List of Christmas films facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Many Christmas stories have been made into movies and TV shows. These films are often shown again and again on television. Since the 1980s, when home video became popular, many versions of these movies are sold every year during the holiday season.

Christmas Movies for the Big Screen
Christmas Movies Made for TV or Streaming
Christmas TV Series
Images for kids
See also

Christmas Movies for the Big Screen

These are Christmas-themed films that were first shown in movie theaters.

Title	Year	What it's about
3 Godfathers	1948	In the Old West, three outlaws find a woman who is dying after childbirth. They promise to take her baby to safety. It's like a Christmas story about The Three Wise Men.
All I Want for Christmas	1991	A brother and sister try to get their parents, who are divorced, back together for Christmas.
All Is Bright	2013	A man who just left prison takes a job selling Christmas trees. He wants to earn money to buy his daughter the piano she always wanted.
Almost Christmas	2016	A family with many problems gathers for their first Christmas since their mom passed away.
Arthur Christmas	2011	Santa's youngest son must deliver a bicycle to a girl who was accidentally missed before Christmas morning. This is a 3-D animated film.
Babes in Toyland	1961	Disney made this musical film in 1961 about the people who live in Toyland.
Bada Din	1998	An Indian romantic movie about a couple facing problems on Christmas Day.
Believe	2016	A business owner struggles between making money and funding the yearly Christmas pageant.
Black Nativity	2013	A smart teen from Baltimore travels to New York City to spend Christmas with his relatives.
The Bells of St. Mary's	1945	A priest and a nun, who have a friendly rivalry, try to save their school from closing.
The Bishop's Wife	1947	An angel helps a bishop improve his life and save his marriage before Christmas. It was remade in 1996 as The Preacher's Wife.
A Christmas Story	1983	Ralphie tries to convince everyone that a Red Ryder B.B. gun is the perfect Christmas gift.
A Christmas Tale (Un Conte de Noël)	2008	A family with many problems reunites for Christmas when their mom needs a special medical procedure.
Carol	2015	A young photographer starts a close relationship with an older woman during the Christmas holidays in 1950s New York.
Christmas Eve	1947	To protect her money, Matilda Reid must find her three adopted sons for a Christmas Eve reunion.
Christmas in Connecticut	1945	A food writer must entertain her boss and a war hero for the holidays.
Christmas Rathri	1961	An Indian drama film where the main story happens on Christmas Eve.
Christmas with the Kranks	2004	Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas traditions and go on a cruise. Their neighbors, who love Christmas, are not happy about this.
Cup of Cheer	2020	A comedy that makes fun of typical Christmas TV movies. A journalist goes home for Christmas and falls in love.
The Christmas Candle	2013	In 1890, an English village deals with a missing candle that is said to be magical.
The Christmas Chronicles	2018	Siblings Kate and Teddy try to film Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This leads to an amazing adventure.
The Christmas Chronicles 2	2020	A few years later, Kate and Jack help Santa Claus save the North Pole.
The Christmas Kid	1967	A sheriff, born on Christmas Day, decides to change his ways and stand up to the most powerful man in town.
The Christmas Tree	1969	A rich man, his girlfriend, and his friend try to grant his dying son's every wish.
Daddy's Home 2	2017	Dad and step-dad Dusty and Brad plan a Christmas together for their kids, with help from their own fathers.
Deck the Halls	2006	Two neighbors compete when one decorates his house so brightly it can be seen from space.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas	2000	A live-action movie based on the Dr. Seuss story.
Elf	2003	A man raised as an elf at the North Pole searches for his father in New York City.
Ernest Saves Christmas	1988	Ernest helps Santa Claus find someone new to take his place.
Fitzwilly	1967	A butler helps his employer's charity by planning clever schemes, including robbing a department store on Christmas Eve.
Four Christmases	2008	A couple tries to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day.
Fred Claus	2007	Fred Claus, Santa's troublemaking brother, has to work at the North Pole to pay off a debt.
Friday After Next	2002	Craig and Day-Day chase a fake Santa who robs their house on Christmas Eve.
Funny Farm	1988	A couple moves to the country, and their marriage is tested by strange events. They try to sell their house.
The Family Man	2000	A rich man wakes up on Christmas to find himself living a different life as a tire salesman with a wife and kids.
The Family Stone	2005	A woman meets her fiancé's free-spirited family for the first time during Christmas, leading to funny situations.
A Glenbrooke Christmas	2022	Jessica meets Kyle while visiting Glenbrooke, Colorado, her mother's hometown.
Going My Way	1944	Bing Crosby plays a new young priest taking over a church.
The Great Rupert	1950	A squirrel accidentally helps two families who are having problems during Christmas.
The Grinch	2018	An animated movie based on the Dr. Seuss story.
Holiday Affair	1949	A sales clerk who was fired and a young woman fall in love.
Holiday Inn	1942	This movie introduced the famous song White Christmas.
Holidate	2020	Two strangers agree to be each other's dates for holidays, so they don't have to be single. They end up developing real feelings.
Home Alone	1990	A young boy is accidentally left behind when his big family rushes to catch a plane for Paris at Christmas.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York	1992	Kevin McCallister gets on the wrong plane and ends up alone in New York City. He then tries to stop two burglars from robbing a toy store.
Home for Christmas	2010	Set in a small Norwegian town, this film shows people trying to connect with their families.
How the Toys Saved Christmas	1996	Toys try to avoid the mean Mr. Grimm, who plans to sell them, and find their real homes.
The Holiday	2006	Two women swap homes at Christmastime after bad breakups. They both find romance.
The Holly and the Ivy	1952	An English vicar hosts his grown children, who he hasn't seen much, for Christmas.
I'll Be Home for Christmas	1998	A college son hasn't been home since his mom died. His dad offers him a vintage car if he comes home for Christmas by a certain time.
I'll Be Seeing You	1944	A soldier with a difficult past and a woman on a break from prison meet and fall in love during Christmas in World War II.
It Happened on 5th Avenue	1947	A homeless man stays in a vacant New York City mansion for the winter and gets involved with the owner's family.
It's a Wonderful Life	1946	A businessman is shown by his guardian angel what the world would be like if he had never been born.
Jack Frost	1998	A father passes away but comes back to life as a snowman.
Jingle All the Way	1996	A dad competes with others to get a popular, sold-out toy for his son.
Journey to the Christmas star	1976	A Norwegian fairy-tale adventure movie.
Joyeux Noël	2005	A film about the informal Christmas truce on the Western Front during Christmas 1914.
Just Friends	2005	A man (Ryan Reynolds) visits his hometown for Christmas and meets his old high school crush, who used to be his best friend.
