There’s something timeless about cozying up on the couch with family, a cup of hot cocoa in hand, and a lineup of holiday movies queued up. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the magic of holiday classics, reliving your millennial favorites, or simply on the hunt for the quirkiest new festive flicks, the world of family-friendly Christmas content has never been more vibrant—or more varied. From beautiful animation and tap-your-toes musicals to genre-bending comedies, below are 13 of the most wonderful children’s and family Christmas movies and programs to watch now, listed from 13 down to 1, because sometimes the ultimate gift is revealed last.
13. That Christmas
This new holiday classic creeps up on you in he best way. This Christmas mixes the heat, bedlam, and small miracles that make the holiday season truly unforgettable. It may be new to the holiday roster, but it’s already pulling heartstrings with its authentic charm.
12. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
We’ve seen a lot of Scrooges over the years, but this animated take gives the classic story a vibrant twist. Olivia Colman, Luke Evans, and Jonathan Pryce lend their voices to a visually rich version that’s spooky enough to intrigue kids, but still heartwarming and musical enough to keep the whole family entertained.
11. The Princess Switch
Vanessa Hudgens plays several roles in this sweet holiday adventure that blends royalty, baking, and traditional mix-ups. Imagine The Parent Trap crossed with a Christmas fairytale. It’s a light, fun, and filled-with-chaos feel-good holiday treat for families.
10. Nailed It! Holiday!
Love baking fails? This holiday twist on the sidesplitting competition show has amateur bakers taking on wacky holiday creations—with side-splitting results. It’s happy, hectic, and may even motivate your own (chaotic) kitchen creations.
9. Klaus
This stunningly animated Santa origin story is both visually breathtaking and emotionally profound. With tour-de-force voice acting from J.K. Simmons and Jason Schwartzman, Klaus reimagines the way traditions are created—and reminds us why kindness always wins.
8. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Christmas receives a steampunk makeover in this musical journey full of imagination. Forest Whitaker plays a toymaker seeking redemption, and Keegan-Michael Key adds villainous charm. With beautiful sets, tuneful songs, and a generous spirit, it’s a holiday must-have.
7. Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas
Imagine holiday spirit collides with home makeover TV. Benjamin Bradley, aka Mr. Christmas, spreads holiday happiness (and jaw-droppingly gorgeous decor) to the less fortunate. A merry, tear-inducing, home-decorating-infused show full of inspiration and shine, even for the décor-phobic.
6. Family Switch
Body-swapping over Christmas? Timeless mayhem. Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms star in this Christmas comedy where parents and children switch bodies—and bumble their way through school, work, and holiday preparations. It’s hilarious, endearing, and surprisingly emotional.
5. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
Dolly Parton plays a Christmas angel in this merry musical story. Christine Baranski stars as a cold woman who comes into town determined to evict an entire town—until Dolly’s magic (and songs) interfere. Look for heart, sass, and lots of glittery tunes.
4. The Claus Family
This Belgian-Dutch gem recounts the tale of Jules, a child who learns his grandfather is really Santa Claus. Having just lost his father, Jules is forced to have faith in Christmas once again. Gentle, reflective, and perfect for families, even a sequel is available for more holiday enchantment.
3. The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell’s rockstar Santa is the only one. When two children mistakenly crash his sleigh, they join forces to rescue the big night. With action, heart, and a pinch of mischief, this movie—and its sequel—are a Christmas double feature thriller.
2. A Boy Called Christmas
This delightful origin tale of Santa Claus takes young Nikolas on a quest through a fantasy world in pursuit of hope and home. Read by Maggie Smith, the tale combines fantasy with feeling, making it ideal for family viewing for something that is both heartfelt and magical.
1. Angela’s Christmas
Directed in 1914 in Ireland, this short animated movie presents the sweet tale of little Angela, who wishes to ensure the baby Jesus in the church nativity remains warm. Tender, humorous, and profoundly moving, Angela’s Christmas reminds us that the greatest stories tend to present themselves in little packages.
From lighthearted reimagining to warm comedies and weepy animations, these holiday films have something for every type of family evening. If you’re up for laughs, tunes, or a little sentimental nostalgia, there has never been a more opportune moment to hit play and let the holiday magic ride.