One of my favorite things to do during the winter holidays is to snuggle up and watch family-friendly holiday movies with my kid. While different families have different celebrations and preferences for holiday movies, there are a handful that are classics just about no matter what.
Watching movies together is one way my son and I bond; in fact, we have been going to see movies in theaters for as long as I can remember. Since we can't really do that this year, I am hoping to make our at-home movie experience even more magical.
Here are 12 of my favorite family-friendly holiday movies, including classics like Miracle on 34th Streetand It's a Wonderful Lifealongside newer releases, such as 2018's Grinchreboot and The Christmas Chronicles1 and 2 (what can I say — I'm a sucker for Kurt and Goldie). This list is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully, it provides a bit of inspiration if you're looking for something to watch with your kiddos, too.
'Dr. Seuss' The Grinch'
I absolutely love the 2018 animated reboot of The Grinch. Not only is the story super family-friendly, the cast of characters reflects a more diverse Whoville, which you can't help but imagine that Dr. Seuss himself would love.
'The Christmas Chronicles' Parts 1 and 2
Kurt Russell is often delightful in any film he shows up, and this is extra true when he's joined by his real-life longtime love, Goldie Hawn. The Christmas Chronicles is a fun holiday romp that's only slightly grating on parental ears, and Goldie makes the second installment 100% worth it.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Listen: If a movie is a classic, there's usually a good reason! When it comes to Charlie Brown, that reason is clear. The movies, comics, pretty much everything to do with the world Charles Schulz created are nearly timeless, and this holiday favorite is no exception.
'The Polar Express'
If you haven't seen The Polar Express yet, what on earth are you waiting for? This beloved tale stars Tom Hanks as a train conductor who helps restore a boy's faith in Christmas, and it's pretty much perfect.
'The Muppet Christmas Carol'
This classic retelling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol is age-appropriate for kids over 5 and offers a gentle, but clear, perspective about the true reason for the season (as they say).
'Miracle on 34th Street'
I will love the 1947 version of this film forever and ever, mostly because Natalie Wood is adorable and that Santa Claus is A+. Do recommend.
'Adam Sandler's Eight Crazy Nights'
Eight Crazy Nights is an animated Hanukkah movie that stars Adam Sandler as a wayward 30ish-year-old who finds himself doing community service as a basketball coach. While the jokes err on the side of toilet humor, older kids will probably get a kick out of this one.
'Elf'
Of course, no holiday film list is complete without this 2003 movie starring Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell. My kid has been watching this one since he was 5 or 6, and I'd say it's generally OK for everybody.
'The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Everyone I know loves to argue about whether or not this movie is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, but I'm here to tell you that it's basically both, friends. You can watch it anytime between October 1 and December 31, and it will be fine.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
My favorite thing to do on Christmas Eve is to get in very cozy pajamas and watch this movie. It might have been made in 1946, but the heart of its message rings more and more true each year.
'Home Alone'
Home Alone is by far my kid's favorite movie to watch during the holiday season, and it makes sense why. It's obviously a classic, and Kevin McCallister gets up to some truly heroic high jinks in his bid to protect his family's home.
