We’ve included picks ranging from sentimental stop-motion flicks to newer streaming service specials. Keep reading to see our selections for 54 animated holiday movies. Unless otherwise specified, all titles are available on DVD and to rent and purchase across major digital platforms.
Best Animated Christmas Movies and Cartoons
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Would it really be Christmas without Charlie Brown’s tiny tree? The Peanuts gang discovers the true reason for the season in this television special, set to an equally iconic Vince Guaraldi soundtrack. The beloved film has aired every year since its 1965 debut, cementing its status as a Christmas classic. Fans even protested when Apple announced the special would only be available on Apple TV+ in 2020, leading the tech giant to allow PBS to air the special ad-free. Lee Mendelson Productions
It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992)
A sequel (of sorts) to A Charlie Brown Christmas, this special features a variety of stories featuring the Peanuts characters learning about Christmas. Charlie Brown sells wreaths door-to-door, Snoopy becomes a Santa Claus and the children put on a Christmas play. CBS
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloween meets Christmas in this Tim Burton-directed dark fantasy flick about “Halloween Town” king Jack Skellington’s fascination with Christmas. The iconic film has been rereleased in domestic theaters five times since its initial 1993 run, earning both a cult following and a lifetime domestic total of over $90 million. Although the movie is certainly on the scarier side for a Christmas film—it does include the song “This Is Halloween,” after all—the sometimes autumn-oriented content just means more months to watch and rewatch the holiday hybrid. Touchstone Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph is sure to go down in history thanks to this Burl Ives-narrated special. From retro reindeer games to singalong-worthy songs, it’s easy to see why this short is reportedly the longest-running holiday special in television history, having aired every year since its 1964 release. It was also the first of a slew of seasonal specials (18, to be exact!) from Rankin/Bass Productions, most of which featured a similar stop-motion style. Courtesy of Classic Media
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
As the story goes, the Grinch conspires to ruin Christmas for all the Whos down in Whoville. Long before spurning a live-action movie (starring Jim Carrey) in 2000, the classic Dr. Seuss tale came to life onscreen in this animated TV special. If you’re hoping to cuddle up and watch the “cuddly as a cactus” character’s original short this year, the cartoon is now available on Peacock Premium. ABC
A Christmas Carol (1971)
While countless retellings of A Christmas Carol have been released throughout Christmases past, this Oscar-winning television special will likely remain a classic for Christmases present and future, too. Following the well-known Dickens tale, the film sees a series of ghosts take the famously bitter Ebenezer Scrooge on a life-changing journey. ABC
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Despite Santa’s high-tech holiday gift-giving operation, he somehow skips a child while delivering gifts in this family-friendly film about the Claus family. It’s up to an unlikely protagonist—Santa’s youngest son, Arthur—to save the day and ensure that the little girl, Gwen, still believes. Sony Pictures
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
There must be some magic in this animated Christmas classic about Frosty the Snowman’s journey to the North Pole, which features the song of the same name, of course. While the seasonal short isn’t currently available on streaming services, there are still plenty of ways to watch before the holiday season melts away. CBS
Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
Not all cartoons are for kids, and this is certainly one of them. Delivering his signature sense of humor, Adam Sandler co-wrote and produced this PG-13-rated Hanukkah movie. He also voices Davey, a lookalike character who’s forced to face jail time unless he performs community service as a youth basketball league’s assistant referee. The film comes on the heels of Sandler’s track “The Chanukah Song,” which includes the line, “Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights!” Happy Madison Productions
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Santa cancels Christmas in this seasonal special featuring songs (“Heat Miser,” anyone?) likely to stay stuck in your head long past Dec. 25. While not as classic a tale as Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman, the hour-long film is still another standout among Rankin/Bass Productions’ vast catalog of Christmas releases. Rankin/Bass
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Forget about “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Mickey Mouse stars in this Christmas comedy anthology featuring three stories: Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas, A Very Goofy Christmas and Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi.
