40+ Best Christian Christmas Movies for Kids in 2023
Want to have a movie night with your kids this Christmas season? Check out this list of over 40 best Christian Christmas movies for kids in 2023. These movies are family-friendly, and clean and promote peace and goodwill to everyone!
The best part of the holiday season is spending time with family. I love every aspect of Christmas–the parties, presents, carols, and the joy floating everywhere.
But we all know that you can only handle so much Christmas activity before you have to take a night off and spend some time at home.
When I need a break from the rushing around holiday craziness, I like to schedule a Christmas movie night for the whole family.
It’s become one of my favorite traditions of the season.
There are a ton of great Christmas movies to watch–our personal favorite is Home Alone. We watch it year-round!
But in the interest of focusing on Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas, sometimes we like to watch Christian Christmas movies or movies that have a positive or uplifting message.
Not every movie needs to tell the story of Jesus’ birth to be included on our list of Christian Christmas movies for kids. But they do need to have a message about love, hope, or family because those are the values we want to pass on to our kids.
This list of the best Christian Christmas movies includes faith-based films, favorite holiday films, new takes on Bible stories, and some films you’ve probably never heard of before! These movies have family values you’re happy to share with your kids and are a great way to get everyone in on the Christmas spirit.
How to Have a Christmas Movie Night with Kids
Movie nights tend to be spontaneous. We flop down on the couch on a rainy afternoon or a chilly night to watch our favorites. (Or whatever we can find for free!)
But when it comes to having a Christmas movie night, it’s okay to go a little above and beyond!
Make it special.
Movie nights can happen any time of year, but you can elevate this one and make it even more special. Have everyone dress up in matching pajamas, or fuzzy socks, put away all the devices, and snuggle under a fuzzy blanket on the couch!
Eat some sugar.
Kids and sugar aren’t always a great mix, but it’s fun to do something different and get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Sugar cookies are always a favorite during the holiday season. Make them yourself, or buy some at the store–either way, it’ll be a treat for everyone.
Break the rules.
Make it a great movie night when you break a couple of house rules! Eat some snacks in the living room, stay up past bedtime, and drink hot cocoa in your pajamas.
Fun movie nights when I was a kid often included pulling our sleeping bags to the living room and being allowed to fall asleep on the couch. It really is the little things that make life fun when you’re a kid.
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40+ Best Christian Christmas Movies for Kids
These 41 inspiring Christmas movies don’t all tell the story of Jesus’ birth, but they all share a message that Christmas is about more than gifts! You can share these holiday movies with your family without worrying about a hidden agenda, or something you’d rather them not see yet–and no awkward explanations about character’s actions.
Gather your whole crew and watch these Christian movies together during your Christmas family movie night.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
When Charlie Brown is feeling depressed and discouraged by the commercialism surrounding the holiday season, he takes a stand and tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. His journey of self-discovery captures the joy, sadness, and hope of the season in a way that is both universal and timeless. This classic animated special has become a holiday tradition that will make you laugh, cry, and think.
Angels in the Snow
Angels in the Snow is an inspirational story that follows Charles and Judith, who take their children to their family’s remote cabin for the holidays. However, tensions are high between the couple, causing an air of animosity to permeate the house. But when another family gets stranded by a storm, the four of them come together to help, and discover the importance of sticking together despite their differences. It’s an uplifting and heart-warming story about family, friendship, and love.
It’s a Wonderful Life
After George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.
It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, and millions of people (including me!) what and re-watch it every Christmas season.
The Nativity Story
In a story of profound faith, one young woman struggles with her destiny as she is chosen to give birth to the Son of God and to become the object of salvation for billions of souls.
This movie may not appeal to younger children, but it’s a great film for teens and tweens who can understand the true meaning of Christmas. It’ll open your eyes and show you the birth of Jesus Christ in a way you never saw it before.
Have your tissues ready! I cried like a baby the first time I watched it!
Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy
Experience the true meaning of Christmas with Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy! This beloved holiday classic tells the story of Junior Asparagus, a lonesome little drummer who learns the value of giving when he arrives at the holy manger to witness the birth of baby Jesus. With its message of hope, love and forgiveness, this story will warm the hearts of children and adults alike.
The Christmas Candle
The Christmas Candle is an uplifting story full of heart and hope that will have you believing in miracles. Based on the best-selling novel by Max Lucado, The Christmas Candle tells the age-old legend of how a single, special candle grants a miracle to whoever lights it every 25 years. But when a young, progressive minister arrives in 1890 at the dawn of the Electric Age, the legendary candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle for generations to come.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Experience the power of redemption and hope this holiday season with The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. This critically acclaimed children’s book adaptation follows the story of a young boy struggling to cope with the death of his father and the heartbreaking loss of his treasured wooden nativity set. His mother enlists the help of a reclusive, ill-tempered woodcarver to create a replacement for her son, and through it, they embark on a journey of healing and forgiveness.
Little House on the Prairie: A Merry Ingalls Christmas
I spent many happy days at my grandmother’s house watching Little House on the Prairie, and it’s fun to share it with my kids now, especially at Christmas time!
This set includes two classic Little House episodes to cherish and remember. “Christmas at Plum Creek” captures the true message of the holiday season as the Ingalls family shares their first Christmas in their new home and Laura makes a heart-warming personal sacrifice.
The family is engrossed in a “Christmas They Never Forget” as they wait out a snowstorm and remember their favorite Christmases from the past.
The Star
This is a fun and delightful animated film for the whole family! Your kids can experience the joy of one of the most beloved stories of all time: the nativity. Through the adventures of a group of animals led by a lovable donkey named Bo, they are thrown into a series of events and misadventures. Ultimately they are lead to the right place at the right time.
This heartwarming movie follows Bo on his journey that leads to the birth of Jesus Christ. Along the way, viewers are also introduced to a wonderful cast of characters – both familiar and new – that will have the whole family laughing and connecting to the story.
Christmas for a Dollar
Christmas for a Dollar is a new holiday favorite for the entire family! Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming tale of the Kamp family is sure to become an instant classic.
As all of America is caught in the grip of the Great Depression, the Kamps are struggling to make ends meet, especially after the sudden loss of Mrs. Kamp.
But when her father brings home one dollar in change and lets the children use it to buy special gifts for each other, the Kamps come to find that money isn’t what makes Christmas special.
The Little Drummer Boy
This classic, beloved tale tells the story of a lonely orphan who stumbles upon the birth of Christ and is filled with the true spirit of Christmas. An uplifting soundtrack by the Vienna Boys’ Choir adds an air of beauty and whimsy to this wonderful story of the birth of Jesus.
Perfect for adults and children, The Little Drummer Boy is an inspiring reminder of the importance of giving and love. Whether you’re sharing it with your family or giving it as a thoughtful gift, this timeless movie is certain to become a cherished part of your holiday collection.
Christmas Oranges
Christmas Oranges is a heartwarming tale about a young orphan girl named Rose, who is forced to leave her beloved orphanage home. She must move to a family home with a headmaster who takes an immediate dislike to her.
Despite the challenges she faces, the young girl finds solace in the once-a-year treat of Christmas Oranges. When the holidays finally arrive, something unexpected happens that changes her life forever.
Christmas Oranges is a touching story of courage and resilience, sure to delight viewers of all ages.
Buttons: A Christmas Tale
Welcome to the enchanting world of Buttons: A Christmas Tale! This heartwarming holiday classic follows the journey of two orphan girls who are determined to find a home for Christmas.
With the help of their two guardian angels, Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury, they embark on a magical, musical journey filled with joy, hope, and the power of belief. Experience the beauty of the season and the joy of the holidays with this timeless story.
Christmas Angel
Featuring a stellar cast led by Teri Polo, Della Reese, and Kevin Sorbo, Christmas Angel is the perfect film for the whole family to enjoy this festive season. The story follows the adventures of Olivia Mead, a young girl who wishes that her single mom could find love and a father figure.
