As a Christian mama, my favorite part of the holiday season is opening God’s Word with my kids and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Right alongside that, we love our cozy family movie nights. But finding clean Christmas movies for kids is harder than it should be. Even films made for children can slip in jokes and scenes I’d rather my little ones not absorb. So I’ve gathered the movies our family truly trusts, many paired with the books that inspired them, so you can read the story first and then curl up for the movie together.
Even movies made for children can sneak in jokes and scenes I’d rather my kids not absorb. If you want to know what I look for, here’s my honest take on whether kids’ movies are really kid-friendly, along with 17 clean movies our family loves all year long.
Christmas Books Made Into Movies (Picture Book Pairings)
The Grinch
Book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Movie: The Grinch
While the Jim Carrey version may not be suitable for little ones, the 2018 animated movie is a perfect family watch. The best part? There’s a delightful picture book that accompanies it. In our home, we make it a tradition to read all the beautifully illustrated Christmas and holiday-themed picture books every year – there’s no age limit on the magic of these stories. If you have a Peacock subscription, you can enjoy the movie for free. If not, it’s available for rent on Amazon Prime and other places.
The story follows the Grinch, a grouch who despises Christmas and the joy it brings to the cheerful town of Whoville. He tries to ruin the holiday by stealing the town’s gifts, decorations, and trees, only to discover that the true spirit of Christmas cannot be taken away.
Message: The Grinch learns a heartfelt lesson about love, kindness, and belonging and comes around to celebrate Christmas with them after all.
Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Book: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: The Dance of the Realms by Calliope Glass
Movie: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
While lately, Disney movies have required a parental preview, this one is a beautiful addition to your holiday viewing. The film has an accompanying picture book, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: The Dance of the Realms”writtenalongside the movie to appeal to the audience.
The story is an adaption of the original Nutcracker, introducing the idea of four realms of this imaginative world – The Land of Sweets, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Snowflakes, and the Fourth Realm. The story follows Clara, who embarks on an adventure into this enchanting world.
Message: Though initially entangled in the wrong conflict, Clara ultimately discovers the courage and wisdom to set things right.
Angela’s Christmas
Book: Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt
Movie: Angela’s Christmas, Angela’s Christmas Part 2
If you have a Netflix subscription, I highly recommend watching the short film Angela’s Christmas. Based on the book Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt, this heartwarming story is perfect for the holiday season.
The story follows Angela, a sweet and compassionate little girl who attends Christmas Eve service with her family. While at the church, Angela notices the baby Jesus doll in the nativity scene is dressed in only thin clothes, and she worries He might be cold. Driven by her kind heart, Angela sneaks the doll home to wrap Him in warm clothes, intending to return Him in time for Christmas.
When the doll is reported missing, Angela’s family helps her make things right. She returns the doll and is forgiven by a kind policeman, leaving everyone with a heartwarming lesson.
Message: The story is about innocence, love, kindness, and doing the right thing.
Jack Frost
Book: Jack Frost by William Joyce
Movie: Rise of the Guardians
Have you heard about the five guardians of childhood? These fictional superheroes include Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost. William Joyce wrote the picture book centered on Jack Frost, specificallyexplaining how he came to be. In the movie “Rise of the Guardians,” Jack Frost is a pivotal character who plays a crucial role in defeating the evil Pitch, who instills fear in children’s minds and undermines their belief in the other guardians. The movie explores the classic battle between good and evil, showcasing the struggle between right and wrong. Set in winter, many scenes take place in Santa’s workshop, where Yetis work diligently to create toys for children. It’s a magical and imaginative film that all my kids enjoyed watching, even my child who usually doesn’t like movies.
You can read the full book series here. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Peacock.
Message: Hope, belief, and courage will always triumph over fear and evil.
The Polar Express
Book: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Movie: The Polar Express
Read Chris Van Allsburg’s picture book first, then watch the movie together—or start with the movie! The story follows a boy who is beginning to doubt Santa. On Christmas Eve, he boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. This is such a favorite in our home.
Message: Some of the best things about Christmas are the ones you hold onto in your heart.
Looking for more? See our full list of Christmas picture books about holiday traditions.
Christmas Chapter Books Made Into Movies
Chronicles of Narnia
Book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Movie: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
This beloved classic by C.S. Lewis is a must-watch (or read) during the Christmas season. The story beautifully incorporates elements that resonate with the holiday spirit. From the arrival of Father Christmas, who equips the Pevensie children with gifts to aid them in their battle against evil, to the enchanting winter wonderland of Narnia under the White Witch’s spell, the tale is rich with festive imagery.
You can watch this movie on Disney Plus. It also has an adorable and beautifully illustrated picture book.
Message: At its heart, it’s a story of forgiveness, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil, a theme that echoes the deeper meaning of Christmas.
