Must-See Family Christmas Movies and Specials

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

A cult classic for good reason, this is my all-time favourite Christmas special and something I never miss watching. Charlie Brown is depressed with all of Christmas’s commercialism, so he searches for a deeper meaning while getting involved in the school Christmas play. It’s simple and sweetly shares the true reason for the season.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This live-action version has Jim Carrey brilliantly playing the Grinch as only he could. Living on Whoville’s outskirts, he’s determined to ruin Christmas for the whole town and get revenge on his childhood bully. It has a great soundtrack and a heartwarming message the entire family will enjoy.

Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Another childhood favourite is watching misfit reindeer Rudolph and his friends survive a dangerous snowstorm and the abominable snow monster. The famous tale of an underdog, how he finds his way and is finally accepted and appreciated for who he is.

Home Alone (1990)

In this festive cult classic film, a young boy named Kevin is accidentally left home by his family for their Christmas vacation. Now, his crazy adventure begins as he has to keep safe from two burglars until his family returns.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

This hilarious movie is one of my faves. Griswold’s plan for a big family event turns into quite a disaster. Clark is as eccentric and goofy as usual. Hilarious, inappropriate, and crazy, just as you would expect from any National Lampoon’s adventure. A nostalgic classic that you’ll laugh all the way through. (This one is not for young children)

Elf
Buddy is a human raised by elves in the North Pole. When he finally realizes he’s a human, he goes on an adventure to New York City to find his dad. Festive, funny, and heartwarming. This movie is a must-see at Christmas time and is also on my favourite feel-good movies list.

Frosty The Snowman (1969)

This is the famous tale of the snowman who magically comes to life. Frosty and his sweet friend Karen are trying to escape from a greedy magician and get Frosty to safety. It’s a cute childhood story featuring the classic and catchy Frosty song.

A Christmas Story (1983)

This holiday film is the kind of quirky that you’ll appreciate more after watching it several times. A young boy named Ralphie is obsessing over getting a “Red Ryder air rifle” for Christmas. He spends time dreaming of it and convincing his parents it’s a good gift. A funny, awkward and original movie narrated by the story’s author, Jean Shepherd.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This Tim Burton cult classic is the movie we watch to start our Christmas movie season since it’s halfway between a Halloween and Christmas film. Jack Skellington is the King of Halloween town but senses something is missing. He discovers the joyful Christmas Town and wants to bring it back home, causing chaos and confusion. The musical score and storyline are both fantastic.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

This is the original animated childhood classic; it’s so poetically written as all Dr. Seuss books are. It’s nostalgic for the adults, and the kids love the mischievous adventure the Grinch goes on that ultimately helps turn him around.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

Watch Mickey and other Disney characters in this beautifully animated version of the classic Charles Dickens masterpiece. This is a wonderful and heartwarming tale to enjoy with the kids and one I never miss at Christmas time.