Best Christmas Movies for the Classroom

The holiday season is my very favorite time of year.  The hallways smell like hot cocoa, your students are buzzing about Santa’s workshop, and your lesson plans start to twinkle with a little holiday magic.

For many teachers, the week before winter break feels like running a marathon in a snowstorm. Between classroom parties, pajama days, and last-minute report cards, it’s easy to lose that Christmas spirit.

But here’s the good news: a cozy, well-chosen Christmas film can turn chaos into calm, laughter, and learning all while giving you a moment to catch your breath. Today, we’re diving into the best Christmas movies for the classroom, filled with teacher tips, SEL connections, and fun activity and snack ideas that make movie time meaningful.

So grab your hot chocolate and fuzzy slippers, let’s make Christmas time magical for your students (and as peaceful as possible for you).

Why Finding the “Right” Christmas Movie Can Be Tricky 

Choosing a holiday movie for your classroom isn’t as simple as pressing play. 

Look for:

• Something that’s school-appropriate for kids of all ages,
• Engaging enough to hold attention during the last week of school,
• And ideally, something that teaches a little something about kindness, generosity, or teamwork.

But between streaming restrictions, copyright rules, and varying grade levels, it can feel impossible to find one that checks every box. So many love It’s a Wonderful Life with George Bailey played by Jimmy Stewart. Others love Home Alone, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, or Miracle on 34th Street. Those movies aren’t quite right for a holiday movie in the primary grades classroom. (Of course, you could possibly watch these with middle school or high school students.)

That’s where this list comes in. These movies are teacher-tested, classroom-approved, and full of ways to connect each film to your SEL goals and even a quick craft or snack that ties in too.

Your Festive Film List for the Classroom 

Here’s a round-up of timeless classics and new favorites that are perfect for elementary students. Each Christmas film includes grade-level notes, discussion ideas, and easy classroom extensions.

1. The Polar Express (G-Rated | 2004)

Why It’s a Classroom Favorite:
This classic movie brings the magic of Christmas to life as a young boy embarks on a train ride to the North Pole. It’s visually stunning (it even received an Oscar nomination for its original songs) and full of heart. Many of you can remember when this was added to our favorite Christmas films. We transformed the hallways of our elementary public school with hanging snowflakes and a cardboard box made train. We handed out tickets in the days leading up to the movie for kids who were reading independently. Every child was allowed to watch it (as long as they had parent permission) and it was a super special day.

SEL Tie-In:
One focus could be believing in yourself and in the magic of kindness, even when others doubt.

Activity Idea:
Have students write a “ticket of kindness” one word that represents something kind they can do this Christmas.

Snack Idea:
Serve hot cocoa and candy cane stir sticks. I love to use my crockpot to make it extra easy to serve everyone. You can use milk and chocolate syrup to make it extra easy and tasty! (Be sure to check the allergies in your classroom.)

2. Arthur Christmas (PG | 2011)

Why It’s Great:
A fun, modern festive film featuring the clumsy but lovable Arthur Christmas, the youngest member of the Claus family. His determination to deliver one forgotten gift embodies true love and the holiday spirit. Hugh Laurie is a fantastic voice actor in this one.

SEL Tie-In:
Perseverance and doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.

Activity Idea:
Students can create “Thank You Elf Badges”. These would be little awards for classmates who show kindness or helpfulness.

Snack Idea:
Gingerbread “elf cookies” and apple juice “sleigh fuel.”

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (G | 1965)

Why It’s a Timeless Classic:
This classic story by Charles Schulz never loses its charm. With its simple animation and memorable Christmas songs, it’s a gentle reminder of what Christmas is really about. Even though this is a short film, it is my all time favorite movie to watch. We usually have a family movie night on Christmas Eve and this is a top pick. 

SEL Tie-In:
Empathy and gratitude along with seeing value beyond presents.

Activity Idea:
Create “Kindness Trees” on paper. Each student adds ornaments with acts of kindness they’ve done or noticed.

Snack Idea:
Popcorn “snowflakes” and mini marshmallows.

4. Frosty the Snowman (G | 1969)

Why It’s a Classroom Hit:
Short, cheerful, and full of holiday spirit. A young girl helps Frosty reach safety before he melts. This is the perfect time to incorporate an SEL lesson on friendship and teamwork!

SEL Tie-In:
Friendship, teamwork, and helping others.

Activity Idea:
Students can make Frosty hats from construction paper and cotton balls.

Snack Idea:
“Snowman donuts”  Just grab those inexpensive powdered donuts with pretzel stick arms and candy eyes.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated 1966 and 2018 or Live Action 2000)

Why Teachers Love It:
Whether you pick the animated Grinch Stole Christmas or the live-action Jim Carrey version, both teach students that kindness can change hearts.

SEL Tie-In:
Compassion, forgiveness, and inclusion.

