I've talked here many times about my desire to spend the holiday season intentionally- doing the things that I feel are important to do with my family. Something that I want to make sure that we do is to spend time together enjoying some of the classic Christmas movies and specials. I actually schedule them on my family calendar so we don't miss a single one! Here are my recommendations for the 16 best Christmas TV specials and movies for families!
Christmas TV Specials that You Have to Own!
I find it much easier to pop in the DVD vs. trying to coordinate my schedule to when the networks air these old-school specials. At this point we own all of them- but they are available at great prices if you click on the links below!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
This has to be the #1 special on everybody's list! Your kids already know the song… they need to know the movie too!
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This is the show that answers the question “How did Santa get started?” And really, how can you not adore claymation?
The Year Without a Santa Claus This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This is truly one of my favorites! When Santa ponders taking a year off from Christmas, Mrs. Claus gets involved and has to cajole Mother Nature's two sons- Heat Miser and Freeze Miser! Love it!
Frosty the Snowman This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This show makes me cry when Frosty melts- every time.
A Charlie Brown Christmas This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Is there anything sadder than Charlie Brown and his tree? Oh yeah- Frosty melting (see above)…
Looking for some great ideas for holiday gifts?
Then be sure to check out these lists of my favorite Tech Gifts for Busy Moms This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. over on my Amazon influencer page This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. !
Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The cartoon classic…. not the movie remake that didn't measure up as far as I'm concerned!
The Little Drummer Boy This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The special that tells the true story of Christmas.
Our Favorite Christmas Movies!
The Polar Express This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Yes- some of the computer animations are a little creepy (couldn't they work harder to make the eyes look less vacant on the characters?) But we all love this whimsical adaptation of one of our favorite holiday books.
The Santa Clause This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
While this movie doesn't really fall into step with the other classic holiday movies… My kids love this film starring Tim Allen as a man who suddenly finds himself saddled with the job of being St. Nick. Rated PG, Common Sense rating 5 and up.
Elf This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Not a classic by any means…. but a great laugh-at-loud movie!
A Christmas Story This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This is a movie about a 9-year-old set in the 1940s who desperately wants a “Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time.”. The gun-part, as well as some of the 1940s-esque non-politically-correct humor, make me cringe- but my kids love it! Rated PG, Common Sense rating 8 and up.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Okay- how many of you knew the Macaulay Culkin starred in The Nutcracker when he was a young boy? Filmed in 1993 and featuring the New York City Ballet, this is a perfect introduction to the music and splendor that is The Nutcracker! Rated G, Common Sense rating 5 and up.
It's a Wonderful Life This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Jimmy Stewart's 1947 classic tale of understanding what life would have been like if he had never been born. This movie is not rated, Common Sense rating 9 and up.
White Christmas This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Bing Crosby's 1954 classic, about two WWII buddies that fall for a pair of sisters. This movie is not rated, Common Sense rating 8 and up
A Christmas Carol This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The experts claim that this 1951 version starring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge is the best. Skip the Jim Carrey rendition and show your kids this classic! This movie is not rated, Common Sense rating 7 and up
Miracle on 34th Street This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.
This 1947 movie about a Santa hired by Macy's who claims to be the “real deal”. Again- stick with the classic version, not the newer remakes! This movie is not rated.
Looking for Some More Great Holiday Ideas?
- 5 Tips for Your DIY Family Photo Shoot
- 50 Christmas “Would You Rather” Questions for families (free printable game)
- Mason Jar Photo Centerpieces (perfect for the holiday table!)
- 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Busy Moms!
- 15 Gift Ideas for the Organized Mom
Okay- are there any Christmas TV specials or movies that are your favorites that I missed?
Linda says
Noticed the absence of the Home Alone movies. We are grandparents and with our daughter’s permission, introduced them to our 10 yr old granddaughter last year and she loved them. We watched them WITH her and talked about them as well. I agree there was a lot of violence, but in some ways it was softened by hokeyness . I can see the cons, but there were also valuable lessons. I loved the unfolding relationship between Kevin and his next door neighbor, the appreciation for family, the creative genius (with the caveat of “Don’t try this at home!”) of Kevin and, good triumphing over evil. By the way, our son-in-law is a policeman and I know he shields our granddaughter from all the evil he deals with on a daily basis.
Sharon says
That whole series is so great! I guess I just think of them as movies that take place at Christmas-time rather than true Christmas movies. But my kids love them all too!