Christmas Movie List for Kids to Watch in 2026

Christmas is the perfect time to slow down, spend quality time with family and enjoy a little holiday magic. And what better way to make the season special than with a cosy movie night with your little ones? If you are looking for a Christmas movie list that keeps children entertained while bringing the whole family together, we have put together some wonderful options for 2026. From funny animated adventures to heartwarming stories about friendship, kindness and the magic of Christmas, there is something for every little movie lover.

Whether you want a fun holiday movie for kids for a weekend afternoon or are searching for the best holiday movies to watch on Christmas Eve, this list will make choosing much easier. We have included popular Christmas movies, family favourites and some lovely Christmas movies on Netflix for kids that you can explore this holiday season. So, get the popcorn ready, bring out the cosy blankets and enjoy these wonderful picks from our movie list for kids!

15 Best Christmas Movies for Kids to Watch in 2026

1. Klaus (2019)

Best for: Children aged 6 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Klaus is one of the most beautiful animated Christmas movies for children. The story follows Jesper, a postman who meets a mysterious toymaker named Klaus in a small, snowy town. Together, they begin spreading happiness by giving toys to children. What starts as an unusual friendship slowly turns into something magical.

The movie teaches children about kindness, generosity and how even one small good deed can make a big difference. Its beautiful animation and heartwarming story make it a wonderful choice for a family movie night.

2. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Best for: Children aged 7 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

What happens when two children accidentally crash Santa's sleigh? A Christmas adventure full of surprises! The Christmas Chronicles follows siblings Kate and Teddy as they team up with Santa to save Christmas after an unexpected accident.

With funny moments, exciting adventures and plenty of Christmas magic, this movie is a great pick for children who enjoy action and comedy. It also reminds siblings about the importance of working together and supporting each other.

3. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

Best for: Children aged 7 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

If your children enjoyed the first movie, they will love this sequel. Kate returns for another Christmas adventure, this time involving a mysterious troublemaker who wants to ruin Christmas. With Santa, Mrs Claus and a magical village involved, the story is packed with festive excitement.

This is a fun follow-up for children who love Santa stories, magical places and adventurous characters. It also carries a lovely message about family, belonging and believing in the spirit of Christmas.

4. That Christmas (2024)

Best for: Children aged 6 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

That Christmas is an animated holiday movie that brings together several stories from a small seaside town. As a huge snowstorm changes everyone's Christmas plans, children and families find themselves dealing with unexpected situations.

The movie is full of humour, lovable characters and relatable family moments. It explores friendship, loneliness, family relationships and the importance of caring for people around us. It is a lovely choice for children who enjoy animated stories with a little emotion.

5. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Best for: Children aged 7 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

If your little ones love colourful visuals, music and fantasy, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is worth adding to your watchlist. The movie follows a talented toymaker who loses his creativity and happiness after being betrayed. Years later, his granddaughter arrives and helps bring magic back into his life.

With beautiful songs, imaginative inventions and a heartwarming story, this movie celebrates creativity, courage and the importance of believing in yourself. It is also a wonderful reminder that family support can help us overcome difficult times.

6. Angela's Christmas (2017)

Best for: Children aged 4 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Angela's Christmas is a short and sweet animated movie that is perfect for younger children. It follows a little girl named Angela who has a big heart and an even bigger imagination. During a Christmas visit to church, she comes up with an unexpected idea to make sure everyone feels warm and cared for.

The movie is simple, gentle and full of warmth. It teaches children about compassion, empathy and looking after others. Its short duration also makes it a good choice for toddlers and preschoolers who may not enjoy sitting through a full-length movie.

7. Robin Robin (2021)

Best for: Children aged 4 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Robin Robin is a delightful stop-motion animated Christmas special about a little bird raised by a family of mice. As Robin grows older, she starts wondering where she belongs and tries to prove that she can be just like her mouse family.

This charming story is filled with adorable characters, catchy music and festive moments. It encourages children to embrace their differences, be confident and understand that family is about love and acceptance.