Her wishes are answered as soon as she and her classmates enter a mysterious abandoned house, and find Elsie Waybright, the Christmas Angel. With Elsie’s teachings, Olivia soon discovers that every wish must be left in God’s hands, and ultimately learns to trust in his power.
Prancer
Prancer is a timeless, charming family movie – the perfect addition to your holiday roster. It tells the story of Bud, a widowed grandfather who is sadly closing his beloved family hardware store in the town of Brightridge. As he is in need of help, his son and daughter bring their families to stay with him and help him out, and then a mysterious reindeer begins to appear. Bud and his granddaughter Gloria name him Proncer and form an unbreakable bond with him as he begins to give them messages. This movie is sure to be a hit with viewers of all ages – the perfect choice for a cozy wintertime movie night.
Chasing the Star
Chasing the Star is a full-length feature film inspired by the story of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, in the Bible who journeyed from three different regions of the world to find the new-born King. The Magi’s adventure is full of peril, as they must brave the unforgiving desert in search of proof of an age-old prophecy. Kings of men and fallen angels intervene and seek to destroy the Magi and the baby boy that holds the key to fulfilling the prophecy.
A Christmas…Present
In this Christian film, Candace Cameron Bure plays Maggie, a woman determined to make this holiday season special for her niece and widowed brother, as well as her own husband and children.
In her quest to fulfill her promise of making the newest holiday season enjoyable, Maggie discovers the importance of being present for all the parts of Christmas. Through ups and downs, laughter, and tears, Maggie’s journey is full of lessons about love, family, and the joy of giving.
Related: The Ultimate Fan Guide to Candace Cameron’s Christmas Movies (2023)
Homeless for the Holidays
Homeless for the Holidays is a heart-warming tale of one man’s struggle to overcome financial disaster and save his family from a bleak future.
Our protagonist, an executive and family man, loses his job, forcing him to take a minimum-wage job at a burger joint to make ends meet. With the holidays fast approaching, his family is at risk of losing their home and facing a hopeless future.
Throughout the film, our main character must grapple with the harsh realities of financial strain and the difficult choices he must make.
Saving Christmas
Starring Kirk Cameron, this inspiring and informative film is perfect for families who want to uphold the faith elements of the season. Through the use of vivid, joyful imagery, Kirk Cameron provides a biblical basis for our time-honored traditions and celebrations.
This family classic will bring a newfound understanding of the spiritual truth of the season. Don’t let a culture that wants to trivialize or eliminate the faith elements of this holy season pass you by!
Once Upon a Stable
Welcome to Once Upon a Stable, the joyous and captivating animated film about a cow, mouse, horse, pig, and rooster living together in a Bethlehem stable!
Our hilarious and endearing friends are about to receive a very special house guest – and they can’t wait to show them the ropes of living in their cozy stable.
Kids will love the funny characters and the story of how the small group of animals help their special guest experience the joy of living in their stable.
Once Upon a Stable is a great pick for kids of all ages, sure to bring hours of smiles and laughter. Share this animated movie with the little ones in your life, and enjoy the magical tale of friendship and unexpected visitors on the first Christmas morning.
By God’s Grace
In the tradition of the classic “A Christmas Carol,” this film offers many lessons on the importance of giving and the cause and effect our choices have on others.
By God’s Grace is the perfect holiday film for families, friends, and those looking to learn the true meaning of giving and the power of love.
A Christmas Tree Miracle
Experience the power of family and Christmas spirit with the heartwarming film A Christmas Tree Miracle. When David, a loving father, loses his job and his family loses everything, they are taken in by an old Christmas tree farmer. As the family comes together in the face of adversity, they find the strength to overcome all of the obstacles in their path. Their story is sure to engage and inform viewers of all ages. Not just a compelling narrative, but a reminder that family is worth fighting for.
