If you are having trouble figuring out which holiday movie to watch this winter, this list will illustrate some of the best family Christmas movies. From Elf to Home Alone, this season has tons of classics and stories to get you ready for the Christmas season.

The Polar Express (2004)

This movie follows a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Along the way, he meets other kids who are on the train. The movie shows how Christmas and Santa Claus can be truly magical if you believe.

The Santa Clause (1994)

 This story follows a divorced dad Scott and his son Charlie on Christmas Eve, and they hear Santa on the roof. Then, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he’s dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. That night at the North Pole maybe wasn’t a dream after all, and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do. 

Elf (2003)

Elf is about a human named Buddy raised by elves since he climbed into Santa’s bag as a baby. When he grows up, he travels to New York to meet his businessman father, Walter Hobbs who doesn’t believe in the Christmas spirit and Buddy tries to get him off the naughty list. This movie is filled with comedy as Buddy tries to fit into the urban city of New York.

Home Alone (1990)

This Christmas movie is set in Northern Indiana when a large family forgets 8-year-old Kevin at home while the rest of the family travels to Paris. Kevin must protect his house from two bandits that are trying to rob the house. Will he be able to keep his house safe and home alone?

A Christmas Story (1983)

 This beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of 9-year-old Ralphie, whose only present on his wishlist is a Red Ryder air rifle. After both of his parents say no,  he does all that he can to get one. Meanwhile, his cranky dad and caring mother tend to ruin all of his plans. Ralphie struggles to make it to Christmas day with his glasses and his hopes intact.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

In the city of Whoville, all of the Whos love the idea of Christmas and presents. Meanwhile, hidden in the mountaintops, the Grinch plots to steal everything from presents to decorations and ruin the Christmas spirit. However, he encounters little Cindy Lou Who, and has other ideas.

Scrooged (1988)

A modernized version of A Christmas Carol follows Frank Cross who is a mean-spirited businessman whose bad outlook drove away the love of his life, Claire Phillips. But after firing someone on Christmas Eve, he is visited by three ghosts telling him to change his ways before his future is ruined.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

In the depths of Halloweentown, Jack Skellington has become bored of the annual routine of scaring humans. When he discovers Christmastown, he is overjoyed and kidnaps Santa to take over the role. However, things slowly go wrong without everyone in their place.