A Boy Called Christmas
Book: A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
Movie: A Boy called Christmas
I recently checked out a book from the library for my kids to read so we can watch the movie together afterward. The story follows a boy named Nikolas, who embarks on a journey to find his missing father in the snowy wilderness. Along the way, he encounters magical creatures and faces extraordinary challenges. As the story unfolds, Nikolas develops the qualities that define Santa Claus, generosity, kindness, and a deep love for children. His adventures lead him to uncover the magic and joy of Christmas, and he ultimately takes on the role of spreading that magic to the world, becoming the beloved figure of Santa Claus.
The book belongs to a 3-part series that you can find here on Amazon.
Message: The true essence of Christmas comes from what is within our hearts and the love we show others.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Book: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Movie: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The movie, released in 2024, is a wonderful adaptation of the classic book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, first published in 1972. The story follows a group of mischievous siblings, the Herdman, who cause trouble wherever they go, bullying kids at school, playing pranks around town, and instilling fear in everyone. Unexpectedly, they end up in the church nativity play, and as they learn the story of Jesus, they begin to connect with the emptiness in their own lives. Their unique portrayal of the nativity touches the hearts of the townspeople, who, in turn, open their hearts and welcome the Herdmans.
This book is also available in picture book format. Read the book and watch the movie in theaters nearby.
Message: This story teaches us that all are welcome and redeemed by Christ, and sometimes it is the small things that can touch a broken heart so be kind to others this Christmas season.
Want more read-alouds for the season? Here are our favorite Christmas chapter books for kids and families.
More Family Friendly Christmas Movies We Love
If you are looking for other good family-friendly movies, here are some that we watch and recommend.
Klaus (ages 7 and up)
A grumpy mailman and a lonely toymaker start a friendship that turns a whole town from feuding to giving. There’s a sad backstory, and the animation is not all warm and fuzzy. The grownups are not kind to one another, so watch out for that. But it has a great ending.
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Year (all ages)
Pooh and his friends get ready for Christmas and then try to keep their New Year’s promises. It’s gentle, cozy, and perfect for little ones.
The Star (ages 4 and up)
The nativity story told through the eyes of a little donkey and his animal friends. A few chase scenes with soldiers might be a bit much for very young kids, but it points right to the birth of Jesus.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (all ages)
Olaf sets out to find holiday traditions for Anna and Elsa, who realize they don’t have any of their own. It’s short and sweet, and a great way to talk about your own family traditions.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (all ages)
Three short Christmas stories starring Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and friends. The story of Mickey and Minnie each giving up something special for the other is a lovely one to talk about.
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (all ages)
Five more short holiday stories with Mickey and friends. Short segments make it easy to watch one or two at a time.
Prep & Landing (ages 4 and up)
Wayne, an elf on Santa’s advance team, is grumpy about missing a promotion until a young boy reminds him why his job matters.
Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice (ages 4 and up)
Wayne and Lanny team up with Wayne’s little brother to fix a mess made by a kid hacker on the Naughty List. It’s short, funny, and about working together.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (all ages)
George tries to find the perfect gift for The Man with the Yellow Hat. I have personally enjoyed watching Curious George programs.
An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf (all ages)
This short animated special tells the story of how the Christmas elves came to be. If your family does the Elf on the Shelf, kids will love it.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (ages 6 and up)
Michael Caine plays Scrooge alongside the Muppets in a surprisingly faithful take on Dickens’ story. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come scenes can be a little spooky for younger kids.
Arthur Christmas (ages 5 and up)
Santa’s clumsy younger son goes on a wild trip to deliver one forgotten present before Christmas morning. It’s fast paced, funny, and all about making sure every child matters.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (ages 3 and up)
A sweet story about being different and finding where you belong. The Abominable Snow Monster can be a little scary for very young kids.
The Little Drummer Boy (ages 4 and up)
This classic centers on the nativity and a boy who gives the only gift he has. It’s a lovely way to talk with kids about giving from the heart.
Short Christmas Movies for Toddlers and Preschoolers
A Charlie Brown Christmas (ages 3 and up)
This 1965 classic is short, gentle, and points straight to the heart of Christmas when Linus reads the nativity story from Luke 2. There’s a picture book version too, so it’s an easy read-first, watch-second pick.
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas (all ages)
At 30 minutes with no dialogue, this one is perfect for little ones. Timmy the lamb goes missing on Christmas Eve, and the whole flock sets off on a sweet, silly rescue.
The Snowman (ages 3 and up)
Based on Raymond Briggs’s wordless picture book, this gentle film follows a boy and his snowman on a magical night flight. The ending is bittersweet, so be ready to talk about it with sensitive kids.
Clean Christmas Movies FAQ
For little ones, we love A Charlie Brown Christmas, Angela’s Christmas, Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, and Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Year. They are short, gentle, and free of crude humor.
Yes. The Star, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Angela’s Christmas, and The Little Drummer Boy all point kids to the birth of Jesus.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Boy Called Christmas, Angela’s Christmas, and The Snowman are all wonderful books first.
In our home we usually read first. It builds imagination and gives kids something fun to compare when the movie comes on.
I hope you enjoyed this list.
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Building a cozy book and movie night this season? Browse our list of 60 Christmas books we love for even more holiday reading.
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