Cover From timeless classics to modern tales, these animated Christmas movies bring warmth, wonder and festive fun for viewers of all ages (Photo: That Christmas/Netflix © 2024)
From timeless classics to modern tales, these animated Christmas movies bring warmth, wonder and festive fun for viewers of all ages (Photo: That Christmas/Netflix © 2024)
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From classics to new favourites, these animated Christmas movies offer charm for all ages
The holiday season invites families to gather, dim the lights, and press play on an animated Christmas movie that appeals across generations. From children seeing snow for the first time to adults seeking nostalgia or quiet charm, animation can balance whimsy, sentimentality—and a hint of darkness.
These ten films do just that: some offer pure family-friendly delight, while others provide texture and nuance adults will recognise. Each presents a distinct take on Christmas, from fantastical origins to modern reinterpretations, from heartwarming tales to bittersweet stories. This selection of animated Christmas movies provides a mix of familiar favourites and fresh discoveries for viewers of all ages.
Read more: Christmas in London: 7 locations overflowing with holiday cheer
1. 'Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch' (2018)
Above The fully animated 2018 version of ’Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch' brings the modern classic to life with vibrant visuals
The 2018 fully animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story brings the Grinch to life with vibrant visuals and energetic storytelling. It follows the familiar plot of the Grinch’s attempt to ruin Christmas in Whoville before discovering the holiday’s true spirit. Its bright animation and humour make it appealing to younger viewers, while adults can appreciate the film’s faithful nods to Dr. Seuss’ original work.
2. 'Angela’s Christmas Wish' (2020)
Above 'Angela’s Christmas Wish' is a heartwarming animated short film that’s all about family and the spirit of giving
Angela’s Christmas Wish follows Angela, a young Irish girl who sets out to ensure her family experiences a joyful Christmas, performing small acts of kindness along the way. The short film highlights themes of empathy, generosity and community, with heartwarming storytelling expressed through soft, emotive animation. Its focus on family relationships and the spirit of giving makes it accessible to viewers of all ages, while its culturally grounded setting adds charm and authenticity.
3. 'The Polar Express' (2004)
Above 'The Polar Express' starred Tom Hanks in multiple roles
Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a boy’s journey to the North Pole, exploring belief, doubt and wonder. Its motion-capture animation adds visual ambition, creating a distinctive, immersive atmosphere, and Tom Hanks—who appeared in multiple roles as motion-capture and voice actor—lent it star power. The film’s more serious tone and some intense sequences make it more suitable for older children, while its narrative of hope and faith secures its place among enduring animated Christmas movies.
4. 'Scrooge: A Christmas Carol' (2022)
Above 'Scrooge: A Christmas Carol'
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, a modern animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ literary classic, uses performance-capture technology to bring Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas to life. Darker than many holiday films, it examines regret, transformation and compassion, making it best suited to older children and adults. Its inclusion adds depth and variety to the list of animated Christmas movies, reminding viewers that festive storytelling can accommodate ghostly cautionary tales.
5. 'Klaus' (2019)
Above 'Klaus' tells the story of a postman who helps spark the legend of Santa Claus
A newer entry in the genre, 2019’s Klaus tells the story of a postman stationed in a remote, snowbound town who befriends a reclusive toymaker, inadvertently inspiring the legend of Santa Claus. The film’s hand-drawn style is enhanced with modern lighting and textures, creating a visually rich, painterly aesthetic. Its narrative combines humour, heartfelt emotion and nuanced character development, making it engaging for children while offering adults an appreciation of animation craftsmanship. The film’s inventive take on holiday mythology secures its place as a standout among contemporary animated Christmas movies.
6. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
Above 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Charles M Schulz’s 1965 classic A Charlie Brown Christmas remains a touchstone of holiday viewing, notable for its simple animation and gentle pacing. Its thematic focus on the meaning of Christmas, rather than consumerism, continues to resonate with families. Its enduring charm secures it a central place in any collection of animated Christmas movies, offering a quieter, reflective option alongside more dynamic entries.
7. 'An Almost Christmas Story' (2024)
Above The 2024 animated short ’An Almost Christmas Story' was directed by David Lowery, who produced and co-wrote it alongside Alfonso Cuarón
A 2024 animated short, An Almost Christmas Story follows a young owl navigating the streets of New York City during the holiday season. The film explores themes of curiosity, adventure and the spirit of giving, presenting a modern urban backdrop rather than a traditional snowy village. At under 20 minutes, its concise format is ideal for younger viewers, while the detailed cityscape and nuanced storytelling offer visual and narrative depth that older children and adults can appreciate.
8. 'That Christmas' (2024)
Above 'That Christmas', based on a book by Richard Curtis and illustrator Rebecca Cobb, features voice work from a star-studded British cast that includes Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and Bill Nighy
That Christmas, from British studio Locksmith Animation and written by Richard Curtis, follows several interconnected storylines in a small town during the holiday season. The film explores family dynamics, friendship and personal reflection. Its subtle, detailed animation highlights everyday life and community interactions, providing a grounded and relatable depiction of Christmas. By presenting multiple perspectives and character arcs, the film broadens the range of animated Christmas movies, offering ensemble-driven storytelling that appeals to both children and adults.
9. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
Above Tim Burton’s ’The Nightmare Before Christmas' combines Halloween and Christmas themes, making it perfect viewing for November
The Nightmare Before Christmas, produced by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, combines Halloween and Christmas themes in a meticulously crafted stop-motion animated world. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he attempts to bring his own version of Christmas to the unsuspecting citizens of Christmas Town, resulting in unexpected chaos. Its darkly whimsical tone is balanced by inventive visuals, memorable music and layered storytelling, making it engaging for older children and adults.
10. 'How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming'
Above 'How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming' is a holiday special featuring beloved characters like Toothless, Hiccup, Astrid and the other residents of New Berk
How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming is a holiday special that reunites fans with Hiccup, Toothless and the residents of Berk during a festive winter celebration. The story explores themes of family, friendship and the spirit of giving as characters prepare for the holiday while reflecting on past adventures. The animation maintains the high-quality detail and dynamic character work of the main films, while the short format makes it accessible to younger viewers and suitable for family viewing.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
