The best family Christmas movies to watch in 2023

Falling for Christmas (age 10+)

Now streaming on Netflix

Will your kids recognised grown-up Lindsay Lohan from The Parent Trap? Lindsay stars alongside Chord Overstreet, in a yarn about a spoiled heiress who loses her memory in a skiing accident.

Home Alone (age 10+)

Now streaming on Disney+

It doesn’t get more classic than this, the Macaulay Culkin movie about a kid who’s accidentally left home alone for the holiday and has to stave off two burglars. This movie is so much that you don’t stop to wonder how on earth they managed to leave him behind. If you have a child that hasn’t seen this movie, go ahead and rectify the situation ASAP.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (age 8+)

Now streaming on Netflix

Another animated retelling of this classic tale to add to the long list – try to watch them all! Features the superb voice acting talents of Luke Evans as Ebenezeer Scrooge, Olivia Colman as the ghost of the Past, Jessie Buckley as Isabel Fezziwig and Jonathan Pryce as Jacob Marley.

Jingle All the Way (age 8+)

Now streaming on Disney+

A delightful movie from the 1990s about two rival dads who are determined to get their sons the same in-demand toy. An easy, fun movie for kids and adults alike.

Elf (age 7+)

Now streaming on Binge

Will Ferrell’s turn as the lovably clueless Buddy the Elf is pure holiday perfection, and Elf is one of those rare movies that’s just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids. Come for the “SANTA! I KNOW HIM!” scene and stay for everything else.

The Christmas Chronicles (age 10+)

Now streaming on Disney+

When a brother and sister accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, it’s up to them to save Christmas. Real-life couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn team up as Mr and Mrs Claus in this fun, fast-paced trip.

Miracle on 34th Street (6+)

Now streaming on Disney+

Watch this with your kid and not only will you laugh, cry, and want to move to New York, you just might start believing in Santa again.

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (age 8+)

Now streaming on Netflix

High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens plays three roles in this third offering from the successful franchise. Royal look-a-likes Princess Stacy and Lady Margaret are set to host a magnificent Christmas event when the centrepiece is stolen. In a bid to retrieve the relic, they enlist master impersonator Lady Fiona – who happens to be on probation – to help.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol (age 9+)

Now streaming on Disney+

Disney’s adaptation of the classic Christmas story is sure to be a hit with the kids, although some scenes may scare young ones. It stars the always animated Jim Carrey, who voices almost all of the main characters, so you can be sure to get a few laughs out of it.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (age 8+)

Now streaming on Disney+

Released in 2018, Disney’s take on the story of the Nutcracker will keep you kids eyes glued to the screen as they watch Clara go on ad adventurous journey to save the four realms.

Golden Winter (age 8+)

Now streaming on Prime Video

Who doesn’t enjoy watching a movie about a litter golden retrievers? In this canine-decorated movie, a boy befriends a group of puppies and stops a bank robbery right before Christmas.

The Snowman (age 3+)

Now streaming on Amazon Prime TV

This beautiful retelling of Raymond Briggs’ picture book will make you cry. Hysterically. Because, despite being short and having barely any dialogue, it manages to be one of the most pure and moving holiday films out there.

Saving Santa (age 6+)

Now streaming on Netflix

This adorable family-friendly movie tells the story of an elf who finds out that he is the only one who can stop a North Pole invasion. To stop the invasion and save Santa, he’ll have to travel back in time.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (age 5+)

Now streaming on Disney+

This isn’t just one of the best Christmas movies of all time. This is one of the best movies, straight up, of all time. Which is pretty impressive considering it’s quite literally Michael Caine acting alongside a fleet of muppets (and some terrific songs).

The Polar Express (age 6+)

Now streaming on Netflix

The modern classic features motion capture animation in its early days, but  don’t let that put you off. You know who loves this  adventurous movie about a train ride to the North Pole? Every child ever. Note: young kids might be scared by some scenes.

Arthur Christmas (age 5+)

Now streaming on Netflix

Santa sure has a lot of gifts to deliver each year. So it only makes sense that he might need some help from family, including his youngest son, bumbling Arthur, who is determined to save Christmas.

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Christmas (age 3+)

Now streaming on iView

Everyone’s favourite lovable pig has a Christmas adventure. Peppa loves dressing up and jumping in puddles of mud, and of course she loves Christmas!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (age 7+)

Now streaming on Disney+

This Tim Burton movie is just as much about Halloween as it is about Christmas, and it might be a little too scary for your youngest. But despite the spooks and scares, it has managed to work its way into the must-watch lists of families all over the world around the holidays.

Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (age 8+)

Now streaming on Disney+

Beauty and The Beast fans will love this sequel about Forte who tries to destroy Belle and Beast’s relationship and ruin Christmas.

The Search for Santa Paws (age 6+)

Now streaming on Disney+

From the creators who brought you Air Bud, this holiday instalment of the franchise is too cute to miss. Your kids will love watching the pups go on a magical journey to the North Pole.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (age 5+)

Now streaming on Disney+

Is it as good as Frozen? No. But even so, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is a fun holiday mini-movie for the little ones in your life, so you might as well just get on board.

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (age 4+)

Now streaming on Netflix

You don’t have to choose between your favorite Disney characters, because they’re all here! Mickey’s Magical Christmas brings together characters like Mickey, Minnie, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and so many others for a super-special Christmas story.

Klaus (age 6+)

Now streaming on Netflix

What happens when a postman and a reclusive toymaker become friends? You’ll have to find out in this Netflix-exclusive movie.