Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Holiday threequel has kids in peril, some drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Claus Family 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Suzanne (Bracha van Doesburgh) is taking her family on a ski vacation for Christmas in CLAUS FAMILY 3. She's also planning to propose to boyfriend Jef (Kurt Rogiers). Her father, Noel Claus (Jan Decleir), and her son, Jules (Mo Bakker), are planning to use their magic snow globe to transport to the North Pole and deliver Christmas gifts without anybody missing them on their trip. But things start to go awry when little sister Norah (Amber Metdepenningen) overhears their plans and starts using the snow globe for her own purposes. Will Jules and Grandpa fill her in completely on their secret and let her join their annual deliveries?
Is It Any Good?
Humor doesn't always translate well across cultures, making some aspects of the Claus Family series a little awkward, but the gentle, family-oriented holiday series from Belgium remains heartwarming. That's because in every entry, including Claus Family 3, mom Suzanne learns new things about her kids, and sees them grow in new ways. Grandpa Claus and other loving adults are also on hand to guide Jules and Noor (Norah in the English subtitles), giving them increasing responsibilities in the family as they mature.
In that sense, viewers might enjoy continuing this series as the child actors grow up themselves, and this entry newly turns the focus on Norah. Moving the setting to the Austrian ski slopes (and a weird side story in a Mexican prison) provides something new. They've also added a new elf, but the elf characters in general will still grate on adult viewers' nerves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Norah, a 10-year-old girl, is often underestimated because of her age in Claus Family 3. Do you ever feel this way? If so, how do you respond?
How did this sequel differ from the two films before it? How does it compare with other movies you've watched about Christmas or Santa Claus?
Felix is taught that winning is everything and sacrifices are necessary to be a champion. Do you agree with that mindset? Why or why not?
What are your favorite holiday movies? What makes holiday movies so special?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 9, 2023
- Cast : Jan Decleir , Mo Bakker , Amber Metdepenningen
- Director : Ruben Vandenborre
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Run time : 74 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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