Activity Idea:
Create a “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” kindness challenge for the week.

Snack Idea:
Green “Grinch” fruit kabobs (grapes + strawberries + mini marshmallows).

6. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (G | 1983)

Why It’s Perfect for Elementary:
Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Scrooge McDuck retell Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in a way even 7th graderswould appreciate. The kids love seeing Bob Cratchit, Scrooge, and Tiny Tim through Disney’s lens. If I had to pick another favorite, this one would DEFINITELY be up there on my favorite Christmas Story lists!

SEL Tie-In:
Generosity and reflection and how our choices affect others.

Activity Idea:
Have students write letters of gratitude to school staff, like janitors, cafeteria workers, or bus drivers.

Snack Idea:
Candy canes and “Cratchit Cookies” (sugar cookies with red + green sprinkles).

7. The Claus Family (G | Netflix | 2020)

Why It’s Underrated:
A modern holiday movie set in New York City, featuring a young boy discovering his family’s connection to Kris Kringle. Themes of grief, family, and rediscovering joy make this one meaningful for upper elementary.

SEL Tie-In:
Dealing with change and family connection.

Activity Idea:
Create a “Family Traditions Journal”. Students share (or invent) one holiday tradition that brings them joy.

Snack Idea:
Candy cane trail mix with red + white chocolate candies.

8. Jack Frost (PG | 1998)

Why It’s a Tearjerker in the Best Way:
Michael Keaton stars as a dad who returns as a snowman to reconnect with his son. It’s funny, touching, and sparks reflection about true love and family.

SEL Tie-In:
Love, loss, and cherishing time with loved ones.

Activity Idea:
Students can draw a “Memory Snow Globe” with one memory that makes them smile.

Snack Idea:
Snowflake sugar cookies and hot cocoa.

9. White Christmas (1954)

Why It’s a Classic Movie Gem:
Featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and unforgettable Christmas songs, this timeless classic introduces students to musical storytelling and original songs from old Hollywood. My sister, Holly, and I always made a big deal out of the Sisters song! It’s such a fun one to imitate.

SEL Tie-In:
Teamwork and honoring those who serve others.

Activity Idea:
Talk about gratitude and write thank-you letters to local community helpers.

Snack Idea:
“Snowy” popcorn cups with white chocolate drizzle.

10. Elf (PG | 2003)

Why Students Love It:
Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is pure holiday joy. Between his syrup-covered spaghetti and endless enthusiasm, this screwball comedy delivers nonstop laughter and SEL gold. Okay, I take everything I said back. Elf is my favorite holiday movie of all time! I always crack up every single time I watch this one. 

SEL Tie-In:
Joy, inclusion, and staying true to yourself.

Activity Idea:
Create “Buddy’s Cheer Challenge” with a list of small ways to spread cheer each day.

Snack Idea:
Candy-cane pretzels, popcorn, and hot cocoa (Buddy would approve).

Quick Mentions for Classroom Variety 

If you have time for shorter clips or mini-movie days, try:

• Happy Feet (for lessons on perseverance and individuality, this one even won Best Animated Feature!)
• Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (STEM + creativity tie-in)
• The Santa Clause (Tim Allen as Scott Calvin = classic humor and responsibility lesson)
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (Jack Skellington teaches us about identity and curiosity)
• Muppet Christmas Carol (Miss Piggy and Michael Caine bring Dickens’ story to life and perfect for literature tie-ins!)

Classroom Setup Ideas for Movie Day 

• Set Expectations Early: Remind students it’s still a learning activity.
• Add a Writing Prompt: Try “What lesson did this movie teach us about kindness?”
• Pair with a Craft: Our Mega Bundle of Big Crafts has tons of easy projects to tie in with winter themes!
• Make It Cozy: Bring blankets or stuffed animals for an at-home vibe.
• Plan Ahead: Check district rules about showing films and always preview clips first.

Extend the Fun Beyond Movie Day 

If your students loved movie day, keep the momentum going!
Try pairing these films with:

• A quick writing reflection (“What’s one thing you learned from this character?”)
• A winter kindness challenge inspired by Buddy the Elf or the Whos down in Whoville
• A holiday craft from your Mega Bundle of Big Crafts, perfect for bulletin boards or parent gifts

Want something zero-prep? Grab the bundle here → Mega Bundle of Big Crafts on TPT

Keeping the Christmas Spirit All Year Long 

As teachers, we do more than decorate bulletin boards and sing Christmas songs. We build memories, teach empathy, and remind our students what true love and kindness look like.

Whether you’re showing A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, or Arthur Christmas, these holiday movies help students laugh, reflect, and connect.

So this Christmas season, press play on not only just a movie, but on joy, gratitude, and togetherness in your classroom.

Because sometimes, the best lesson plans are wrapped up in Christmas spirit and a good story.

Happy Teaching and Parenting this week, friends!