17 Animated Christmas Movies for the Young and Young at Heart — Streaming Now
November 22, 2023
Whether you’re a grown-up with kids or just a kid at heart, anyone can enjoy the magic of an enchanting holiday cartoon.
With family-friendly animated holiday classics, like The Polar Express (2004), to adult cartoon comedies, like The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in Feliz Navidad (2022), everyone will find something on Hulu and Disney+ to slow down and celebrate the season with.
So put on your matching pajamas and grab some hot cocoa — we’ve rounded up the best animated Christmas movies streaming this holiday season.
Animated Christmas Movies on Hulu
1. The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the novel by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is a touching Christmas tale about a young boy who stops believing in Santa when he’s met with the adventure of a lifetime on The Polar Express — a magical train headed to the North Pole.
All Hulu subscribers can stream The Polar Express starting Thursday, November 23.
Watch: The Polar Express*
*The Polar Express requires the Hulu + Live TV plan. Regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms apply.
2. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
In this modern take on the classic 1966 cartoon Christmas movie, the infamously mean and bitter Grinch attempts to ruin the holiday for all the Whos in Whoville. But there’s one brave little girl who might just have enough Christmas spirit in her heart to make the Grinch change his ways.
Watch: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch*
*Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas requires the Hulu + Live TV plan. Regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms apply.
3. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
What happens when Santa Claus gets a cold on Christmas Eve? In this Rankin/Bass Production, Mrs. Claus and the rest of Santa’s crew embark on a mission, determined to remind Santa what Christmas is all about — even if they have to face Heat Miser and Snow Miser to do so. Will Santa regain his magic before Christmas has come and gone?
Watch: The Year Without a Santa Claus*
*The Year Without a Santa Claus requires the Hulu + Live TV plan. Regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms apply.
4. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Since we all know the holiday season starts on November 1 (cue the Christmas music), what better way to transition than with a movie that celebrates both Halloween and Christmas? Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King, is sick of the same old routine. But when he tries to change things up, he puts Santa Claus in danger and must fix his mistake before Christmas morning.
Watch: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
5. Mickey Saves Christmas (2022)
In this Disney made-for-TV movie, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and the gang must find a way to save Christmas after Pluto loses all of Santa’s presents. Get in the holiday spirit with the classic Disney characters you know and love in this family-friendly film.
Watch: Mickey Saves Christmas
6. Prep & Landing (2009)
When Wayne (one of Santa’s grumpy elves) is passed over for a promotion, he teams up with a new partner, Lanny, who’s definitely on the nice list. On their first mission together, there are a few bumps in the road that could ruin Christmas morning for children around the world.
For more Prep & Landing adventures, check out the prequel and sequel elf-espionage shenanigans, Prep & Landing Operation: Secret Santa (2010) and Prep & Landing Naughty vs. Nice (2011).
Watch: Prep & Landing*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
7. Madagascar: A Little Wild Holiday Goose Chase (2021)
Holiday time in the habitat has Melman the giraffe eager to do good deeds to get on the nice list, and the perfect opportunity arises when Hank the goose is separated from his flock. Join Melman and the gang as they explore the city and help Hank find his family.
Watch: Madagascar: A Little Wild Holiday Goose Chase
8. Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)
Our favorite Ice Age friends are back with a hilarious Christmas adventure to cross their names off of the naughty list and move over to the nice list (where they rightfully belong, of course).
Watch: Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
9. A Piece of Cake (2019)
The Elfkins have been living in hiding for over two centuries. This Christmas, they’re breaking free from their comfort zones to finally step out into the human world. Will they be greeted with open arms? Find some Christmas spirit with the holiday children’s movie, A Piece of Cake.
Watch: A Piece of Cake
10. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Mickey, Minnie, and their best friends share stories of their favorite Christmas memories together. Follow along as the Mickey Mouse pals sing, dance, and laugh their way through three Christmases spent with each other.
For part two in this heartwarming story, check out Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas* (2004).
Watch: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
11. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
The year after the spell has been broken, Belle and the Beast decide to have a Christmas party and invite all of their friends. As they reflect on the Christmas from the year before, Lumiere and Cogsworth argue over which of the two saved the holiday. To solve the mystery (and resolve the bickering), Mrs. Potts recounts the story of The Enchanted Christmas.
Watch: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
12. My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas (2005)
Minty Pony is known to be a bit clumsy. When she accidentally breaks the candy cane that guides Santa to Ponyville every year, she has to find a way to get to the North Pole and save Christmas for her town.
Watch: My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas
13. Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)
Join Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, and Eeyore as they celebrate Christmas together and make some misguided New Year’s resolutions.
Watch: Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
14. Trolls: Holiday in Harmony (2021)
This Christmas, Queen Poppy is excited to plan the very first secret holiday gift swap for all of Trolls Kingdom. But despite her good intentions, things take an unexpected turn. If you need a little light, love, laughter, and plenty of dancing this holiday season, Trolls: Holiday in Harmony will get the entire family on their feet!
Watch: Trolls: Holiday in Harmony
15. The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in Feliz Navidad (2022)
Who says cartoons are just for kids? In this holiday short, Homer, Marge, and the rest of the Simpson family are serenaded by none other than Andrea Bocelli.
The Simpsons Meet the Bocellis in Feliz Navidad is available to stream on Disney+, but there are plenty more adult cartoons on Hulu for you to binge, including The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, and Futurama.
Watch: The Simpson Meet the Bocellis in Feliz Navidad*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
16. LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020)
LEGO meets Star Wars meets Christmas in this epic holiday crossover special streaming now on Disney+. Follow Rey on a mad dash throughout the Galaxy as she connects with fan-favorite Star Wars characters past, present, and future — including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vadar, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Han Solo, Kylo Ren, The Mandalorian, and more!
Watch: Lego Star Wars Holiday Special*
*The Disney Bundle required. Access content from each service separately.
17. The Magic Crystal (2011)
In this mythical holiday adventure, a young girl named Ayden discovers a crystal with magical wish-granting powers belonging to none other than Santa Claus. Follow along as Ayden and her motley crew of enchanting creatures spread Christmas cheer on their journey to return the crystal to its rightful owner.
Watch: The Magic Crystal
Do these animated Christmas movies make you sentimental for memories of Christmases past? Check out our list of nostalgic Christmas movies streaming now on Disney+ with The Disney Bundle.
