🎄🍿 Walker Family Holiday Watchlist
with printable check list!🎥
Can you guess which one is my favorite? Hint. I adore NYC at Christmastime. ;)
Back in 2020, I published a list of our family’s favorite Christmas movies, but with the kids growing up (Asher is now 14, Easton is 9, and Kezia is 7!), it felt like time for an update. Since I’m completely obsessed with Christmas, we watch way more movies than what’s on this list, but I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that have become annual traditions for us. Ryan and I also sit down to at least 4 Hallmark or Netflix Christmas Movies (yes, he’s a trooper!) a week during the season, but that’s a whole other post for another time.
There are some (like Love Actually—I know, I’m one of the few who doesn’t love this cult classic) that I only watch every five years or so. And many of the cute short cartoons from my original list are still in rotation, especially for the little ones. Here’s our updated list of Christmas favorites, complete with new family stories and memories!Back in 2021, I published a list of our family’s favorite Christmas movies, but with the kids growing up (Asher is now 14, Easton is 9, and Kezia is 7!), it felt like time for an update.
Since I’m completely obsessed with Christmas, we watch way more movies than what’s on this list, but I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that have become annual traditions for us. There are some (like Love Actually or It’s A Wonderful Life)—I know, I’m one of the few who doesn’t love these cult classics) that I only watch every five years or so. And many of the cute short cartoons from my original list are still in rotation, especially for the little ones.
Here’s our updated list of Christmas favorites, complete with age ratings, streaming information, new family stories, and memories!
The Walker’s Ultimate Christmas Movie Checklist
with age ratings, where to stream, and why we love them!
Elf – Rated: 4+ (Hulu, Sling TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV)
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
We put this one on every year while we decorate, and usually again on Thanksgiving night. Kezia loves to belt out “Santa!!! I know him!” every time we watch. Meanwhile, Easton keeps asking if we could actually try making the syrup spaghetti—maybe one day!
A Charlie Brown Christmas – Rated: 2+ (Amazon Prime, PBS Kids, Apple TV)
“Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” – Charlie Brown
Every year, Kezia is the first to pick this one. She loves how Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas, and Easton always giggles at Pig Pen’s dance moves. Asher, of course, claims he’s “too old” but somehow stays on the couch the whole time.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas – Rated: 1+ (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV)
“Christmas monkey, Christmas monkey, No one's sung about Christmas monkey.
Christmas monkey's got no song. It’s been that way for much too long.”
This is Kezia and Easton’s favorite for decorating gingerbread houses. They love singing along to the music while sneaking candy from the gingerbread kits. Asher watched it nearly every day when he was little, and it’s remained a must-watch in our house.
Home Alone 1 & 2 – Rated: 5+ (Disney+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Fandango, Hulu)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.”
The music at the beginning of both of these movies alone can make my eyes well up with tears. They’re just so nostalgic and have so many good one-liners. My boys have always loved all of the booby traps and outsmarting of the burglars.
The Santa Clause 1 & 2 – Rated: 3+ (Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix)
“Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.”
Kezia loves the North Pole scenes, especially the cocoa-making elves. Easton is convinced he could be Santa’s assistant, and Asher always points out all the plot holes—but he still laughs at Scott Calvin’s one-liners.
The Nutcracker (1993) – Rated: 2+ (Amazon Prime, Apple TV)
“The magic starts once you believe.”
Did you watch this one growing up? I feel like all of us who loved Home Alone also loved this one, because Macaulay Culkin is the prince/Nutcracker, but maybe it was just me! I performed in the Nutcracker with the Colorado Springs Ballet every year when I was younger, so of course I loved it!
White Christmas – Rated: 2+ (Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu)
When what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten, what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got left.”
Well, I could watch this a billion times in a year and never tire of it. It’s simply the best Christmas movie of all time. The music, the choreography, the sets—it’s just beautiful and such a classic. I watched it with Grandma growing up, and it’s remained a classic.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – Rated: 3+ (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube, Apple TV)
“It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags.”
This is Easton’s favorite version of the Grinch, and he can recite almost the whole thing. Kez and I both love the Fah Who Doraze song, and we all get so sad for how Max is treated. That’s why the newer version from 2018 has become a family favorite - no mistreating of dogs!
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) – Rated: 2+ (Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube)
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”
All three of my kids love this one and especially love the slight hip-hop twist to the classic theme song! The story of Cindy Lou trying to give her mom a good Christmas melts my heart.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey – Rated: 3+ (Netflix)
“Never be afraid of what others may think of you. Your magic is your own.”
Easton loves the invention scenes and is convinced he could create something magical if he had the right tools. Kezia dances and sings along to the opening number every time. The soundtrack is great too!
The Christmas Chronicles – Rated: 6+ (Netflix)
“Let’s get this party started! Ho, ho, ho!”
Asher likes Kurt Russell’s version of Santa because “he’s cooler than the others.” There’s a tiny bit of language in this one, but it goes over my younger kid’s heads still. It’s chaotic but so fun.
Pluto’s Christmas Tree – Rated: 2+ (Disney+)
“Mischief-makers or not, Christmas is about finding joy together—even when it’s unexpected.”
My favorite scene is Chip blowing out the Santa candle on his head when he pretends to be one. Kezia and Easton love Chip and Dale’s antics. I still make Asher sit and watch it with us every year, because I watched it with my siblings growing up and he loved it as a little boy.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol – Rated: 4+ (Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Vudu, YouTube)
“And God bless us, every one!” – Tiny Tim
This one always feels like a Christmas tradition. Easton loves Scrooge McDuck, and Kezia always asks if Tiny Tim will be okay.
