by: Lindsay Hutton
The tradition of Christmas movies is as old as movie-making itself. Some holiday movies are pretty terrible, but several are wonderful tales you can watch over and over. We've put together a list of the top Christmas movies of all time. Spanning over several decades, our favorites include older classics and newer gems, but all of them have messages that are right in line with the holiday spirit. Enjoy!
Elf
The Nightmare Before Christmas
When Jack Skellington grows tired of Halloween Town, he wanders into the forest and accidentally opens a portal to a magical place called Christmas Town. Can he convince his fellow townsmen that this new town is a magical place, or will he be forced to watch as Christmas Town is taken over and it's magical spirit robbed?
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Home Alone
While he's home alone, he's forced to deal with two burglars who have cased the neighborhood to steal Christmas gifts. Using smarts, wit, and a few crafty traps, he manages to ward off the burglars and reunite with his family just in time for the holiday.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a nose that lights up. He's looking for a place where he belongs. Special guest appearances by the Abominable Snowman and the misfit toys make this movie extra-special.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
It's about Kris Kringle—the man who becomes Santa Claus—and how he brings toys to children in a town that has outlawed them. But what really makes this movie a Christmas classic is the fearsome Winter Warlock's transformation into a compassionate wizard with the wonderful song "Put One Foot In Front of the Other."
A Christmas Carol
Based on a story by Charles Dickens about an old miser named Scrooge who learns compassion when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve, this makes a great holiday movie because it's thrilling and has a nice message.
The full text of the A Christmas Carol is available on TeacherVision!
White Christmas
When they find out an old friend is on the verge of bankruptcy, they use their star power to summon help on Christmas Eve—and give their friend what is perhaps the best Christmas present of all.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
The Year Without a Santa Claus
A Christmas Story
What is your favorite holiday movie? Leave a comment and let us know which movie is a must-see during the holiday season.
Check out more great gift ideas for kids.
