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The ULTIMATE Holiday Family Movie List & Where to Watch Them

In last week’s blog, I shared with you my Ultimate Disney Christmas Movie Checklist On Disney+. Now it’s time to branch out and explore my COMPLETE Holiday Movie Guide, aka, My Best Holiday Family Movies of ALL TIME List. Keep reading to download our free printable checklist!

And to keep on top of it, I’ve created this handy checklist to tick off each family-friendly holiday movie as you see it. Feel free to print off your own copy which you can share with your holiday-obsessed friends and family. I’ve also left links to all my previous movie checklists at the end of this post too in case you want to have all day movie marathons like we are doing right now in our house.

So curl up under a warm blanket and make some popcorn. Let’s get watching!

Holiday Family Movies On Netflix:

A Boy Called Christmas

A charming movie following the story about the origins of Father Christmas. As an ordinary boy sets out on an exciting adventure to find his father, he uncovers the roots of Christmas in the process. This movie is entertaining, adventurous, and has something to offer to all ages, making it the perfect choice for a festive family movie night!

Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2

A modern classic. Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a scheme to capture Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. But, as expected, it all goes horribly wrong. Christmas Chronicles 2 is just as golden when a troublemaker threatens to cancel the festive season.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Jingle Jangle is both incredibly modern, but also wholesomely old-fashioned. Decades after his apprentice betrays him, a once joyful toy maker finds new hope when his bright young granddaughter appears on his doorstep. Jayda says it’s not overly Christmasy, and I tend to agree, but the music and message will warm your heart.

Klaus

A beautifully animated Netflix original. After proving himself to be the worst postman at the academy, he is sent to a frozen town in the North where he discovers Santa Claus is hiding out.

Dreamworks Holiday Classics

Some seasonal shorts based on DreamWorks classics, perfect for younger viewers who may not last an entire movie. There’s plenty of tales to tell including some hilarious stories from the world of Madagascar, Shrek and How To Train Your Dragon.

Operation Christmas Drop

This 2020 romantic comedy stars Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig and is loosely based on the real-life U.S. Air Force Operation Christmas Drop humanitarian mission. A NEW Netflix Original.

The Princess Switch 1, 2 and 3

One week before Christmas, a duchess switches places with an ordinary woman from Chicago. They each fall in love with each other’s potential suitors. Comedy chaos is guaranteed across both movies.

Plus don’t miss out on the new The Princess Switch 3! Romancing the Star is the third installment in a series of family-friendly films featuring Vanessa Hudgens. This addition follows look-alikes Margaret and Stacy and their newfound member Fiona as they try to recover a stolen Christmas relic. It’s fun, silly, and guaranteed to make you chuckle!

The Holiday Calendar

A photographer inherits an antique advent calendar that seems to predict her future — including a budding romance. A fab twist in this family-friendly film.

48 Christmas Wishes

My family loves this wholesome film as two junior elves misplace a town’s letters to Santa and set out to retrieve the missing wishes.

Holiday Family Movies On Hulu:

The Star

Ever wondered what the animals were thinking during the nativity? Well this hilarious animation answers exactly that. Bo, a donkey, is bored of his regular life and wants to do something different. He sets on an adventurous journey where he meets Ruth, a sheep, and Dave, a duck, who make his journey worthwhile.

holiday family movies - The Star

The Man Who Invented Christmas

Based on the true story behind The Christmas Carol, in 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life.

holiday family movies - The Man Who Invented Christmas

A Puppy for Christmas

Noelle has it all, and decides to adopt a new, adorable puppy. But her furry friend turns her world upside down and soon they are facing Christmas alone.

Jingle All the Way

Howard, promises his son a Turbo Man toy for Christmas. But, after he forgets to buy it, he’s forced to fight every parent and travel all over town to get the toy before Christmas morning.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 1996, TM & Copyright (c) 20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved.

Christmas Crush

When Addie makes a Christmas wish for her neighbour, Sam, to fall in love with her, she’s not expecting anything to happen – and she definitely isn’t expecting the wish to go awry and cause her other neighbour, Pete, to fall in love with her instead.

The Mistle Tones

Holly is all set to audition for the newly vacated spot in a local Christmas group founded by her late mother. When the slot goes to the best friend of the group’s leader, Holly sets out to create her own musical group – The Mistle-Tones.

holiday family movies - The Mistle-Tones

Arthur Christmas

Ever wondered what it’s like to have Santa for a dad? Meet Arthur, Santa’s clumsy son who teams up with Grandsanta to make sure that everyone gets a gift for Christmas, including one special little girl.

Holiday Family Movies On Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Add some spook to the festive season with Tim Burton’s wonderful The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion. This family-friendly horror is rated PG and in my opinion is perfect for those aged 6 and over.

holiday family movies

Noelle

A brilliant play on the old Christmas trope, this time it’s Santa’s daughter, Noelle, who has to save the day and find her brother, Nick, who’s supposed to be taking over with the present deliveries this season. An important message for any young daughters but also sons as well.

holiday family movies

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Kashyyyk, and LEGO Star Wars fans are invited to journey back to Chewbacca’s homeworld for a Wookiee-sized celebration of the galaxy’s most cheerful and magical holiday — Life Day! Released in November this year, this movie is an instant must-see for any Lego, Star wars and Lego Star Wars fans.

holiday family movies

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure

A fine film for any Frozen fans. Snowman Olaf is on a mission to round up the very best holiday traditions to make Anna and Elsa’s Christmas unforgettable. It’s hilarious and wholesome. A perfect family treat.

holiday family movies

Home Alone 1 & 2

What can I say about Home Alone that hasn’t already been said before. Both movies are AMAZING. If you and your family haven’t already watched these 90s classics, then read no further and start streaming now. These two are some of the best holiday family movies ever for a reason!

holiday family movies

Home Sweet Home Alone

Following the classic Home Alone theme, this movie captures all of the best parts of the previous additions and combines them into what I’m sure will be another Christmas movie staple.

