10 Magical Christmas Movies for Kids to Spark Holiday Joy
Published 05 November 2024 at 09:27
Tickikids Blog Singapore > Digest > 10 Magical Christmas Movies for Kids to Spark Holiday Joy
Christmas is the time for choosing presents for our kids—a season when giving becomes a language all its own, expressing appreciation, love, and thoughtfulness. 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, full of holiday spirit, and entertaining for kids, teens and adults alike.
Each of these films 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.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Video Credit: Netflix
Plot: The plot follows the adventure of siblings Kate and Teddy, who, after recently losing their father, are struggling to keep their family’s holiday spirit alive. One Christmas Eve, they unexpectedly catch Santa Claus on camera while he's delivering presents. Intrigued, they sneak into his sleigh for a closer look, but things go hilariously wrong when their presence causes a mid-flight accident, resulting in Santa's sleigh crashing and his bag of presents being scattered across Chicago.
Why It’s Great: Kate, Teddy, and Santa must team up to find the lost presents and save Christmas. Along the way, the trio face various challenges, from encounters with mischievous elves to run-ins with the law, all while discovering the true meaning of family, hope, and the Christmas spirit. It’s a heartfelt and thrilling holiday tale that shows how even a little faith can create big miracles.
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.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Video Credit: Netflix
Plot: Nikolas embarks on a journey to find his father in the fabled land of Elfhelm, discovering the true meaning of Christmas along the way. This adventurous tale blends fantasy and heart, bringing Santa’s origin story to life with wonder and warmth.
Why It’s Great: This film adds a new layer to the Santa origin story with its visually rich and engaging narrative. Full of fantasy and emotion, it’s perfect for instilling a sense of wonder in both kids and teens.
Spirited (2022)
Video Credit: Apple TV
Plot: In this modern musical twist on A Christmas Carol, the Ghost of Christmas Present tries to reform a new "Scrooge" with hilarious, heartfelt results. The film’s comedy and music reinvent the classic story, making it fun and reflective for a new generation.
Why It’s Great: With a lively soundtrack and the comedic duo of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, this film brings a fresh, humorous, and thought-provoking approach to a classic Christmas story, making it perfect for family laughs and reflection.
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!