Last Christmas	2019	A young woman who works in a Christmas store keeps meeting the same young man.
Look Who's Talking Now	1993	In this third movie of the series, the family pets do the talking.
Love Actually	2003	Nine different love stories are connected during Christmas in London.
Love the Coopers	2015	Four generations of the Cooper family gather for Christmas Eve. Unexpected guests and events turn the night upside down.
The Lemon Drop Kid	1951	A man has a month to pay back money a gangster lost on a horse. The film made the song "Silver Bells" famous.
The Lion in Winter	1968	Christmas 1183 is the setting for royal family drama with Henry II of England.
A Madea Christmas	2013	Madea (Tyler Perry) helps a friend visit her daughter in a country town for Christmas.
Meet Me in St. Louis	1944	The Smith family lives in 1903. The father might have to move the family to New York. Judy Garland sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in this movie.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence	1983	During WWII, a British colonel tries to bridge differences between a British prisoner and the Japanese camp commander.
Miracle on 34th Street	1947	An old man says he is Santa. A lawyer defends him in court to prove he is real. There was also a 1994 remake.
My Santa	2019	An Indian children's film about a girl named Isa. After losing her parents, she lives with her grandfather. He tells her stories of Santa Claus, and soon Santa arrives to make her wishes come true.
The Man Who Invented Christmas	2017	In 1843, author Charles Dickens writes and publishes "A Christmas Carol," bringing characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim to life.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation	1989	The Griswold family's Christmas plans go completely wrong. This is the third film in the Vacation series.
Nativity!	2009	Mr. Maddens puts on the school nativity play.
Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger	2012	The children of St. Bernadette's enter a national Christmas song competition.
Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?	2014	The children of St. Bernadette's must help their teacher reunite with his fiancée.
Nativity Rocks! This Ain't No Silent Night	2018	The students and staff at St. Bernadette's Primary School try out for a rock musical competition.
Never Say Goodbye	1946	A daughter tries to bring her parents back together during the holidays, leading to funny results.
Noel	2004	Five New Yorkers come together on Christmas Eve, hoping for a miracle.
Noelle	2019	Santa's daughter (Anna Kendrick) has to take over the family business when her father retires and her brother (Bill Hader) gets nervous about his first Christmas Eve flight.
Nothing like the Holidays	2008	A Puerto Rican family in Chicago gathers for what might be their last Christmas together.
The Night Before	2015	On Christmas Eve, three friends spend the night in New York City looking for the best Christmas party.
The Night of the Hunter	1955	A religious fanatic marries a woman whose children know where their father hid stolen money.
The Nightmare Before Christmas	1993	Jack Skellington, the mascot of Halloween, gets tired of being scary and decides to try celebrating Christmas.
Office Christmas Party	2016	When the CEO tries to close her brother's branch, he and his team throw a huge office Christmas party to save their jobs.
One Magic Christmas	1985	An angel shows a young mother the true meaning of Christmas.
Period of Adjustment	1962	Two couples try to work out their marriage problems on Christmas Eve.
Prancer	1989	A child named Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell) finds a hurt reindeer in the woods and believes it is Prancer.
The Polar Express	2004	A young boy who doubts Christmas takes a magical train ride to the North Pole. This journey helps him believe again.
Rent	2005	Set around Christmas, a group of New Yorkers deals with their careers, love lives, and community issues.
Rocky IV	1985	Rocky fights Drago in the Soviet Union on Christmas Day.
Rocky V	1990	Rocky trains a young boxer, leading to a street fight around Christmas Day.
The Ref	1994	A cat burglar takes a bickering couple hostage in their home before Christmas dinner.
Santa Claus	1959	Santa must stop Satan from ruining Christmas.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians	1964	Santa is kidnapped by Martians. This was the first movie with Mrs. Claus.
Santa Claus: The Movie	1985	This film tells the story of Santa Claus and how he tries to save Christmas.
Santa with Muscles	1996	A bodybuilder with amnesia thinks he is Santa Claus due to unusual events.
Saving Christmas	2014	A man tries to "put Christ back into Christmas."
Screwed	2000	A chauffeur kidnaps his rich boss’s dog for ransom.
Serendipity	2001	A man (John Cusack) and a woman (Kate Beckinsale) meet on Christmas Eve and reunite ten years later on the same day.
Six Weeks	1982	A 12-year-old girl with a serious illness flies to New York City to dance in The Nutcracker during Christmas.
Star in the Night	1945	A modern retelling of the Nativity story set on Christmas Eve at a diner in the desert. It won an Academy Award.
Surviving Christmas	2004	A lonely millionaire pays a family to spend Christmas with him in his childhood home.
Susan Slept Here	1954	A screenwriter hosts a teenage girl who has been in trouble over the holidays.
The Santa Clause	1994	When Santa falls off his roof, a dad has to take Santa's place.
The Santa Clause 2	2002	A sequel to The Santa Clause; Santa must find a Mrs. Claus.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause	2006	Santa fights Jack Frost to keep his title.
The Silent Partner	1978	A bank teller finds out his bank will be robbed and tries to keep some money. The robber, dressed as Santa, discovers this.
The Star	2017	An animated film about the birth of Jesus and the Christmas star.
This Christmas	2007	A family gathers for their first reunion in four years, and secrets come out.
This Sporting Life	1963	A rugby player thinks about his life at a Christmas Eve party.
Tokyo Godfathers	2003	Three homeless people find a newborn baby girl on Christmas Eve and try to return her to her parents.
Trail of Robin Hood	1950	Roy Rogers and his friends help a Christmas tree farmer.
Trancers	1984	A man from the future travels to 1985 Los Angeles during Christmas.
Trapped in Paradise	1994	Three brothers plan a bank robbery on Christmas.
Unaccompanied Minors	2006	A group of kids traveling alone get stuck at an airport during a snowstorm at Christmas. They create their own holiday fun.
Unnikrishnante Adyathe Christmas	1988	An Indian drama film about a man looking for a child who went missing on Christmas.
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas	2011	The third movie in the Harold & Kumar series.
We're No Angels	1955	Three escaped prisoners hide at a kind shopkeeper's home and help his family with their problems.
While You Were Sleeping	1995	A lonely transit worker saves her crush from a train. His family mistakenly thinks she's his fiancée, and she becomes part of their Christmas.
White Christmas	1954	Musicians bring Christmas songs to a lodge in Vermont.
Why Him?	2016	A holiday gathering gets complicated when a dad (Bryan Cranston) realizes his daughter's millionaire boyfriend (James Franco) is about to propose.

