Classic Christmas Movies

All I Want for Christmas (1991)

A young girl wants to reunite her divorced parents during the holidays. Determined to carry out her plan, she seeks out the Santa Claus at Macy's to tell him what she truly hopes for. Starring Harley Jane Kozak, Jamey Sheridan, Ethan Randall; directed by Robert Lieberman. Rated G.

Bad Santa (2003)

A miserable conman and his pint size partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper only to rob department stores on Christmas Eve but run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, and Lauren Graham; directed by Terry Zwigoff. Rated R.

Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

Easy-going Father O'Malley and iron-willed Sister Benedict find themselves in a subtle battle of wits over how the children should be trained at St. Mary's parochial school. Starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman; directed by Leo McCarey. Not rated.

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

An angel appears to help a harried young bishop with a fundraising problem and a troubled marriage, but instead the bishop's wife falls for the angel. Starring David Niven, Loretta Young, and Cary Grant; directed by Henry Koster. Not rated. Remade as The Preacher's Wife in 1996, starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, and Courtney B. Vance.

Call Me Claus (2001)

Lucy is a cranky, volatile producer at a home shopping network in charge of hiring the station's on-air Santa Claus. The "real" Santa, who finds himself at the end of his 200-year contract, must convince Lucy that she is the perfect candidate to fill his shoes. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Nigel Hawthorne, Brian Stokes Mitchell; directed by Peter Werner. Not rated.

Chasing Christmas (2005)

Modern-day Scrooge Tom Arnold gets left decades behind by the Ghost of Christmas Past, and now must team up with the gorgeous Ghost of Christmas Present to save the future of Christmas. Starring Tom Arnold, Andrea Roth, Jed Rees. Rated PG.

Christmas Caper (2008)

A professional thief hides out in her hometown after a robbery goes wrong and she finds herself on the run. As the holidays approach, she finds that what she might need in her life is in the place she never thought to look. Starring Shannen Doherty, Ty Olsson, Conrad Coates. Rated PG.

The Christmas Card (2006)

In the midst of war in Afghanistan, Cody Cullen is touched by a lovely Christmas card sent to him by Faith Spelman. Faith lives in the small, picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves Cody's side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her. Starring John Newton, Alice Evans, Lois Nettleton. Not rated.

A Christmas Carol (1951)

The inimitable Christmas classic, with Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and all those ghosts. From the story by Charles Dickens. Starring Alaster Sim, Kathleen Harrison, and Mervyn Johns; directed by Brian Desmond Hurst. Not rated. Other versions of A Christmas Carol include: the 1938 version with Reginald Owen; the 1984 TV version starring George C. Scott; a 1997 animated TV version with Tim Curry; the 1999 TV version starring Patrick Stewart; Scrooge, the 1970 musical version starring Albert Finney; The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) featuring Kermit and all the gang; and an updated version, Scrooged (1988) with Bill Murray.

The Christmas Cottage (2008)

Returning from college one Christmas, Thomas Kinkade finds his mother is about to lose the family cottage to foreclosure, inspiring him to paint a mural of his hometown to help revive the Christmas spirit. Starring Jared Padalecki, Peter O'Toole, Marcia Gay Harden. Rated PG.

Christmas Do Over (2006)

When Kevin drives out of town to see his son Ben, he gets a frosty welcome from his ex and her parents. So when a blocked highway forces him to stay, he makes the worst of it! Ben wishes that every day could be Christmas. His wish comes true, forcing Kevin to relive the day over and over. Starring Jay Mohr, Daphne Zuniga, David Millbern. Made for TV; not rated.

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

A popular magazine food columnist is forced by her publisher to invite a convalescent war veteran to her Connecticut home with hubbie and baby for Christmas, but she's unmarried, lives in New York City – and can't boil an egg! Classic Christmas comedy. Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, and Sydney Greenstreet; directed by Peter Godfrey. Not rated. Remade as a made-for-cable movie in 1992, starring Dyan Cannon, Kris Kristofferson, and Tony Curtis.

The Christmas Shoes (2006)

A workaholic attorney crosses paths with a young boy on Christmas Eve and rediscovers the true meaning of love, life, and the holiday season. Starring Rob Lowe, Kimberly Williams. Made for TV; not rated.

