12 Family Classic Christmas Movies You Need To Watch
12 Classic Christmas Movies You Need To Watch
Christmas is the perfect time to cosy up as a family and enjoy some classic Christmas tales.
These movies give people a chance to slow down, reconnect and enjoy simple moments together that just feel timeless!
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This post will guide you through 12 MUST WATCH classic Christmas movies to pump some festive magic into your life.
12 Family Classic Christmas Movies to Watch Now!
The season feels more meaningful when everyone gathers on the sofa with snacks and blankets doesn’t it?
And what better way to prompts that than having a Christmas Movie night!
It’s perfect for getting together as a family, no matter how many of you there are, and it’s a nice way to bond without any “Christmas moaning”.
Anyway, enough of my waffling.
Let’s jump right into the list, shall we?
Home Alone
Home Alone stands as one of the most iconic classic Christmas movies, doesn’t it?
If you’re unfamiliar with Home Alone, it follows the story of Kevin who gets left behind while his family rushes off on holiday.
He faces two bumbling burglars with clever tricks that still make kids laugh today!
It blends adventure and charm in the best kind of festive chaos.
Highly recommend.
Home Alone 2 Lost in New York
Keeping on theme with Home Alone, why not follow up with the second movie.
In this one Kevin takes on New York City at Christmas and proves he’s not lost his spark.
Its a fun movie and always a great watch paired with the first one for a movie night of classic Christmas movies.
The Santa Clause
Another absolute classic is The Santa Clause with Tim Allen at the helm.
After Santa falls from the roof, Scott Calvin (Allen) accidentally becomes the next man in the big red suit.
Its such a good movie filled with humour and wonder while exploring festive belief, family bonds and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Santa Clause 2
Another sequel, but another golden watch!
The Santa Clause 2 brings a whole new story thats just as good as the first.
Scott must find a Mrs Claus or risk losing his role of Santa altogether.
The movie adds fun new characters and plenty of festive magic that you can watch year after year.
Elf
Buddy the elf brings pure festive joy in this absolute classic Christmas movie.
He travels to New York to find his father and carries all the innocence and excitement of the North Pole with him.
The movies sense of magic and wonder really di make it one of the best movies to watch at Christmas time.
Definitely make sure to include Elf in your next festive movie night.
The Grinch – Live Action with Jim Carrey
Growing up, this movie was a firm favourite in our house, and still is today with my boys.
Jim Carrey takes on the role of The Grinch, and did it so well, that’s what most people think of when you ask them about The Grinch.
In this tale it sticks closely to the book, The Grinch steals Christmas, has a character restoring arch and at the end all of Whoville come together as one.
Its wholesome family fun and a must watch at Christmas time.
Jingle All The Way
This absolute classic is The perfect mix of chaos and festive fun.
Released in 1996, we see Arnold Schwarzenegger take the helm as he portrays a dad racing around for the most popular toy of the season.
What ensues is a whirlwind adventure that kids absolutely adore, and adults too.
It’s lively, funny and perfect if you enjoy nostalgic Nineties Christmas movies with big hearted comedy.
Nativity
The next gem on this list of classic Christmas movies is Nativity, a movie that just oozes pure festive cheer.
This British classic celebrates the joy and chaos of school Christmas plays, and gives us one hell of a story.
Two teachers scramble to create the perfect festive performance and everything goes delightfully off track.
It’s heartfelt, funny and the perfect Christmas watch.
The Christmas Chronicles
Although this is a modern movie (released in 2018) it still manages to capture the pure joy and magic that makes Christmas so special.
Santa comes to life with energy and warmth, played by Kurt Russell who absolutely smashes the part.
In this film 2 siblings accidentally disrupt Santa’s mission and end up helping him save Christmas.
It blends laughter, adventure and soft festive magic that fits beautifully into a classic Christmas movies marathon.
The Christmas Chronicles 2
But wait… there’s more!
In The Christmas Chronicles 2 we see the kids return, but this time things are a little different.
Kate is back in the main character position but this time we meet new faces and go on even wilder adventures.
It’s a great follow on movie if you’re looking to have a nice cosy movie night with the kids.
Deck the Halls
This 2006 festive comedy is an absolute must watch for any Christmas movie marathon!
Two neighbours (Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito) go toe to toe trying to outdo each other with their outdoor Christmas light displays.
It’s a wonderfully chaotic story that brings the laughs and also those heartfelt moments in equal measure.
If you’ve never seen it before then I highly recommend you give it a watch at your next movie night.
Christmas with the Kranks
Another classic starring Tim Allen, but this time hes not the big jolly man in a red suit.
This classic Christmas comedy follows the story of a couple who are finally alone for the holidays.
Their daughter isn’t coming hope for the holidays, so they decide to skip Christma!
Its a good classic thats full of laughs and rather relatable moments, and shows the meaning of Christmas and coming together as a community.
Make sure to add it to your watch list.
Movie Night Must Haves for the Ultimate Movie Night Experience
Why not turn your Christmas movie night into a magical tradition for the whole family!
You can make your movie night feel extra special with a few simple treats and comforts like cosy blankets and yummy food.
Here’s some of my top recommendations for a cosy and festive movie night for the whole family.
- Matching Comfy Pj’s
- Personalised Movie Night Boxes
- Family Movie Night Plaque
- Christmas Movie Night Box
- Personalised Christmas Mugs
Adding in simple items like these can really bring the festive mood and help create lasting memories.
All items featured are from small businesses on Etsy.
For more festive ideas, check out Etsy’s Festive Hub.
Final Thoughts on Classic Christmas Movies
Christmas movies have a kind of magic that never fades, don’t they?
They bring families together, fill the house with laughter and definitely remind us why this season feels so special!
The classics in this list have earned their place because they capture that cosy mix of wonder, warmth and just pure festive joy.
Whether you want nostalgia, adventure, a bit of romance or a good laugh there is something here for every mood.
So why not settle in with a blanket, make a warm cuppa and let these stories carry you straight into the heart of Christmas.
For more movie night must haves, check out my top recommendations here – Family Movie Night Must Haves!
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