The best Christmas films to watch this December

1. Elf

First up on our list for best Christmas films is one of our favourites. Elf. Without a doubt, we watch this every year and never grow bored of it. If you’ve never seen this film before, you are missing out on a Christmas classic.

If you’re a fan of Will Ferrell and his comical ways, this film is for you. The film centres on Buddy, a human who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. He learns about this and heads to New York City to meet his biological father. He spreads Christmas cheer in a world of cynics in the process.

Surprisingly, this film came out 18 years ago and is still a hit with people around the world.

2. The Polar Express

Here at Santa Academy, we love this film and could watch it again and again. That’s why we’ve put it on the list of the best Christmas films to watch in December.  This computer-animated Christmas musical adventure film is based on the book produced in 1985.

The film followsNorth Pole. The train stops outside his window and is invited on board by the conductor. The boy joins children on the train as they embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas.

This a magical Christmas film that can be enjoyed by children and adults. If you’re looking for Christmas films to watch, be sure to add this one to the list. You won’t be disappointed.

3. Arthur Christmas

This next one is perfect for young children. 10 years after its release, this Christmas film is still popular and a great film to watch at Christmas time. Even as adults we love this film.

The film tells the story of how Santa isn’t a real person but a hereditary title carried on through generations. The film takes place on Christmas Eve. Clumsy Arthur Claus, the son of the current Santa, discovers that one girl didn’t receive her present.  He embarks on a journey to save her Christmas. He is accompanied by his reckless grandfather, an enthusiastic elf and a team of reindeers.

This truly is a wonderful and funny Christmas tale the whole family can enjoy together on your next movie night.

4. Miracle of 34^th Street

If you’re still looking for the best Christmas films to watch this December, we still have more ideas to come. If you’ve never watched Miracle of 34^th Street, add it to your list of films to watch this December. At Santa Academy, we think this a must watch film for all the family.

The film tells the story of a little girl who doesn’t quite believe Santa Claus is real. When her mother must hire a Santa Claus for her department store, she hires a man with a unique name. The man’s name is Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. The girl and her stepfather must prove that he indeed the real Santa Claus.

The little girl tells him of three wishes she’d like to come true. By the end of the film, her wishes come true, leading her to believe that Santa is in fact real.

5. Home Alone

It wouldn’t be a list of best Christmas films without this next one. Over 30 years after it was released, this film still remains a classic today.

The film tells the story of a young boy named Kevin who is accidentally left behind by his family. At first, Kevin is thrilled to be away from his family and having the house to himself. However, when two local thieves realise Kevin is home alone, they hatch a plan to break in.

This film will have your kids laughing as Kevin pulls all kinds of tricks to deter the thieves. They’ll want to watch it again and again. Will Kevin stop the thieves from burgling the house?

6. The Snowman

Are you looking for the best Christmas films to keep even the smallest members of the family occupied? The Snowman is a perfect choice. It has a short running time for those little ones who won’t sit for long.

This short feature film is based on the book by Raymond Briggs. The story doesn’t feature any words except for the song ‘Walking in the Air’. Instead, it tells the story of the snowman through pictures, action and music.

If your child loves the film adaption, why not try them with the book?

7. The Grinch

We’re pretty sure you’re aware of this film and you’ve seen it multiple times. That’s why we’ve added it to the list because it’s a classic. Whether you’re a child or adult, you’re bound to enjoy this film.

The film is based on a character who hates Christmas and has spent the last 53 years living in seclusion. The Grinch is mean and doesn’t get along with the residents of Whoville. Fed up with the residents enjoying Christmas, The Grinch plans to steal their Christmas.

The Grinch believes by stealing their Christmas, it will ruin their day. However, for the people of Whoville, Christmas isn’t about the presents but spending time with loved ones. As the Grinch has always been on his own this is something he is jealous of. The Grinch is invited for dinner with the people of Whoville and begins to make friends.

By the end, you will grow to love the Grinch and be happy he has been accepted in Whoville.

8. The Nightmare before Christmas

If you’re looking for a spooky twist on a Christmas film, we have just the thing for you. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a great film for those who like to feel a little spooked.

The story follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town. Jack has become bored with Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, becoming infatuated with the idea of Christmas. Jack decides he wants to create his own version of Christmas.

