The loveliest Christmas movies and shows for kids
Even during the run-up to Christmas, and by the first Sunday of Advent at the latest, the TV lineup is largely shaped by the coming holiday. That's especially true for the kid-friendly channels, which build festive anticipation for the little ones with lots of cartoon series and, of course, a big selection of wonderful children's films.
The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, star director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) created a modern classic with The Polar Express in 2004. The film centers on a little boy who isn't quite sure he believes in Santa Claus - until one night a magical train appears in front of his house and invites him on an adventurous journey to the North Pole.
Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)
There are countless remakes of Charles Dickens's story about the grumpy miser Ebenezer Scrooge. For kids in particular, the Disney adaptation is a lovely reinterpretation. Once again, the cranky protagonist is haunted by the ghosts of the past, present, and future to teach him compassion and warmth.
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Disney tells three lovely stories from Duckburg. While Huey, Dewey, and Louie wish it were Christmas every day and Goofy tries to convince his son Max that Santa Claus really exists, Mickey and Minnie search for the perfect gift for each other.
The Last Unicorn
For many people, young or old, The Last Unicorn is one of the most meaningful Christmas movies of all - even though Christmas itself is never mentioned in the anime. Still, the enchanting story of the last unicorn does have one thing in common with the holiday: it's about love. But be warned: the film is almost consistently melancholy and also deals with themes like suffering and death. There are depictions of violence, too. So perhaps not the ideal film for very young viewers.
Annabelle's Wish (1997)
A lovely Christmas story for the little ones: the calf Annabelle is born on Christmas Eve on a farm and wants nothing more than to learn to fly one day and become one of Santa's reindeer. You'll need tissues!
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur is Santa Claus's youngest son. Unlike his brother Steve, who as a businessman is meant to take over the family company one day, Arthur is still fully caught up in the Christmas spirit. When little Gwen is about to miss out on a gift because of a mistake on Christmas Eve, Arthur springs into action.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1998)
Everyone knows little Rudolph the reindeer, whose greatest dream is to one day pull Santa's sleigh. The best-known adaptation of the character created by Robert L. May in 1939 is the 1998 animated film with musical elements by William R. Kowalchuk. Naturally, the film tells the heartwarming story of Rudolph, who is at first mocked by the other reindeer for his red nose, only to save Christmas in the end.
Christmas with Astrid Lindgren
Various Lindgren classics are brought together as a Christmas special: among them 'Pippi Learns to Multiply,' in which little Pippi Longstocking decides to go to school just so she can look forward to Christmas vacation, as well as 'Pippi's Christmas.' In 'When Emil Gave a Feast for the Poor,' the well-known rascal Emil organizes a party for the needy, while in 'Pelle Moves Out' Pelle runs away from home, and little Lotta in 'A Christmas Tree Is Needed' has to track down a fir tree. Even today, the Lindgren collection is still a must for young and old.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and company have their own version of Charles Dickens's Christmas story, too. The grouch Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Oscar winner Michael Caine, who first teaches our dear Muppets to be afraid with his hard-hearted ways, only to later transform into a charitable, caring person.
Santa Claus and the Magic Crystal (2011)
The little orphan boy Yotan sets out together with the elf Jaga to win back the magic crystal from Santa Claus's evil brother, who has used it to seize Christmas for himself. An adventurous animated film from Finland.