The Story of Santa Claus (1996)
Even Santa had to start somewhere. His humble origins are explored in this CBS special about a toymaker who wishes he could give every child a gift for Christmas. The film features the voices of Hollywood legends like Ed Asner (Nicholas Claus) and Betty White (Gretchen Claus). Just call it a (Betty) White Christmas.
Klaus (2019)
Netflix’s first foray into original animated films features a postman and toymaker joining forces to spread acts of kindness. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones and J.K Simmons, the holiday fairytale even scored an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2020.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Mickey takes on the role of Bob Cratchit in this cartoon retelling of the classic Charles Dickens story, opposite “Scrooge McDuck” as Ebenezer Scrooge. The creative spin on the story was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1984.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Another stop motion special, this Fred Astaire-narrated tale features a mailman answering questions about Santa Claus (who’s voiced by Mickey Rooney). A Rankin/Bass film seemingly wouldn’t be complete without a catchy ditty, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town doesn’t disappoint with toe-tapping tracks like Astaire’s “Put One Foot in Front of the Other.”
The Grinch (2018)
In this recent rendition, the Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) conspires to wreck the Whos’ Christmas with the help of his pooch, Max. A more modern take on the classic tale, the soundtrack even includes songs from rapper Tyler, The Creator. While the remake got mixed reviews from critics, it seems fans can always find room in their hearts for another Grinch adaptation; The Grinch became another box office hit for Illumination (the studio of Minions fame), grossing over $511 million worldwide. Illumination
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)
Disney meets Dickens once again in the studio’s third take on the oft-retold story. Jim Carrey plays no less than eight roles in this version, including Scrooge (at five different ages, nonetheless) and all three ghosts. The film, quite literally, stood out from other adaptations thanks to its 3D version and pulled in $318.48 million worldwide.
The Elf on the Shelf Presents: An Elf’s Story (2011)
From the (book) shelf to the screen. A fitting holiday watch for families graced by the presence of their own Elf on the Shelf, the story—based on the bestselling book by Bell Chanda and Carol V. Aebersold—follows Chippey, an elf scout on a mission to bring back little Taylor McTuttle’s belief in Christmas magic.
Santa’s Workshop (1932)
In this Silly Symphonies short story, Santa gets ready for Christmas by making his list and checking it twice. Walt Disney himself voices an elf in the Technicolor television special, currently available on Disney Plus.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (2000)
Like the song of the same name (originally released in 1979), this Canadian-American Christmas special tells the story of a rather bizarre holiday hit-and-run. In the screen version, Jake Spankenheimer goes on a mission to find his grandmother after she ends up mysteriously missing on Christmas Eve.
Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Engines (2014)
From choo choo to ho ho ho! The lovable locomotive and his friends help spread Christmas cheer as Santa’s engine helpers in this special featuring five different short stories.
Santa’s Apprentice (2010)
After 178 years of service, Santa’s retirement is impending. In this French-Australian animation film, he begrudgingly follows a rule stating that it’s time to train a child as his replacement.
Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July (1979)
Unlike most Christmas specials, this story ditches December in favor of an, albeit still snowy, summertime setting. The longest of Rankin/Bass Productions’ festive films, the story combines characters from three preceding specials: Rudolph, Frosty, and the Mickey Rooney-voiced Santa Claus from Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.
A PE Christmas (2000)
While not the most kid-friendly, this Aqua Teen Hunger Force holiday special is a lot of fun for adults. The Aqua Teens steal the identity of Flavor Flav so they can record a Christmas album. That album was actually released and features the characters’ performing their bizarre versions of Christmas classics.
The Star (2017)
This animated movie is a retelling of the birth of Jesus, but from the point of view of a young donkey, voiced by Oscar nominee Steven Yeun. The rest of the cast is super star-studded as well, including Keegan-Michael Key, Aidy Bryant, Tyler Perry, Ving Rhames, Kelly Clarkson, Oprah Winfrey, Zachary Levi, Kris Kristofferson, Anthony Anderson, Christopher Plummer, Kristin Chenoweth, Tracy Morgan and Gina Rodriguez also star.