If your little ones are easily scared, they may not enjoy this film. But for children who love a thrill, this Christmas film is a must.

9. Santa Paws

We’ve decided this next suggestion is one of the best Christmas films because of the cute dogs featured in it. Who doesn’t love an adorable fluffy puppy?

The story follows Santa Claus as he receives a gift of a cuddly toy dog. The gift is from an old friend who has passed away. In a bid to cheer Santa up, the head elf decides to bring the stuffed dog to life. Santa names his dog Paws and promises they’ll be best friends for life.

However, as the pair travel to New York together they become separated. Head elf, Eli, and the elf dog must reunite the pair. Will they be reunited? Follow the pair on their crazy journey and find out.

You’re sure to love this Christmas tale.

10. Winne the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

The toddlers and babies of the family need something to watch at Christmas too. If they are fans of Winne the Pooh, they’ll love this Christmas film.

The story follows Winnie the Pooh as he celebrates Christmas and New Year with all his friends.

Your little one will love seeing what the gang gets up to as they decorate the tree and exchange presents. What will your little one’s favourite part of the film be?

11. Saving Santa

We are down to our last few suggestions for the best Christmas films to watch in December.

This film is lesser known but is a remarkable film we recommend the family watching together. If you’ve not seen this one before, give it a try.

As you can guess from the title, the film is about Saving Santa. An elf must stop the invasion of the North Pole by using Santa’s sleigh and a time globe. He must travel back to time to save Santa.

Will he do it? You’ll have to watch the film to find out.

12. Fred Claus

If you’re looking for the best Christmas films that make you laugh, we have one just for you. Fred Claus is the perfect funny Christmas film the full family can watch together.

Fred is Santa Claus’ older brother who often lived in the shadow of Santa Claus. Having made some bad decisions, Fred lands himself in trouble. To get off the hook, Fred must move to the North Pole to help his brother. He is tasked with work in the toy workshop in the build-up to Christmas. Can he change his ways and save himself? Above all, will he help save Christmas?

This film is fun and entertaining from start to finish with a wonderful ending that captures your heart. 

13. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

We’re down to our final suggestion for the best Christmas films you must watch. We’ve ended on a funny one that will get the family belly laughing.

As the Griswold family prepare for a spectacular Christmas, what could go wrong? The answer is everything. One disaster leads to another, making it funny viewing for the audience. Will anything go to plan for the Griswold’s?

The whole family will enjoy watching this Christmas classic together.

Top tips when watching Christmas films

Now you know all the best Christmas films to watch this season, here’s some things to remember when watching them:

Snacks and drinks

No movie night is complete without plenty of snacks and drinks to indulge in. So, get comfy on the sofa and make your own little picnic full of treats for everyone to enjoy.

What is your favourite snack to eat when watching a film?

Pick a film everyone can enjoy

If you’re having a family movie night, be sure to pick a film that is suitable for the whole family. You don’t want to pick a film that isn’t age appropriate, or the kids will find boring. Perhaps you could vote for which film you’d all like to watch.

Try something new

Instead of sticking to the same old Christmas films each year, why don’t you try something new? Don’t be afraid of choosing a new Christmas film to watch, you might really enjoy it.

No spoilers

The worst thing when watching a film you’ve never seen is someone spoiling it for you. If you’re putting on a Christmas film you’ve seen but others haven’t, don’t ruin it for them. Let them watch the film for themselves.

Keep up with Santa Academy!

You can find new stories every day on the Lacus Herald from December 1^st. Your little one(s) can stay up to date with all their favourite characters, as well as the latest news. Lacus Island features 70+ characters, 50+ buildings, 19 unique shops and its own TV and radio stations.

The Santa Academy app – coming 2022!

Are you ready for more festive fun? Get ready for the Santa Academy app!

Christmas is coming and Santa needs your little one’s help. Throughout December, your child can help Santa prepare for Christmas Eve. They can choose to enrol into Elf Ed, Reindeer Recruit or Fairy Fellow and immerse themselves in Santa’s world.

From December 1^st to Christmas Day, your child will unlock new areas, buildings, and characters on Lacus Island. Enter a magical island that is filled with fantastic activities for your little ones to enjoy.

Download the app from November 1^st, 2022. School starts December 1^st, 2022.

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

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