Best Winter Break Movies for Kids

Last updated: January 9, 2026

When it's cold and dark outside and the kids need something to do, try one of our favorite winter break movies. From holiday favorites like Home Alone to movies like March of the Penguins set in climates that would make a snowman shiver, this list has it all. These top-rated movies are the perfect end to any snow day. So pour some hot cocoa, grab a blanket, and get cozy with these excellent picks. And for more great films to make the holidays fly by, check out our list of the 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12.

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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 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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101 Dalmatians Poster Image

MOVIE

101 Dalmatians

age 5+

Lovable cartoon classic with cute dogs and a mean villain.

January 25, 1961 1961 G (79 minutes)

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Frozen Poster Image

MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

November 27, 2013 2013 PG (102 minutes)

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Olaf's Frozen Adventure Poster Image

MOVIE

Olaf's Frozen Adventure

age 5+

Sweet, charming holiday special is better than you heard.

November 12, 2018 2018 G (22 minutes)

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Snow Buddies Poster Image

MOVIE

Snow Buddies

age 5+

Popular puppies mush their way home.

February 4, 2008 2008 G (70 minutes)

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Arctic Tale Poster Image

MOVIE

Arctic Tale

age 6+

Kid-friendly film serves up inconvenient truth.

July 25, 2007 2007 G (85 minutes)

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Balto Poster Image

MOVIE

Balto

age 6+

Brave dog saves kids in fun but tense fact-based film.

December 22, 1995 1995 G (78 minutes)

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Frozen 2 Poster Image

MOVIE

Frozen 2

age 6+

Slightly darker sequel charms with catchy songs, messages.

November 22, 2019 2019 PG (103 minutes)

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Ghost of the Mountains Poster Image

MOVIE

Ghost of the Mountains

age 6+

Absorbing docu about snow leopards has mild peril.

January 18, 2017 2017 G (78 minutes)

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Ice Age Poster Image

MOVIE

Ice Age

age 6+

Clever, funny, touching; like a great road movie.

March 15, 2002 2002 PG (85 minutes)

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Ice Age: The Meltdown Poster Image

MOVIE

Ice Age: The Meltdown

age 6+

Funny, but contains some crude humor and mild profanity.

March 31, 2006 2006 PG (90 minutes)

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Johnny Tsunami Poster Image

TV

Johnny Tsunami

age 6+

Surfing, boarding, and positive lessons for kids.

Disney Channel Drama (1999)

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March of the Penguins Poster Image

MOVIE

March of the Penguins

age 6+

Stunning, loving documentary; some intense peril.

June 24, 2005 2005 G (80 minutes)

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Smallfoot movie poster: Yeti Migo triumphantly holds up human Percy

MOVIE

Smallfoot

age 6+

Fun, feel-good animated musical offers positive messages.

September 28, 2018 2018 PG (96 minutes)

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The Polar Express movie poster: A dramatic scene of a huge train next to a small boy on a snowy night

MOVIE

The Polar Express

age 6+

Book-based treat is full of adventure and positive messages.

November 10, 2004 2004 G (92 minutes)

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To the Arctic Poster Image

MOVIE

To the Arctic

age 6+

Educational documentary explores life in the frozen wild.

April 20, 2012 2012 G (45 minutes)

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Cloud 9 Poster Image

MOVIE

Cloud 9

age 7+

Positive role models, engaging story mark Disney winner.

April 22, 2014 2014 G (87 minutes)

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

November 16, 2001 2001 PG (152 minutes)

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Ice Princess Poster Image

MOVIE

Ice Princess

age 7+

Sweet, inspiring story tween girls will love.

March 18, 2005 2005 G (92 minutes)

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