Christmas in the Smokies
This movie is an unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of the Smoky Mountains as a family fights the odds to save their historic berry farm. Watch as tensions mount and unlikely alliances form as the family attempts to preserve their cultural roots while struggling to make ends meet. This sweet movie is the perfect way to spend the holiday season!
The film is full of heartfelt moments and relatable family drama, and the beautiful Smoky Mountain backdrop will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
The Christmas Star
In this feel-good movie, an astronomer predicts that a meteor shower will appear over a tiny town – a once-in-a-lifetime event. She must then convince the locals to help her with her discovery, at the expense of a Christmas tradition they’ve held dear for generations.
And she might find true love among the stars with a single dad along the way!
The Chosen: Story of the First Christmas
The Chosen: A Story of the First Christmas is a captivating and beautiful movie that brings the story of the first Christmas to life. Through the eyes of a shepherd who has suffered much rejection and hardship, the viewer is transported back in time to the night God sent His Son to live amongst us.
This moving account is sure to open the reader’s eyes and hearts to the awe and wonder of Christ’s birth. This is a beautiful, thought-provoking movie to watch with your older kids this Christmas holiday.
Little Women
While Little Women isn’t a movie that’s all about Christmas, it belongs on a list of family films to watch for Christmas. Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, the movie follows the story of four sisters during the time of the Civil War.
Their father is off fighting the war, and they have to face the hardships of life and learn that love and family is the ultimate gift.
There are several versions of this movie, but at Christmastime, the classic starring Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst and Winona Ryder is my favorite.
Karen Kingsbury’s Maggie’s Christmas Miracle
Maggie’s Christmas Miracle is a warm, touching holiday movie that will bring joy and hope to your holiday season. Follow single mother Maggie as she struggles to find her Christmas spirit. With the help of her son Jordan’s tutor, Maggie discovers that anything is possible with faith and fate. Along the way, you’ll be delighted with heartwarming moments and magical moments that will make everyone feel the true spirit of Christmas.
Journey Back to Christmas
Journey Back to Christmas tells the story of Hanna, a woman who has suffered through the aftermath of WWII and is still grieving the disappearance of her husband. When the mysterious Christmas Comet appears, she is caught in a terrible storm and knocked unconscious. When she wakes up, she finds that she’s been transported to 2016. As she faces the challenge of adapting to a new era, Hanna must also choose between a charming young doctor and a handsome World War II pilot with a mysterious connection to her past.
Switched for Christmas
This heartwarming story follows identical twins Kate and Chris Lockhart as they switch lives for the Christmas season. There are plenty of laughs, a few tears, and lots of surprises along the way. Kate and Chris find themselves in unexpected situations, leading to some great life lessons about the grass not always being greener.
Get a double dose of Candace Cameron Bure as she plays both main characters in this fun holiday film.
Veggie Tales: Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas
Introduce your children to the Veggie Tales with this classic holiday movie. ‘Merry Larry and the True Light of Christmas’ follows Bob and Larry as they go all out to make it the best Christmas ever at the Spring Valley Mall. In this cheerful film, your children will learn important lessons like the true meaning of giving and the importance of helping others. Join in the fun as Larry and the Veggies search for the Christmas Star and discover that the true light of Christmas can be found in the most unlikely places.
Veggie Tales: The Toy That Saved Christmas
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with Veggie Tales: The Toy That Saved Christmas. Featuring Buzz-Saw Louie, a brave little doll, this story takes an endearing look at Christmas and all its traditions. Unscrupulous toy maker Wally P. Nezzer is appearing in his own TV commercials, trying to convince all the children of Dinkletown that “Christmas is when you get stuff!”
But with the town’s children begging for more toys, it’s sure to be the worst Christmas ever–unless Buzz-Saw Louie can save the day! This heartwarming story teaches children of all ages that “Christmas isn’t about getting; it’s about giving.”
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is the perfect movie to get you into the holiday spirit. In this time-honored classic, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who take him on a breathtaking journey of self-discovery.
Not only does Scrooge learn about the power of kindness and generosity, but he must act on his newfound understanding before it’s too late.
