The 10 best kids’ Christmas movies to watch this festive season – from The Grinch to Elf

WHAT’S the best way to entertain the kids and get everyone in the Christmas mood? No, not booze – festive films! 

Here are the 10 best movies to watch to get that merry feeling going that are suitable for the whole family.

All I Want for Christmas Is You (2017)

Amazon prime

Easy to watch and lots of songs to sing – what could go wrong?[/caption]

Young Mariah (Carey – she does the voice of the movie’s main character) just wants a dog for Christmas.

In order to prove to Santa that she’s responsible enough she pet-sits a mischievous puppy named Jack, but it’s not long before the playful pooch turns the Carey’s Christmas family holiday upside-down.

Any excuse to listen to Mariah’s iconic track and sing along.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime

Trolls Holiday (2017)

Netflix

If your kids love the film Trolls this is a great extra to keep them entertained[/caption]

OK, this isn’t explicitly about Christmas but it is very festive.

When Poppy feels guilty that she took away the Bergen’s only holiday, she undertakes a mission to find a new yearly tradition for her friends.

Great for kids who already love the franchise and will recognise their favourite characters.

Available to watch on Netflix

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Amazon Prime

When a present is left behind it’s down to Arthur to get things sorted[/caption]

Santa Claus has a son called Arthur in this version of how Christmas happens in the North Pole.

Despite using a highly trained team of elves to take care of all festive business, when one gift is left behind it’s up to Arthur to make sure it gets delivered.

Sure to capture the imagination of kids (and adults) plus Arthur’s underdog status will have you rooting for him to succeed.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime

The Polar Express (2004)

Warner Bros

The North Pole has never looked so beautiful[/caption]

An inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Tom Hanks’s dulcet tones are perfect as the voice of as the train conductor.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime

Elf (2003)

Alamy

So many great quotes, moments and songs – if you don’t get in the Christmas spirit watching this then there’s no helping you[/caption]

Hard to believe this has been around for 17 years and it’s still as great as when it was first released.

When Buddy is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler, he’s raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves but always feels left out.

Heading to New York to find his real dad, Buddy discovers life is very different to the North Pole.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Rex Features

From the imagination of Tim Burton, this gothic Christmas tale is well worth a watch[/caption]

Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people.

When he accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life and plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role.

A wonderful option from all the gooey Christmas feelings and with songs by Danny Elfman, especially What’s This, you’ll be watching it again and again. You’re welcome.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime and Disney+

Klaus (2019)

Beautiful and moving, get the tissues ready because there’s a good chance it will make you cry. Not the kids but definitely the adults.

A terrible postman is sent to a frozen town in the North where he discovers Santa Claus is hiding out.

There’s a bit at the end when our protagonist Jesper disappears and whispers into wind and snow – “I’m coming, my love”. Sob!

Available to watch on Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

NETFLIX

New to 2020 this festive film will fast become a Christmas favourite[/caption]

This Netflix original (premieres on November 13) is a musical story about a toymaker whose prized creation is stolen by his apprentice.

Luckily the toymaker’s inventive and curious granddaughter goes on an adventure to get it back.

With lots of original songs from John Legend, Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan, and one performed by Usher, it’s the perfect rainy day festive film.

Available to watch on Netflix

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Alamy

A wonderful way to introduce the kids to the incredible story of The Nutcracker[/caption]

A version of The Nutcracker that has never been seen before where Clara must defend the Land of Sweets from Mother Ginger.

Needing a magical, one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift, Clara must enter a fourth realm to retrieve the key and restore harmony to the unstable land.

Along the way she meets a soldier named Phillip, a group of mice and the regents who help her on her way.

Available to watch on Amazon Prime

The Grinch (2018)

AP:Associated Press

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a colourful dose of the Grinch[/caption]

The Grinch and his loyal dog, Max, live a solitary existence inside a cave on Mount Crumpet.

He hates Christmastime and his neighbours in Whoville who celebrate the holidays with a bang.

When the Whos decide to make Christmas bigger and brighter, the disgruntled Grinch realises there is one way to gain peace and quiet. A classic.

Available to watch on NOW TV and Amazon Prime