Best Animated Christmas Films for Children

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families, animated Christmas movies are an integral part of their festive tradition. A perfect blend of magic, wonder, and joy, these films have been enchanting children of all ages for generations.

From classic tales to modern adaptations, animated Christmas movies offer a unique way to share the spirit of the season with kids. With their colorful animation, lovable characters, and heartwarming storylines, these films have become an essential part of many families’ holiday routines.

In this article, we’ll count down the best animated Christmas films for children that are sure to bring delight and wonder to little ones (and let’s be honest, adults too!) on the big screen. Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic or a more recent release, our list has something for everyone.

Top Animated Christmas Classics for Little Ones

Christmas is a magical time of year for kids, and animated Christmas films are an integral part of this festive celebration. These movies bring joy, wonder, and excitement to children’s lives, making the holiday season even more special. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most beloved and enduring animated Christmas classics that have become staples in many families’ holiday traditions.

The first film on our list is A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965). This timeless classic tells the story of Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas, as he navigates the commercialization and chaos of the holiday season. With its simple yet profound message, charming animation, and iconic music, this film has been delighting children and parents alike for generations.

Another beloved animated Christmas classic is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). Produced by Rankin/Bass, this stop-motion masterpiece follows Rudolph’s journey as he becomes an outcast among his peers due to his glowing nose. However, when disaster strikes on a fateful Christmas Eve, Rudolph saves the day and earns the admiration of his fellow reindeer. This film is a heartwarming tale of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of being different.

For a more modern take on animated Christmas films, look no further than The Snowman (1982). Based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs, this beautifully crafted animated short follows a young boy who befriends a snowman that comes to life. As they soar through the skies and explore the magic of winter, this film is a poignant reminder of the transience and wonder of childhood.

No list of animated Christmas classics would be complete without Frosty the Snowman (1969). Another Rankin/Bass production, this charming tale follows Frosty’s adventures as he comes to life and befriends a little girl named Karen. As they navigate the perils of winter, Frosty teaches Karen valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of believing in oneself.

Lastly, we have The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). Directed by Brian Henson and starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, this musical comedy takes a delightful and irreverent approach to Charles Dickens’ classic tale. With its colorful cast of Muppets, catchy songs, and plenty of slapstick humor, this film is sure to delight both children and adults in equal measure.

Magical Animated Holiday Films for Children’s Eyes Only

The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some animated Christmas movies for kids? These films are sure to delight young minds and bring joy to families around the world. From classic tales to modern masterpieces, we’ve got the scoop on the best animated Christmas movies for children.

One of the most iconic and beloved holiday films is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a stop-motion masterpiece from 1964 that has become a staple of Christmas TV programming. This classic tale of an outcast reindeer who saves Christmas with his shining nose is a timeless story that kids will love just as much today as they did yesterday.

Another holiday classic is A Charlie Brown Christmas, a heartwarming animated special from the Peanuts gang that has been entertaining families for over 50 years. With its simple yet effective storytelling, charming characters, and beautiful animation, this film is a must-watch for kids of all ages.

For something more modern, consider The Snowman, a beautifully crafted animated film from 1982 based on the children’s book by Raymond Briggs. This enchanting tale of a young boy who befriends a snowman and takes him on a magical adventure is sure to captivate kids’ imaginations.

Not to be missed are the Arthur Christmas (2011) and Shrek the Halls (2007), two animated holiday specials that bring their own unique brand of humor and wit to the table. These films are perfect for older kids who have outgrown the classic tales but still want something fun and engaging to watch during the holidays.

Lastly, don’t forget about The Polar Express, a visually stunning animated film from 2004 based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. This magical tale of a young boy who takes a journey to the North Pole on the Polar Express train is sure to enchant kids and leave them feeling merry and bright.

The Most Whimsical & Wondrous Animated Christmas Movies

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some delightful animated Christmas films for kids? Animated movies have a way of transporting us to enchanted worlds, filled with magic, wonder, and joy. For children, these films can be a source of comfort, excitement, and tradition.

Among the many animated Christmas classics, one film stands out for its timeless charm: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This stop-motion masterpiece has been delighting audiences since 1964 with its catchy musical numbers, lovable characters, and heartwarming story. The misfit reindeer Rudolph and his friends Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius, and Clarice the Caribou make for an unforgettable cast of heroes.

Another beloved animated Christmas film is Frosty the Snowman. This 1969 classic follows the adventures of a snowman brought to life by a magical hat. Frosty’s friendship with a young girl named Karen and his escapades in a winter wonderland are sure to captivate children’s imaginations. The catchy song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” may have been inspired by this very film!

For those who prefer more modern animated fare, Arthur Christmas (2011) is an excellent choice. This delightful film follows Arthur, Santa’s clumsy but lovable son, as he embarks on a mission to save Christmas for one little girl named Brunhilda. With its witty humor and colorful animation, Arthur Christmas has become a modern classic.

No list of animated Christmas movies would be complete without mentioning the stop-motion masterpiece that is The Nightmare Before Christmas. This 1993 film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas and decides to take over the holiday. With its unique blend of gothic and whimsical elements, The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a cult classic among both children and adults.

Lastly, no animated Christmas movie list would be complete without mentioning Shrek the Halls (2007). This hilarious TV special follows Shrek, Donkey, and their friends as they celebrate Christmas in their own unique way. With its quick-witted dialogue and lovable characters, Shrek the Halls is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for classic animated films or more modern fare, these whimsical and wondrous animated Christmas movies are sure to bring joy and wonder to children of all ages. So why not snuggle up by the fire with some hot cocoa and indulge in these delightful holiday classics?

