We have a little tradition in our house. During the month of December, we watch as many Christmas themed movies together as we can find time for. We have some favorites we watch year after year, but we also try to add a few new ones each year as well. Our favorite Christmas movies cover a wide variety of genres, from comedies, to animated classics, to heart warming family films.

Maybe you have a similar tradition in your own home. Perhaps your family has a few Christmas movies you watch every year. But maybe you’re looking for some ideas for new holiday films to try this season.

If your family is anything like mine, you’ll be able to find a few new favorites among this list.

The Star of Bethlehem

I start the list with this movie because it’s important to remember what the Christmas season is really all about. Every time I watch this movie, I get chills. It induces a spirit of awe in me with each viewing. It’s unlike any other Christmas movie I’ve ever seen. I guarantee if you watch this one, you’ll be amazed at the intricacies of God’s handiwork in the universe. Your heart will cry out in praise to Him—I know mine does whenever I see this film.

The Christmas Shoes

This one will make you cry. It’s a touching movie about love and about discovering what’s truly important in life. If you haven’t seen this one, you need to. We’ve all heard the song; the movie’s much, much better.

The Christmas Box

My grandmother gave me the book by Richard Paul Evans (which has become a holiday classic) when I was a teenager. The story stuck with me for a very long time. In my opinion, the movie is just as good as the book. I don’t want to give anything away if you’ve never seen it, but I will say that having now experienced the loss of a child, the story of this movie resonates with me on a much deeper level than I ever imagined it would when we first started our annual viewings of it.

The Timepiece

This movie is the prequel to The Christmas Box. It is a touching tale set during World War II. A very moving story of forgiveness and faith and the power of love. This one is also based on a book by Richard Paul Evans.

White Christmas

I really don’t need to say anything about this one, do I? Who hasn’t seen this movie? It’s definitely a time-tested holiday classic. It’s also one of my personal favorites. The music, the dancing, the story, it’s all absolutely perfect. Plus, the costumes are utterly gorgeous.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Another classic everyone must see. The nostalgia attached to this one is almost as good as the actually movie itself. I love the scene where Linus is reciting the scripture passage from Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. Another great reminder that “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Elf

Such an entertaining movie, this is an all-time favorite of a couple of my kids. It’s fun and silly and sweet at times. (There are a couple of questionable scenes that might not be best for younger viewers, though.)

Christmas With the Kranks

This movie is hilarious! The concept is clever, and the execution is flawless. Another one that has a couple of questionable scenes for little ones, but overall a family friendly film.

 It’s a Wonderful Life

Another classic that bears mentioning because it is just such a great movie. I’m so attached to this movie—I have very fond memories of watching it as a little girl with my dad.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

A well known story told with a twist—a Muppets twist. For a movie with a whole bunch of weird puppets portraying the characters, it’s heart warming and has all the appeal of Dickens’ original tale. But it has something even better…Kermit the frog…as Bob Cratchit. Need I say more?

The Christmas Card

This movie is so sweet. It’s a love story set at Christmas time. The main characters are endearing, the story is interesting, and the message is positive. There are some really cute one-liners in this one, too. My husband loves to quote a specific handful of lines from this movie.

The Nativity Story

I’ll start and end this list with the same message. Jesus is at the center of Christmas. The Christmas story is about Him, His birth, the purpose for which He came to Earth, which was to die for the sins of His people. This movie beautifully portals the story of that first Christmas. We always watch this one on Christmas Eve. It’s a wonderful way to bring our focus back to the One who deserves our worship, not just on Christmas, but every single day of the year.

Any movies on this list you’ve never seen? I highly recommend you watch them. Who knows, one of these might just become a new favorite for you. Or maybe this list has reminded you of a forgotten favorite of your own that you’d like to view again. At any rate, I hope it’s given you some ideas for great holiday movies to watch with your family.

Do you have a favorite Christmas movie I didn’t mention here? Care to share your own favorite holiday movie titles? Please leave a comment; I’d love to hear what Christmas movies you love to watch each year.