Best Holiday Movies for Kids

Last updated: February 5, 2026

When you're ready for some quality family time amid the chaos of the holiday season, there's nothing better than curling up with one of our favorite seasonal flicks. From all-time best family Christmas movies like The Muppet Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street to Thanksgiving-themed fare like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Planes, Trains and Automobiles to sweet holiday-themed romances for older tweens and teens like While You Were Sleeping and Love Actually, you're sure to find a festive flick that's just right for your family. For even more holiday movie ideas and age-appropriate recommendations, check out these books and apps.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas Poster Image

MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Christmas

age 3+

The Peanuts gang in a classic Christmas special.

December 9, 1965 1965 G (30 minutes)

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Poster: Charlie Brown holds a bowl of dog food while Snoopy and Woodstock sit at a table that has pie and turkey on it

MOVIE

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

age 3+

Classic Turkey Day special for all ages; some insult words.

November 20, 1973 1973 NR (25 minutes)

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Frosty the Snowman Poster Image

MOVIE

Frosty the Snowman

age 3+

Classic Christmas TV special is sing-along fun.

October 17, 2000 2000 NR (30 minutes)

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Jingle All the Way Poster Image

MOVIE

Jingle All the Way

age 3+

Heartwarming holiday tale has strong marketing tie-ins.

November 25, 2011 2011 NR (22 minutes)

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Jingle and Bell's Christmas Star Poster Image

MOVIE

Jingle and Bell's Christmas Star

age 3+

Sweet sequel's friendly messages outshine product tie-ins.

November 23, 2012 2012 NR (30 minutes)

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Poster Image

MOVIE

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

age 3+

Heartwarming for all ages, some old-school content.

December 6, 1964 1964 NR (53 minutes)

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Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne Poster Image

MOVIE

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

age 3+

Peanuts New Year's movie is cute but not iconic.

December 10, 2021 2021 NR (38 minutes)

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The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas! Poster Image

MOVIE

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!

age 3+

Series-inspired special teaches kids about animals, caring.

October 30, 2012 2012 G (60 minutes)

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The Snowman Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowman

age 3+

Charming, wordless, book-based holiday fable for all ages.

December 26, 1982 1982 G (26 minutes)

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The Snowman and the Snowdog Poster Image

MOVIE

The Snowman and the Snowdog

age 3+

Sweet holiday sequel about a boy who misses his dog.

October 1, 2013 2013 G (70 minutes)

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Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines Poster Image

MOVIE

Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines

age 3+

Gentle winter train tales celebrate the holidays.

October 28, 2014 2014 NR (60 minutes)

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Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year Poster Image

MOVIE

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

age 3+

Beloved characters celebrate holidays, differences.

November 2, 2002 2002 G (65 minutes)

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Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving Poster Image

MOVIE

Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving

age 3+

Sweet seasonal adventures make this a holiday treat.

September 29, 2009 2009 G (64 minutes)

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A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa Poster Image

MOVIE

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

age 4+

Kermit and friends deliver a cheery holiday tale.

December 17, 2008 2008 G (60 minutes)

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All I Want for Christmas Is You Poster Image

MOVIE

All I Want for Christmas Is You

age 4+

Merry, mischievous holiday tale is fun for families.

November 14, 2017 2017 G (91 minutes)

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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Poster Image

MOVIE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

age 4+

Heartwarming TV special is true to Seuss' classic book.

December 18, 1966 1966 NR (26 minutes)

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If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie Poster Image

MOVIE

If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie

age 4+

Book pals spread holiday cheer with friendly, funny tale.

November 25, 2016 2016 NR (30 minutes)

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Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas Poster Image

MOVIE

Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas

age 4+

Kindness saves unfriendly street in fun holiday story.

November 25, 2016 2016 NR (60 minutes)

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Stick Man Poster Image

MOVIE

Stick Man

age 4+

Book-based animated short celebrates love of family.

December 25, 2015 2015 NR (27 minutes)

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The Christmas Toy Poster Image

MOVIE

The Christmas Toy

age 4+

A charming, if familiar, toy story.

January 1, 1986 1986 NR (50 minutes)

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