The 10 best Christmas films for kids voted for by actual families

We asked real families to vote on their kids' fave festive films — here are the top 10 Christmas movies for children in 2025.

Published: December 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM

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Whether it’s the one they want to watch every single day, or the one that brings all the siblings together without a single squabble (miracle!), these are the Christmas films topping the list, as voted for by over 100 MadeForMums parents.

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From nostalgic animations to comedy classics, here’s what 151 families voted for as their children’s most-loved festive movies.

If you’re looking to break free from Bluey repeats, start here!

We asked, you answered, and here are your kids’ all-time favourite Christmas films, according to real families

10. Elf (PG)

Elf © Warner Bros.

Elf © Warner Bros. Elf © Warner Bros.

3% of the vote

Still going strong two decades on, Elf’s sugar-fuelled silliness and Will Ferrell’s man-child energy continues to be a hit with families — especially those with older kids who love a giggle. The spaghetti-and-syrup breakfast scene? Iconic.

How to watch: Elf will get regular showings on Sky Cinema's various channels until Christmas Day, with airings planned almost every day between now and the big day. You can find out more about how to sign up to Sky Cinema now.

9. Nativity! (U)

Nativity! © Entertainment One

Nativity! © Entertainment One Nativity! © Entertainment One

5% of the vote

Chaos, cuteness and Coventry – this British cult classic follows a struggling teacher, a super enthusiastic classroom assistant and a nativity play that spirals into a full-on musical. Kids love the songs, parents love the relatable school-run energy.\

How to watch: Nativity! will be shown on BBC One and BBC Three in the run-up to Christmas, with multiple airings including 22 December at 2:20pm and Christmas Eve at 7:05pm. You can also stream it now on BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

8. Stick Man (U)

Stick Man © Magic Light Pictures

Stick Man © Magic Light Pictures Stick Man © Magic Light Pictures

5% of the vote

Short, sweet and beautifully animated, this Julia Donaldson adaptation has become a modern Christmas staple for younger kids. With narration by Martin Freeman and music that gets stuck in your head (in a good way), it’s perfect for a pre-bedtime watch.

How to watch: Stick Man will be shown on BBC One on Christmas Day at 9:30am. It’s also available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, NOW and Sky Store.

7. The Snowman (U)

The Snowman © Snowman Enterprises / Channel 4

The Snowman © Snowman Enterprises / Channel 4 The Snowman © Snowman Enterprises / Channel 4

5% of the vote

A Christmas Eve classic that’s stood the test of time. Completely wordless and scored with the hauntingly beautiful "Walking in the Air", The Snowman continues to be a go-to for calm, cosy viewing — especially for toddlers and early years.

How to watch: The Snowman will air on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve at 7:30am and again on Christmas Day at 8:50am and 5:10pm. It’s also available to stream for free on Channel 4 online.

6. The Santa Clause (PG)

The Santa Clause © Disney

The Santa Clause © Disney The Santa Clause © Disney

6% of the vote

One for the 90s nostalgia crew: Tim Allen stars as a regular dad who accidentally becomes Santa. Packed with warmth and witty one-liners, it’s ideal for older primary-age kids who enjoy a story with a bit more plot (and plenty of festive chaos).

How to watch: The Santa Clause isn’t scheduled for live broadcast this year, but it’s available to stream on Disney+ and to rent or buy via Sky Store.

5. The Polar Express (U)

The Polar Express © Warner Bros.

The Polar Express © Warner Bros. The Polar Express © Warner Bros.

6% of the vote

All aboard! Tom Hanks voices multiple characters in this magical train journey to the North Pole. The slightly uncanny animation aside, it’s a feel-good watch with a big message about belief — and perfect for winding down on Christmas Eve.

How to watch: The Polar Express will be shown multiple times across Sky Cinema channels, including Christmas Day at 11:15am and throughout the week. It’s also available to rent or buy on Sky Store.

4. The Muppet Christmas Carol (U)

The Muppet Christmas Carol © Disney

The Muppet Christmas Carol © Disney The Muppet Christmas Carol © Disney

6% of the vote

A surprisingly faithful adaptation of Dickens’ tale — just with singing puppets. Featuring Michael Caine as a brilliantly grumpy Scrooge and enough Muppet mayhem to keep kids hooked, it’s one of those rare finds that’s genuinely fun for all ages.

How to watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol isn’t scheduled for live broadcast this year, but you can stream it on Disney+ or rent and buy it via Sky Store.

3. Home Alone (PG)

Home Alone © 20th Century Studios

Home Alone © 20th Century Studios Home Alone © 20th Century Studios

8% of the vote

Still absolutely hilarious and endlessly quotable, Home Alone remains a firm favourite with families — especially older kids. It’s also apparently sparked a bit of merch madness...

It’s my older two’s favourite. We bought the Lego Home Alone house 2 years ago for my now 16-year-old and it still sits pride of place in his room!

MadeForMums Club member Jade

How to watch: Home Alone will air on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve at 5:30pm and again on Christmas Day at 3:15pm. You can also stream it on Channel 4, Disney+ and via Sky Store.

2. Arthur Christmas (U)

Arthur Christmas © Sony Pictures Animation / Aardman

Arthur Christmas © Sony Pictures Animation / Aardman Arthur Christmas © Sony Pictures Animation / Aardman

10% of the vote

A joyful British animation from Aardman (the makers of Wallace & Gromit), this clever, heartwarming take on how Santa’s high-tech operation really works is as funny as it is sweet. Parents love the wit, kids love Arthur – the klutzy underdog hero.

How to watch: Arthur Christmas is getting multiple showings on Sky Cinema over Christmas week, including Christmas Eve at 10:10am and Christmas Day at 12:55pm. It’s also available to stream on NOW and to rent or buy via Sky Store.

1. The Grinch (Animated version, 2018, U)

The Grinch © Universal Pictures / Illumination

The Grinch © Universal Pictures / Illumination The Grinch © Universal Pictures / Illumination

28% of the vote

A landslide win! This vibrant, fast-paced version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become the Christmas film for kids in 2025 — and it’s not just a December thing...

My 7 year old adores The Grinch. No matter how many times he watches it, he doesn’t seem to get bored!

MadeForMums Club member Jade

We have to watch The Grinch all year round, not just at Christmas.

MadeForMums Club member Stevie

My husband banned it in March!

MadeForMums Club member Simrit

I could probably recite the animated Grinch line for line now!

MadeForMums Club member Bekki

With its bright visuals, catchy soundtrack (yes, it includes Feliz Navidad) and just the right mix of mischief and heart, it’s easy to see why this one’s on repeat in so many homes.

How to watch: The Grinch (2018) is showing daily on Sky Cinema over the Christmas holidays, including multiple slots on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can also stream it for free on ITVX, or watch via NOW and Sky Store.

Honourable mentions...

These festive faves didn’t crack the top 10 but still got love in the poll and comments:

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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