Top 10 Christmas Movies for a Cozy Family Night
Published 11 November 2024 at 12:52
Tickikids Blog Abu Dhabi > Top 10 Christmas Movies for a Cozy Family Night
Christmas is the time for choosing presents for our little ones! And sometimes, the greatest gift we can give children is simply the time we've shared together. These small, joyful memories remind kids that they’re loved and cherished beyond measure, making Christmas truly special in ways that last far beyond the season!
One of the most joyful holiday traditions is cosying up by the Christmas tree, watching a marathon of festive movies with the warm glow of twinkling lights filling the room. TickiKids prepared a list of 10 beloved Christmas movies, perfect for cosy family nights and full of holiday spirit! Each of these films is entertaining for kids, teens and adults alike and brings joy, warmth, and a touch of festive magic for the holiday season!
All movies combine heartwarming messages with laughter and fantasy, creating a comforting holiday vibe for families. Don’t forget the homemade Christmas cookies to bring extra cheer to every laugh, song, and heartfelt moment on screen and you’ll have the ultimate holiday movie night!
Home Alone (1990)
Video Credit: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Plot: When 8-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind during his family’s holiday trip, he turns his house into a fortress to fend off two bumbling burglars. Packed with hilarious pranks and heartfelt moments, this classic celebrates family and resilience.
Why It's Great: This classic combines humour, adventure, and heartfelt moments, showing the importance of family. Its timeless comedy and feel-good message make it a favourite for kids and teens alike.
Elf (2003)
Video Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment
Plot: Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, travels to New York City to find his biological father and bring Christmas cheer to everyone he meets. His innocence and love for Christmas show that joy and kindness can change even the grumpiest hearts.
Why It’s Great: Will Ferrell’s hilarious portrayal of Buddy offers a sweet, humorous reminder that kindness and positivity can change even the most sceptical hearts. Its lightheartedness is perfect for bringing families together in laughter.
The Polar Express (2004)
Video Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment
Plot: On Christmas Eve, a sceptical boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole, where he learns about belief, wonder, and the spirit of Christmas. The film’s enchanting journey shows that believing in magic can be life-changing.
Why It’s Great: The enchanting animation and Tom Hanks’s narration draw viewers into a winter wonderland filled with wonder and belief, teaching kids about the importance of faith and magic in Christmas.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Video Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Plot: Santa’s clumsy son Arthur sets out on an adventure to deliver a forgotten Christmas gift to a child before dawn.
Why It’s Great: Arthur, Santa’s clumsy but big-hearted son, embarks on a quest to deliver a forgotten gift to a child before Christmas morning. This animated adventure emphasises that every child’s joy matters and celebrates family teamwork and holiday spirit.
The Grinch (2018)
Video Credit: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Plot: In this animated retelling, the Grinch plots to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday through a young girl’s kindness. It’s a heartwarming story about how love and community overcome bitterness.
Why It’s Great: This updated animated version, with the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch, adds a modern twist while keeping Dr. Seuss’s original charm. It’s a heartwarming reminder that Christmas is about joy and connection, not materialism.
Feast of the Seven Fishes (2018)
Video Credit: Shout! Studios
Plot: Set in a small working-class town in 1983, Feast of the Seven Fishes follows the Italian-American Oliverio family as they prepare for their traditional Christmas Eve feast. This annual event is an Italian tradition featuring seven different seafood dishes. The story centres on Tony Oliverio, a young man looking for love and struggling to find his path. When Tony meets Beth, he’s instantly smitten. But their budding romance faces challenges as they navigate family traditions, cultural differences, and the gentle chaos of holiday preparations.
Why It’s Great: This wonderful family movie captures the essence of holiday traditions and the joy of family gatherings. The film’s setting in the '80s adds a nostalgic feel, and the focus on Italian-American culture gives it a unique flavour, both literally and figuratively. The characters are relatable and lovable, with memorable family dynamics that many viewers can connect with, regardless of cultural background.
Klaus (2019)
Video Credit: Netflix
Plot: Jesper, a selfish postman, teams up with a reclusive toymaker in a gloomy town, unwittingly creating the Santa Claus legend. This beautifully animated film highlights the transformative power of kindness and generosity.
Why It’s Great: This animated film’s beautiful, hand-drawn animation and moving storyline make it an instant classic, promoting themes of kindness, generosity, and how small acts can make a big difference.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Video Credit: Netflix
Plot: A once-joyful toymaker, betrayed by his apprentice, rediscovers hope and creativity thanks to his spirited granddaughter. Set in a whimsical world, this musical brings family, forgiveness, and the magic of invention to life.
Why It’s Great: With vibrant musical numbers and a steampunk-inspired world, this film celebrates family, resilience, and the magic of invention. It’s uplifting and imaginative, offering a fresh holiday tale.
The Claus Family 1-3 (2020)
Video Credit: Netflix
Plot: A wonderful Christmas movie that blends heartwarming family moments with a fresh twist on holiday magic. The story follows Jules Claus, a young boy who’s lost his love for Christmas after his father’s passing. When he discovers that his grandfather is actually Santa Claus, Jules finds himself drawn into the family tradition of delivering Christmas gifts around the world.
Why It’s Great: This film combines beautiful winter scenes and magical elements with themes of family, healing, and rediscovering joy. Jules’s journey is one of understanding the spirit of giving and reconnecting with his family’s legacy, making it a touching, relatable story for all ages. The Claus Family spawned two sequels!
Alien Xmas (2020)
Video Credit: Netflix After School
Plot: In Alien Xmas, a group of kleptomaniac aliens known as the Klepts decides to steal Earth’s gravity to make it easier to steal everything on the planet. To carry out this mission, they send an alien named X to the North Pole, where he disguises himself as an elf. However, when X gets there, he stumbles upon the true spirit of Christmas through an unexpected friendship and a series of comical misunderstandings. As X learns about kindness and generosity, he starts to question his mission, ultimately helping to save Christmas from the Klepts’ greedy plan.
Why It’s Great: Alien Xmas combines humour, heart, and eye-catching stop-motion animation, making it engaging for all ages. Its retro-inspired, Rankin/Bass-style visuals and holiday themes make it feel nostalgic yet fresh. The film’s central message—about kindness and giving rather than taking—is perfect for the season, and X’s transformation from a selfish alien to a Christmas-loving hero adds warmth and character development that resonate well with both kids and adults.
These films together offer a delightful mix of laughter, adventure, and meaningful moments perfect for any holiday movie marathon. So pour some hot cocoa, grab a plate of cookies, and get ready for a cosy night of holiday magic!