A Christmas Story (1983)

A young boy must convince his parents that a Red Ryder air rifle is the only gift that will make Christmas worthwhile. Frequently hilarious take on the all-American Christmas, set in 1940s Indiana from a story by Jean Shepherd. Starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley; directed by Bob Clark. Rated PG.

A Christmas Tale (2008)

Junon is the matriarch of the troubled Vuillard family, who come together at Christmas after she learns she needs a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative. The Vuillard's shared history of physical and mental illness, estrangement, self harm, and loss doesn't lead itself to the idea of a cheerful holiday season. Hopefully the Christmastime reunion, a scheme concocted by three of the youngest family members, will finally bring peace to their family. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Mathieu Amalric; directed by Arnaud Desplechin. French dialogue, English subtitles. Not rated.

A Christmas Too Many (2005)

When an aging Hollywood starlet invites her not-so-normal family home for the holidays, it is bound to be a Christmas no one will ever forget, no matter how hard they try. Her oddball family loses all self-control when a promising new director decides to join them for Christmas. Starring Mickey Rooney, Ruta Lee, Sam McMurray. Rated PG-13.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

With their daughter away, her parents decide to skip Christmas altogether until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate the holidays at the last minute. Starring Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dan Aykroyd; directed by Joe Roth. Rated PG.

The Dead (1987)

Takes place in turn-of-the century Dublin, at a Christmas feast vibrant with food and spirit. A young couple at the party, Gretta and Gabriel Conroy, seem to have everything to be grateful for. But that night, a tenor's voice recalls poignant memories, and Gabriel learns of his wife's unforgotten young love. Based on the short story by James Joyce with a screenplay by Tony Huston. Starring Anjelica Huston, Donal McCann, and Helena Carroll; directed by John Huston (the director's last film). Rated PG.

Deck the Halls (2006)

Two neighbors in a small New England town go to war when one of them decides to decorate his house with so many Christmas lights that they are visible from space. The neighborhood is turned upside down as the families try to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis. Rated PG.

Die Hard (1988)

A team of terrorists has seized a building in L.A. and taken hostages. A New York cop, in town to spend Christmas with his estranged wife, is the only hope for the people held by the savage criminals. Starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, and Alexander Godunov; directed by John McTiernan. Rated R. Followed by Die Hard 2.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Live-action remake of the classic Dr. Seuss Christmas story, starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. With Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, and Christine Baranski; directed by Ron Howard. Rated PG.

Elf (2003)

After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. Starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Bob Newhart; directed by Jon Favreau. Rated PG.

The Family Man (2000)

Jack Campbell, a workaholic Wall Street exec, gets to see what his life might have been like if he'd stayed with his former sweetheart, Kate. Thirteen years after they split up, Jack falls asleep in his posh New York apartment, then awakens to find himself a family man, with his now-wife Kate, daughter Annie and new baby. Starring Nicolas Cage, Téa Leoni, and Jeremy Piven; directed by Brett Ratner. Rated PG-13.

The Family Stone (2006)

Everett brings his fiancé Meredith home to meet his family for the Christmas holiday. It's an instant disaster when Everett's parents, Sybil and Kelly, agree with their gay, deaf son Thad, pot-smoking son Ben and daughters Amy and Susannah that Meredith is way too uptight to be welcomed into their family. Wanting to please Everett and get along with his family, Meredith recruits her sister Julie to help her thaw the Stone family cold front. Starring Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams. Rated PG-13.

Four Christmases (2009)

When happily unmarried San Francisco couple Kate and Brad find themselves socked in by fog on Christmas morning, their exotic vacation plans morph into the family-centric holiday they had, until now, gleefully avoided. Out of obligation, and unable to escape, they trudge to not one, not two, but four relative-choked festivities. Starring Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Robert Duvall; directed by Seth Gordon. Rated PG-13.

Fred Claus (2007)

Fred  is the older, dysfunctional brother of Santa Claus who is forced to move to the North Pole to repay a debt to his younger, more famous brother. Starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti and John Paul Higgins. Rated PG.

Gremlins (1984)

Billy Peltzer's father buys him a new cuddly pet for Christmas. But heed these three warnings: Don't ever get him wet. Keep him away from bright light. And the most important thing, the one thing you must never forget: no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs...never, ever feed him after midnight. Starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton; directed by Joe Dante. Rated PG.

