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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

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.

Images for kids

  • It's a Wonderful Life

    A scene from It's a Wonderful Life.

  • Meet Me In St Louis Judy Garland Margaret O'Brien 1944

    Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien in Meet Me In St Louis, 1944.

  • IngridBergmanTheBellsofSaintMarysTrailerScreenshot1945

    Ingrid Bergman in The Bells of Saint Mary's, 1945.

See also

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List of Christmas films Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.