8. The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday (2023)

Best for: Children aged 6 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Looking for something funny and entertaining? The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday is a fun animated Christmas special featuring the familiar group of animal characters. The gang plans to enjoy Christmas their own way, but things quickly become chaotic when their plans go wrong.

It is full of silly situations, funny characters and entertaining holiday mischief. Children who enjoy comedy and fast-paced animated adventures will have a great time watching it.

9. Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (2021)

Best for: Children aged 3 years and above

Where to watch: Check your preferred streaming or rental platform.

Shaun the Sheep is back with another hilarious Christmas adventure. When Shaun tries to get a bigger stocking, an unexpected situation leads to a little lamb going missing. The flock must work together to bring the lamb back home.

One of the best things about this movie is that its storytelling relies heavily on expressions, actions and funny situations instead of dialogue. Even very young children can enjoy the humour. It also introduces a lovely message about caring for others and taking responsibility.

10. The Polar Express (2004)

Best for: Children aged 6 years and above

Where to watch: Check regional streaming and rental availability.

The Polar Express is a classic Christmas movie that takes children on a magical train journey to the North Pole. The story follows a young boy who begins to question the magic of Santa Claus. One Christmas Eve, he gets an unexpected opportunity to board a mysterious train and experience an adventure he will never forget.

With beautiful snowy scenes, magical moments and a memorable soundtrack, this movie creates a wonderful Christmas atmosphere. It also explores imagination, friendship and the joy of believing in something special.

11. The Grinch (2018)

Best for: Children aged 5 years and above

Where to watch: Check regional streaming and rental availability.

Not everyone loves Christmas, and the Grinch is proof! This animated version follows a grumpy green character who decides to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville. However, a little girl named Cindy Lou and her kind nature slowly change his perspective.

The Grinch is full of funny moments, colourful animation and memorable characters. More importantly, it teaches children that Christmas is not just about presents and decorations. Love, kindness and spending time with people matter much more.

12. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Best for: Children aged 5 years and above

Where to watch: Check regional streaming and rental availability.

Have your children ever wondered how Santa delivers presents to millions of children in just one night? Arthur Christmas gives a fun answer to that question! The movie follows Arthur, Santa's youngest son, who discovers that one child has been accidentally missed during the Christmas gift delivery.

He decides to take matters into his own hands and make sure the child receives her present before Christmas morning. It is a funny and heartwarming adventure that celebrates kindness, determination and making every child feel special.

13. Alien Xmas (2020)

Best for: Children aged 5 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Here is a Christmas movie with a little twist! Alien Xmas follows a tiny alien who arrives on Earth as part of a plan to steal the planet's gravity. However, things take an unexpected turn when he discovers the kindness and generosity associated with Christmas.

This short animated movie is a fun option for children who enjoy aliens, space adventures and unusual characters. It also introduces the idea that sharing and kindness can bring people together, no matter how different they may seem.

14. Christmas on Mistletoe Farm (2022)

Best for: Children aged 5 years and above

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

Christmas on Mistletoe Farm is a cheerful family comedy about a widowed father who unexpectedly inherits a farm. When he brings his children to their new home during Christmas, they find themselves surrounded by animals, farm life and plenty of funny situations.

The movie is a lovely pick for children who enjoy animals and stories about family adventures. It highlights the importance of teamwork, adjusting to new situations and finding happiness in unexpected places.

15. A Dog's Perfect Christmas (2026)

Best for: Older children and families

Where to watch: Netflix (check regional availability)

One of the new family Christmas releases to look out for in 2026 is A Dog's Perfect Christmas. This heartwarming story follows a family navigating a difficult period and the special role played by a dog in bringing them closer together.

