It's the perfect time of year to cuddle up with a good movie. Many of the most heartwarming films out there are set in the holiday season.
It's easy to see why. There's just the faintest feeling of magic in the air throughout the holiday season. The twinkly lights and the warmth of people bundling up in the cold signifies a shift for so many across the country. It feels like a time where anything can happen, even to the most completely convinced nonbelievers.
The holiday season may feel different for many families this year, but there’s no reason it has to be any less magical than any other year. Explore all the different ways there are to bring the magic of the holidays into your own home. If your family is in need of something warm and fuzzy, check out these 10 holiday movies.
'A Christmas Carol'
A Christmas Carol is a classic that teaches some very important lessons. Ebenezer Scrooge has a cold heart with no room for Christmas cheer. Once three ghosts visit him and set him straight, he wonders if it's too late to change his fate.
'Elf'
Will Ferrell surprised a lot of his fans with this wholesome addition to his long list of roles. Buddy's optimism and determination to believe in what he believes in will warm your heart. Balancing the holiday magic with some laughs makes this a great pick for families who don't want anything too sad.
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'
Rudolph doesn't love being different from the other reindeer, until his difference is what makes him special. Your kids will love this movie's message about belonging. This stop-motion animation style will linger in your children's holiday memories for years to come.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Everyone in Charlie Brown's world is celebrating the holiday season, but have they forgotten what it's all about? As Charlie Brown feels unappreciated, Linus steps in to remind everyone the real reason for the season in a beautiful monologue. It's a great movie to remind kids there's more to the holiday season than just gifts.
'The Polar Express'
A little boy who isn't sure he believes in Santa travels to the North Pole to see what it's all about. It teaches kids about what we really believe in the holiday season, and how believing is what we make it. It's also visually stunning and will captivate your little ones, for sure.
'The Family Stone'
The Family Stone is a fun one to watch with older kids. For a family holiday movie, it's surprisingly polarizing. Some fans are die-hard, while others loathe the film. It'll be fun to see where each member of your family falls while laughing at the kind of high jinks that happen when your family gets a new member unexpectedly.
'Let It Snow'
Let It Snow is another great pick if you have tweens and teens. Based on a book by the same name, it shows how the lives of several teens in a small town in the Midwest intersect during the holiday season. The love, heartbreak, and friendship are all relatable and heartwarming.
'Holiday Rush'
A radio DJ is too indulged in his own success until tragedy hits his family. He has to navigate the world and keep his family together in an instant, and it's not easy. This film reminds everyone how fragile life is and how important family is.
'Miracle on 34th Street"
This holiday classic tackles the idea of believing in another beautiful way. Kris Kringle fills in for a drunk Santa performer in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. He quickly wins the hearts of many, until he shares that he's really Santa.
'Frosty the Snowman'
A magic hat brings a class's snowman to life in this classic holiday special. They work together to get Frosty to the North Pole before he melts, but there are quite a few challenges that force the group to work together. The animation style also gives it an extra-special feel.