The Holiday (2007)

Amanda lives in Los Angeles and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey, England and is a journalist. The two live five thousand miles apart and have never met, but are dealing with the same problem: men. Amanda just broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Iris has pined for her ex. They both come upon a website that advocates home exchange and the two swap houses for two weeks at Christmas - both with a goal to forget their troubled love lives. Love ends up finding them anyway. Amanda starts a romance with Iris' older brother, Graham, a book editor, and Iris starts a romance with a friend of Amanda's, movie composer Miles. With newfound romance, both their lives change forever. Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law; directed by Nancy Meyers. Rated PG-13.

Holiday Affair (1949)

The Christmas-season romance of a young widow and a sales clerk who (thanks to her) is unemployed. Starring Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, and Wendell Corey; directed by Don Hartman. Not rated.

Holiday Inn (1942)

Classic Irving Berlin musical featuring a hotel which only does business on holidays! Introduced the song "White Christmas." Starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds; directed by Mark Sandrich. Not rated.

Home Alone (1990)

When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister's family left for vacation, they forgot one minor detail: Kevin! He's left home alone overnight, with two bumbling burglers trying to break in, and he rigs a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them. Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern; directed by Chris Columbus. Rated PG. Followed by Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Home Alone 3.

The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (1971)

Set on a Depression Christmas Eve in 1933, this heart-tugging story centers around the Waltons, a rural family, as they prepare to celebrate Christmas together. Starring Patricia Neal, Richard Thomas, Edgar Bergen. Rated PG.

House Without a Christmas Tree (1972)

Set in Nebraska during 1946. Ten-year-old Addie Mills wants a Christmas tree for the holidays but her father, an embittered widower, absolutely refuses until he is touched by an act of generosity which teaches him an important lesson about the spirit of Christmas. Starring Jason Robards, Mildred Natwick, Lisa Lucas. Made for TV, not rated.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Quintessential Christmas movie. James Stewart plays a small-time banker who believes his life has been useless and plans suicide – until Clarence, his guardian angel, convinces him otherwise. With Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Thomas Mitchell; directed by Frank Capra. Not rated.

Jack Frost (1998)

On the verge of making it big, long-struggling musician Jack Frost suddenly realizes he's missing something vital: time with his wife and young son Charlie. But before Jack can make up for lost time, he swerves off an icy mountain road. Then, one cold winter's night, Jack magically returns as a walking, talking, ski-slope-shredding snowman. Determined to be the father he always wanted to be, Jack embarks on a quest to show Charlie that when it comes to being totally cool, there's no dad like a snowdad! Starring Michael Keaton, Kelly Preston, and Mark Addy; directed by Troy Miller. Rated PG.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

A father, deperate to buy a hot-selling Christmas toy, endures a frantic last minute shopping spree on Christmas Eve. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, and Phil Hartman; directed by Brian Levant. Rated PG.

Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) (2005)

Based on the true story of three armies in the bloody trenches of World War I and the miraculous Christmas Eve truce they unexpectedly forge. French, English or German dialogue with optional English, Spanish or Portuguese subtitles. Starring Diane Krüger, Benno Fürman, Guillaume Canet; written and directed by Christian Carion. Rated PG-13.

Love Actually (2004)

Love knows no boundaries and is causing chaos on Christmas Eve in London for everyone from the new bachelor Prime Minister who found love at first sight, to a schoolboy trying to get the attention of the most popular girl in school. Starring Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Colin Firth; directed by Richard Curtis. Rated R.

March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)

Laurel and Hardy are Santa's helpers who mess up an order for wooden soldiers, but then use them to save Toyland from the Bogeymen. Starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; directed by Gus Meins and Charley Rogers. Not rated. Originally released as Babes in Toyland. Also called Laurel and Hardy in Toyland.

Midnight Clear (2006)

As midnight approaches in a small Southwestern town, five lonely strangers randomly cross paths, and in unique and subtle ways, change each other's lives forever. A modern-day parable about how seemingly insignificant acts of grace can make a profound difference. Starring Stephen Baldwin, Kirk B.R. Woller, Mary Thornton. Rated PG-13.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

In this Oscar-winning classic, a Macy's Department Store Santa who insists his name is Kris Kringle teaches everyone a lesson in love, faith, and the value of imagination. Starring Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood, and Maureen O'Hara; directed by George Seaton. Not rated.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

It's Christmastime for the Griswolds. There are 25,000 lights on the rooftop, an exploding turkey on the table, and a dozen or so guests. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Randy Quaid; directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. Rated PG-13. Sequel: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 2.

