Christmas is the season for family, fun, and festive movie nights, and what better way to share the magic of the holidays with little ones than by watching heartwarming Disney animated classics? From beloved characters like Winnie the Pooh to the mischievous Olaf, these charming films bring joy, laughter, and holiday spirit to every viewer.
Here are, in no particular order, the 10 Best Disney Animated Christmas Movies to enjoy with the little ones.
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving (1999)
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving is a magical holiday film filled with warmth and joy. Featuring the beloved characters from the Hundred Acre Wood, this Christmas movie for kids includes three delightful stories (“GroundPiglet Day,” “A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving” and “Find Her, Keep Her”) that revolve around the themes of friendship, giving, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to introduce young children to the spirit of Christmas while enjoying simple, gentle stories with their favorite bear, Pooh.
The friendly and fun nature of Pooh and his friends is ideal for young audiences, and the messages of kindness and giving make it a heartwarming Christmas pick.
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)
In Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year, the Hundred Acre Wood gang celebrates the New Year and Christmas in their own special way. The movie combines two of the most loved holidays, making it a wonderful option for those looking to enjoy both Christmas and New Year’s magic in one film.
Synopsis: It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Rabbit will only discover the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change who they are.
After fond recollections of a Christmas past, the countdown to New Year’s begins. Rabbit plans a party, but when Pooh and friends bother him, he starts to sulk, threatening to move away. To appease Rabbit, everyone makes a New Year’s resolution to change. But see what happens to the Hundred Acre Wood when Piglet starts bouncing to conquer his fear, Pooh becomes gloomy from not eating any honey and Tigger…unbounce-able!
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure is the perfect Disney Christmas movie for toddlers and young children. This short film brings everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf, back for a quest to find the perfect holiday traditions for Elsa and Anna. With catchy songs and adorable characters, it’s a delightful watch that’s sure to brighten up your family’s Christmas movie marathon.
The short runtime (only 21 minutes) and lighthearted, festive atmosphere make it a perfect pick for younger viewers.
Synopsis: Olaf and Sven team up for a merry mission to bring home the kingdom’s holiday traditions and save Christmas for Anna and Elsa.
It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
For older kids who enjoy something a little different, The Nightmare Before Christmas is an iconic animated movie by Tim Burton. While it’s technically a Halloween movie, its setting in the whimsical town of Halloween Town and Jack Skellington’s obsession with Christmas makes it a fascinating crossover for the holiday season. The stop-motion animation and memorable songs add to its charm.
Why It’s Great for Kids: The combination of spooky fun and holiday cheer makes this a perfect movie for children who love something a bit quirky and unique.
Synopsis: Enter an extraordinary world filled with magic and wonder, where every holiday has its own special land. This is the heartfelt tale of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town and all things that go bump in the night. Bored with the same old tricks and treats, he yearns for something more, and soon stumbles upon the glorious magic of Christmas Town. When Jack decides to bring this joyful holiday back to Halloween Town, his dream to fill Santa’s shoes unravels, and it’s up to Sally, the rag doll who loves him, to stitch things together again.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
In The Muppet Christmas Carol, the lovable Muppets bring a joyful, funny, and heartwarming twist to Charles Dickens’ classic story. This animated Christmas movie for families stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and other beloved Muppets. With catchy tunes and plenty of laughs, it’s a perfect way to introduce kids to the timeless tale of Scrooge.
The Muppets’ charm, humor, and festive spirit make this a fun, easy-to-watch adaptation for younger children.
Synopsis: The Muppets’ rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve, when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes — and his heart — to the true meaning of Christmas.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas features three touching stories centered around Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and the entire Disney gang. Each segment teaches important lessons about the spirit of Christmas, including love, generosity, and selflessness. This is an excellent Disney Christmas special for younger children, with a mix of humor, warmth, and Disney magic.
With multiple short stories, it offers variety and features all the classic Disney characters kids know and love.
Synopsis: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Pluto gather to reminisce about love, magic, and surprises in three wonder-filled stories of Christmas past. In the fine tradition of Disney storytelling, Minnie and Mickey recall the year they both gave up what was most important to them for the sake of the other, making for one unforgettable Christmas. Goofy and Max retell when they experienced a series of hilarious but season-shaking events…until a visit from the real Santa made it a most magical holiday. Thinking back to when they wished Christmas was every day, Donald’s nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie remember their dream turning into a comical catastrophe, eventually teaching them what true holiday spirit is all about. Contains tobacco depictions.
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
In Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas, Belle and Beast’s first Christmas together at the enchanted castle faces a challenge when Beast refuses to celebrate. Belle is determined to bring the spirit of Christmas into the castle, and the story unfolds with lots of magical moments and catchy songs. This animated Christmas movie combines holiday cheer with the enchantment of the original Beauty and the Beast film.
Synposis: Celebrate the most magical time of the year with this irresistible holiday movie, inspired by Disney’s beloved classic. Share the wonder as Mrs. Potts recounts another “tale as old as time” about a Christmas past that almost wasn’t, thanks to the scheming of former court composer Forte, who is determined to keep Belle and Beast apart forever. This enchanting adventure boasts delightful songs, spellbinding visuals and enduring themes of hope, friendship and love.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Mickey’s Christmas Carol is a brief, but memorable, retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge. This short Disney Christmas film is perfect for introducing younger kids to the classic holiday story, while still retaining the charm of beloved Disney characters.
It’s a short and sweet version of the timeless story, making it perfect for younger children who have shorter attention spans.
Synopsis: Mickey, Donald, Goofy and all their pals star in an all-time Christmas classic. Ebenezer Scrooge is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity, but with the guidance of some newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. (Contains tobacco depictions)
Pluto’s Christmas Tree (1952)
In Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Mickey and Pluto pick out the perfect Christmas tree, but things get a bit chaotic when Chip and Dale make their home inside it. This classic Disney short is filled with laughter, mishaps, and holiday magic as Mickey tries to bring some holiday cheer into his home. It’s one of the best Disney Christmas shorts for toddlers to enjoy during the holiday season.
The slapstick comedy and simple storyline are perfect for younger children, and the delightful chaos will keep them giggling.
Synopsis: The tree that Mickey and Pluto chop down to bring home for Christmas is the tree that Chip ‘n Dale live in. Pluto tries to tell Mickey this while the tree is being trimmed, but Mickey doesn’t understand. In chasing the chipmunks, Pluto finally crashes down with the tree. We end with everybody singing carols, except Pluto. His mouth is covered with a sticker reading “Do Not Open Until Christmas.”
Prep & Landing (2009)
Prep & Landing is a charming Disney animated short that follows Wayne, an experienced elf, and his rookie partner, Lanny, as they prepare homes for Santa’s Christmas Eve visit. When things don’t go as planned, the two must work together to save the holiday magic, learning valuable lessons along the way.
This movie is perfect for kids due to its positive messages about teamwork and self-confidence. With a short runtime and an engaging story, Prep & Landing offers a fun, festive experience that children and families can enjoy together.
Synposis: On Christmas Eve, a high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known as “Prep & Landing” ensures homes around the world are prepared for Santa’s visit. But after working tirelessly for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive a promotion to be Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, he is partnered with an idealistic rookie named Lanny. During their first mission as partners, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and threaten Christmas for children everywhere. Now it’s going to take a great big effort from two mismatched little elves to save the season.
If you’re planning a family movie night this holiday season, these Disney Christmas movies for kids are perfect for creating lasting memories with your little ones. Happy holidays, and enjoy the magic of Disney this Christmas season!
