Best Animated Christmas Movies for Kids
Watching Animated Christmas Movies is a tradition that we can share with the whole family, and some of the best kids movies are based on holiday themes. Please see our list below of the absolute best Christmas Movies for kids.
Arthur Christmas
By far, one of the best newer Animated Christmas Films from the last decade, and a favourite to watch every single year. Arthur Christmas is about lovable goofball son-of-santa Arthur who does his best to ‘Save Christmas’ when a child’s present gets missed. Not only does it offer a festive feel-good story, it also has a fantastic, realistic motto – that it doesn’t matter who delivers the presents, if it’s there – Santa Came!
Watch Arthur Christmas: Online or DVD via Amazon | Check Netflix | on iTunes
The Polar Express
It took me longer than most to warm up to The Polar Express (get it, warm up? heh), but once I finally watched it – I loved it. Aside from the uncanny animation, the story is interesting, and the moral is very sweet. Plus, it has one of the best soundtracks around, including Josh Groban (swoon!), Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. You really can’t go wrong with this modern classic!
Watch The Polar Express: Online or DVD via Amazon | Check Netflix | on iTunes
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare before Christmas isn’t a traditional Animated Christmas movie when it comes to the Halloween-heavy plot and characters. However, stop-motion is one of the absolute hallmarks of classic Christmas Movies, and the macabre themed holiday story is one that will endure with kids of all ages. Plus, you can watch it in October without even feeling badly! Win!
Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas: Online and DVD via Amazon | Check Netflix | on iTunes
Not all Animated Christmas Movies are feature-length films, in fact some of the most treasured holiday animations are tv-aired specials, here’s a few to jog your memory and share with the little ones:
Best Animated Christmas TV Specials
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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A Garfield ChristmasLiterally my most favourite Christmas Special. I’ve probably watched it a hundred times. And so should you, it’s got everything. Songs, Food, and Odie! Watch: Online or DVD via Amazon |
Frosty the Snowman (and all his sequels)The original is one of the best original classic Animated Christmas specials. The sequels? Meh. Watch: Online or DVD via Amazon | Check Netflix | on iTunes |
Mickey’s Christmas CarolThe best way to introduce your kiddos to the story of Scrooge, who better to portray him than his namesake: Scrooge McDuck! Watch: Online or DVD via Amazon | on iTunes |
A Charlie Brown Christmas
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The Nutcracker PrinceAlthough I have not seen this film myself, I would get in serious trouble if I didn’t include it on this list. The bad news is that it’s not available for purchase on Amazon or iTunes (unless you want to shell out $135!) The good news? It’s on YouTube. |
This list doesn’t include our favourites for Stop-Motion Animation or non-Animated Christmas Movies for Kids, you should also check out those lists! Did we miss an Animated Christmas movie that you just LOVE?
I don’t see a stop motion Christmas Classic list but here is my top ten favorite Rankin Bass specials
10.) The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus
9.) Jack Frost
8.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
7.) The Story of the First Christmas Snow
6.) Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
5.) The Little Drummer Boy
4.) Nestor The Long Eared Christmas Donkey
3.) The Little Drummer Boy Book 2
2.) The Year Without A Santa Claus
1.) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Honorable mentions
Pinocchio’s Christmas
Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
Twas The Night Before Christmas
Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas In July