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Watch a movie together with the family this holiday season! We have a list of the 14 best family holiday movies to get you in the mood for all your favorite seasonal activities.
From classic holiday movies to newer films that will make anyone feel warm and fuzzy inside, we’ve got a movie for every taste.
Home Alone (1990)
It’s a classic.
Home Alone is a great movie to watch with the whole family, especially when it’s a snowy day and you are just sitting around in your PJ’s all day long. It never gets old!
Get some tissues ready, whether it be for laughing till your belly hurts, or crying tears of joy, there are so many memorable scenes in this movie – I could go on forever listing them all. There is a reason this movie has become a classic and that’s because it never fails to make us laugh!
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This is a movie that I watch every year, and it never gets old. It’s a classic Christmas story about a man named George Bailey who learns to appreciate his life as the years go on. The ending is one of my favorite scenes in any movie!
It might seem cheesy at first but give this film a chance – you won’t regret it.
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Elf (2003)
Elf is a fun movie for a family that likes to laugh a lot. It’s bizarre and hilarious, with a good heartwarming story buried in there too. It will have you laughing on the floor and staying in a festive mood.
The Polar Express (2004)
A favorite for my kids, this Christmas story will make you believe in Santa again. This book, brought to the movie screen in 2004, is so well written, and will have you watching this movie year after year. Tom Hanks, who plays multiple characters in the film, will have you laughing, crying, and singing as you enjoy the train ride to the North Pole. Grab your hot chocolate and favorite blanket, light your fire, and sit back. Your new favorite holiday movie is about to begin.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Are you a fan of the Peanuts gang? This is a must-watch.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a nostalgic movie, and it makes me want to curl up by a fire with hot chocolate on a cold day. Add some marshmallows for good measure! It’s even more enjoyable when there are lots of people around – just a perfect movie to watch with the family.
The Santa Clause (1994)
This movie always makes me feel good about Christmas! The whole family can enjoy this one, with a bit of magic sprinkled throughout the story too. It’s a feel-good holiday film that is perfect to watch during the winter months (or any time of the year!). Tim Allen leads this cast of all stars, and if you enjoy this movie, there are two more movies to follow.
White Christmas (1954)
A family holiday favorite about two ex-GIs who team up to save an Inn owner from foreclosure by promoting her as the best place in the country to spend a Christmas holiday, while they themselves just happen to be spending a little too much time there. This movie takes place during an economic depression, and it’s a story that many of us can relate too.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
The Christmas Chronicles is a 2018 American children’s film about a family that is obsessed with Christmas. When the father passes away, the son begins to forget about the magic of Christmas, eventually not believing in the season at all. HIs sister, a true believer, comes up with a plan to catch Santa in the act, and along the way, brings her brother back to believing in Santa. To their widowed mothers surprise, Santa brings the magic back to the family, just in time for Christmas.
This movie also has incredible graphics, and brings so much imagination to life, with a star-studded cast, this movie is a must see to set your spirits on high.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A Christmas musical sure to have you playing its songs on repeat throughout the season, this Christmas Netflix production has quickly become a favorite in our house and is sure to be one in yours as well. The story of a toymaker and his struggling store, is brought to life by a granddaughter that brings the joy back into his store, and his life. This holiday movie is sure to get you up and dancing, so grab your favorite movie snacks, and cuddle close, and be ready to sing along. You won’t regret this movie choice.
Miracle on 34th street (1947)
Everything about this movie is a great family holiday tradition. The story of a man who claims to be Santa and whether he’s a fake; the heartwarming romance between a Macy’s employee and a store Santa; the importance of believing in something without proof, like children do with their Christmas wishes. This movie is a must-see for the holidays.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A Christmas time classic that most likely played a big part in the holidays of your childhood. This story follows a young reindeer who gets lost and meets new friends along the way on his journey to find Santa Clause. This is one of those movies that you know it’s going to end with a happy ending, leaving you ready for Christmas morning. A movie each person in your family will enjoy because of the heartwarming story and bright colors, which make it a Christmas favorite for families all over the world.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
This 2006 movie stars a couple who decide to skip Christmas because they are tired of the holiday stress and want a break from the season. However, their neighbors can’t seem to take a hint and keep coming by so that they don’t miss out on all the fun. When their daughter surprises them with a visit home, it sends the couple into a hilarious frenzy, where they learn to trust, and rely on their neighbors. It is a hilarious movie with plenty of laughs for everyone in the family!
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000)
This year, we’re bringing back a Tim Burton remake of Dr. Seuss’ original story – one of my favorites.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a heartwarming story, with a lot of laughs mixed in there too! This movie will warm your heart and make you feel good all over. It’s a must watch for the holidays!
A Christmas Story (1983)
Ralphie, a young boy growing up in a family where he is the constant butt of his big brother’s jokes and embarrassed by a father who takes an embarrassing job as a department store Santa to get money for a bicycle, dreams about getting a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. A hilarious comedy sure to make your whole family laugh, from your youngest to your eldest, this is a must see classic.
Conclusion:
Watching holiday movies together as a family is a great way to spend a night in. These films can also be a great way to get the whole family into a holiday spirit. There is something about watching a movie that can make you feel like a kid again, especially if it’s one of your favorites from when you were little.
BONUS IDEA: Make some hot chocolate, popcorn and grab some Christmas cookies while you curl up under a blanket and enjoy some of the best family holiday movies.
More Frugal Family Ideas You’ll Love:
- Ultimate Guide to Family Night Ideas
- 100 Fun Ways to Make Memories with Kids
- Fun Fall Activities to do with your Mom Friends
hi! I'm shannon
I’m a wife, mom of three, doctor, and blogger! In 2018, I decided to turn my mom blog, into a personal finance blog so others could follow along on our journey to pay off over HALF a MILLION dollars in student loan and practice start up debt. I hope you enjoy following along, and maybe even find some inspiration along the way.
