From The Polar Express to Klaus, 10 animated holiday films to add to your Christmas night traditions
Karen Noronha | Indiatimes | Dec 24, 2025, 14:56 IST
Image credit : Prime Video and Netflix | These films don't just entertain children - they define what Christmas feels like.
If you're putting together a family watchlist this holiday season, these 10 animated Christmas movies are timeless for a reason.
More than any other art form, animation has always captured the true meaning of Christmas. From letting reindeer soar to making snow feel truly magical, animated films do the impossible: they transform belief, wonder, and nostalgia into something unforgettable.
These films, ranging from stop-motion masterpieces to modern animated blockbusters, do more than just delight youngsters; they shape what Christmas means for future generations. If you're putting together a family watchlist this holiday season, these 10 animated Christmas movies are timeless for a reason.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
![Prime Video | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)]()
Rudolph, born with a glowing red nose, is ostracized by other reindeer. With the help of a dentist-seeking elf and a prospector, he embarks on a journey to the North Pole, faces the Abominable Snow Monster, and ultimately saves Christmas, turning his uniqueness into a gift.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
![Apple TV+ | A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)]()
Charlie Brown struggles to find meaning in a holiday filled with commercialism. With support from his friends, he learns the true spirit of Christmas, proving that kindness, community, and thoughtfulness matter more than presents.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Peacock
![Prime Video | How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)]()
The Grinch despises Christmas and hatches a plan to ruin it for Whoville. But as he watches the Whos celebrate with joy and love, his heart grows three sizes, turning him from a bitter recluse into a hero of the holiday.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu
![IMDb | The Snowman (1982)]()
This wordless, hand-drawn classic follows a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they explore his home, take a magical midnight ride, and visit the North Pole, creating a story full of wonder and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Disney+
![Disney+ | The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)]()
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmastown and decides to take over the holiday. His well-intentioned plan goes awry, teaching Jack that understanding and respecting the magic of Christmas is harder than it seems.
Where to watch: Prime Video, HBO Max
![Prime Video | The Polar Express (2004)]()
A skeptical boy boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the journey, he discovers the true meaning of faith, friendship, and the wonder of believing, receiving the very first gift of Christmas from Santa himself.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
![Prime Video | Arthur Christmas (2011)]()
When Santa misses delivering a gift to a child, his youngest son, Arthur, sets out to correct the mistake. Heartwarming, fun, and full of festive cheer, it reminds viewers that compassion and personal attention make Christmas truly magical.
Where to watch: Netflix
![Netflix | Klaus (2019)]()
A lazy postman is sent to a frozen town where he meets a reclusive toymaker. Together, they secretly deliver gifts, bringing joy to a feuding community and crafting a heartfelt origin story for Santa Claus.
Where to watch: Netflix
![Netflix | A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)]()
Santa crashes in a junkyard on Christmas Eve, and it’s up to Hank, Trash Truck, and their animal friends to save the holiday. Simple, cheerful, and perfect for young viewers, it’s an easy-hearted festive watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
![Netflix | Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)]()
Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Through haunting lessons and reflections, he learns redemption, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas in this animated retelling of Dickens’ classic.
These films, ranging from stop-motion masterpieces to modern animated blockbusters, do more than just delight youngsters; they shape what Christmas means for future generations. If you're putting together a family watchlist this holiday season, these 10 animated Christmas movies are timeless for a reason.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Image credit : Prime Video | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph, born with a glowing red nose, is ostracized by other reindeer. With the help of a dentist-seeking elf and a prospector, he embarks on a journey to the North Pole, faces the Abominable Snow Monster, and ultimately saves Christmas, turning his uniqueness into a gift.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Image credit : Apple TV+ | A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown struggles to find meaning in a holiday filled with commercialism. With support from his friends, he learns the true spirit of Christmas, proving that kindness, community, and thoughtfulness matter more than presents.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Image credit : Prime Video | How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
The Grinch despises Christmas and hatches a plan to ruin it for Whoville. But as he watches the Whos celebrate with joy and love, his heart grows three sizes, turning him from a bitter recluse into a hero of the holiday.
The Snowman (1982)
Image credit : IMDb | The Snowman (1982)
This wordless, hand-drawn classic follows a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life. Together, they explore his home, take a magical midnight ride, and visit the North Pole, creating a story full of wonder and a touch of bittersweet nostalgia.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Image credit : Disney+ | The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmastown and decides to take over the holiday. His well-intentioned plan goes awry, teaching Jack that understanding and respecting the magic of Christmas is harder than it seems.
The Polar Express (2004)
Image credit : Prime Video | The Polar Express (2004)
A skeptical boy boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the journey, he discovers the true meaning of faith, friendship, and the wonder of believing, receiving the very first gift of Christmas from Santa himself.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Image credit : Prime Video | Arthur Christmas (2011)
When Santa misses delivering a gift to a child, his youngest son, Arthur, sets out to correct the mistake. Heartwarming, fun, and full of festive cheer, it reminds viewers that compassion and personal attention make Christmas truly magical.
Klaus (2019)
Image credit : Netflix | Klaus (2019)
A lazy postman is sent to a frozen town where he meets a reclusive toymaker. Together, they secretly deliver gifts, bringing joy to a feuding community and crafting a heartfelt origin story for Santa Claus.
A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)
Image credit : Netflix | A Trash Truck Christmas (2020)
Santa crashes in a junkyard on Christmas Eve, and it’s up to Hank, Trash Truck, and their animal friends to save the holiday. Simple, cheerful, and perfect for young viewers, it’s an easy-hearted festive watch.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
Image credit : Netflix | Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Through haunting lessons and reflections, he learns redemption, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas in this animated retelling of Dickens’ classic.
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