Famous A Christmas Carol Movies

These movies are all based on the classic story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Title	Year	What it's about
Scrooge	1935	An early movie version of A Christmas Carol, with Seymour Hicks as Scrooge.
A Christmas Carol	1938	MGM's movie version of Charles Dickens' story, starring Reginald Owen as Scrooge.
Scrooge	1951	Charles Dickens' ghost story about Christmas, with Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Scrooge	1970	A musical movie version of Dickens' tale, starring Albert Finney as Scrooge and Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley.
A Christmas Carol	1971	An animated movie that won an Oscar. Alastair Sim and Michael Hordern play Scrooge and Marley's Ghost again.
A Christmas Carol	1984	A movie version of Dickens' story, starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Mickey's Christmas Carol	1983	An animated movie version of Charles Dickens' story, starring Disney characters.
Scrooged	1988	A modern, funny, and sometimes dark version of Dickens' story. Christmas spirits visit a mean TV executive played by Bill Murray.
The Muppet Christmas Carol	1992	Jim Henson's Muppets tell Charles Dickens' favorite Christmas story.
A Christmas Carol	2009	Disney's animated movie version of Charles Dickens' story, starring Jim Carrey as Scrooge.
Spirited (film)	2022	A musical comedy version of Charles Dickens's story about a grumpy person who goes on a magical journey.

The Nutcracker Movies

These films are based on the famous Nutcracker story or ballet.

Title	Year	What it's about
The Nutcracker	1967	A Polish film based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's story.
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture	1986	This film was designed by Maurice Sendak.
The Nutcracker Prince	1990	An animated film with Kiefer Sutherland.
The Nutcracker	1993	Also known as 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker', with Macaulay Culkin and narrated by Kevin Kline.
The Nuttiest Nutcracker	1999	Fruits and vegetables try to help the Nutcracker's army put a star on a Christmas tree and stop a rodent army from ruining Christmas.
Barbie in the Nutcracker	2001	Clara's new nutcracker doll comes to life and fights the Mouse King. Clara must find a princess to reverse a magic spell.
Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale	2007	Jerry dances with a music-box ballerina in a magical kingdom until Tom crashes the party.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms	2018	A young girl is taken to a magical world with gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice.

Short Christmas Films

These are shorter movies, often animated, made for Christmas.

Title	Year	What it's about
Bedtime for Sniffles	1940	A Merrie Melodies cartoon.
Broken Toys	1935	A Silly Symphonies cartoon.
Christmas Comes But Once a Year	1936	A Color Classics cartoon, featuring Professor Grampy.
Gift Wrapped	1952	A Looney Tunes cartoon.
The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper	2005	A spin-off from the Madagascar movie.
Mickey's Christmas Carol	1983	A short film starring Mickey Mouse.
Mickey's Good Deed	1932	A Mickey Mouse cartoon.
Mickey's Orphans	1931	A Mickey Mouse cartoon.
The Night Before Christmas	1933	A Silly Symphonies cartoon.
The Night Before Christmas	1941	A Tom and Jerry cartoon.
Olaf's Frozen Adventure	2017	Olaf and Sven try to find a Christmas tradition for Anna and Elsa.
Pluto's Christmas Tree	1952	A Mickey Mouse cartoon.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer	1948	The first movie version of the original 1939 story.
Santa vs. the Snowman 3D	2002	An IMAX short film.
Santa's Workshop	1932	A Silly Symphonies cartoon.
Seasin's Greetinks!	1933	A Popeye The Sailor cartoon.
The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives	1933	A Merrie Melodies cartoon.
The Small One	1978	A short film based on the book by Charles Tazewell.
The Snowman	1982	A young boy becomes friends with a snowman he built.
The Snowman and the Snowdog	2012	A young boy who lost his dog makes a snowdog and goes on a journey with it and a snowman.
Toy Tinkers	1949	A Donald Duck cartoon.

Christmas Movies Made for TV or Streaming

These films were made for television or for home video release.

