Are you ready to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Grab a big bowl of popcorn and snuggle up with the kids. Forget about the blustery winter weather and the crowds at the mall. Here’s a list of the top 10 family holiday movies that are sure to get you feeling good about the holidays again.
10. Frosty the Snowman (1969) – In this timeless animated classic, a magic top hat brings a snow man to life. The theme song will have kids and parents alike, singing along.
9. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) – In this retelling of Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic, the roles are all played by your favorite Disney characters. The vibrant characters and short running time (only 24 minutes) makes this version great for the younger members of the family.
8. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987) – John Candy and Steve Martin star in this hilarious film about man’s struggle to make it home for Thanksgiving after his flight has been cancelled.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – This timeless classic reminds children and adults about the magic of Christmas. You are never too old to believe in Santa, but even if you might be doubting his existence, this move makes a pretty good case in his favor.
6. Elf (2003) – If you think all of the great family holday movies were made over 20 years ago, you haven’t seen this heartwarming yet funny film. It’s the story of a human raised by Santa’s elves and his journey to find his real father.
5. The Santa Clause (1994) – What happens if someone accidentally kills Santa? He has to take his place, of course. This movie was a big hit when it was released, and inspired two different sequels. The children (and adults) will love this movie and it’s portrayal of Santa and his workshop at the North Pole. The special effects in this movie are a delight for young viewers.
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – Watching this claymation classic is a Christmas tradition for many families. This movie has a wonderful musical score that will have everybody singing along. Don’t miss the wonderful underlying message about being true to yourself and following your own path.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – It just doesn’t feel like the holidays until you’ve shared it with Snoopy, Charlie, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown becomes frustrated with the rampant materialism surrounding the Christmas season, so he is enlisted to direct the school Christmas pageant. Along the way he helps restore the humble spirit of the season with a tiny fir tree.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1947) – In spite of how relentlessly this film is played on television during the holiday season, it’s still worth the time to watch again and again. Interestingly, the movie unsuccessful when it was first released. This movie might be a bit long and complicated for very young viewers.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) – If you haven’t seen this holiday movie classic, then you are a “bad banana with a greasy black peel. Be sure to see the original version and not the 2000 remake. The characters are sure to steal your heart, especially the Grinch’s dog-turned-reindeer.
