime: 99 min

New to our list. The rowdiest kids in town, the Herdmans, take over the church Christmas pageant, and nothing goes as planned. Based on the beloved book, it is funny and surprisingly moving. A great pick to watch with grandparents.

A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

Rated: Not rated (TV movie) | Year: 2025 | Runtime: 81 min

New to our list. Lincoln hacks the North Pole computers to get himself off the Naughty List, and the hack spirals out of control. It premiered on Nickelodeon in November 2025, and fans of the series will be thrilled.

A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish

Rated: PG | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 86 min | Where to watch: Netflix

An aspiring singer stuck with a nasty stepfamily takes a holiday job as a Santa's helper and falls for the new Santa. Sweet and predictable in the best way for tweens.

Holiday Rush

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2019 | Runtime: 94 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

A widowed radio DJ loses his job right before Christmas, and his four spoiled kids have to adjust to life at their great-aunt's house. A good conversation starter about gratitude.

The App That Stole Christmas

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 63 min | Where to watch: Netflix

A tech entrepreneur's Christmas shopping app is a smash hit, but he starts to wonder if it is ruining the holiday spirit. A timely one for screen-savvy kids.

Christmas in the Heartland

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2017 | Runtime: 90 min | Where to watch: Netflix

Two teen girls meet on a plane and decide to swap places for Christmas, each landing with the other's grandparents. It has a classic Parent Trap vibe.

A Family Reunion Christmas

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2019 | Where to watch: Netflix original

M'Dear and her sisters try to keep their singing act together before the church Christmas pageant, while Grandpa teaches the kids a lesson. A warm, funny multigenerational special.

Operation Christmas Drop

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 95 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

A congressional aide visits a tropical Air Force base and clashes with the captain behind a real-life holiday tradition of airdropping supplies to remote islands. More of a light rom-com, so it lands best with tweens and parents.

Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2020 | Runtime: 98 min | Where to watch: Netflix original

A cold-hearted landlord plans to sell off an entire small town until an angel with a very familiar voice intervenes. Full musical, full sparkle.

A Christmas Prince

Rated: TV-PG | Year: 2017 | Where to watch: Netflix original

A young journalist goes undercover to get the scoop on a playboy prince. The sequels, The Royal Wedding (2018) and The Royal Baby (2019), continue the fairy tale. Cute and cheesy, best for tweens who like a royal romance.

A Princess for Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2011 | Runtime: 91 min

A new guardian and her orphaned niece and nephew are invited to spend Christmas at their grandfather's castle, and a little holiday romance follows.

Red One

Rated: PG-13 | Year: 2024 | Runtime: 124 min

New to our list. When Santa is kidnapped, the head of North Pole security teams up with a bounty hunter to find him. It is a big action-comedy with some fighting and scary creatures, so preview it before watching with kids under 13.

Christmas Movies the Whole Family Will Love

These are the crowd-pleasers you can put on when the cousins range from 6 to 16 and the grown-ups want to laugh too.

Elf

Rated: PG | Year: 2003 | Runtime: 97 min

Buddy, a human raised by elves, heads to New York to find his dad and spread Christmas cheer, one syrup-covered spaghetti dinner at a time. It is nearly impossible to watch this one only once a year.

Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Rated: PG | Years: 1990 and 1992 | Runtime: 103 and 120 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Kevin McCallister defends his house (and later a New York toy store) from two bumbling burglars. The booby traps are cartoonishly violent, which is exactly why kids love them.

The Santa Clause Trilogy

Rated: PG, G, and G | Years: 1994, 2002, and 2006 | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Scott Calvin accidentally becomes Santa, then has to find a Mrs. Claus, then battles Jack Frost for control of the North Pole. The first film is the strongest, and the sequels are gentler for younger kids.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Rated: G | Year: 1992 | Runtime: 86 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

Michael Caine plays Scrooge completely straight, and the Muppets do the rest. Gonzo as Charles Dickens is a stroke of genius. The ghosts can be a touch spooky for preschoolers.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Rated: PG | Year: 2000 | Runtime: 105 min

Jim Carrey's live-action Grinch is loud, rubbery, and very funny. The makeup can startle little ones, so it works best for ages 6 and up.

Christmas With the Kranks

Rated: PG | Year: 2004 | Runtime: 99 min

Luther and Nora decide to skip Christmas for a Caribbean cruise, and their decoration-obsessed neighbors are not having it. A light comedy that parents often enjoy more than kids.

A Christmas Story

Rated: PG | Year: 1983 | Runtime: 93 min

Ralphie wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. There is some mild language and a famous leg lamp, so it fits best with kids 8 and up.

Candy Cane Lane

Rated: PG | Year: 2023 | Runtime: 117 min | Where to watch: Prime Video (as of September 2026)

Eddie Murphy plays a dad so determined to win his neighborhood's decorating contest that he makes a deal with a mischievous elf. Expect magic, chaos, and a lot of lights.

The Christmas Star

Rated: Not rated (TV movie) | Year: 1986 | Runtime: 94 min | Where to watch: Disney+ (as of September 2026)

A con man escapes jail in a Santa suit and two kids become convinced he's the real thing. An old-school Disney TV movie with a big heart.

The Dog Who Saved Christmas

Rated: Not rated (TV movie) | Year: 2009 | Runtime: 89 min

The Banister family's newly adopted dog, Zeus, foils two bumbling thieves while the family is away. Think Home Alone, but furrier.

