The holiday season is a time of joy, wonder, and magic, especially for toddlers who are just beginning to understand the excitement of Christmas. One delightful way to immerse your little ones in the festive spirit is by watching Christmas movies together. To make your holiday movie nights even more special, we've curated a list of the ten best toddler Christmas movies that are sure to bring smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer to your home. Furthermore, these movies also impart valuable lessons and meaningful messages, helping toddlers learn about kindness, sharing, and caring, making others feel warm and loved.
1. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992)
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a 1992 musical comedy film that adapts the classic story by Charles Dickens but with the Muppets as the main characters. The film features Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife, and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. The film also has Gonzo as the narrator, who plays the role of Dickens himself. You can watch it on Disney+ or rent it online.
The film offers valuable lessons and meaningful messages for toddlers in a delightful and accessible way. Through the whimsical world of Muppets, the film introduces the importance of kindness and generosity, teaching toddlers the joy that comes from sharing and caring for others. The story's transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge highlights the positive impact of good deeds and the value of treating everyone with warmth and compassion. Additionally, the film gently emphasizes the true meaning of wealth as being found in love, friendship, and the simple pleasures of life.
2. "The Polar Express" (2004)
Based on the classic children's book, "The Polar Express" takes young viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole. The movie tells the story of a young boy who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve and embarks on an adventure to the North Pole, where he meets Santa Claus and learns about the true spirit of Christmas. The movie features stunning animation, catchy songs, and a heartwarming message that will appeal to children and adults alike.
"The Polar Express" emphasizes the importance of belief and imagination, encouraging toddlers to embrace the wonder and magic that the holiday season brings. Through the young protagonist's journey to the North Pole, toddlers learn about the joy of friendship, teamwork, and the spirit of giving. The story beautifully communicates the idea that the true magic of Christmas lies in the kindness and generosity we show to others. "The Polar Express" serves as a heartwarming introduction for toddlers to the joy of the holidays, fostering a sense of wonder and the importance of spreading love and cheer to create lasting memories.
3. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
This timeless stop-motion classic tells the tale of Rudolph, a misfit reindeer with a glowing nose, and his journey to discovering the true meaning of Christmas. Rudolph faces rejection and bullying but finds friends like Hermey, an aspiring dentist elf, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector. They journey to the Island of Misfit Toys, meeting unwanted toys, and encounter the Abominable Snow Monster, threatening Christmas. Rudolph uses his unique nose to guide Santa's sleigh through a storm, delivering presents worldwide.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" teaches the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and individuality, as Rudolph, despite facing rejection for his red nose, becomes a hero with his special gift. The film also showcases the significance of friendship, highlighting Rudolph's bond with characters like Hermey and Yukon Cornelius. It teaches toddlers about the power of kindness and acceptance, as Rudolph and his friends journey to the Island of Misfit Toys and befriend toys that are considered different. Ultimately, the film emphasizes that differences should be celebrated, fostering a heartwarming lesson about acceptance, friendship, and the beauty of being true to oneself.
4. "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas" (1999)
One of the best toddler Christmas movies is Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, a 1999 animated film featuring three segments with Mickey Mouse and his friends. The first segment, "Donald Duck Stuck on Christmas," is a retelling of the classic story "Groundhog Day," where Huey, Dewey, and Louie wish for Christmas every day and learn the true meaning of the holiday. The second segment, "A Very Goofy Christmas," follows Goofy and his son Max as they try to prove that Santa Claus is real, despite the skepticism of their neighbor Pete. The third segment, "Mickey and Minnie's Gift of the Magi," is based on the famous short story by O. Henry, where Mickey and Minnie sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy each other the perfect gift.
Through the adventures of Mickey Mouse and his friends, the film teaches little ones about the true spirit of Christmas. In "Donald Duck Stuck on Christmas," toddlers learn the importance of cherishing the holiday's true meaning. "A Very Goofy Christmas" imparts a lesson about the magic of belief as Goofy and Max try to prove Santa's existence. In "Mickey and Minnie's Gift of the Magi," the film showcases the joy of selfless giving and the significance of love in gift-giving. Overall, "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas" is a heartwarming introduction for toddlers to the values of kindness, togetherness, and the joy of the holiday season.
5. "Elf" (2003)
Will Ferrell's portrayal of Buddy the Elf brings laughter and joy to this modern Christmas classic. It stands out as one of the best Christmas movies for toddlers due to its abundance of funny scenes, catchy songs, and adorable characters that will keep them entertained and engaged. "Elf" is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Follow Buddy's hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City as he searches for his real father, spreading holiday cheer. Along the way, he spreads Christmas cheer and learns about the true meaning of family. Elf is rated PG and has a runtime of 97 minutes. It stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart.
Through the hilarious adventures of Buddy the Elf, the film teaches little ones about the importance of being true to oneself. Buddy's journey from the North Pole to New York City encourages toddlers to embrace their uniqueness and find joy in their individuality. The film also emphasizes the significance of spreading kindness and joy to others, as Buddy's infectious holiday spirit transforms the lives of those around him.