Family Christmas Movies

Title	Year	What it's about
12 Dates of Christmas	2011	A woman gets stuck in a Christmas time loop and tries to break it.
12 Men of Christmas	2009	A New York publicist moves to Montana and finds romance.
The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue	1996	In 1932, three children travel to Washington to ask President Hoover to free their father from jail for Christmas.
Babes in Toyland	1986	A young girl travels to Toyland. Starring Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves.
Bernard and the Genie	1991	Bernard finds an old lamp on Christmas Eve, and his holiday suddenly gets much brighter.
A Boy Called Christmas	2021	A young boy must travel to a magical place called Elfhelm.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever	1983	A church Christmas pageant changes the hearts of a family of mischievous kids.
Booky and the Secret Santa	2007	A young girl tries to make Christmas happy for her family during the 1930s Great Depression.
Borrowed Hearts	1997	A rich man pays a single mom and her daughter to pretend to be his family for Christmas.
A Boyfriend for Christmas	2004	Santa helps a young couple find love for Christmas.
Call Me Claus	2001	Santa Claus prepares to retire and trains an American businesswoman (Whoopi Goldberg) to take his place.
Catch a Christmas Star	2013	A young girl tries to reunite her father with his high school sweetheart, who is now a pop singer.
A Chance of Snow	1998	A divorced couple gets snowed in at Christmastime.
Chasing Christmas	2005	A Ghost of Christmas Past decides to go rogue and leave his "target" stuck in 1965.
A Child's Christmases in Wales	2009	Funny memories of three Christmases in the 1980s.
Christmas at Water's Edge	2004	Angels team up with a spoiled college student to organize a Christmas concert.
The Christmas Blessing	2005	A doctor takes a break from his career and returns home. He finds hope for the future, but a tragedy makes him question everything.
The Christmas Box	1995	A couple moves in with a widow and finds a box with a secret about the first Christmas gift.
Christmas Caper	2007	A thief goes back to her hometown for Christmas. Can the Christmas spirit change her?
The Christmas Card	2006	A soldier in Afghanistan gets a Christmas card from a woman he doesn't know. He visits her town to find out why.
Christmas Comes to Willow Creek	1987	Two truck-driving brothers try to deliver Christmas gifts from California to a struggling town in Alaska.
The Christmas Consultant	2012	A busy couple hires a consultant to help plan a big Christmas party.
Christmas Cottage	2008	This story tells how artist Thomas Kinkade was inspired to paint The Christmas Cottage.
Christmas Cupid	2007	A public relations executive learns she needs to change her ways after her client dies and becomes her Christmas ghost.
Christmas Do-Over	2006	A man has to repeat Christmas Day over and over until he learns to be less selfish.
Christmas Every Day	1996	A self-centered teenager has to relive the same Christmas day repeatedly after his sister wishes it were Christmas every day.
Christmas Icetastrophe	2014	A small town preparing for Christmas is hit by a meteor, causing extreme ice.
Christmas in Canaan	2009	In rural Texas, two boys from different backgrounds become friends. They learn about family, hope, and love during Christmas.
Christmas in Wonderland	2009	Two children find a bag of fake money and Santa Claus.
Christmas in the Highlands	2019	A New York sales manager goes to the Scottish Highlands for Christmas and falls in love.
The Christmas Heart	2012	Neighbors stop their Christmas tradition to support a family whose son needs a heart transplant. A blizzard threatens the heart's delivery.
A Christmas Kiss	2011	A woman kisses a stranger in an elevator, who turns out to be her boss's boyfriend. They start to like each other as Christmas gets closer.
Christmas Lilies of the Field	1979	A sequel where the main character returns to a chapel he built for German nuns in the desert.
The Christmas List	1997	A woman makes a list of what she wants for Christmas and learns to "be careful what you wish for."
A Christmas Memory	1966	A touching story about a boy's childhood friendship with an elderly relative during the Depression era.
A Christmas Memory	1997	A story about the friendship between a boy, Buddy, and his older cousin, Sook, at Christmas time.
Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A.	1977	Coal miners are trapped in a mine after an explosion on Christmas Eve, 1951.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey	2007	A sad boy and his mom ask a grumpy woodcarver to make a nativity set. They form a bond that helps them all heal.
The Christmas Note	2015	A woman learns she has an older sibling after her mother's death. She searches for her with help from a neighbor.
A Christmas Prince	2017	A young journalist goes abroad to get a story on a prince who is about to become king.
A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding	2018	A year later, Amber and Richard are getting married. But Amber worries if she's ready to be queen.
The Christmas Secret (aka Flight of the Reindeer)	2000	A scientist tries to prove reindeer can fly and discovers the true meaning of faith, family, and Christmas.
The Christmas Shoes	2002	Three connected stories based on the popular song.
A Christmas Snow	2010	A woman must face her past hurts while stuck with two strangers in her house for Christmas.
A Christmas Story 2	2012	Teenager Ralphie Parker tries to get a car for Christmas in this sequel.
A Christmas to Remember	1978	During the Great Depression, a boy is sent to live with his grandparents, who are still sad about losing their son in World War I.
Christmas Town	2008	A single mom visits her father for Christmas and finds his hometown looks like the North Pole.
The Christmas Tree	1996	An elderly nun and a gardener form a bond over a Christmas tree that he wants to display in New York.
A Christmas Tree Miracle	2013	A unique Christmas tree farmer takes in a family who is having a tough time for the holidays.
A Christmas Visitor	2002	A family hasn't celebrated Christmas since their son died in the Gulf War. They meet a hitchhiker who knew their son.
A Christmas Wedding	2006	Two people who met on Christmas Day plan to marry two years later on Christmas Day.