There are several versions of this classic, but the Disney animated version is my absolute favorite.
The Heart of Christmas
The Heart of Christmas tells the incredible and inspiring story of a community that comes together to give a terminally ill child one last holiday celebration. This heartfelt drama highlights the power of community and friendship as the town comes together to create a special and lasting memory for the boy and his family.
With an amazing cast including Candace Cameron Bure and singer Matthew West, and a moving score, The Heart of Christmas is an inspiring and heartwarming holiday movie suitable for the entire family.
The Man Who Invented Christmas
The Man Who Invented Christmas is an enchanting and uplifting adventure that takes viewers back in time. You’ll witness how Charles Dickens created some of the most beloved characters in literary history.
Combining real-life events with a healthy dose of imagination and holiday magic, this film is a must-see for anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas experience. Starring Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens, the story follows the famous author as he strives to come up with an uplifting tale designed to reignite his flagging career. Unknown to him at the time, to bring a newfound spirit of hope and joy to millions of people.
Christmas Story
Christmas Story is an enchanting holiday tale that transports readers to a faraway village. It reimagines the origins of Santa Claus as a young orphan named Nikolas.
Through an exciting and heartwarming journey, this festive story follows the adventures of Nikolas as he shows his gratitude to the villagers who raised him by starting the Christmas tradition of gift-giving.
A Dog Named Christmas
A Dog Named Christmas is an award-winning holiday movie that celebrates the spirit of the season. It tells the heartwarming story of a developmentally challenged young man, Todd. He is determined to prove to his family that he can care for a dog on his own.
Along the way, both he and his father discover the joys of true companionship and love. This is a sweet movie that is sure to bring warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering and leave viewers feeling inspired.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Immerse yourself in the classic novel of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Follow along as the four siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy – play a game of hide and seek. They stumble upon a magical land, filled with beasts, dwarfs, and giants.
Led by the majestic lion Aslan, the children are called on an epic quest. They must defeat an evil witch and restore peace to Narnia–a land where it’s always winter and never Christmas.
Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Miracle
Christmas Miracle is a powerful reminder that, with the right attitude, even the most unlikely of miracles can happen. This inspiring story follows eight strangers on a fateful journey who are forced to take refuge in an abandoned church during a snowstorm.
Their unlikely gathering provides an opportunity to see the world from a new perspective and to learn how to manage their own personal dilemmas. Through this journey, the group learns that by working together, they can make the most miraculous moments come to life.
Christmas Miracle is brimming with heartfelt moments and is sure to leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
The Ultimate Gift
When a deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive the ultimate gift, the resentful grandson has no idea what he’s in for. With twists and turns at every corner, the story follows the grandson on his journey of personal growth and discovery. It’s a heartwarming tale of the rewards of following through on a commitment and embracing the gift of service.
Veggie Tales: The Best Christmas Gift
Bring the spirit of Christmas to your home this season with Veggie Tales: The Best Christmas Gift! This holiday special offers a unique twist on the classic story of the first Christmas.
Its relatable story of the Veggies struggling to save their Christmas show will have the whole family engaged and excited.
With positive messages of understanding and faith, The Best Christmas Gift is a wonderful reminder that even when times are hard, God is always with you. It’s an excellent way to share the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of kindness with your family.
Related: Kids Movie Review: The Lego Batman Movie for Kids
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994 versions)
Celebrate the classic holiday tale of friendship and belief with Miracle on 34th Street – 1947 and 1994 versions! This DVD set has all your favorite scenes from the original 1947 black-and-white version and the updated 1994 version.
Experience the story of a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly, and a snowy beard hired as Macy’s department store Santa who claims his name is Kris Kringle. When Kris is declared insane and put on trial, the old and young alike must answer the age-old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Follow six-year-old Susan and her journey of disbelief and ultimately, faith in this endearing holiday classic.
More Christmas Fun for Families
Check out these posts with more fun for your kids and family this Christmas season!
