From timeless classics like ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ to fresh favorites like ‘The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday’, we’ve got you covered.
It’s time for animated Christmas movies once again! The air is cooler, the house is decorated with twinkling lights, and the kids are bouncing off the walls because they can hardly contain their excitement for the season.
One of my favorite Christmas family traditions is curling up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa and watching animated Christmas movies together. (I also love to do this at Thanksgiving and you can find my complete Thanksgiving movie list here.) There’s something incredibly heartwarming about sharing this time with our children. Some of these movies we’ve watched since our kids were little ones, introducing them to characters my husband I had loved since our own childhoods. Other movies have become new favorites over the years.
The Benefits of Amazon Prime for watching Animated Christmas movies
Amazon Prime has been our go-to for a diverse selection of heartwarming Christmas animated movies. It has a vast library of movies and TV shows, which includes hundreds of Christmas-themed options. This means we can always find something to watch each season.
Another benefit is the convenience. With Amazon Prime, you can stream movies instantly, anytime and anywhere. No need to worry about DVD players or physical copies of movies – all you need is an internet connection. Plus, with the option to download movies, you can watch your favorite Christmas flicks while traveling!
Amazon Prime also offers high-definition streaming. There’s nothing quite like watching the snowfall in a Christmas movie in crystal clear high definition.
How to Sign up for Amazon Prime
Signing up for Amazon Prime is straightforward. Here’s a quick guide:
- Visit the Amazon Prime Video page on the Amazon website.
- Click on the words ‘Review More Plans.’
- If you’re new to Amazon, you’ll need to create an account. If you already have an account, simply sign in.
- Choose the Prime Monthly feature.
- Provide the necessary payment information. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged until after your 30-day free trial ends.
30+ Animated Christmas Movies to Enjoy this Christmas Season
Most movies on this list can be viewed on Amazon Prime, but some can be viewed in other places. A couple of the older videos on this list can be watched on YouTube totally for free. Without further ado, here are our top 30+ picks for animated Christmas movies to watch this holiday season
1. The Star (2017)
Follow the adventures of Bo, a brave little donkey, as he teams up with his animal friends to become accidental heroes in the first Christmas story. This heartwarming and humorous animated film is perfect for families looking to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
2. The Polar Express (2004)
Experience the magic of Christmas with ‘The Polar Express.’ This captivating film takes you on a thrilling journey to the North Pole, sparking belief in the incredible. With enchanting animation and heartwarming storytelling, it’s the perfect holiday treat. Plus, Tom Hanks does spectacular voice narration. Jump aboard, your adventure awaits!
3. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Meet Santa’s clumsy son Arthur, who embarks on a mission to deliver a forgotten gift and save Christmas in ‘Arthur Christmas’ (2011). This British-American production blends festive fun with heartwarming family dynamics.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Experience the timeless charm of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas.’ This heartwarming classic is an ode to the true spirit of Christmas, as it follows Charlie Brown’s journey to find deeper meaning amidst the holiday frenzy. It’s a must-watch, engaging viewers with its poignant yet gentle message.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Light up your holidays with ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ a captivating tale of courage and uniqueness. This beloved classic follows Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing red nose, who turns his oddity into a strength. A truly inspirational story that reinforces embracing our own unique characteristics.
6. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Step into a winter wonderland with ‘Frosty the Snowman.’ This enchanting tale unfolds the magical journey of Frosty, a jovial snowman sprung to life by a mystical hat. It’s an irresistible blend of magic, fun and adventure that will surely captivate your heart this holiday season!
7. The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday (2023)
Get ready for a wild ride with ‘The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday.’ This 2023 computer-animated holiday special features a unique twist on Christmas cheer. Watch as the notorious Bad Guys relish the festive chaos, promising an adventure full of laughter and surprises! Even though this movie isn’t out yet, I have it on the list because my family loved the original movie, and the Bad Guys book series so very much.
Coming Soon
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A dark yet delightful film that has become a cult classic. This Tim Burton masterpiece tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas and decides to give it his own spooky spin.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2018)
No Christmas is complete without this Dr. Seuss classic. The 2018 animated adaptation follows the story of the Grinch, a grumpy creature who hates Christmas and plots to steal it from the cheerful Whos of Whoville. This heartwarming tale teaches us that love and kindness can melt even the coldest of hearts.
10. LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020)
Embark on a festive journey with the ‘LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special’ (2020). Rey sets off on an adventure to deepen her understanding of the Force, leaving her friends preparing for Life Day. This CGI-animated special offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and Star Wars lore.
11. The Elf On The Shelf: An Elf’s Story (2011)
Join the Elf on the Shelf as he embarks on a heartwarming journey to help restore the Christmas spirit in a young boy’s home. This animated special is based on the popular book and tradition of the same name, making it a perfect addition to your holiday watch list.
12. Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines (2014)
All aboard for a festive adventure! Join Thomas and his friends on Sodor as they prepare for Christmas, complete with decorations, carols, and a jolly visitor. This holiday-themed feature is sure to keep little ones entertained.
13. Shrek the Halls (2007)
Join everyone’s favorite ogre and his friends as they navigate the chaos of the holiday season in ‘Shrek the Halls.’ This animated short film is filled with humor, heart, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. Don’t miss this hilarious addition to your holiday movie lineup.
14. Kung Fu Panda Holiday (2010)
Join Po and the Furious Five as they prepare for their first Winter Feast celebration in this heartwarming holiday special. Along with plenty of kung fu action, this film also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.
15. Merry Christmas, Olivia (2010)
Based on the popular children’s books, ‘Merry Christmas, Olivia’ follows the spunky pig and her family as they get ready for their Christmas festivities. This charming animated special is perfect for young children and adults alike.
16. Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979)
Experience the magic of Christmas in July with this animated special featuring two beloved characters, Rudolph and Frosty. Together, they must save Winter from the evil wizard Winterbolt in order to keep Christmas alive. It’s a fun-filled adventure that will have you feeling nostalgic for classic holiday specials.
17. A Flintstone Christmas (1977)
Join the modern Stone Age family as they celebrate Christmas in Bedrock. This animated special is filled with holiday cheer, catchy songs, and quirky humor that will leave you feeling jolly. It’s a fun twist on the classic Flintstones story that is perfect for the whole family.
18. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
This stop-motion animated special tells the origin story of Santa Claus, from his humble beginnings as an orphan to becoming the beloved figure we know today. Filled with catchy songs and charming characters, this classic holiday film will warm your heart and remind us all about the magic of Christmas.
19. Frozen (2013)
While not a traditional holiday movie, ‘Frozen’ has become a staple in many households during the holiday season. This animated musical tells the heartwarming story of sisters Elsa and Anna and their journey to save their kingdom from an eternal winter. With catchy songs, lovable characters, and beautiful animation, this film is perfect for adding some extra magic to your holiday movie marathon.
20. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
Join everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, as he sets out on a journey to find the perfect holiday tradition for Anna and Elsa in this heartwarming short film. Filled with catchy songs and lovable characters, this animated special is sure to bring some extra holiday cheer to your household.
21. A Garfield Christmas (1987)
Join Garfield, Jon, and Odie as they visit Jon’s family for Christmas in this animated special. Filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and a reminder to appreciate the joy of spending time with loved ones during the holidays, this classic special is perfect for fans of the lazy orange cat.
22. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Experience the magic of Christmas with Mickey, Minnie, and their friends in this collection of heartwarming stories. Filled with lessons about the true meaning of Christmas and plenty of Disney charm, this animated special is perfect for the whole family.
23. Smallfoot (2018)
This movie is relatively new to the list of animated Christmas movies and while it’s not necessarily full-on Christmas, it is relatable to the season and there’s lots of snow. This heartwarming animated film turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a yeti named Migo encounters a human for the first time. Filled with catchy songs and important messages about acceptance and being true to yourself, ‘Smallfoot’ is a fun addition to any holiday movie marathon. Watch Now
24. A Year Without Santa Claus (1974)
In this classic stop-motion animated special, Santa decides to take a year off from delivering presents and it’s up to Mrs. Claus and two of Santa’s most loyal elves, Jingle and Jangle, to save Christmas. This charming film is filled with catchy songs and lovable characters that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas all over again.
25. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Join Scrooge McDuck as he learns the true meaning of Christmas with the help of some iconic Disney characters in this animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’ With charming animation and a star-studded voice cast, this film is perfect for all ages.
26. The Snowman (1982)
This animated short film tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on an adventure through the wintry countryside. With stunning animation and a beautiful score, this wordless film captures the magic and wonder of childhood during the holiday season.
27. It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)
Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Christmas in this animated special. Filled with classic humor and heartfelt moments, this film is perfect for fans of the beloved comic strip.
28. Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)
In this animated holiday special, Sid the Sloth accidentally destroys Manny’s Christmas decorations and sets out to make things right by Santa Claus himself. Filled with laughs and heartwarming moments, this film is perfect for fans of the ‘Ice Age’ franchise.
29. Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale (2007)
Join the iconic cat and mouse duo as they put their differences aside to save Christmas in this animated retelling of ‘The Nutcracker.’ With beautiful animation and a fun twist on the classic holiday tale, this film is perfect for all ages.
30. The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper (2005)
Join the hilarious penguin quartet, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private, as they try to save Christmas for their fellow zoo animals in this animated short film. With witty humor and lovable characters, this special is sure to put a smile on your face during the holiday season.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Join Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets as they retell the classic tale of ‘A Christmas Carol’ with their own unique twists. Filled with catchy songs, hilarious humor, and heartwarming moments, this film is a must-watch for fans of the beloved Jim Henson characters.