The Christmas Wish	1998	A businessman tries to uncover a family secret for his grandmother.
Christmas with a Capital C	2010	A small Alaska town has a conflict over a public Nativity scene.
Christmas with Holly	2012	A 6-year-old girl stops talking after her mother's death. Her three uncles care for her, and they all find the importance of family.
A Christmas Without Snow	1980	Church choir members try to balance their personal lives with practice for the holidays.
Ebbie	1995	This TV movie is a version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol with Susan Lucci as Elizabeth Scrooge, a tough department store owner.
Comfort and Joy	2003	A businesswoman wakes up married and a mother after a car accident.
The Custom Mary	2013	A young Latina in East Los Angeles meets an African-American Lowrider.
A Dennis the Menace Christmas	2007	Dennis tries to get his grumpy neighbor, Mr. Wilson, into the holiday spirit.
Ebenezer	1998	A Western version of A Christmas Carol with Scrooge (Jack Palance) as a mean land baron.
Eloise at Christmastime	2003	Six-year-old Eloise has adventures at the Plaza Hotel before the holiday.
An Evergreen Christmas	2014	A musician must go home to save her family's Christmas Tree farm and decide what's important.
A Fairly Odd Christmas	2012	A live-action Christmas movie based on the Nickelodeon show The Fairly OddParents.
Finding John Christmas	2003	A woman and a photojournalist try to find a mysterious Christmas hero with an angel's help.
The Gathering	1977	A dying man tries to make up with his family, who he left years ago, by having them visit for Christmas.
A Golden Christmas	2009	A Christmas romance film where a golden retriever helps old friends reunite.
Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!	2011	Based on the Disney Channel show Good Luck Charlie. The Duncan family gets separated on their way to Christmas.
A Grandpa for Christmas	2007	An old film star, who is not close with his daughter and granddaughter, bonds with his granddaughter when her mom is in the hospital.
The Greatest Store in the World	1999	A family loses their home at Christmas and stays in a department store.
Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever	2014	The famous Grumpy Cat comes to life in her first movie.
The Heart of Christmas	2011	A family is sad when their son Dax gets cancer. They give Dax one last Christmas, even if it's in October.
Hank Zipzer's Christmas Catastrophe	2016	Hank causes a Christmas disaster, leading to his friends being arrested and a Christmas tree nearly falling on a crowd.
His and Her Christmas	2005	Rival newspaper writers compete but find romance.
A Hobo's Christmas	1987	A hobo decides to return home after being away for 25 years.
Hogfather	2006	It's Hogswatch, and the Hogfather is missing. Death has to take his place while his granddaughter tries to find out what happened.
Holiday Affair	1996	Romance grows between a widowed mother and a fired toy salesman. A remake of the 1949 film.
Holiday in Handcuffs	2007	A struggling artist kidnaps one of her customers to bring home to meet her parents at Christmas.
A Holiday Romance	1999	A strict school administrator comes to town to close the school and falls for the charming music teacher.
A Holiday to Remember	1995	Carolyn leaves the big city with her daughter to go to her childhood village for Christmas.
Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House	2002	A TV movie sequel to the original Home Alone.
Home Alone: The Holiday Heist	2012	Another TV movie sequel.
Home for the Holidays	1972	Four sisters return home for Christmas and discover someone is trying to harm their father.
The House Without a Christmas Tree	1972	A widower, still sad about his wife's death, won't allow a Christmas tree, which upsets his young daughter.
If You Believe	1999	A grumpy book editor is visited by her younger self, who tries to help her find joy during the holidays.
I'll Be Home for Christmas	1988	A Massachusetts family deals with World War II at home during Christmas 1944.
In the Nick of Time	1991	An old Santa Claus tries to prepare his doubtful replacement to take over for Christmas.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus	2002	A young boy sees his mom kissing Santa and decides to be naughty until Santa goes back to the North Pole.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear	1984	After a heart attack, a man (Mickey Rooney) gets to return to life briefly to show his grandson (Scott Grimes) his first white Christmas in New York.
It Happened One Christmas	1977	A remake of It's a Wonderful Life with a female lead.
Karroll's Christmas	2004	A modern "Christmas Carol" where the Christmas ghosts mistakenly visit the wrong neighbor.
Like Father, Like Santa	1998	A toy boss, who is secretly Santa's son, goes to the North Pole to stop a takeover.
The Man in the Santa Claus Suit	1979	The lives of three men are changed by a magical Santa Claus costume.
The Man Who Saved Christmas	2002	A true story about toy inventor A.C. Gilbert, who had to change his factory to make weapons during World War I.
Mary Christmas	2002	A widower's young daughter asks Santa for a new mother.
Miracle on 34th Street	1973	A remake of the original film.
A Mom for Christmas	1990	A young girl who wants a mother gets her wish at a department store.
The Monster's Christmas	1981	A young girl helps monsters from her storybook defeat a witch who stole their voices.
Moonlight and Mistletoe	2007	A man runs a year-round Santa Town.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year	2008	A retired policeman tries to help his niece and a visiting chef find romance.
Mr. Krueger's Christmas	1980	A lonely apartment janitor daydreams to escape his life.
Mrs. Santa Claus	1996	Santa's wife ends up in New York in the early 1900s near Christmastime.
Mr. St. Nick	2002	An aging Santa Claus is ready to retire but must convince his son to take over.
Must Be Santa	1999	Santa must pass his powers to his chosen successor, but he accidentally passes them to a former criminal.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure	2003	Cousin Eddie and his family get stuck on what they think is a deserted island for Christmas.
