With dozens of new kids holiday movies premiering and the classics you rely on year after year, it’s hard to know what to watch each holiday season. Not to mention the hard task of finding something that the whole family will enjoy! As movie experts, we at the Paramount Theater feel like we can make some good suggestions when you’re trying to get into the holiday spirit through a screened event. Check out our list of the Top 10 Holiday Movies below and add them to your watchlist this month.
10. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
This live-action holiday movie version based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same name tells the tale of the Grinch, a green creature who terrorizes a town in hopes of ruining Christmas. After seeing that the townspeople still find ways to celebrate without all the gifts and decorations the Grinch stole, he realizes that the holiday season is not about materialism, but about kindness and love. With hilarious performances and fantastic set design, this Christmas comedy brings the classic story to life. In addition, the 1966 animated short is only 26 minutes if you are looking for a condensed version of the book.
Fun Fact: The line “6:30PM. Dinner with me. I can’t cancel that again.” was improvised by Jim Carrey (The Grinch).
9. Eloise at Christmastime
Like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this lesser-known holiday movie is based on a popular book. It follows the titular Eloise, a six-year-old girl who lives at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Through some holiday hijinks, she helps her friends at the Plaza in a variety of situations, including romance, just in time for Christmas.
Fun Fact: The movie was actually filmed at The Plaza Hotel.

8. The Muppet Christmas Carol
In The Muppet Christmas Carol, the famous puppets take on the beloved Charles Dickens tale. Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Michael Caine, is a miserly and grumpy old man who wants nothing to do with the magic of Christmas. After a visit from the ghosts of his late business partners, who caution him to change his ways so he does not end up suffering in the afterlife like they do, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. From these encounters, he is able to see that happiness will not come from chasing money and decides to lead a life of joy and optimism. Through comedic moments and touching songs, the Muppets put their spin on this classic story and introduce it to a new generation. You can catch this movie at The Paramount on Sunday, December 22 at 1:30PM. Buy Tickets.
Fun Fact: This is the first Muppet movie where Kermit the Frog is not in the lead role.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This was the very first TV special based on the popular Peanuts comic strip that turned Charlie Brown and his entourage into an international phenomenon. In this story, Charlie Brown attempts to get more into the Christmas spirit by directing a play for his friends, but none of them appreciate his efforts. This kids holiday movie is only 25 minutes and accompanied by an amazing soundtrack, A Charlie Brown Christmas, like many of the other entries on this list, helps us remember that the holidays are not about the fancy trappings, but about being together with the ones you love.
Fun Fact: Snoopy’s doghouse is blue in this special, but in subsequent specials it is red.

6. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is one of those modern classics that feels like it was made in the Golden Age of Hollywood, and that’s not just because it’s set in the 1940s. Throughout many vignettes, a young boy pines for the perfect Christmas present, confronts a neighborhood bully, gets into shenanigans with his family and friends, and much more. This Christmas comedy is sure to keep the family laughing all season long (and you can stream the 2022 sequel afterwards).
Fun Fact: For the scene in which Flick’s tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal.
5. Miracle on 34th Street
Although the 1994 version is great, nothing beats the original Miracle on 34th Street from 1947. After he fills in as Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a man named Kris Kringle becomes the department store Santa, claiming he is the real Santa Claus. With the help of new friends, he shows us how belief can change the hearts of many.
Fun Fact: The parade sequences were shot live at the 1946 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with actor Edmund Gwenn on the float playing Santa, like in the film.
4. The Polar Express
All aboard! This fantastical film recounts a young boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole. Together with his sister and the new friends he makes on the journey, he learns about the true spirit of Christmas. With spirited songs and unforgettable characters, The Polar Express can help us all remember the power of belief. Plus, your family can revisit this enchanting story all season long by reading the book the movie is based on!
Fun Fact: The soldier doll that Hero Boy plays with on Christmas morning is part of the recycled toy program the conductor mentions. The same toy appears as a puppet in the background of the scene with the Scrooge puppet.
3. Home Alone
Young Kevin McCallister accidentally gets left home when his family goes out of town for eChristmas in this classic kids film for the holidays. While he is enjoying having the house to himself for once, burglars notice that the family is gone and try to break in. However, Kevin puts up a hilarious fight. This humorous family favorite spawned a number of sequels, including one set in New York, which seems to be the locale for many Christmas films.

2. It’s A Wonderful Life
It’s A Wonderful Life is certainly a classic holiday film. Considered one of the greatest films of all time, it follows a businessman who has the weight of the world on his shoulders. After rescuing his guardian angel from drowning, he gets to see what life would have been like for those around him if he had never existed. This heartwarming film shows what a great impact we each can make on the lives of those around us.
Fun Fact: In the school dance scene, the gym floor that opens in the middle to reveal the swimming pool underneath was real and is still in use at Beverly Hills High School today.
1. Elf
The winner of “Top Holiday Movie of All Time” goes to one that to us is timeless and always keeps us entertained… Elf! In this Christmas comedy, a man who has grown up believing he is an elf travels to New York City to find his dad. With charming animation sequences and remarkable comedy performances, this film demonstrates how everyone can use a little Christmas spirit in their lives.

To us at The Paramount, these ten holiday movies are ones that make you want to revisit them year after year and share the experience with new audiences. We’re also excited to be presenting a few on our Big Screen this holiday season! While The Paramount now offers both live and screened events for a variety of audiences, we were a movie house first, and we continue that legacy by offering a wonderful (and beautiful) place to relax and enjoy fan-favorite films. We even offer booster seats to ensure patrons of all ages can see the movie magic on the Big Screen. Treat your family to these festive films and make memories for years to come!
For more information, please visit us at theparamount.net or at the Box Office Monday-Friday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.
Tickets: $7.00 (Youth—12 & Under); $9.00 (Adult)
Be sure to check out our other wonderful stories to help make your holidays bright!
The Best Charlottesville Christmas Events
Virginia’s Best Holiday Light Displays
Care for Your Live Christmas Tree