Eight Christmas Movies for Families

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer

CBN.com - Grab that cup of hot chocolate, curl up on a comfy couch, and enjoy watching one of these seasonal favorites. Get in the Christmas spirit by taking a journey back in time and visit a snowy Vermont inn, the humble town of Bedford Falls, and the McAllister’s almost-empty home.

1. White Christmas (1954)
Rating: Unrated.
Watch the trailer!

World War II veterans Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) go on the road with their song and dance act, and meet a sister act along the way. They skip their plans and follow the girls up to Vermont, which is "beautiful this time of year with all that snow." Wonderfully performed songs by Crosby and Rosemary Clooney will lift your spirits and bring Christmas into your home.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: Unrated.
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George Bailey (James Stewart) dreams of "shakin' the dust of his crummy little town and seeing the world." But, life makes him take a series of unexpected turns that cause him to question why he should keep living. This classic will touch your heart and remind you of what is truly important in life.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Rating: Unrated.

Doris Walker, a blunt Macy’s executive, has to find a sober Santa Claus for their Thanksgiving Day Parade. She convinces Kris Kringle to help, unaware that he believes he really is Santa. Walker and her daughter’s cynical attitudes are tested when Kringle has to prove who he is to the world. Do you believe?

The 1994 remake with Dylan McDermott and Elizabeth Perkins also is a good choice.

4. Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG.
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Eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) is left to fend for himself when his family leaves for Paris without him. Kevin initially loves the idea of having the house to himself, but begins to miss his family when he has to defend his house against burglars. His appreciation for his noisy siblings and annoying parents is quickly realized as Christmas Day approaches.

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: Unrated.
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Charlie Brown is tired of the materialism he sees in everyone at Christmas. So at the suggestion of Lucy, Charlie decides to direct the local holiday pageant. His fragile, sad-looking, little Christmas tree leads Linus to share the real meaning of Christmas.

6. Elf (2003)
Rating: PG for some mild rude humor and language.
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Growing up at the North Pole, Buddy (Will Ferrell) doesn't recognize the difference between him and the other elf children. After realizing he's not from the North Pole, Buddy travels to New York City to find his father (James Caan). His hilarious adventures along the way will provides tons of laughs for you and your kids.

7. The Nativity Story (2006)
Rating: PG for some violent content.

Director Catherine Hardwicke's film, The Nativity Story, centers on the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Follow the journey of the virgin Mary and her husband Joseph as they travel to the town of Bethlehem. This motion picture's beautiful retelling of the Christmas story brings God's Word to life for all ages.

8. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Rating: Unrated.
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Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is one of the country’s most famous food writers. Her columns about cooking and life on the farm with her family are very popular with newspaper fans. But when her boss tells her a sailor is going to spend Christmas at her lovely on her farm, she realizes her career is in big trouble. The truth is she's a single New Yorker with no skill in the kitchen.

Hannah Goodwyn serves as the Family and Entertainment producer for CBN.com. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.