The National Tree	2009	A teenager's tree is chosen to be planted outside the White House. He and his father drive the tree across the country.
The Nativity	1978	The Bible story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Naughty or Nice	2004	A radio host is changed by a Christmas encounter with a young fan.
The New Adventures of Heidi	1978	Heidi joins Elizabeth and her busy father for Christmas in New York City.
The Night They Saved Christmas	1984	An oil company drills in the North Pole, not knowing they are putting Santa Claus in danger.
Northpole	2014	A young boy and his friend try to bring back the happiness of Christmas.
November Christmas	2010	A father tries to give his seriously ill young daughter an early Christmas.
Once Upon a Christmas	2000	Santa's daughter tries to change a family so they are no longer on the Naughty List.
One Christmas	1994	A young man visits his father for Christmas in 1930 in New Orleans.
One Special Night	1999	Strangers get stuck in a cottage during a snowstorm and feel drawn to each other. Starring Julie Andrews and James Garner.
On the 2nd Day of Christmas	1997	A con-woman and her niece are caught stealing. A store employee agrees to be responsible for them so the niece doesn't go to social services.
Picking Up & Dropping Off	2003	A divorced father and mother start meeting at the airport when picking up and dropping off their children for holidays.
Patch Town	2014	An employee at a toy factory discovers he is a living doll and searches for his "mother."
Richie Rich's Christmas Wish	1998	After being blamed for ruining Christmas, Richie Rich wishes he'd never been born.
The Road to Christmas	2006	A fashion photographer gets stranded in the middle of America on her way to her wedding. She gets a ride from a widower and his daughter.
Roots: The Gift	1988	Kunta Kinte and Fiddler learn that their owner's son helps slaves escape during Christmas.
Samantha: An American Girl Holiday	2004	A wealthy girl visits an orphanage during the holidays and tries to help the children find homes.
Santa and Pete	1999	Saint Nicholas and his friend Pete travel to America to celebrate Christmas with Dutch settlers. Nicholas receives gifts that create the legend of Santa Claus.
Santa Baby	2006	Mary Class (Jenny McCarthy) is Santa's daughter. When her father gets sick, she returns to the North Pole to take over Christmas.
Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe	2009	Santa needs his daughter, Mary Class' help again.
Santa Jr.	2002	Santa's son is mistaken for a "Christmas Bandit" and put under house arrest.
Santa Who?	2000	Santa Claus loses his memory after falling from his sleigh. A small child's innocence can save Christmas.
Saving Christmas	2017	A middle school student tries to prove that Santa Claus is real.
The Search for Santa Paws	2010	Santa loses his memory in New York, and his new friend Paws must save him.
A Season for Miracles	1999	A homeless woman and her niece and nephew try to avoid authorities during the holidays.
Silent Night	2002	A true World War II story set on Christmas Eve, 1944. A German mother and son seek refuge in a cabin.
Silver Bells	2005	A widower selling Christmas trees in New York City meets a photographer who hasn't celebrated Christmas since her husband died.
Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus	2004	A career woman with no time for love is unexpectedly pursued by Santa's son, Nick, who needs to find a wife before Christmas.
A Smoky Mountain Christmas	1986	A singer goes to a mountain cabin for a quiet holiday but finds seven orphaned children there.
Snow	2004	With three days until Christmas, Nick Snowden, Santa's heir, must save Christmas after a reindeer is stolen.
Snow 2: Brain Freeze	2008	A sequel to the 2004 film Snow.
A Snow Capped Christmas	2016	A figure skater meets a former ice hockey player.
Snowglobe	2007	A young woman finds a Christmas dreamworld inside a magical snow globe.
Snow Wonder	2005	Based on the short story "Just Like the Ones We Used to Know."
The Sons of Mistletoe	2001	A businesswoman threatens to close a boys' foster home during the holidays.
Special Delivery	2000	A courier messes up the delivery of a baby to its new parents for Christmas.
Stealing Christmas	2003	A criminal hides in a small town and takes a job as a Santa.
Three Days	2001	An angel offers a man whose wife died before Christmas a chance to relive the last three days of her life.
Three Wise Guys	2005	Three gangsters are hired during the Christmas season.
To Grandmother's House We Go	1992	Twin sisters decide to visit their grandmother for Christmas, leading to adventures.
A Town Without Christmas	2001	A child of divorcing parents writes a letter to Santa, starting a community search.
Trading Christmas	2013	A widowed mother and a novelist decide to swap houses for Christmas.
The True Meaning of Christmas Specials	2002	This show makes fun of Christmas specials.
'Twas the Night	2001	A mischievous boy and his uncle almost ruin Christmas when they take Santa's sleigh for a joyride.
Twice Upon a Christmas	2001	Santa's daughter has lost her memory, and her new family tries to help her get it back.
The Ultimate Christmas Present	2000	A girl steals a weather machine from Santa to make it snow, but it breaks and causes a huge snowstorm.
Undercover Christmas	2003	An FBI agent visits his parents for the holidays with a waitress pretending to be his girlfriend.
Unlikely Angel	1996	A singer must help reunite a family at Christmas to earn her wings.
A Very Brady Christmas	1988	The Brady family overcomes problems to have a happy holiday together.
A Very Merry Mix-Up	2013	Alice is nervous about meeting her future in-laws for Christmas. Her trip gets more stressful when her luggage is lost and phone is damaged.
When Angels Come to Town	2004	Max the Angel helps two different families as Christmas approaches.
Will You Merry Me?	2008	A newly engaged couple, one Christian and one Jewish, must survive their families meeting for the first time during Christmas.
The Winter Stallion	1992	A man returns to Wales and tries to save his father's farm by entering a prize stallion in a Christmas race.
Wishin' and Hopin'	2014	A comedy set in 1964. A fifth-grade class has an exciting fall semester, leading to competition for roles in the school's Christmas pageant.