All I Want For Christmas is You (2017)
Based on the hit song (which dominates the Christmas season), this animated movie tells the story of a young Mariah wishing for a puppy for Christmas. Not surprisingly, it’s narrated by the singer and features her music.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
The titular Mr. Magoo stars in a Broadway production of A Christmas Carol. The story is basically a retelling of the classic book, except with Mr. Magoo bumbling around as he usually does. It also happens to be Kelsey Grammer’s favorite!
Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014)
Set a few days after Christmas, Bonnie takes her toys on a playdate, only to leave them alone in her friend’s bedroom. Unfortunately, the room is full of aggressive toys that like to fight.
A Flintstone Christmas (1977)
Even though the Flintstones should theoretically pre-date the holiday, that doesn’t stop the family from celebrating Christmas. The real Santa gets hurt, forcing Fred and Barney to take over his duties for the evening.
Shrek the Halls (2007)
Shrek tries to celebrate Christmas and buys a book called Christmas for Village Idiots. When Donkey ruins Shrek’s quiet holiday, however, chaos ensues.
Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas (1992)
Dr. Claw disguises himself as Santa and mind-controls the elves into making defective toys that will ruin Christmas and the real Santa’s reputation. Fortunately, Inspector Gadget, Penny and Brain are on the case.
He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985)
When Orko accidentally crash-lands on Earth, he meets two young children who teach him about Christmas. Unfortunately, Skeletor ends up kidnapping the children, forcing He-Man and She-Ra to save the kids and bring Christmas to Eternia.
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
While this special is mostly in live-action (and also very, very weird), there is an animated segment that is unfortunately incredibly important to Star Wars history. The animated sequence tells the story of how Han Solo first met famous bounty hunter Boba Fett.
A Pinky and the Brain Christmas (1995)
Pinky and the Brain do the same thing on Christmas night that they do every night: Try to take over the world. Since it’s Christmas, Brain decides to use Santa’s workshop to help with his nefarious (and doomed-to-fail) plan.
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)
Apparently, Christmas predates the ice age. This special features Manny, Sid and Diego trying to celebrate Christmas and going on a quest to meet Santa Claus. But do they actually end up on the nice list?
Angela’s Christmas (2017)
This 30-minute historical holiday film, set in 1910s Ireland, tells the heartwarming story of a child who wants to make sure the baby Jesus in her church’s nativity scene stays warm. The Emmy-winning Irish-Canadian animation, based on the book Angela and the Baby Jesus by Angela’s Ashes author Frank McCourt, is available on Netflix along with its sequel, Angela’s Christmas Wish (2020).
A Garfield Christmas (1987)
Get ready to break out the Christmas lasagna! Garfield, the ever-popular pessimistic feline, spends Christmas on Jim’s family farm in this seasonal special based on the iconic comic. Although the special isn’t currently streaming on major platforms, it’s available on DVD.
Olive The Other Reindeer (1999)
Who says dogs can’t fly? When Santa cancels his Christmas flight due to an injured reindeer, a kind-hearted canine named Olive sets out to save the day. This TV movie (currently available on DVD) is yet another festive flick where Ed Asner stars as Santa. He’s played the role at least eight times, perhaps most memorably while starring opposite Will Ferrell in Elf (2003).
Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight! (2015)
Action meets animation in this cartoon featuring Marvel favorites like Captain America, Captain Marvel and Iron Man fighting to save Santa Claus and Christmas. Unlike many Marvel franchise films, this PG-rated Christmas special is aimed at kids.
Justice League: “Comfort and Joy” (2003)
One of the sweetest Christmas specials comes from an unlikely place: DC Comics! Here, see the wholesome Superman celebrate the holidays with the Kents and Martian Manhunter, The Flash deliver holiday cheer to kids in need and more.
The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree (1979)
When the Berenstain Bears set out to pick the perfect Christmas tree, they end up encountering the wildlife that call the trees home. This beary festive film, based on the popular children’s books by Stan and Jan Berenstain, is available on DVD but not currently on digital platforms.
Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays (2012)
From Jinkies to “Jingle Bells.” Scooby Doo and the gang visit a winter festival and take on an evil snowman in this seasonal short.