Featuring a lovable four-legged character and an emotional family story, it offers something different from the usual Santa and toy-making adventures. Parents should know that the story deals with grief and a family medical crisis, so it may be more suitable for older children who are comfortable with emotional themes.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Movie for Your Child

Not every Christmas movie is suitable for every age group. While older children may enjoy exciting adventures and fantasy stories, younger children usually prefer shorter movies with simple storylines and lovable characters. Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a movie:

• Consider your child's age: Choose movies with simple stories and gentle humour for toddlers and preschoolers. Older children can enjoy longer movies with more complex stories.
• Check the movie rating: Look at the age rating and parental guidance information before pressing play. Some Christmas movies include emotional scenes, scary characters or mild violence.
• Choose a theme they enjoy: If your child loves animals, choose a movie with animal characters. If they enjoy magic and adventure, fantasy-based Christmas movies can be a great option.
• Keep the movie duration in mind: Younger children may find it difficult to sit through a two-hour movie. Short animated specials are often a better choice.
• Watch together: Watching movies as a family gives you the opportunity to discuss the story, laugh together and create lovely memories.

Make Your Christmas Movie Night Extra Special

A Christmas movie night does not have to be complicated. A few simple things can make the experience exciting for children. Set up a cosy corner with cushions, blankets, soft lighting and their favourite snacks. You can even let your little ones choose the movie for the evening.

And since Christmas is all about little surprises, add some festive charm to their movie-night experience with adorable Christmas-themed goodies from Lil Amigos Nest.

Handmade Crochet Santa Claus and Christmas Tree Combo: Add a little handmade Christmas magic to your child's room with this adorable crochet Santa and Christmas tree combo. It is a lovely festive decoration and can also make a thoughtful Christmas gift.

Shop the Crochet Santa and Christmas Tree Combo

Red Christmas Flannel Polar Bear Nightwear: Movie nights are even better when children are dressed in their cosy Christmas pyjamas. This adorable polar bear nightwear is a fun festive addition to their winter wardrobe.

Shop Christmas Polar Bear Nightwear

Christmas Box of Joy 6-in-1: Make the festive season even more exciting with a special Christmas gift box. This six-in-one collection is a lovely way to surprise little ones and bring extra joy to their celebrations.

Explore the Christmas Box of Joy

Blue Santa Print Kurta Set: Want your little one to dress up for Christmas celebrations? This festive Santa-print kurta set is a fun choice for family gatherings, Christmas parties and memorable holiday pictures.

Shop the Blue Santa Print Kurta Set

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best Christmas movies for kids in 2026?

Some of the best Christmas movies for kids in 2026 include Klaus, The Christmas Chronicles, That Christmas, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, The Polar Express, Arthur Christmas and The Grinch. These movies offer a mix of animation, comedy, fantasy and heartwarming family stories.

2. Which Christmas movies on Netflix are suitable for kids?

Some popular Christmas movies and specials to look for on Netflix include Klaus, Angela's Christmas, Robin Robin, That Christmas, The Christmas Chronicles, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey and Alien Xmas. Availability may vary depending on your country and Netflix catalogue.

3. What are some good Christmas movies for toddlers?

Angela's Christmas, Robin Robin and Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas are good options to consider for younger children. They have shorter runtimes, simple storytelling and entertaining characters. Parents should still check the content and decide what is suitable for their child.

4. Are Christmas movies good for children?

Yes, age-appropriate Christmas movies can be a fun way for children to learn about kindness, friendship, sharing, family and generosity. Watching together also creates opportunities for parents and children to spend quality time and discuss the stories.

5. What can I do for a fun Christmas movie night at home?

Create a cosy movie corner with blankets, cushions, Christmas decorations and snacks. Let your child pick a movie, wear their favourite festive nightwear and enjoy the evening together. You can also add a small Christmas gift or surprise to make the night more memorable.

Christmas is not just about presents, decorations or big celebrations. It is about the little moments that make children feel loved and happy. Pick a movie from this list, prepare some yummy snacks, get comfortable with your little ones and enjoy a wonderful family movie night. These are the simple memories that make Christmas truly special!