A Christmas Carol TV Movies

These are TV movie versions of the classic A Christmas Carol story.

Title	Year	What it's about
A Carol for Another Christmas	1964	A modern version of A Christmas Carol made to support the United Nations.
An American Christmas Carol	1979	In this version, "Scrooge" is a mean businessman in New England during the Great Depression.
Rich Little's Christmas Carol	1979	Comedian Rich Little plays all the characters, using his impressions of famous Hollywood stars.
A Christmas Carol	1984	Starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old man who learns to care when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.
Ebbie	1995	A TV movie where Scrooge is a woman, Elizabeth "Ebbie" Scrooge (Susan Lucci), a tough department store owner.
Ms. Scrooge	1997	A TV movie starring Cicely Tyson as "Ebenita Scrooge," a loan company director.
A Christmas Carol	1999	A Hallmark Channel movie version of the famous story. Starring Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge.
A Diva's Christmas Carol	2000	A TV movie where Vanessa Williams plays "Ebony" Scrooge, a famous singer who is now very arrogant.
A Carol Christmas	2003	Another TV movie where Scrooge is a famous female TV star named "Carol Cartman," played by Tori Spelling.
A Christmas Carol	2004	Kelsey Grammer is Scrooge in this musical version of the Dickens story.
It's Christmas, Carol!	2012	A busy businesswoman is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a modern A Christmas Carol story.

Christmas Animals!

These movies feature animals in Christmas stories.

Title	Year	What it's about
A Dog Named Christmas	2009	A young man decides to spread Christmas cheer after adopting a golden Labrador for the holidays.
A Doggone Christmas	2016	A dog with special mind powers is hunted by the CIA near Christmas.
Alone for Christmas (AKA Bone Alone)	2013	A family leaves their dog home alone on Christmas Eve. When thieves try to steal presents, the dog must stop them.
Benji's Very Own Christmas Story	1978	The famous movie dog meets Santa Claus while getting ready for a Christmas parade in Switzerland.
The Dog Who Saved Christmas	2009	The family's new dog, Zeus, seems like a bad guard dog. But when burglars try to break in, Zeus becomes a hero.
The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation	2010	A sequel to The Dog Who Saved Christmas.
Christmas at Cattle Hill	2020	Kara the Calf goes to her Dad’s for Christmas. She learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever	2014	The famous Grumpy Cat comes to life in her very first movie.
Santa Buddies	2009	Puppy Paws, Santa Paws' son, doesn't want to be like his dad. He goes to a town to be a normal puppy. The magic of Christmas is fading, and the puppies must believe again to save the holiday.
Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups	2012	A sequel to The Search for Santa Paws.
The Search for Santa Paws	2010	A prequel to Santa Buddies.
Shelby	2014

Christmas Movies for Kids

These are animated or live-action Christmas movies made especially for younger audiences.

