by
Sourced directly from Common Sense Media, here’s ten Christmas Movies that seem to have gentle content suitable for young children. If you’re looking for festive films that are developmentally appropriate for young children, consider one of these!
The Snowman (also has a sequel: The Snowman and the Snowdog)
1982, 26 minutes, age 3+No dialogue. Charming, wordless, book-based holiday fable for all ages.
At only 26 minutes long, it’s brief enough to hold even the youngest viewers’ attention. And there’s very little content that’s likely to bother them. Blends whimsy, nostalgia, and holiday magic to create a feel-good fable that viewers of all ages will enjoy.
The Snowy Day
2016, 59 minutes. Age 4+ (Parents say age 2+)Slow pace. An adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats‘ acclaimed picture book of the same name.
Gratitude, diversity central to sweet book adaptation. Illustrates the true joys of the holiday season found in being grateful for sharing time with family and friends.
“It is like a big cuddle in a warm blanket with hot cocoa!” (Parent review).
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
All the familiar comforts of the classic tale of friendship and sharing.
Combines a TV show that originally ran in 1991, Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, with the 2002 film Happy Pooh Year. The result is a sweet, family-friendly holiday hybrid of Pooh that covers Christmas and the New Year together, with all the familiar comforts of the classic tale of friendship and sharing.
Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas
2016, 60 minutes, Age 4+A sweet story about holiday spirit and the importance of kindness. They discover the joy and holiday spirit of sharing, caring, and being kind. Heartwarming musical holiday special that’s fun for kids and parents to enjoy together.
Yogi’s First Christmas
2009, 98 minutes, Age 4+Hey hey, Boo Boo! Yogi’s Christmas caper is a keeper. A feel-good special that is calm and peaceful. A very nice alternative to the typical Christmas fare. And it’s funny to boot!
If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
2016, 30 minutes, Age 4+Book pals spread holiday cheer with friendly, funny tale.
Inspired by the characters in the popular picture book series by Laura Numeroff, Mouse learns the value of paying attention and thinking things through.
Themes of friendship and forgiveness are evident in this fun holiday story, and cheery music helps set the festive mood.
The Star
2017, 86 minutes Age 5+ (Parents say age 4+)Sweet Nativity story told from animals’ perspective. An animated, faith-based take on the Nativity story that’s told from the perspective of the animals.
Two intimidating attack dogs feature a few times, and a few other scenes of peril.
“Even if you are not Christian, I believe this film is wonderful because the values of perseverance, friendship and love are important to us as humans.” (Parent review).
A Charlie Brown Christmas
1965, 30 minutes, Age 3+ (Parents say age 4+)A heartwarming classic that focuses on the religious aspect of Christmas.
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!
2012, 60 minutes Age 3+A round-the-world holiday special that teaches kids about different animals the characters meet along the way.
Parents will like that the characters’ interactions are marked by kindness, politeness, and attention to the needs of others.
Leave a Reply