Holiday movie nights (or really any movie night) are a BIG thing at our house. They’re meticulously picked based on plot line, character development and good old nostalgia. I finally asked my husband, Ben – the producer behind YES DAY & FAMILY SWITCH along with two family movies coming in 2026 – WARRIOR KID & MAN WITH THE BAG, to put his list down on paper. As a film producer, he always has strong opinions on what belongs in the December rotation. I rounded up his picks — the family-friendly ones we watch together and a few adults-only favorites for later nights. Consider this your ready-to-go lineup for cozy December nights at home, one of our favorite holiday traditions. A side note – I know everyone has kids at different ages & thresholds for language, scary scenes & violence. We are on the more lenient end given my husbands line of work so please do you research on what is best for your family to watch!
Christmas Movies For the Whole Family
Elf — My kids never get tired of this one. It’s chaotic in the best way and makes everyone laugh.
Home Alone — A full-family favorite; we quote it year-round.
A Christmas Story — Nostalgic and silly — perfect background viewing while we decorate cookies.
It’s a Wonderful Life — A classic we try to watch once a season.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live action) — My big kids love the humor; the baby is mesmerized by the colors.
Miracle on 34th Street — One of my personal favorites… the magic still gets me.
The Santa Clause — Such a sweet, warm movie — perfect for a cozy December night.
The Muppet Christmas Carol — Our go-to for a lighter, younger-kid night.
Arthur Christmas — Ben and I always say this is the most underrated Christmas movie.
The Family Man — Heartwarming and sweet; great for older kids/teens.
Family Switch — A fun, easy watch that the kids love — lighthearted and silly in the best way.
Christmas Vacation — Always a nostalgic, laugh-out-loud family night.
Gremlins — Mischievous and a little spooky — good for bigger kids who like a thrill.
Edward Scissorhands — Not technically a Christmas movie, but the winter magic makes it a December must-watch.
Klaus — Beautiful animation and such a sweet message.
A Few Other Family-Friendly Favorite Films
Jumangi
Mrs. Doubfire
Night At The Museum
Cruella
Wonka
Honey I Shrunk The Kids
The Harry Potter Series
Yes Day
Parent Trap
Cheaper By The Dozen
Rookie Of The Year
Angels In The Outfield
The Sandlot
Paddington
Karate Kid
Indiana Jones
Adults Only
Love Actually — Ben and I watch this every year — it still holds up.
Die Hard — His pick, not mine… but it is a Christmas movie according to Ben.
Lethal Weapon — Another one of his “holiday-adjacent action” picks.
Bad Santa — Very adult humor; definitely a parents-only watch.
The Holdovers — Emotional, funny, nostalgic — such a good winter film.
Scrooged — A nostalgic classic with more edge; perfect for a late-night December rewatch.
No movie night is complete without our favorite hot chocolate!
Refined Sugar–Free Hot Chocolate
Our cozy, naturally sweetened hot chocolate — perfect for pajama nights, tree decorating, and Christmas movies.
Ingredients
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cacao powder (cacao is preferred over cocoa for added nutrients, but either works!)
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small pot.
- Whisk until the cacao powder dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Warm gently over medium heat until it reaches your ideal sipping temperature.
- Serve in your favorite mugs — whipped cream or marshmallows are optional, but always encouraged.
