Nothing – absolutely nothing – will get you in the festive spirit more than watching a kid-friendly Christmas movie or TV show with the whole family.

Luckily, Netflix has a great offering for kids this festive season, with a string of festive classics and brand new originals.

So, if you’re looking for the best family-friendly Christmas TV and movies to watch on Netflix, or you’re wondering whether your own childhood favourites are available on the streaming giant, then look no further.

We’ve rounded up all our favourite kids' specials, from the likes of The Great British Baking Show: Holidays to Blown Away: Christmas and Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas.

From festive specials to classic movies that have been around for decades, read on for all the best Christmas TV and films for kids to watch this year on Netflix.

In the meantime, check out our guide to all the best Netflix December releases, as well as our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2021.

And if you’re looking for more children’s content, why not try our round-up of the best Christmas TV for kids?

Showing 1 to 13 of 13 results

  • David and the Elves

    • Drama
    • Comedy
    • 2021
    • Michal Rogalski
    • 107 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    A jaded, overworked elf runs off to the real world where he tries to experience the magic of Christmas with the help of a newly befriended young boy.

    Why watch David and the Elves?:

    If you’re looking for new Netflix content this festive season, you’ll be pleased to hear that David and the Elves (Polish: Dawid i Elfy), which is a Polish Christmas film but comes available with English-language dubbing, is new to Netflix.

    The film follows a cynical, overworked elf who decides to leave the North Pole in order to experience Christmas in the real, non-magical world.

    With laughs and fun moments aplenty, if you’re looking for a magical tale to enchant the kids this Christmas, then David and the Elves could be a great choice.

    How to watch
  • Jingle Jangle: a Christmas Journey

    • Family
    • Fantasy
    • 2020
    • David E Talbert
    • 120 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    An imaginary world becomes real in the form of a holiday tale featuring an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter and a magical invention that has the power to forever change their futures. Fantasy musical, starring Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key and Anika Noni Rose

    Why watch Jingle Jangle: a Christmas Journey?:

    If you didn’t get a chance to catch this Netflix original film when it was released last year, now is the perfect time.

    Boasting an amazing soundtrack and starring Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, and Anika Noni Rose, it makes for a tremendously fun festive watch, particularly for young kids.

    How to watch
  • The Christmas Chronicles

    • Comedy
    • Drama
    • 2018
    • Clay Kaytis
    • 103 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce hope to capture Santa Claus on camera on Christmas Eve. Festive family adventure starring Kurt Russell

    Why watch The Christmas Chronicles franchise?:

    With a star-studded cast led by Hollywood veteran Kurt Russell, both The Christmas Chronicles and its recent sequel, which focus on siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce, are most certainly worth a watch this festive season.

    Russell’s take on Santa is bizarrely engaging and, as the Pierce family pull an all-nighter in order to save Christmas, there are plenty of sing-a-long opportunities, laughs, and family melodrama to keep audiences of all ages entertained.

    How to watch
  • Klaus

    • Fantasy
    • Drama
    • 2019
    • Sergio Pablos
    • 96 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    The town of Smeerensburg above the Arctic Circle takes pride in being the most miserable and selfish place on the planet. Hapless postman Jesper is stationed in Smeerensburg as punishment. In the course of his duties, he meets a brilliant toymaker called Klaus.

    Why watch Klaus?:

    An Oscar-nominated, animated adventure that explores the origins tale of Santa Claus, Klaus makes for a tremendously fun watch over the festive season, particularly for kids.

    The film follows a selfish, spoilt postman sent to the cold and unforgiving Northern town Smeerensburg, where he forms an unlikely partnership with a reclusive toymaker – and is both cheesy and heart-warming in equal measure.

    How to watch
  • The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star

    • Comedy
    • Drama
    • 2021
    • Mike Rohl
    • 106 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    When a priceless relic is stolen, Queen Margaret and Princess Stacy enlist the help of Margaret's cousin Fiona teams with a man from her past to retrieve it, with romance and resulting in a very unexpected switch.

    Why watch The Princess Switch 3?:

    The Princess Switch film franchise has a third entry this year: The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star, once again starring Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) – this time as three separate lookalikes.

    It’s a great premise, and one that is hugely entertaining (if you don’t mind a large helping of cheese).

    How to watch
  • Minnal Murali

    • Action
    • Fantasy
    • 2021
    • Basil Joseph
    • 159 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    A tailor gains special powers after being struck by lightning, but must take down an unexpected foe if he is to become the superhero his hometown needs.

    Why watch Minnal Murali?:

    Netflix releases brand-new Indian Malayalam-language superhero film Minnal Murali this year on Christmas Eve (available with English-language dubbing) – just in time for Christmas!

    The film follows a young tailor who unexpectedly gains supernatural powers after he’s struck by lighting. Funny and light-hearted, it’s bound to get the whole family in festive spirits.

    How to watch
  • Little Women

    • Romance
    • Drama
    • 2019
    • Greta Gerwig
    • 134 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    Period drama starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Florence Pugh. New England, 1860s: with their father away fighting in the Civil War, the four March sisters, each smart, strong-willed and with different aspirations, are brought up by their mother. Soon they are experiencing the joys and pains of romance, and an unexpected tragedy.