Classic Christmas Movies and Specials

Some traditions never get old. Many of us grew up with these, and they still hold up.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rated: G | Year: 1964 | Runtime: 52 min

This stop-motion classic features Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius, and the Island of Misfit Toys. The Abominable Snowmonster might spook the littlest viewers.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Rated: G | Year: 1965 | Runtime: 25 min

Charlie Brown looks for the true meaning of Christmas and finds a very small tree. The jazz soundtrack alone makes it a must.

Frosty the Snowman

Rated: G | Year: 1969 | Runtime: 25 min

A magic hat brings a snowman to life, and the kids race to get him to the North Pole before he melts.

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Rated: G | Year: 1970 | Runtime: 51 min

The origin story of Kris Kringle, narrated by a friendly postman, explains why Santa comes down the chimney and hangs out with elves.

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Rated: G | Year: 1974 | Runtime: 51 min

A tired Santa considers skipping Christmas, and the Heat Miser and Snow Miser steal the show with one of the catchiest songs in holiday TV.

Miracle on 34th Street

Rated: G (1947) and PG (1994) | Years: 1947 and 1994

A department-store Santa claims he is the real thing, and a court case puts his claim to the test. Both versions are lovely, so pick based on whether your kids are okay with black and white.

It's a Wonderful Life

Rated: PG | Year: 1946 | Runtime: 131 min

George Bailey learns what life in Bedford Falls would look like without him. It is long and slow for young kids, but a beautiful pick for tweens and teens. It turns 80 this year (see the big-screen section below).

White Christmas

Rated: Not rated | Year: 1954 | Runtime: 120 min

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye put on a show to save their old general's struggling Vermont inn. Classic songs and dancing for families who love musicals.

Where to See Christmas Movies on the Big Screen in LA in 2026

Want to make movie night an outing? These are confirmed for the 2026 season.

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum

Heritage Square Museum

3545 Pasadena Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90031

Select nights, Saturday, November 28 through Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Doors 5:30 p.m.; first movie 6:30 p.m.

Street Food Cinema's outdoor holiday double features return for their ninth season at this historic Victorian village in Montecito Heights. The 2026 lineup includes How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) with Rudolph, a Home Alone double feature pajama night on December 5 and 23, Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas with The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 12, and Elf with The Year Without a Santa Claus on December 20.

Advance tickets are listed at $39 for adults and $24 for kids ages 4 to 12, with kids 3 and under free; door prices are higher. Chairs are provided first come, first served, and outside food is allowed. Parking is limited, so the organizer suggests rideshare or the Metro Heritage Square station.

Parent Tip: Not every double feature is kid-friendly all the way through. Some nights pair a family film with a PG-13 second feature, so check the Yuletide Cinemaland schedule and plan to leave after movie one with younger kids.

It's a Wonderful Life 80th Anniversary

Cinemark lists an 80th-anniversary theatrical release of It's a Wonderful Life starting Friday, December 18, 2026. Showtimes and participating LA-area theaters had not been posted when we checked, so look up your local Cinemark closer to the date.

For more ideas, browse our guide to the best family-friendly movie theaters in Los Angeles and our roundup of Christmas and holiday events for LA families.

Tips for a Cozy Christmas Movie Night at Home

• Let each kid pick one. Rotating choices across December ends the remote-control wars.

  
  

• Match the movie to the bedtime. A 25-minute special on a school night, a full feature on Friday.

  
  

• Make it an event. Pajamas, blankets, a hot cocoa bar, and dimmed lights turn an ordinary night into a tradition.

  
  

• Preview anything new. Watch the trailer together so sensitive kids know what to expect.

  
  

• Check the service first. Search for the title inside your streaming app before you announce the pick; holiday titles move around.

  
  

• Try a free option. Your library card may unlock free movies through library streaming apps.

Need more help? See our step-by-step guide to hosting a movie night at home, and after the movie, pile in the car to catch the best holiday lights in Los Angeles.

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Takeaway

The best Christmas movies for kids are the ones your family comes back to every year. Start little ones with short, gentle specials, give school-age kids adventures like Arthur Christmas and That Christmas, and save Klaus, A Boy Called Christmas, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a night when everyone is on the couch together.

Keep this list handy all December, check the streaming service before you promise a pick, and if you want to make a night of it, grab tickets for an outdoor holiday double feature at Heritage Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas movies for toddlers?

Short, gentle picks work best: A Trash Truck Christmas (TV-Y), Super Monsters Save Christmas (TV-Y), Olaf's Frozen Adventure (G), Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas (G), and Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas. Most run under an hour.

What new family Christmas movies have come out recently?

Recent additions to our list include That Christmas (2024, PG), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024, PG), The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (2024, PG), Red One (2024, PG-13), and A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice (2025).

Is The Polar Express too scary for young kids?

The Polar Express is rated G, but a few scenes on the train roof and a ghostly hobo character can feel intense for preschoolers. Most families find it works well from about age five.

Which Christmas movies are on Netflix?

Netflix originals on our list include Klaus, The Christmas Chronicles, Jingle Jangle, A Trash Truck Christmas, Super Monsters Save Christmas, and Holiday Rush, and Netflix also streams That Christmas. Availability can change, so search the app before movie night.

Where can we watch Christmas movies on the big screen in Los Angeles?

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum hosts outdoor holiday double features on select nights from November 28 through December 23, 2026, and Cinemark lists an It's a Wonderful Life 80th-anniversary release beginning December 18, 2026.