Prep & Landing – Rated: 3+ (Disney+, Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime, YouTube)
“Welcome to the big leagues, kid.”
Easton (and Asher when he was younger) both love the idea of Christmas elves working behind the scenes, and Kezia always insists she’d make a great Prep & Landing elf. It’s short and fun, perfect for watching right before bedtime.
The Polar Express – Rated: 6+ (YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Fandango)
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”
I’m going to admit something that might not be popular—I’m not the biggest fan of this movie! I do love the train scene with the hot chocolate and dancing, and the music and visuals are stunning, but the rest feels a little intense for me. I also give this one a slightly higher age rating because Kezia tends to lose interest after the first 10-15 minutes.
All I Want for Christmas (1991) – Rated: 8+ (Sling TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube)
“Snowball, Snowball!!”
This one feels nostalgic. Fun fact - I had such a crush on Ethan that I planned to name my first son the same when I was younger. I’ve always loved this cute movie about two kids with a big Christmas wish to get their parents back together.
Journey to Bethlehem – Rated: PG (Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu)
“Mary! You’re getting married!”
Kezia loves the music and dancing, and Easton loves the story. There’s definitely some creative liberties taken with the storyline, but we love the modern take on the Nativity story and listen to the soundtrack a ton during the season.
Klaus – Rated: 6+ (Netflix)
“A true selfless act always sparks another.”
This movie has quickly become a family favorite. Kezia and Easton love the colorful animation and the transformation of the town. It’s a fresh take on the origins of Santa Claus, and the message about kindness and connection always leaves us feeling warm and fuzzy.
Meet Me in St. Louis – Rated: 6+ (Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube)
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.”
Kezia loves the songs, especially “The Trolley Song.” Easton is fascinated by the old-fashioned costumes, and Asher asked if people really talked like that. HA!
The Family Switch – Rated: 8+ (Netflix)
“You’re me? And I’m you? Oh no.”
We watched this as a family last year, and it’s back on our list this year because it makes everyone laugh—even the teenager! The body-swapping chaos is hilarious, and the message about unplugging and spending quality time together as a family is such a sweet reminder during the holiday season.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – Rated: 6+ (Apple TV, YouTube, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Disney+)
“I’m a symbol of the human ability to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives.”
I actually love the classic 40’s version of this movie, but my kids prefer this one—and I love it too. Because Mrs. Doubtfire and Matilda, duh! Such a sweet story, and the little girl is adorable as usual.
A Christmas Story – Rated: 8+ (Amazon Prime, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV)
“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”
This one is Easton’s favorite because he loves Ralphie’s sarcastic narration. He actually put a Red Rider gun and a “Leg Lamp” on his Christmas list last year. HA. It’s impossible not to quote this one year-round, especially when Easton asks for something ridiculous.
Teen and Adult Movies
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Rated: 13+ (Amazon Prime, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV)
“Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together!”
Ryan quotes this movie all year long—no joke—and we finally introduced Asher to it last year. There were a lot of “earmuff” moments, but it’s hard to get through Christmas without watching it at least twice. We always bring Kezia and Easton in for the over-the-top lights and sledding scenes.
“Fixed the newel post!”
“Eat my road grit, Liver Lips!”
“Looks great! Little full, lotta sap.”
“The little lights are not twinkling.”
“Is your house on fire, Clark?”
“Grace? She died years ago!” “The BLESSING!”
“It’s a one-year membership in the Jelly of the Month Club.”
“Merry Christmas! Shitter was full!”
“She’ll see it later. Her eyes are frozen”
“And why is the carpet all wet TODD? I don’t KNOW Margot!”
The Holiday – Rated: 12+ (Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV)
“Iris, if you were a melody… I used only the good notes.”
I want to do a house swap with someone in England. Specifically if it’s a cozy cottage in the middle of a snowy village.
The Family Stone – Rated: 13+ (Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu)
“It’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.”
This one makes me cry, without fail, every time. I watch it every few years, when I’m in the mood to be melancholy. It’s too sad to watch some years. But it’s so beautiful and the family dynamic is so real.
Serendipity – Rated: 10+ (Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu)
“Life is a tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan.”
I would give anything to live in NYC for Christmastime. So, of course I love this classic, and have since I was a teenager when it came out.
Last Christmas – Rated: 13+ (Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube)
“You don’t have to be unscathed to be loved.”
As an Enneagram 4 who actually enjoys the occasional melancholy movie, this one caught me off guard with how unexpectedly sad yet beautifully touching it was. It’s a bittersweet story with moments that really stay with you. A word of advice: don’t watch this one alone on a plane without a box of tissues—trust me, I learned the hard way! It’s the kind of movie that makes you feel all the emotions and leaves you reflecting on the magic of the season.
Something from Tiffany’s – Rated: 10+ (Amazon Prime Video)
“Life is full of surprises and unexpected gifts.”
This charming holiday romance has become a new favorite for me in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed. It’s a delightful film that brings the magic of the holidays to life and the love story is so cute.
Last Vermont Christmas – Rated: 7+ (Hallmark, Amazon Prime, YouTube)
“This is more than a house. It’s where we became us.”
No other Hallmark movies made this list because, let’s be honest, they release dozens of new ones every year, and while they’re all terrible and predictable, they’re also so terribly great. That said, I watch this one every year so it made the list. The sibling relationships and the nostalgia around returning to a hometown just get me every time. It’s a sweet, comforting tradition that I look forward to every holiday season.
Ok so I totally agree about the Hallmark movies. I love them at Christmas for all their sappy cheese moments, but have you watched the Christmas Train? It's an older one and not always easy to catch but that one is worth a rewatch every year!
ps How to convert the Hubs to a Hallmark-watching man? Asking for a friend…😝