It’s a SpongeBob Christmas (2012)
Bikini Bottom isn’t exactly a winter wonderland, but that doesn’t stop SpongeBob from getting into some holiday-themed hijinks in this season 8 Christmas special. With Plankton scheming to get the secret formula for Krabby Patties and put everyone on the naughty list, it’s up to SpongeBob to save the day. The story also aired on CBS in 2012, per IMDb, marking the first time a SpongeBob special aired anywhere besides Nickelodeon.
A Chipmunk Christmas (1981)
Right after Alvin gives his harmonica to a sick child, Dave books him to perform at Carnegie Hall. Not wanting to tell him what happened, the beloved chipmunk goes on a mission—with Simon and Theodore, of course—to get a new harmonica before the big show. The film is complete with the Chipmunks’ iconic Christmas music; after all, as they sing in their famed 1959 track “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late),” this is the “time for toys and time for cheer.”
The Snowman (1982)
Raymond Briggs’ 1978 picture book The Snowman gets the TV treatment in this British animated film. The film lacks dialogue, instead relying on visuals and Howard Blake’s score to carry the story of a snowman coming to life. The wintertime tale received a warm critical reception; it was nominated for an Academy Award in 1983 and won a BAFTA TV Award the same year.
South Park’s Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics (1999)
Another adult-only animation, this South Park Christmas story from season 3 was accompanied by a slew of original songs. The special takes the form of a variety show hosted by Mr. Hankey, a festive piece of poo. Yes, you read that right.
A StoryBots Christmas (2017)
Under the mistaken impression that her friends don’t like her gifts, Bo embarks on an adventure to the North Pole to seek advice from the gift-giving expert himself: Santa Claus. The Emmy-nominated short is available exclusively on Netflix.
Trolls Holiday (2017)
When she discovers the Bergens don’t have holidays, Poppy, queen of the Trolls, sets out to show them how to celebrate. DreamWorks Animation released this half-hour television special on the heels of their star-studded 2016 Trolls movie. Justin Timberlake—who received an Academy Award nomination for his hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” in the original Trolls—reprises his role in the featurette, along with Anna Kendrick, Zooey Deschanel, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar and more.
Elliot the Littlest Reindeer (2018)
You know Dasher and Dancer… but what about Elliot? In this heartwarming holiday tale, the adorable animated mini horse (voiced by Josh Hutcherson) heads to the North Pole in hopes of joining the ranks of Santa’s reindeer. The reindeer game-filled flick, also starring Martin Short and Samantha Bee, bears certain thematic similarities to the classic Rudolph story, minus the red nose. Netflix
The Polar Express (2004)
A young boy takes a magical train to the North Pole in this film adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s book, which takes several creative liberties in bringing the story to the big screen. While not all critics were “all aboard’’ with the film, many fans punched their tickets to see it, and total box office earnings reached over $183 million. The Oscar-nominated film, starring Tom Hanks, is especially known for its complex, computer-animated visuals; it’s even listed in the 2006 Guinness World Book of Records as the first all-digital capture film.
Home: For the Holidays (2017)
Chaos ensues when Oh introduces Tip’s holiday traditions to his people, the Boovs. The musical, which follows DreamWorks’ full-length film Home (2015) and its television spin-off Home: Adventures with Tip and Oh, features stars including Kelly Clarkson and Ben Schwartz.
Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas (2019)
In this DreamWorks animated special, available on Netflix, Lucky and her friends are out on a Christmas Eve shopping spree when an avalanche hinders their plans.
Alien Xmas (2020)
X, a small extraterrestrial, is sent to Santa’s workshop as part of the aliens’ plan to take over the earth - and to seize the humans’ presents in the process. Confusing him for a gift, Santa’s engineer brings the tiny creature home for the holidays.
Dragons: Rescue Riders: Huttsgalor Holiday (2020)
While the DreamWorks-animated dragons (of How to Train Your Dragon series fame) prepare for Odinyule, the Viking holiday of giving, a storm sweeps in threatening to cancel the seasonal celebration. Next, check out the 100+ best Christmas movies to watch this holiday season.