    Why watch Little Women?:

    Though not strictly a Christmas film, this adaptation of the classic novel Little Women has a distinctly festive feel, given its December 2019 release.

    The beloved coming-of-age story of the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy – gets a new twist from Oscar-nominated director Greta Gerwig, and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh.

    Celebrating the theme of women’s empowerment, Little Women is an uplifting watch that’s bound to bring the whole family together over Christmas.

    How to watch
  • Robin Robin

    • Drama
    • Animation
    • 2021
    • Daniel Ojari
    • 30 mins
    • U

    Summary:

    An unhatched egg rolls into a rubbish dump and when the chick, Robin, emerges, she is raised by a family of thieving rodents headed by caring Dad Mouse. He treats Robin like one of the brood and she grows up believing she is a mouse like her brothers and sisters.

    Why watch Robin Robin?:

    The heartwarming festive special Robin Robin follows a robin raised by a family of mice, and who makes a Christmas wish to become a mouse herself.

    This half-hour Christmas stop-motion special is brand new this year from Aardman, the makers of Wallace and Gromit. The animation boasts a beautiful strings-based soundtrack, and the puppets, characters and camera work are nothing short of amazing.

    How to watch
  • Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday

    • Arts and culture
    • Animation
    • 2020
    • Greg Rankin
    • 47 mins

    Summary:

    Snowfall marks the start of Odinyule - the Viking holiday of giving! But crazy weather might cancel the tradition unless the Rescue Riders can swoop in.

    Why watch Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday?:

    The Dreamworks Christmas special is a must-watch for any young fans of the How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.

    This holiday special takes place during Odinyule — the Viking holiday of giving. However, extreme weather may jeopardise the festivities…

    How to watch
  • Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas

    • Children's
    • Animation
    • 2021
    • Steve Cox
    • 30 mins
    • U

    Summary:

    It's Christmas Eve at Mossy Bottom Farm, but Shaun's seasonal excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get bigger stockings inadvertently leads to Timmy heading off to a Christmas market in the back of the farmer's truck. Shaun sets out to get his cousin back before he becomes someone else's present. Animated adventure, with the voices of Justin Fletcher and Marcus Brigstocke

    Why watch Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas?:

    Another Aardman Animations creation, this stop-motion movie is clever, genuinely hilarious and will have kids instantly giggling away.

    As Shaun becomes entangled in various Christmas misadventures, including an attempt to steal some giant socks from a farmer, the visual gags go from strength to strength and the jokes just keep on coming.

    How to watch
  • Alien Xmas

    • Drama
    • Animation
    • 2020
    • Stephen Chiodo
    • 43 mins
    • U

    Summary:

    A young elf mistakes a tiny alien for a Christmas gift, not knowing her new plaything has plans to destroy Earth's gravity - and steal all the presents.

    Why Watch Alien Xmas?:

    Based on the 2006 book by director Stephen Chiodo and Jim Strain of the same name, Netflix’s stop-motion movie Alien Xmas follows a group of extraterrestrials who land on Earth to steal Christmas. The premise is enchanting: it’s basically a retelling of How the Grinch stole Christmas – but with some extra-terrestrial magic.

    The animation has some impressive visuals, which are the work of the Chiodo brothers, who did the stop-motion sequences for the Will Ferrell movie Elf. All in all, this film is bound to get you feeling festive. After all, it’s hard to resist a battle between aliens and elves, isn’t it?

    How to watch
  • Blown Away: Christmas

    • 2021
    • Entertainment
    • Reality
    • PG

    Summary:

    Five fan-favorite glass blowers return to the hot shop to compete in a series of Christmas-themed challenges; the winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, plus an additional $10,000 will be donated to his or her charity of choice.

    Why watch Blown Away: Christmas?:

    Netflix’s Blown Away: Christmas is a great follow-up to Blown Away seasons 1 and 2, where contestants turn boring panes of glass into amazing creations in an attempt to get their hands on the cash prize.

    This lively series special is presented by Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk, who brings us many laugh-out-loud moments alongside glass blower Katherine Gray, a judge from the original series, who brings the expertise.

    The festive edition is equal parts festive and cheesy as the contestants attempt to create glass items that reflect an aspect of Christmas. If you’re a fan of series such as The Great British Bake Off or Portrait Artist of the Year, you’ll love this festive Christmas-themed cracker.

    How to watch
  • Sugar Rush Christmas

    • 2019
    • Reality

    Summary:

    Four sets of bakers compete in Christmas themed baking challenges. First round is cupcakes, second round confections, and final round cakes. After each challenge, one group is eliminated and the winner of the final challenge gets $10,000.

    Why watch Sugar Rush Christmas?:

    For fans of The Great British Bake Off, Sugar Rush Christmas on Netflix is a great festive watch.

    Hosted by a lively presenter, Hunter March, this Christmas-themed spin on competitive baking is bound to get you in the festive spirits – and might even bring you some Yuletide recipe inspiration.

    How to watch
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