10 films for Christian families to watch this Christmas

I love this season. The anticipation of Christmas. The school plays to watch. The churches coming alive with evangelistic events that speak to the depth of every seeker’s soul. Our homes are full of activity: putting up the tree, filling every dark corner with twinkly fairy lights (no, you can never have enough), fires lit, hot chocolates poured. And then we all settle in as a family, ready to watch a Christmas film. Wait… what do you mean that’s when the arguing starts?

If your house is anything like ours, we spend half the evening scrolling through Netflix and Prime, trying to find a film that everyone will watch. Then someone declares they’re too tired, and family film night is abandoned. And have you tried to find a new Christmas film that the family will like, and isn’t full of soppy romantic clichés like “boy meets girl amidst a snowy backdrop”? We have, and there isn’t one. How do Christmas films even fit with celebrating Jesus’s birth?

If it’s a Christmas-filled family film night you’re after, stop endlessly scrolling. Here are some of our top family Christmas films that we recommend.

1. Muppets Christmas Carol

Year of Release: 1992

Rated: U

Story: A Muppets cast retelling of the classic story of Scrooge by Charles Dickens.

What we like: We are huge fans of the Muppets. Growing up in America, they were a part of my childhood, and I passed that enthusiasm on to my own children. Think big sets, great casting, slapstick humour, all wrapped in a little bit of Christmas magic. When the kids studied Scrooge for English GCSE, they were grateful to have watched this film yearly.

Question to think about as a family: How can we show kindness and help others, like God wants us to?

2. The Polar Express

Year of Release: 2004

Rated: U

Story: A young boy, starting to lose the magic of Christmas, sets off on a train to the North Pole. Along the way he learns about friendship, bravery, and reignites his Christmas spirit.

What we like: The Polar Express captures the pure magic of Christmas. Stunning animation and a sweeping soundtrack make the journey enchanting. The film reminds us that belief is powerful, no matter our age, and brings out the childlike wonder in everyone, whether you’re watching with little ones or reliving childhood memories.

Question to think about as a family: What does it mean to really believe, and how can we trust God even when we can’t see Him?

3. It’s a Wonderful Life

Year of Release: 1946

Rated: U

Story: An angel is sent from heaven to help a frustrated, overwhelmed businessman see the value of what he already has.

What we like: It took me years to watch this film, and years to convince my kids it was unmissable. But we all love it. It makes you appreciate what you have, even if it’s small, and looks at decisions and consequences, opening wonderful family conversations. Bring tissues for this heartwarming classic.

Question to think about as a family: How does knowing we each matter remind us that God loves everyone?

4. Home Alone

Year of Release: 1990

Rated: PG

Story: An 8-year-old boy is accidentally left at home at Christmas and manages to survive, and stop a pair of pesky burglars.

What we like: What is not to like? Even after 35 years, we still laugh at the jokes, cheer when the burglars are caught, and feel the heartache Kevin feels when he misses his mum. The film appeals as much to my 7-year-old nephew as to my 72-year-old Mum.

Question to think about as a family: How can we look out for others and help them, like Jesus teaches?

5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Year of Release: 2000

Rated: PG

Story: The Grinch, a grumpy green recluse, hates Christmas and decides to steal it from the Whos of Whoville. But a little girl’s kindness shows him the true meaning of the holiday.

What we like: Jim Carrey’s performance is hilarious and unforgettable, Whoville is wonderfully whimsical, and the story’s message about kindness and belonging makes it a Christmas favourite for all ages.

Question to think about as a family: How can love and kindness change hearts, just like Jesus changes ours?

6. Arthur Christmas

Year of Release: 2011

Rated: U

Story: The story follows Arthur, the more awkward son of Santa, as he tries to deliver a lost present to a little girl in England.

What we like: We love that Arthur cares deeply about each child. He even replies personally to every letter, valuing the heart behind Christmas. While his brother focuses on efficiency and ambition, Arthur is driven purely by a desire to make one little girl feel seen. His genuine compassion makes the story so special.

Question to think about as a family: How can we put others first and serve with love, like Jesus does?

7. The Princess Switch (1-3)

Year of Release: 2018, 2020, 2021

Rated: 12

Story: A Chicago-born baker and a soon-to-be princess discover they look alike and swap lives for a few days to see what they’re missing.

What we like: Yes, it’s a romantic comedy, but it’s a firm favourite in our house. We love the charm of the look-alikes, the sweet romances, and how each character discovers what truly matters beyond titles and expectations. The stories are light, cosy, and full of Christmas sparkle, perfect for switching off, smiling, and enjoying magical holiday escapism.

Question to think about as a family: How can we see what really matters, love and kindness, like Jesus sees our hearts?

Read more:

4 ways to help your children understand the bigger story this Christmas

7 alternative Christmas gift ideas for your youth and children this year

Engaging your child in their Nativity play - even if they’re first lobster!

8. Die Hard

Year of Release: 1988

Rated: 15

Story: NYPD officer John McClane finds himself trapped in a skyscraper during a Christmas party taken over by terrorists. With no one else able to help, he takes them on single-handedly, using sharp wit and grit to save the hostages, including his wife.

What we like: Is it a Christmas film? In our house, absolutely. The film’s sharp action, iconic hero–villain showdown, and McClane’s gritty humour make it endlessly rewatchable. It’s tense, clever, and just the right amount of Christmas mayhem.

Question to think about as a family: How can being brave and standing up for what’s right show God’s love?

9. The Snowman

Year of Release: 1982

Rated: U

Story: On Christmas Eve, a young boy builds a snowman who magically comes to life. The film follows their nighttime adventure.

What we like: The music is simply beautiful, carrying the story without a single word. The film handles loss with softness, giving space to talk about both joy and sorrow,  the wonder of adventure and friendship, and the sadness that sometimes follows. It invites meaningful conversations while remaining warm, nostalgic, and full of heart.

Question to think about as a family: How can we find joy and hope in God, even when life is sad?

10. Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas

Year of Release: 2004

Rated: U

Story: Five short Mickey Christmas adventures featuring all the favourites such as Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Daisy, Goofy, and Mickey himself.

What we like: A timeless classic, made up of five short stories, making it easy to watch in bite-sized pieces. The characters are all favourites, each full of charm, and the stories are well written, bringing laughs and warmth every time.

Question to think about as a family: How can we share love, joy, and generosity with others, like Jesus taught?