The Top Holiday Films for Enjoying with Your Entire Family

Planning a cozy holiday movie night with the whole family? Whether college kids are back home or the grandkids are spending the night, theres a wide selection of festive films to enjoy together. Weve curated a list of the best family-friendly holiday movies that appeal to both kids and adults.

Most of these films revolve around Christmas traditions, snowy adventures, and Santa Claus, reflecting the limited number of family films centered on Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. While weve included Adam Sandlers animated Eight Crazy Nights for older kids, be aware it contains some mature humor. Despite Hollywoods need for more diverse holiday stories, there are still plenty of timeless, joyous Christmas films to enjoy.

Skip the endless scrolling through streaming apps. Grab some popcorn, snuggle under a blanket, and dive into these family favorites, complete with viewing options below.

Holiday Movie Picks and Where to Watch

Home Alone

A quintessential holiday classic. When the McCallister family rushes to the airport for a Christmas trip to Paris, they accidentally leave young Kevin behind. Played by Macaulay Culkin, Kevin sets up clever traps in their Chicago home to fend off two burglars, portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Dont miss the follow-up, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

The Santa Clause

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) becomes Santa Claus after the original Santa falls from his roof. As he embraces his new identity, his appearance slowly transforms, bringing holiday magic to life in unexpected ways.

Full-Court Miracle

This Disney Channel movie remains a Hanukkah favorite. A talented basketball player, Lamont, meets Alex, a boy determined to help his struggling Yeshiva team. Lamont becomes their coach, and together they turn the season around.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Forest Whitaker stars as Jeronicus Jangle, a toy inventor whose creations and imagination face challenges over decades. A heartwarming story about creativity, perseverance, and holiday wonder.

Elf

Buddy (Will Ferrell), raised as an elf in Santas workshop, discovers hes human and sets out to find his father in New York City. Hilarity ensues as the Christmas spirit brings laughter and warmth to the big city.

Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Jim Carrey shines as the Grinch in this visually vibrant adaptation directed by Ron Howard. Watch as the Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas in Whoville, until young Cindy Lou Who may just change his heart.

Eight Crazy Nights

Adam Sandlers animated Hanukkah movie follows Davey, a troublemaker sentenced to community service. With the help of Whitey Duvall, he learns important lessons, though this one is best for older kids due to some crude humor.

Miracle on 34th Street

The 1990s version of this classic tells the story of a young girl and a lawyer who discover that Santa Claus is real and strive to prove it to the world.

Jack Frost

After his death, Jack Frost returns as a snowman through a magical harmonica, giving him a chance to reconnect with his son Charlie and rediscover the meaning of family during the holidays.

A Christmas Story

A nostalgic journey through a middle-class familys holiday, complete with laughs, challenges, and the quirks of 1980s Christmas traditions.

Jingle All the Way

A frantic race to get a sold-out toy captures the chaos and humor of holiday shopping. Featuring Sinbad, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Belushi, and Rita Wilson, its a relatable family adventure.

Noelle

Anna Kendrick stars as Santa Clauss daughter, stepping up when her anxious brother disappears before Christmas. A magical story of family, responsibility, and holiday spirit.

The Christmas Chronicles

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn bring Santa Claus to life in this Netflix original. Two siblings team up with Santa to save Christmas in their hometown, spreading cheer worldwide. A sequel is also available.

Black Nativity

Jennifer Hudson stars in this musical holiday film. When her son Langston visits relatives in New York City, the story weaves music, family, and tradition into a heartwarming journey.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this charming Muppet adaptation of Charles Dickenss classic, balancing humor, heart, and holiday lessons.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless animated classic, touching hearts across generations.

Switchmas

Elliott Gould stars in this animated adventure where two boys, unhappy about spending Christmas away from home, swap places. A story about realizing theres no place like home during the holidays.

An American Tail

Follow Fievel Mousekewitz, a young mouse immigrating to the United States, as he navigates separation from his family. This animated treasure is a heartwarming tale for the entire family and remains a classic decades later.

Author: Ava Mitchell