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Animated Christmas Movies for Kids

We love Christmas

One of our favorite holiday traditions is our Christmas movie countdown. 

We all watch one holiday movie each night leading up to Christmas Eve. 

It has been fun to observe our kiddos as they become enamored with some of the movies we loved as kids. 

Take a look at our favorite animated Christmas movies for kids!

Christmas movies

Animated Christmas Movies for Kids


We have so many memories attached to all of these movies!



The Original Christmas Classics Gift Set

This is the best way to jump start a children's Christmas movie collection.  Included in this set are all-time favorites:
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • Santa Claus is Coming to Town
  • Frosty Returns
  • Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
  • The Cricket on the Hearth
  • The Little Drummer Boy
If you had to choose only one movie collection for your kiddos to watch during the holidays, this is would be it.

Our youngest would watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on repeat EVERY SINGLE DAY during the holiday season. Lol.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This is the classic 1967 animated special, adapted from the story book with the same name. 

The kiddos have watched this dozens of times over the years, and still enjoy it as much as ever.  

It makes a great companion to the live-action version with Jim Carrey.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of Renae's personal favorites.

The Polar Express

The Polar Express 


This is a highly imaginative, visually striking film that tells the simple story of a boy who begins to question if Santa is real.  

He gets a chance to ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express to discover the truth. 

Whether you are a fan of the book or or have never even heard of it, there is a lot to like about The Polar Express.

This was Bulldozer's favorite animated Christmas movie. He loved trains so much!

A Charlie Brown Christmas
 

A Charlie Brown Christmas


This is as much a part of Christmas time as tinsel and candy canes. 

Highlights include one of the greatest soundtracks of any holiday special (performed by the fantastic Vince Guaraldi Trio), as well as Linus' famous speech about the true meaning of Christmas.  

Both children and adults have plenty to look forward to with this one, year after year.

Jason loves to watch this movie during the Christmas season.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas


This is unique among our kiddos' favorites.  

It is a collection of three fun little stories, full of the usual laughs, pratfalls and spills, with a nice moral built into the narrative. 

If you prefer children's entertainment that teaches values as well as keeps the kiddos' attention, this is a great title to add to your collection.

Sunshine has always loved Mickey Mouse, and therefore loved this movie!

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Mickey's Christmas Carol


This is exactly what is sound like: a retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale, with Mickey and the gang playing the parts of Scrooge, Marley, Tiny Tim, etc.  

For parents who love the story, this is a great way to introduce the kiddos to the story and characters, before inviting them to watch the more grown-up versions with you.

Renae loves this version of A Christmas Carol.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

This is a personal choice, since there are some very warm, precious childhood memories of watching this every year around Christmas time for Renae. 

Technically, it's not animated, but close enough. Lol.

It's the perfect movie to help little ones get into the spirit!

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

This is a huge favorite of all of our kids, especially our youngest. 

This holiday episode from the show is one of the best. 

Who doesn't love Curious George?

Bulldozer and Sunshine have both been HUGE fans of Curious George and therefore loved this movie.

Arthur Christmas

Arthur Christmas 


This is a very clever story from the producers of Chicken Run and the Wallace and Grommit films that addresses the question of how Santa builds and delivers ALL of those toys. 

Jason is a big Wallace and Grommit fan.  

Anyone who enjoys those films will love this one.

Disney's Frozen

Frozen 


This is not a Christmas film in the strict sense. However, it is to us. 

Our daughter Princess has PTSD from early childhood trauma she experienced before we adopted her. 

Most of her triggers are related to Santa Claus, reindeer, etc, so it was necessary to find an alternative to movies with those themes for her to enjoy during the holidays without going into PTSD episodes. 

This one is perfect for Princess, for numerous reasons.

Sunshine also loves this movie.

Barbie: The Holiday Collection

Barbie Holiday Collection


There's just something about the Barbie movies that are so warm and enjoyable to watch.

These Christmas specials do not disappoint!

Princess absolutely LOVES Barbie in the Nutcracker. Renae loves all the classical music that the movie includes.

Bob the Builder: Bob's White Christmas

Bob the Builder: Bob's White Christmas


When Dinomite was young he absolutely LOVED Bob the Builder

We watched this movie so many times.

It's perfect for any little boy who enjoys construction vehicles.

The Ultimate Holiday Collection by Dreamworks

The Ultimate Holiday Collection by Dreamworks


Sunshine has always loved Dreamworks animated movies.

This was the perfect collection for her.

Our family favorite is the How to Train Your Dragon Christmas special. 

All four kids have gone through a phase where they love the How to Train Your Dragon movies and TV series.


We hope you enjoy watching these fabulous animated Christmas movies!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the posts below: 

A Christmas Movie CountdownFamily Christmas Traditions5 Christmas Dinner and a Movie Ideas for FamiliesChristmas Tree Activities for TotsChristmas Activities and Free PrintablesBell Activities for Tots and Preschoolers

Christmas movies for kids

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