Title	Year	What it's about
Annabelle's Wish	1997	A young boy who cannot speak is given a calf that wants to become one of Santa's flying reindeer.
An All Dogs Christmas Carol	1998	An animated version of A Christmas Carol, with characters from All Dogs Go to Heaven.
Babes in Toyland	1997	An animated movie based on the operetta.
Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas	2006	This animated version of A Christmas Carol has Daffy Duck as the Scrooge-like character.
The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas	1973	A bear named Ted E. Bear is curious about Christmas and discovers its true meaning.
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas	1997	The Beast forbids Christmas, but Belle and her friends show him its true meaning.
Bugs Bunny's Christmas Carol	1979	An animated version of Dickens' story with Looney Tunes characters, and Yosemite Sam as Scrooge.
Buster & Chauncey's Silent Night	1998	An animated story about how the song "Silent Night" was created.
Caillou's Holiday Movie	2003	Caillou helps his family get ready for the holidays and learns about Christmas in other countries.
Care Bears Nutcracker Suite	1988	The Care Bears must help a Nutcracker save Toyland from an evil Vizier.
Casper's Haunted Christmas	2000	Casper the Friendly Ghost must scare someone before Christmas Day or be banished.
A Charlie Brown Christmas	1965	An animated special where Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas.
A Child's Christmas in Wales	2008	Based on the Dylan Thomas poem, narrated by Matthew Rhys.
A Chipmunk Christmas	1981	A sick boy makes Alvin realize the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street	1978	Big Bird worries that if Santa can't fit down the chimney, no one will get presents.
Christmas Is Here Again	2007	A disabled orphan girl tries to find Santa's stolen toy sack.
The Christmas Toy	1986	A Jim Henson story about toys that come to life on Christmas Eve.
Christopher's Christmas Mission	1975
A Cosmic Christmas	1977	Three aliens visit Earth to learn about the true meaning of Christmas.
Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas	2014	A stop-motion version of the 2003 film Elf.
Elmo Saves Christmas	1996	Elmo learns that Christmas does not happen every day.
Elmo's Christmas Countdown	2007	Sesame Street characters help Elmo count down to Christmas.
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas	1977	Jim Henson's story about a mother and son who sacrifice important items to give each other the perfect Christmas gift.
Father Christmas	1991	The story of what Father Christmas does the rest of the year.
The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow	1975	A stop motion special.
The Forgotten Toys	1995	An animated special about a teddy bear and a rag doll who try to find a new home.
Frosty Returns	1992	An animated special where a spray threatens Frosty.
Frosty the Snowman	1969	An animated special based on the song, about a snowman brought to life by magic.
A Garfield Christmas	1987	Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas.
Gift of the Night Fury	2011	The Vikings are ready for their holiday, but all the dragons disappear. Hiccup must find out why.
Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes	2006	Holly Hobbie and her friends help a widow and her twin boys celebrate Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!	1966	An animated musical about a mean green creature who wants to ruin Christmas.
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie	2002	Kermit is shown what life would be like for the Muppets without him.
Jack Frost	1979	A stop motion special. A groundhog tells the story of how Jack Frost wanted to be human to fall in love.
John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together	1979	The Muppets join the singer for Christmas songs and sketches.
Kung Fu Panda Holiday	2010	Po is in charge of a holiday feast but wants to spend time with his dad.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus	1985	A stop motion special. The Great Ak tells the history of Santa Claus to decide if he should be immortal.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus	2000	A human orphan raised by magical creatures becomes a helper for all human children.
Little Brother, Big Trouble: A Christmas Adventure	2012	A sequel to Niko and the Way to the Stars.
The Little Drummer Boy	1968	A stop motion special. An orphan drummer boy who dislikes people changes his life when he meets three wise men going to Bethlehem.
The Little Troll Prince	1987	A troll prince journeys to learn the true meaning of Christmas.
The Magic Snowflake	2013	A young boy named Nicholas is about to become the next Santa Claus, but he must prevent a crisis that threatens Christmas magic.
A Martian Christmas	2009
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse	2001	A snowstorm traps everyone, and Minnie shows old Christmas cartoons to cheer up Donald.
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas	1999	This film has three parts: Huey, Dewey, and Louie open gifts early; Goofy tries to prove Santa exists; and Mickey and Minnie try to get gifts for each other.
Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas	2004	Stars Mickey Mouse.
A Miser Brothers' Christmas	2008	A stop motion sequel to The Year Without a Santa Claus. Heat Miser and Snow Miser must work together to save Christmas after Santa is hurt.
Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol	1962	An animated musical version of A Christmas Carol, with Mr. Magoo as Scrooge.
The Muppet Christmas Carol	1992	The Muppets tell Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa	2008	The Muppets mistakenly get children's letters to Santa and must go to the North Pole to deliver them.
A Muppet Family Christmas	1987	Kermit and friends surprise Fozzie Bear's mother at her farm for Christmas.
My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas	2005	A My Little Pony film.
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey	1977	A stop motion special.
Niko & The Way to the Stars (known as The Flight Before Christmas in North America)	2008	A young reindeer must overcome his fear of flying.
Nilus the Sandman: The Boy Who Dreamed Christmas	1991	A boy visits Santa at the North Pole in his dream and finds that Santa's duties are now done by a robot clown.
Olive, the Other Reindeer	1999	A dog named Olive wants to be a reindeer at Christmas.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer	1964	A Stop-motion version of the popular song. Rudolph and Hermey the Misfit Elf help Santa Claus.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys	2001	A sequel to Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964).
Rudolph's Shiny New Year	1976	Rudolph helps Father Time find Baby New Year.
Santa Claus and the Magic Drum	1996	Santa finds an unusual letter and strange things happen around his village.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town	1970	A stop motion special. A mailman tells the story of how a young orphan Claus brings toys to sad children in a town where toys are banned.
Santa's Apprentice	2010
Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays	2012	A Scooby-Doo film.
Shrek the Halls	2007	An animated special where an ogre prepares to celebrate Christmas with his family.
The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol	2011	Based on The Smurfs.
The Snowman	1982	The story of a boy who builds a snowman. The snowman comes to life and takes him on a magical adventure.
A Special Sesame Street Christmas	1978
Super Sleuth Christmas Movie	2007	A Winnie the Pooh film.
The Swan Princess: Christmas	2012	Princess Odette, Prince Derek, and their friends celebrate their first Christmas. They must stop the villainous Rothbart from ruining Christmas.
The Trolls and the Christmas Express	1981
'Twas the Night Before Christmas	1974	A mouse and a clockmaker try to make a grumpy Santa happy after he gets an insulting letter.
Tukiki and His Search for a Merry Christmas	1979
VeggieTales: The Star of Christmas	2002	Playwrights try to teach London about love through a musical, but a nearby church's Christmas pageant threatens their opening night.
VeggieTales: The Toy That Saved Christmas	1996	Grandpa George tells a bedtime story about a toy company owner whose toys tell kids to get more toys. One toy comes to life and searches for the true meaning of Christmas.
Veggietales: The Little Drummer Boy	2011	An animated version of the story with VeggieTales characters.
Will Vinton's A Claymation Christmas Celebration	1987	A claymation special with Christmas songs.
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year	2002	A Winnie the Pooh film.
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving	1999	A Winnie the Pooh film.
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too	1991	A Christmas TV special based on The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
The Year Without a Santa Claus	1974	(Stop motion) Santa decides to take a holiday. Mrs. Claus, Heat Miser, and Snow Miser try to show Santa that people still believe in him.
Yes, Virginia	2009	A CGI animated version of Yes Virginia.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus	1974	An animated story about young Virginia.
Ziggy's Gift	1982	Ziggy and his dog Fuzz take a job as a street Santa to raise money for those in need.

Christmas TV Series

These are TV shows that are about Christmas or have Christmas themes.

Fantasy and Superhero Shows

Title	Year	What it's about
Cuento de Navidad	2000–2001	A Christmas Carol story told as a telenovela.
A Christmas Carol	2019	A BBC series based on Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.
Hawkeye	2021	A superhero Christmas story.

Family Shows

Title	Year	What it's about
Bushfire Moon	1987	Eight-year-old Ned O'Day looks forward to Christmas, but his parents have money problems due to a dry period.
Navidad sin fin	2001–2002	Two children help a village remember family Christmas values.
LasseMajas detektivbyrå	2006	The police inspector organizes a nativity play. Crimes happen among the actors, so the inspector asks two ten-year-old detectives for help.
Tidsrejsen	2014	A 13-year-old girl named Sofie wishes her divorced parents would get back together for Christmas.
The Santa Clauses	2022	Santa tries to find someone to replace him before he retires.

Children's Shows

Title	Year	What it's about
Elves of the Forest	1984–1985	Santa lives with elves and wights in a Finnish forest. Based on the book The Story of Santa Claus.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe	1988	Lucy discovers Narnia, a world where it's always winter but never Christmas.
Peter-No-Tail	1997	The cat Peter and his friends get ready for Christmas.
The Secret World of Santa Claus	1999	Santa Claus and his elves prepare presents for children.
The Toy Castle	2000–2003
Horace and Tina	2001	On Christmas Eve, Santa's helpers Horace and Tina fall from his sleigh into a house. They have to stay there for a year.
SantApprentice	2006	Nicolas, a young orphan boy from Sydney, Australia, believes in Santa Claus and becomes Santa's apprentice.