6 Easy Christmas Movie Nights for a Fun-Loving Holiday
Need exciting yet easy holiday ideas for family night?
Who doesn’t love a little festive fun! Well, I’ve gotcha covered with these festive ideas for your next Christmas movie night.
They cover six of the major must-see movies of the holiday season. And each holiday movie night includes a book to read, food ideas, and activities to do with your kids. Check out:
- The Polar Express
- The Grinch
- The Santa Claus
- Elf
- Frosty The Snowman
- Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer
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You’ll find fun ways to get into the holiday spirit, and all of the ideas below are EASY TO DO. That’s the most important part, as all parents know!
6 Epic Christmas Movie Nights
1.THE POLAR EXPRESS
First, this fan favorite keeps the spirit of Santa alive in a unique way.
“The bell still rings for all who truly believe.”
The Polar Express
BOOK
Start by reading the classic!
POLAR EXPRESS FOOD
Next, when you get to the scene of men dancing while they serve hot chocolate, join the fun! Set up a simple hot cocoa bar in your home. Put out hot chocolate with festive mugs, marshmallows, candy canes, and whipped cream. Then, let the kids make their own fun concoctions and sing along.
POLAR EXPRESS ACTIVITIES
Print a free coloring page and let the kids color themed pictures before the movie. Then, pass out tickets that you can customize yourself from this article at apartmentguide.com. Give the kids cheap bells beforehand to shake during the movie.
Or not, if that causes the crazies!!!
*For a huge array of fun activities, don’t miss the ultimate holiday bucket list for more non-movie ideas beyond these!
2. THE GRINCH
This movie is a must-see (several times and in all different versions) in our house!
“Maybe Christmas perhaps doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more.”
The Grinch
OR
My husband and I are BIG fans of the Jim Carrey version, but the new Grinch is also incredible, and some still think the classic is the BEST!
What do you think? We’ve turned the adult favorite into a couple’s tradition. See 20 festive Christmas traditions for couples for more adult ideas!
BOOK
Before the movie, be sure to read the Dr. Seuss gem!
GRINCH FOOD
Then, try a healthier green theme! Throw out some chips and guacamole, prepare a green “Grinch” smoothie, and try out these EASY Grinch fruit kabobs below from Everyday Savvy. Need a dinner idea? Make roast beef, of course!
GRINCH ACTIVITIES
Print out an easy printable and Pin the heart on the Grinch. Then do a Science experiment to grow the Grinch’s heart, or try some easy Grinch slime! These are all great sensory options for small kiddos.
3. THE SANTA CLAUSE
Most parents today remember growing up with these movies. So, share the love with your kids this year and make a night out of it!
“Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.”
The Santa Clause
BOOK
This Christmas classic accompanies the movie perfectly!
THE SANTA CLAUSE FOOD
When Scott Calvin lets down his son Charlie, he tries to make it up to him by ordering a big glass of eggnog. Cheers to your eggnog during this scene! Or try these SUPER cute and easy stuck in the chimney snack cups.
THE SANTA CLAUSE ACTIVITIES
Write a letter to Santa that’s as simple or elaborate as you want! Then try these awesome printables from the Dating Divas. They include a bingo to go with the movie!
Get a free Letter HERE: Write a letter to Santa Template
4. ELF
Next, who doesn’t love a giant man that believes he’s an elf?
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Buddy the elf
BOOK
There’s no better book than the one from the movie!
ELF FOOD
Ok, I can not, in good faith suggest his spaghetti concoction from the movie. I mean, try it if you dare.
Or make these Buddy the elf sammies below, traditional spaghetti, or pancakes with maple syrup. They aren’t as crazy as Buddy’s breakfast, but still yummy!
ELF ACTIVITIES
This easy craft with picture faces (below) will get everyone laughing. Need another fun activity? Print out Elf Trivia to do with the kids!
*Recruit your elf on the shelf and add to the fun with these cute free notes!
5. FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
Frosty has a soft spot in all our hearts, and this is the best time of year to share his adventure with your kids.
“He was made of snow, but the children know he came to life one day.”
Frosty the Snowman
BOOK
This Frosty version is perfect for the littlest ones in your family!
FROSTY FOOD
First, celebrate Frosty and friends with these snowman caprese salad appetizers (below) for a pre-dinner fix. Then work together on a pizza-shaped as a snowman, and finish off the evening with simple snowman cups with popcorn.
FROSTY ACTIVITIES
Are you ok with getting a little messy? Make baking soda snowmen (below) and watch them melt. I mean, what child wouldn’t think this is awesome?! Check out the tutorial HERE to make it happen.
6. RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER
And finally, the classic reindeer all children love. Let’s give him some special attention this year.
“Rudolph with your nose so bright won’t you guide my sleigh tonight.”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
BOOKS
This easy level 2 reader is great for kids learning to read.
Or check out the younger seek and find version below that my kids have loved for years. It’s one of our favorite Christmas children’s picture books.
RUDOLPH FOOD
Begin the day with fun Rudolph waffles or pancakes. It’s simple! First, pile a small pancake on top of a large one. Slice banana slices for eyes, a raspberry for a nose, and add bacon antlers to finish it off. Or try these reindeer sandwiches for a themed lunch or snack.
RUDOLPH ACTIVITIES
And finally, these adorable reindeer ornaments memorialize your special Rudolph movie night. Make extras to give to grandparents this holiday season!
Additional Fun Christmas Movie Night Movies:
Want more movies to brighten your holiday season? Check out these other options:
- A Christmas Story
- Christmas Vacation
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Home Alone
- It’s A Wonderful Life
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol or Once Upon A Christmas
- Disney’s Prep & Landing (My kids’ favorite!)
- Klaus
- Home Alone
- The Christmas Chronicles
- Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
- A Christmas Carol
*And try out the free Christmas charades with an entire section for movies!
For More Festive Holiday Activities…
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Something to Consider With Your Family Movie Night
Remember, you don’t need perfectly planned family nights to create joyful memories.
There are some days during the holidays that it’s a massive feat to get dinner on the table. So, breathe. And get inspired. But keep it fun and stress-free.
What is your favorite Christmas movie night? I’d love to hear!
*Find more great books for kids and teens that are also movies >>
Other Christmas Posts to Enjoy…
Tons of awesome ideas for a whole evening of fun!