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List Updated in November 2026
The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with loved ones and watch some Christmas classics! Here’s our guide to where to stream Christmas movies and why they belong on your holiday watchlist. Christmas movies are a loved part of many families’ holiday traditions.
Note: We listed places that you can stream for free if you already have a subscription. Many of these movies are available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime or Apple TV. Holiday movies and who has the licensing to stream them can change all the time! We did our best to make sure this list is accurate for streaming in the US.
Make sure you fit them in this year by coming up with a Family Holiday Calendar! By taking the time to write down what you want to do this holiday season, you are much more likely to see it through!
We list where to stream these movies online. Remember to also check out your local library! Many of these movies, especially the classics, can be found for free at your local library. For those in Sioux Falls, check out what is offered at the Siouxland Library.
So grab your favorite movie snacks, and enjoy some holiday favorites!
1. Elf
Where to Stream: HBO Max
Why Watch: Will Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf spreads hilarity and heart in this modern Christmas classic.
2. Home Alone
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: Kevin’s clever antics and the heartwarming reunion make this a timeless family favorite.
3. The Grinch (2018)
Where to Stream: Peacock, Fubo
Why Watch: This 2018 adaption of The Grinch is a great addition to the classic Grinch movies that came before.
4. The Polar Express
Where to Stream: HBO Max
Why Watch: A magical train ride to the North Pole inspires belief in the spirit of Christmas.
5. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Where to Stream: Apple TV+
Why Watch: A heartfelt reminder about the true meaning of Christmas, complete with iconic music.
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Where to Stream: HBO Max, Plex
Why Watch: The Griswold family’s holiday chaos is endlessly relatable and hilarious.
7. The Santa Clause
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: Tim Allen’s accidental Santa transformation makes for a heartwarming holiday story.
8. Love Actually
Where to Stream: Netflix, Peacock
Why Watch: Romantic, funny, and touching, this film celebrates love during the holidays.
9. It’s a Wonderful Life
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Roku Channel (Free with Ads), Paramount+, Peacock, Plex (Free with ads), Fawesome (Free with Ads)
Why Watch: This timeless classic is a touching reminder of gratitude and the value of life.
10. Frosty the Snowman
Where to Stream: Hulu, Paramount+
Why Watch: A magical snowman brings joy and nostalgia to the season.
11. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: This heartwarming tale challenges cynicism and reaffirms belief in the magic of Santa.
12. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: The Muppets bring humor and charm to Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption.
13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Where to Stream: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video (Both Paid)
Why Watch: This stop-motion animation classic is a nostalgic treat for the whole family.
14. Klaus
Where to Stream: Netflix
Why Watch: A visually stunning animated story about the origins of Santa Claus with a heartfelt message of kindness.
15. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: Tim Burton’s unique blend of Halloween and Christmas offers a whimsical, offbeat holiday adventure.
16. The Christmas Chronicles
Where to Stream: Netflix
Why Watch: Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hatch a plan to catch Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but when their attempt goes wrong, they end up helping Santa save Christmas. This fun-filled adventure is packed with holiday magic, laughs and a little Christmas mischief!
17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Where to Stream: Peacock
Why Watch: Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a grumpy green character who lives just outside Whoville and can’t stand Christmas. Determined to ruin the holiday for everyone, he sets out to steal Christmas from the Whos. But he soon discovers that Christmas might mean more than he thought!
18. Noelle
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: Santa’s daughter Noelle loves Christmas just as much as her dad, but when her brother Nick struggles with his new responsibilities as Santa, she sets out on an adventure to find him. Along the way, she discovers that she might be just the person to save Christmas!
19. A Christmas Carol (2009)
Where to Stream: Disney+
Why Watch: This animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who has little Christmas spirit. When three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve, they take him on a journey through his past, present, and future, giving him a chance to change his ways.
20. White Christmas (1954)
Where to Stream: Paramount +, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, Fawesome
Why Watch: This timeless Christmas musical follows two entertainers who team up with a sister act to put on a holiday show at a Vermont inn. Filled with memorable songs, dancing, and plenty of Christmas charm, it’s a classic worth watching during the holiday season!
Tips for Family Movie Night
- Make It Interactive: Have kids draw pictures or dress up as their favorite characters from the movies.
- Holiday Countdown: Watch one movie per day as a countdown to Christmas.
- Themed Snacks: Match treats to movies—try green Grinch-themed popcorn or snowman-shaped cookies for Frosty the Snowman.
- Make a Fancy Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa bar for your family. Have out lots of topping options for a special Christmas treat! We love this set of different hot chocolate flavors!
These 20 Christmas classics are sure to bring joy to your family’s holiday season. Which ones will you watch first?
