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This is the time of year when it is so fun to make a big batch of hot chocolate or tea and curl up as a family on the couch with blankets to watch a Christmas movie.
There are so many great films to watch at this time of year, both classics and newer releases, so I came up with 20 streaming Christmas movies. Some are available to rent for just a few dollars, and many are free if you already have a subscription to the streaming service.
Note: We don’t do Santa at our house, so the movies below that feature Santa have come recommended by others! If you ever want to know more about a film, check out Common Sense Media.
20 Streaming Christmas Movies
Muppet Christmas Carol
This Muppet version of the classic Christmas tale gets watched every year at our house.
Disney+ — free with subscription
Buy on Amazon — $7.99
Elf
Will Ferrell plays a human who was raised as an elf who sets off on a hilarious quest to find his real father.
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
HBO Max – free with subscription (7-day free trial)
It’s a Wonderful Life
There’s a reason this movie plays on TV every year — it’s a true classic!
Amazon Prime — free with subscription
The Year Without a Santa Claus
For those who don’t mind Santa, this stop-action movie imagines what it would be like if Santa took the year off.
Rent on Amazon — $2.99
The Little Drummer Boy
You’ll be singing the song for days afterward, but this classic movie is enjoyed by all ages.
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
While the newer version of this movie is also enjoyable, this original version is basically just the exact text of the Dr. Seuss book.
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
Home Alone
A classic Christmas movie about a young boy who accidentally gets left “home alone” and has to fend for himself.
Disney+ — free with subscription
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
The Polar Express
This one is best enjoyed with a warm cup of hot chocolate!
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
HBO Max – free with subscription (7-day free trial)
Miracle on 34th Street
This movie is almost 80 years old, but is still enjoyed every Christmas season by so many.
Disney+ — free with subscription
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
The Santa Clause
Most people who like this movie say to stick with the first movie and skip the sequels!
Disney+ — free with subscription
Jingle All the Way
A dad tries to get his child the gift he really wants for Christmas, and many shenanigans ensue.
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
A Christmas Story
You’ll shoot your eye out! There are many lines and images from this movie that you’ll still see and hear at Christmas time.
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
HBO Max – free with subscription (7-day free trial)
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
These short stop-motion films are classics and perfect for the younger crowd!
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
Arthur Christmas
A newer Christmas movie that many have come to love, about Santa’s youngest son.
Netflix — Free with subscription
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
HBO Max – free with subscription (7-day free trial)
Frozen
While some may argue it’s not a Christmas movie — I disagree!
Disney+ — Free with subscription
Klaus
A reimagined tale of a different Santa Claus story.
Netflix — free with subscription
Prancer
A little girl befriends a very magical reindeer in this Christmas film.
Rent on Amazon — $1.99
Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas
If you’ve never watched any Shaun the Sheep episodes, you’re missing out, and this is a great introduction.
Netflix — free with subscription
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture
Christmas isn’t Christmas to me without the Nutcracker, so if you’re unable to see a live performance, this is the next best thing.
Hoopla — free with library card
Amazon Prime — free with subscription
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
This is actually three different Christmas stories with Mickey and the rest of his friends.
Disney+ — free with subscription
Rent on Amazon — $3.99
What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Let us know in the comments!
