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10 of the best family Christmas films to watch over the festive period

The best time of year!

There is nothing more special than spending quality time with your family over the festive season. So we have picked out our favourite Christmas films you all need to sit down and watch in the coming weeks.

If you aren’t feeling festive yet, you sure will after these!

1. Elf (2003)

One of the funniest Christmas films ever made. Will Ferrell plays ‘Buddy the Elf’ in this uplifting movie which sees a man raised as an oversized elf in the North Pole. ‘Buddy’ returns to his birthplace; New York where he finds his human family. Christmas is on the verge of being cancelled until Buddy brings the festive spirit.

A hilarious one that the kids are sure to love!

2. The Polar Express (2004)

In this adaptation of the popular children’s story book, Billy desperately wants to believe in Santa Claus, but has had the magic of Christmas ruined by others that told him it’s just a fairy tale. In the magical story a train appears on Christmas Eve to whisk the children off to the North Pole for some startling discoveries.

A great fairy tale like story to mesmerise the kids this Christmas.

3. Jingle All The Way (1996)

In this perfect Christmas comedy frantic parents go last minute shopping for the most in demand toy of the year; ‘Turbo Man’. However after a frantic scramble, parent Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) gets transformed into the real Turbo Man.

The perfect comedy film for all the family to laugh along to.

4. Home Alone (1990)

Most people have seen it… and most more than once! But this classic family film never gets old. When mischievous Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left at home by his parents when they take a festive trip to Paris, Kevin soon finds himself taking on two idiotic robbers in a way that will get the whole family laughing.

If you enjoy this one, make sure you watch Home Alone 2, 3 & 4.

5. The Muppet's Christmas Carol (1992)

The Charles Dickens classic with the loveable Muppets staring as the main attraction. A totally unique film with Kermit and the gang teaming up with Scrooge (Michael Cain). Throw into the mix hilarious comedy and the kids will love it from start to finish.

6. The Snowman (1982)

Christmas wouldn’t feel right without The Snowman! With no words, this one is left to work your imagination and uses the music to tell the tale of a young boy and his beloved snowman which comes to life.

It may only last 27 minutes but it’s certainly a must watch this Christmas!

7. Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Based around the popular 1957 book, The Grinch (Jim Carrey) despises Christmas and does his best to ruin it for residents. However eight-year-old Cindy (Taylor Momsen) tries her best to revive his Christmas spirit.

The kids will love this funny, mischievous and inspiring film guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Although the original 1947 version is great, the 1994 remake of this classic is perfect for young families to enjoy at Christmas. After getting a job in a department store and meeting a sceptical little girl, Santa tries his best to convince everybody he is the real Father Christmas.

Watch it now to find out if he succeeds, trust us you won’t be disappointed in this classic.

9. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton created magic again when he released The Nightmare Before Christmas in 1993. Since then it has become a Christmas film favourite with families around the world.

Main character Jack Skellington becomes disillusioned with frightful goings on in his Halloween Town, so luckily he stumbles across the wondrous Christmas Town which he attempts to bring back to Halloween Town.

A visually stunning film which is great for the family to enjoy.

10. Frozen (2013)

The last on our list of festive films is typically not seen as just a ‘Christmas film’ but is the perfect film to get the family in a feel good mood. Yes, we are talking about Disney’s Frozen! The film which captured the nation’s heart with its sing-a-long of ‘Let It Go’ and heart-warming storyline.

So get on the sofa and join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends this Christmas.

What's your favourite festive film to get you in the Christmas mood?

Now take a look at how some of the celebrities are getting ready for Christmas this year.

Ferne McCann and baby Sunday

Ferne and baby Sunday look too cute all snuggled up in the snow.

10 of the best family Christmas films to watch over the festive period
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Megan McKenna

Megan and a v sparkly Christmas tree.