Our Holiday Family Movie Guide: Christmas and Hanukkah Movies for Kids and More!

The holiday season is a magical time for families to come together and create cherished memories. One of the most beloved traditions during this special period is gathering to watch heartwarming holiday movies. Whether it's the twinkle of Christmas lights, the glow of the Hanukkah menorah, or simply the joy of spending quality time with loved ones, holiday movies have a way of encapsulating all the feelings and traditions that make this season so magical.

At AuPairCare, we understand the holiday season can be an incredibly magical time for au pairs to bond and exchange cultural traditions with their host family and children. Sharing holiday movies as a family can be one of many ways to create a memorable and enriching experience.

In this guide, we've curated a list of Christmas and Hanukkah movies for kids and families to enjoy together. From classic tales to modern favorites, these films will entertain, inspire, and spread holiday cheer. So, grab some hot cocoa, snuggle up with your family, and get ready for a festive family holiday movie marathon!

Classic Christmas Movies for the Whole Family

It's A Wonderful Life (1946): This heartwarming tale follows George Bailey as he learns the true meaning of life from his guardian angel Clarence on one fateful Christmas Eve.
A Christmas Carol (1951): Charles Dickens' classic story is about a grumpy old man named Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve to teach him the importance of kindness and generosity.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947): When a department store Santa claims to be the real deal, it's up to a young lawyer and her daughter to prove his authenticity in court.
A Christmas Story (1983): This classic movie follows young Ralphie Parker, and his humorous and heartwarming quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, despite obstacles from his family, teachers, and even Santa himself.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989): Get a laugh by watching Clark Griswold's hard determined efforts to create the perfect family Christmas, which spirals into chaotic mishaps and unexpected holiday disasters.

Holiday Movies for Kids

Christmas Movies for Kids

Home Alone (1990): When 8-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation, he must defend his home from two bumbling burglars with hilarious results.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): In this live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic tale.

Hanukkah Movies for Kids

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991): In this animated adventure, Fievel and his family immigrate to America for a better life and celebrate Hanukkah on the wild frontier.
The Rugrats Chanukah Special (1996): The beloved cartoon babies celebrate their own version of Hanukkah with Tommy learning about his Jewish heritage from Grandpa Boris.
Lamb Chop’s Special Chanukah (1995): Shari Lewis and her puppet friends teach children about the traditions and history of Hanukkah through music, comedy, and fun.
Full-Court Miracle (2003) : In this heartwarming Disney Channel Original Movie, a group of young basketball players learns about teamwork and the spirit of Hanukkah when they enlist the help of a former NBA player to coach their team.

Hanukkah Movies for Toddlers

Shalom Sesame: Chanukah (1982): The beloved Sesame Street characters teach young children about Hanukkah and its traditions through songs, stories, and interactive segments.
The Magic Dreidel (1994): In this animated tale, a young boy learns the value of friendship and giving during the holiday season when he receives a magical dreidel as a Hanukkah gift.
Clifford’s Puppy Days: “Hanukah Plunder Blunder” (2005)**: In this episode of the popular children’s show, Emily Elizabeth and her friends celebrate Hanukkah with Clifford and his new puppy pal.

Hanukkah Books for Children

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel: In this retelling of a traditional Jewish folktale, Hershel outsmarts a group of mischievous goblins who are trying to ruin Hanukkah celebrations in an old synagogue.
Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat by Naomi Howland: Follow the story of Sadie as she learns how to make latkes for her family’s Hanukkah dinner with the help of a magical frying pan.
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco: While their Christian neighbors are sick with scarlet fever during Christmas time, Trisha and her family take it upon themselves to spread holiday cheer by celebrating Hanukkah with their neighbors.

Modern Christmas Favorites

The Polar Express (2004): A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole, where he learns important lessons about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Elf (2003): After being raised as an elf in Santa's workshop, Buddy embarks on a journey to find his real father in New York City.

Christmas Movies for Toddlers

Frosty the Snowman (1969): A group of schoolchildren's snowman comes to life with the help of a magical hat, and they must protect him from a greedy magician who wants the hat for themselves.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing nose, goes on an adventure to find his place in Santa's team and learns that being different is something to be celebrated.

Quintessential American Holiday Movies

Sharing classic American Christmas movies can be a great way for au pairs and host families to bond. These movies are sure to bring joy and laughter to the whole family, regardless of cultural background.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): When Charlie Brown becomes disillusioned by the commercialism of Christmas, Linus helps him discover the true meaning of the holiday.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947): When a department store Santa claims to be the real deal, it's up to a young lawyer and her daughter to prove his authenticity in court.
"The Santa Clause" (1994 + Sequels): This classic film follows Scott Calvin's unexpected transformation into Santa Claus after a magical mishap, leading to heartwarming adventures as he balances family, Christmas duties, and saving the holiday spirit.

Family Holiday Movies from Across the Globe

Exploring holiday movies from around the world can enrich children's understanding of diverse cultures and holiday traditions while entertaining them. For families hosting an au pair, this can be a fantastic way to create a culturally enriching activity for the entire family. Here are a few international holiday films suitable for young audiences:

A Christmas Calendar (Le Calendrier de Noël): This charming French holiday film follows a young girl who discovers a magical Christmas calendar that brings a new surprise each day. The story is filled with wonder, friendship, and the excitement of the season, making it a heartwarming choice for the whole family.
Christmas in Rio (2008): This Brazilian comedy brings the holiday season to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. The film intertwines the lives of several families in humorous and heartfelt ways, capturing the warmth, joy, and vibrant culture of a Brazilian Christmas.
Klaus (2019): In this Spanish animated film, a postman is stationed in a remote Arctic town where he teams up with a mysterious toymaker to spread kindness and revive the joy of Christmas. The film's stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling have made it an instant classic with a universal message of compassion and goodwill.

Enjoy Family Holiday Movies This Season

These timeless holiday movies offer a glimpse into the heartwarming traditions and festive spirit that define American celebrations. At AuPairCare, we celebrate the bonds that bring us together as a family during the holiday season. Whether you have an au pair, are interested in hosting an au pair, or are simply looking for a movie to enjoy with your family this holiday season, we hope these classic movies can create lasting memories and instill a shared appreciation for storytelling across different traditions. At AuPairCare, we believe in the power of cultural exchange to bring people closer, and celebrating the holidays through such cherished films is a perfect way to experience the joy of the season.

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