Delightful Animated Festive Favorites for Your Kiddos

Best Animated Christmas Films for Children

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is a timeless animated classic that has been delighting children and families for generations. This heartwarming tale, based on the popular Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, follows Charlie Brown’s quest to find the true meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialization of the holiday season.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966), another beloved adaptation from Dr. Seuss’s children’s book, teaches kids about the importance of kindness and generosity. The Grinch, a grouchy creature who lives on Mount Crumpit, sets out to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville, but ultimately learns the value of friendship and giving.

3. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970), a stop-motion animated classic from Rankin/Bass Productions, is an entertaining retelling of the origins of Santa Claus. This film tells the story of a young boy named Nicholas who becomes the legendary jolly old elf with the help of his friends.

4. The Little Drummer Boy (1968), another classic animated special from Rankin/Bass Productions, is based on the famous song by Greg Lake and Mike Oldfield. This beautifully crafted story follows an angel named Clara who helps a young drummer boy understand the true meaning of Christmas.

5. The Snowman (1982), a charming animated film based on the book by Raymond Briggs, is a poignant tale about a young boy’s friendship with a snowman that comes to life. This heartwarming story explores the magic and wonder of childhood during the festive season.

6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), a delightful musical comedy starring Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, is a fun adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. This animated special brings the beloved characters from The Muppets to life in a way that is both entertaining and family-friendly.

7. Arthur Christmas (2011), a modern animated film produced by Aardman Animations, tells the story of Santa’s clumsy son Arthur who must save Christmas after a child’s gift is left behind. This charming tale explores the importance of kindness, family, and the true meaning of Christmas.

8. The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2013), an animated adaptation from the popular cartoon series, brings the lovable blue creatures to life in a fun retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic tale. This heartwarming story teaches kids about the value of kindness and generosity during the festive season.

9. Disney’s Prep & Landing (2009), an animated special from Walt Disney Animation Studios, follows two elves who help get children ready for Christmas by delivering their gifts and making sure they sleep on time. This delightful tale explores the magic of the holiday season through the eyes of two lovable but slightly bumbling elves.

10. Shrek the Halls (2007), a funny animated special from DreamWorks Animation, brings the beloved characters from the Shrek franchise to life in a hilarious take on the classic Christmas tale. This entertaining story explores the importance of family and kindness during the festive season with a dash of humor.

Timeless Animated Yuletide Tales to Cherish Forever

Get ready to deck the halls with some of the most beloved animated Christmas movies that have captured the hearts of children for generations! From classic tales to modern favorites, these films are sure to become part of your family’s holiday tradition.

The 1964 animated special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Based on Robert L. May’s poem and brought to life by Chuck Jones and Arthur Rankin Jr., this stop-motion masterpiece tells the story of a misfit reindeer who saves Christmas with his glowing nose. With its catchy songs, memorable characters, and universal message, “Rudolph” is an animated Christmas staple that continues to delight children of all ages.

Another holiday classic from the 1960s is “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” produced by Charles M. Schulz and Lee Mendelson. This heartwarming tale follows the Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas, despite their own shortcomings and insecurities. With its simple yet profound message, beautiful animation, and timeless music, this special has become a holiday tradition for millions of children.

The 1990 animated special “The Nightmare Before Christmas” directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, is a stop-motion masterpiece that combines Halloween and Christmas in a unique blend. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he discovers Christmas Town and tries to bring the holiday to his own town of Halloween Town. With its stunning animation, catchy songs, and memorable characters, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has become a modern classic that continues to captivate children.

More recent animated specials like “Arthur Christmas,” directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook, and produced by Aardman Animations, have also captured the hearts of children. This 2011 film tells the story of Santa’s clumsy son Arthur, who must save Christmas when a child’s gift is left behind on Christmas Eve. With its witty humor, lovable characters, and beautiful animation, “Arthur Christmas” has become a holiday favorite that continues to delight audiences.

Lastly, no list of animated Christmas films would be complete without mentioning “Shrek the Halls,” directed by Gary Imhoff and produced by DreamWorks Animation, and “Santa Buddies,” directed by Robert Vince. Both specials offer fun and entertaining takes on the traditional holiday season, with lovable characters, catchy songs, and plenty of humor to go around.

As we conclude our list of the best animated Christmas films for children, it’s clear that these movies have become an integral part of holiday traditions for many families around the world. From the whimsical worlds of A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol, to the more recent delights of Shrek the Halls and Arthur Christmas, these films have captivated young audiences with their blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming messages.

In each of these movies, we see a unique take on the holiday season, one that speaks to children’s imaginations and inspires them to dream up their own magical experiences. Whether it’s Charlie Brown’s poignant search for Christmas spirit or Arthur’s hilarious escapades with his Grand-Santa, these films remind us that even in the most mundane moments, there is always room for joy, love, and a little bit of wonder.

As you make your holiday plans this year, consider adding one (or more!) of these animated Christmas classics to your family’s viewing schedule. Not only will they bring smiles to your children’s faces, but they’ll also become cherished memories that will be passed down through generations. So grab some hot cocoa, snuggle up by the tree, and let the magic of these films transport you and your loved ones to a world of enchantment and delight – Merry Christmas!