Home Sweet Home Alone

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

I love this hilarious comedy classic. Self-centred college student Jake is desperate to make it home for Christmas not to see his family but to win his Dad’s vintage car. A comedy of errors ensues on his journey, and along the way, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

holiday family movies

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas and Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas

It’s time to move on to a whole new world of festive tales and adventures. Each main Disney character recalls their own festive story in a unique, funny and seasonal way.

holiday family movies

Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish

Another gem from the 1990s, after Richie Rich is blamed for a sleigh crash caused by his mischievous cousin, Richie wishes that he didn’t exist. When a wishing machine invented by professor Keenbean hears Richie’s wish, it grants it magically. Cue festive chaos and important messages.

holiday family movies

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

Celebrate the holidays with the whole family with this feature inspired by the Disney Classic! Mrs. Potts recounts an exciting tale of an Christmas on the brink as a scheming composer is desperate to keep Belle and the Beast apart.

holiday family movies

The Santa Clause 1-3

A hilarious Christmas trilogy treat. When a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off of his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

holiday family movies

Prep & Landing and Prep & Landing Naughty and Nice

A high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known as `Prep & Landing’ ensures homes around the world are prepared for Santa’s visit. But when an old veteran and an idealistic rookie are paired up, chaos ensues, and the pair have to save Xmas before it’s too late! Oh, and the sequel’s just as fun!

holiday family movies

A Christmas Carol

A retelling of the much loved Charles Dickens’ classic novel that follows the story of Scrooge as he is taken on a journey of self-redemption. Filled with valuable lessons, this enchanting and often charming storyline is perfect as the family wind down on Christmas Eve! 

A Christmas Carol

Holiday Family Movies On HBO Max

Elf

As Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole discovers that he is not an elf, he sets off to NYC in search of his father. I have no doubt this feel-good classic featuring Will Ferrell will have both you and the kids crying from laughter.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

One of the best Christmas movies around and an ideal treat for you and your family. The Grinch lives in solitude just outside Whoville. He hates the townsfolk and despises Christmas. Cindy Lou, a six-year-old girl who believes in the spirit of the festival, sets out to reform him.

holiday family movies

The Polar Express

An uplifting and somewhat emotional animated favorite that depicts the true meaning of Christmas. The story follows a young boy who finds himself struggling to believe the existence of Father Christmas on a whirlwind of a journey to the North Pole. This movie is perfect for the whole family – get the hot chocolate ready!

A Christmas Story

My family loves this classic from 1983. A little boy in 1950s America desperately wants an air-rifle for Christmas, but everyone seems dead against it. In his quest for the BB gun, Ralphie undergoes many hilarious trials.

A Christmas Story

8-Bit Christmas

8-Bit Christmas follows a 10-year-old’s mission to get the greatest video game system for Christmas. It is nostalgic, funny, packed full of mischief, and delivers a great message – the perfect modern Christmas movie choice!

8-bit christmas

Christmas Vacation

This film is too fun not to enjoy. As Clark Griswold strives to create the perfect Christmas for his family entirely by himself, he soon runs into trouble. As the movie progresses, the disasters just keep coming (and so do the belly laughs). The kids are sure to love this one!

Christmas Vacation

Miracle on 34th Street

As Kris Kringle tries to prove he is, in fact, the real Santa Claus, he is met with disbelief and resistance. That is until a little girl named Susan Walker steps in. Miracle on 34th Street is a true classic that you’ll be watching year after year.

Miracle on 34th street

Jack Frost

After Charlie Frost tragically loses his father, Jack, in a car accident, he is shocked to learn that his dad has returned as a snowman to be by his side. This movie is fun, heartwarming, and perfectly sums up the importance of family.

Jack Frost

Deck the Halls

As two neighbors battle to have the most extravagant display of Christmas lights, conflict soon arises. This hilarious Christmas favorite will have the whole family giggling from start to end!

Deck the Halls

Fred Claus

When Fred, Santa’s older, troublesome brother, lands himself in jail, he is offered bail on the condition that he visits the North Pole to help his brother with Christmas preparations. True to his reckless nature, Fred makes sure that the visit doesn’t go smoothly. This funny Christmas movie choice is great to watch with your older kids!

Fred Claus

Four Christmases

A Christmas comedy filled with well-known faces follows Brad and Kate’s visit to their parents as their dream holiday to Fiji is canceled. This movie is an excellent choice for older kids and teens!

Four Christmases

Ready to start watching? Get the checklist!

Download and print my Ultimate Holiday Family Movies Checklist by clicking here!

Not Into Printing?

Not into printing things? That’s ok too! You can download it to your phone and check off the boxes as you go that way too. Looking for a smaller version to share on Instagram? Check out my Instagram Story highlights with Xmas movie checklists.

More Movie Checklists!

Sold on Disney+ and ready to sign up? I have all of the details on how you can get a discounted rate on Disney+ here.


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Hi! I’m Jennifer Borget

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I'm a former journalist, and lifelong creator striving to make the world a better place. This is the space where I share my journey in making the most of every day by cherishing our individuality and celebrating our differences.



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