6. "Arthur Christmas" (2011)
Ever wondered how Santa manages to deliver presents to every child in one night? "Arthur Christmas" answers this question whimsically and imaginatively. The movie is both fun and heartwarming, making it appealing to both kids and adults. It is also rated PG, making it suitable for most toddlers to watch.
This animated film tells the story of how Santa Claus delivers presents to every child in the world with the help of his high-tech operation and his family. However, when one gift is accidentally left behind, it is up to Santa's youngest son, Arthur, to deliver it before Christmas morning. Along the way, he learns the true meaning of the holiday spirit and what it takes to be a hero.
"Arthur Christmas" shows toddlers that it's important to keep trying and that everyone, even if they have some challenges, can do something important. When Arthur works hard to make sure every child gets a gift, it teaches us about caring for others and finding joy in giving. The movie also tells us that being with family, working together, and understanding the real meaning of Christmas are really important. In simple words, "Arthur Christmas" is a cute and fun way for toddlers to learn about being kind, caring, and feeling the magic of the holiday season.
7. "The Grinch" (2018)
Dr. Seuss's iconic character, the Grinch, makes a return in this animated adaptation that beautifully depicts his heartwarming transformation. "The Grinch" tells the story of a grumpy green creature who dislikes Christmas and tries to spoil it for the cheerful residents of Whoville. Along the way, he encounters a young girl named Cindy Lou Who, who has a special wish for Santa.
The movie is filled with humor, heart, and vibrant animation, making it appealing to both kids and adults. It features the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, and Pharrell Williams.
Through this story, toddlers learn about the power of kindness and the joy of spreading happiness to others, as the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday season. The movie also emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating different perspectives, showcasing how the Grinch's heart softens when he connects with the residents of Whoville.
8. "Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year" (2002)
Join Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood as they celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve. Filled with the charm of A.A. Milne's beloved characters, this heartwarming tale is perfect for toddlers who enjoy gentle, festive stories.
The movie consists of two stories: the first one is a retelling of the classic Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, where Pooh and his friends try to deliver their wish list to Santa Claus, and the second one is a new story where Pooh and his friends make New Year's resolutions to change their personalities.
In the movie, toddlers find out how important it is to have friends and feel happy when sharing special moments with loved ones. The characters also show the value of giving and love by exchanging thoughtful gifts. "A Very Merry Pooh Year" has cute characters, fun adventures, and a festive feeling, making it a nice way for toddlers to start learning about friendship, kindness, and the magic of the holiday season.
9. "Shrek the Halls" (2007)
Shrek and his friends celebrate Christmas in this hilarious holiday special. This animated special features the beloved characters from the Shrek franchise as they celebrate their first holiday together. Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and the rest of the gang have different ideas of what makes a perfect Christmas, and they end up learning some valuable lessons about family, friendship, and traditions.
In "Shrek the Halls," toddlers discover how it's important to understand and appreciate different holiday traditions. The movie also teaches about being patient and finding joy in spending time with loved ones, even when things don't go as expected. With funny characters, festive adventures, and heartwarming moments, "Shrek the Halls" is a fun way for toddlers to learn about friendship, accepting others, and the merry feeling of Christmas.
Shrek the Halls is available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other platforms. You can also buy or rent it on DVD or Blu-ray. So grab some popcorn and cozy up with your little one for a merry and ogre-filled Christmas!
10. "Trolls Holiday" (2017)
Poppy and the Trolls embark on a musical and colorful adventure to create a new holiday. The story follows Poppy, the cheerful queen of the Trolls, who wants to share her joy of holidays with the Bergens, the grumpy creatures who used to eat Trolls. She and her friends, Branch and the Snack Pack, try to create new holidays for the Bergens, but they soon realize that not everyone celebrates the same way.
With its colorful characters, catchy music, and happy feeling, "Trolls Holiday" is a lovely way for toddlers to learn about being together, being kind, and the fun of celebrating holidays with the people they care about.
The film features catchy songs by various artists like "Holiday," "Love Train," and "The Holla-Day for You." "Trolls Holiday" is a half-hour special that aired on NBC in 2017, and you can also find it on Netflix or YouTube. It has a TV-Y7 rating, making it suitable for most toddlers. If you and your toddler like "Trolls Holiday," you might also enjoy "Trolls Holiday in Harmony," a new short film that premiered on Peacock in 2021.
Summary
These ten best toddler Christmas movies offer a perfect blend of holiday magic, heartwarming stories, and beloved characters. The stories make toddlers happy and teach them to share, care, and make others feel warm and loved. As you gather with your little ones to watch these films, you're not just sharing entertainment but creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, let the holiday movie marathon begin, and may your home be filled with laughter, warmth, and the magic of Christmas!
See more: Top 10 Animated Christmas Movies | Best Toddler Christmas Movies