The holidays are right around the corner and in my house that means one thing — we’re ready to watch our favorite Christmas movies!
We have many favorites in our house, from ones we watch together as a family to ones we enjoy with a glass of wine after our little ones have gone to bed. Here is a list of the top 10 holiday movies in our house and why we love them so much!
10 Favorite Christmas Movies
1. Christmas Vacation
I’m going to start this list with my absolute favorite holiday movie, Christmas Vacation. This movie is probably not one to watch with little kids, but can be enjoyed by the adults in your family. It provides laughs about family experiences we can all relate to!
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime, and on the AMC channel (find schedule HERE).
2. Home Alone
A good choice for both kids and parents. This was one of my top holiday movies when I was a kid, and is now a favorite of my kids. It’s fun and hilarious, with a great heartfelt ending. Home Alone (and all of its sequels) are available on Disney+. And they will also be on FreeForm during the month of December.
WHERE TO WATCH: Disney+, Amazon Prime, and some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
3. Elf
This is one of the newer movies on the list, but still a classic in its own right. Kids will enjoy watching the goofy and loveable Buddy the Elf as he enters the real world of NYC. This film will keep your family laughing the whole time!
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime, and some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
4. This Christmas
A great movie for the adults in your house, This Christmas follows the complexity of family dynamics when everyone is in the same house for the holidays. It also has one of the best soundtracks of any holiday film out there!
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime
5. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I will have to say, I love all three versions of this quintessential Christmas movie. There is the original cartoon version from 1966, the Jim Carrey version from 2000, and the most recent film from 2018. Depending on how old your kids are or what style of movie you are looking for, you are sure to find a version of The Grinch that you enjoy!
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime, and some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a great holiday classic for the whole family. It is sweet, heartwarming, and really brings us back to the reason for the season. If you need an excuse to slow down and appreciate the real meaning behind the holidays, this is a fantastic option for you! You can find this on Apple+ and PBS.
WHERE TO WATCH: Apple TV+
7. Frosty the Snowman
Another holiday favorite for the whole family is Frosty the Snowman. My kids love watching Frosty work his magic, and singing along to the familiar songs. They also enjoy the goofy magician and all of his antics. Frosty the Snowman is a fun holiday classic for us “older kids” as well — it can bring back some major nostalgia! You can find Frosty the Snowman on FreeForm and Hulu.
WHERE TO WATCH: Some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
8. The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a movie everyone in our household loves! It has humor that both the kids and adults will appreciate. And it teaches the importance of family and sticking with what you believe.
WHERE TO WATCH: Disney+ and some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
9. It’s a Wonderful Life
This is one of the original Christmas classics! It’s a Wonderful Life was released in 1946 and has been loved ever since. This movie can remind us that even under difficult circumstances, life can still be good. You can watch this movie on Amazon Prime and USA Network.
WHERE TO WATCH: Amazon Prime and some cable channels (find schedule HERE).
10. Miracle on 34th Street
Here is another old holiday classic, with the original film being released in 1947. Miracle on 34th Street is another movie that reminds us of what the holiday is truly about, and how we can continue to believe in the spirit of the season.
WHERE TO WATCH: Disney+ & Amazon Prime.
Christmas movies are one of our very favorite traditions in our house. I plan week by week which movies we are going to watch, so we are able to get through all of the ones we love.
We also love watching a new holiday movie each year with the possibility of adding it into our yearly rotation!
If you haven’t watched the holiday films I listed above, check them out. You just might find a new movie to add to your list of holiday favorites!
And for more holiday fun and list of other great holiday movies and shows, check out the Fargo Mom Ultimate Guide to Holiday & Christmas Events in Fargo!