The Nativity Story (2006)

A drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass; directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Rated PG.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The story of Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king, who decides to bring the magic of Christmas back to Halloween Town. Animated feature from Tim Burton, featuring the voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, and Catherine O'Hara. Rated PG.

Noël (2005)

Five strangers lives intertwine on Christmas Eve to tell a story of companionship, love, and healing which unfolds against the backdrop of New York City. A delightful tale of redemption, faith, and the joy of living; proving miracles are closer than you think. Starring Penelope Cruz, Susan Sarandon, Paul Walker. Rated PG.

Noëlle (2007)

Father Jonathan Keene is a cold, impatient Catholic priest who arrives in a tiny fishing village the week before Christmas. He is there to do what he does best - shut down dying parishes. But things take an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in the various lives of the village's eccentric characters. This includes the town's beautiful librarian, the childlike priest he is displacing, and the magical experience of Mrs. Worthington's legendary Christmas Party, where everyone is welcome and anything is possible. Starring David Wall, Kerry Wall, Sean Patrick Brennan; written and directed by David Wall. Rated PG.

Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)

For the first time in years the entire Rodriguez clan comes home to Chicago to celebrate Christmas where traditions will be celebrated. During the course of this eventful week they will celebrate one member's safe return from Iraq, secrets will be revealed, old resentments forgotten, each family member will learn something about themselves and each other, and the healing power of laughter will work its magic. Starring Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Peña, Freddy Rodriguez; directed by Alfredo de Villa. Rated PG-13.

One Magic Christmas (1985)

A young mother rediscovers the joy and beauty of Christmas, thanks to the unshakable faith of her six-year-old daughter, Abbie, and Gideon, the mother's very own guardian angel. Starring Mary Steenburgen, Gary Basaraba, and Michelle Meyrink; directed by Phillip Borsos. Rated G.

The Perfect Holiday (2007)

A single mother is raising her three children after the divorce from her rapper ex-husband. Her oldest son wants his parents to get back together. The youngest daughter would rather see her mom happy and decides to use Santa Claus to get her wish. The kids practically compete to see who will win the war of love. Starring Morris Chestnut, Gabrielle Union, Faizon Love. Rated PG.

The Preacher's Wife (1996)

Dudley is an angel who is sent to earth to help a young minister and his beautiful wife revive their marriage. But things take a twist when Dudley accidentally falls in love with the preacher's wife. Remake of The Bishop's Wife. Starring Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance. Rated PG.

The Ref (1994)

An unfortunate cat burglar becomes trapped in a fate worse than jail when he takes a bickering couple and their annoying relatives hostage at Christmas. Starring Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey. Rated R.

Remember the Night (1940)

Classy shoplifter Lee Leander, on trial for swiping a diamond bracelet, has her case postponed by Assistant District Attorney John Sargent until after Christmas. Taking pity on her, he bails her out of jail. He's driving home to Indiana for the holidays, and when he finds Lee's a Hoosier too, offers to drop her at her mother's on the way. When she's rejected by her mother, he brings her home to his place where his mother, his aunt and their farmhand give her a real Christmas and the love she's never had. Inevitably, Lee and John fall in love -- but there's still a trial ahead. Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Beulah Bondi; written by Preston Sturges; directed by Mitchell Leisen. Not rated.

The Santa Clause (1995)

Santa falls down on the job and Scott's son convinces his dad to try on the red suit. Eight reindeer pilot the pair to the North Pole, where they soon discover that by donning the famous suit, Dad must now accept all of Santa's duties. Starring Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, and Wendy Crewson; directed by John Pasquin. Rated PG. Followed by Santa Clause 2 and 3.

Scrooged (1988)

Modern version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, with Bill Murray portraying a nasty, uncaring, unforgiving TV network president. On Christmas Eve he is visited by three ghosts who show him the error of his ways. Also featuring Karen Allen, John Forsythe, and Bobcat Goldthwait; directed by Richard Donner. Rated PG-13.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Quiet, unassuming Kralik is fired from his job in a gift shop, when his boss falsely believes that he is having an affair with the boss's wife. Out of work and lonely, Kralik finds out that the girl of his dreams is actually the girl who works in the shop. Starring James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, and Frank Morgan; produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Not rated.

Surviving Christmas (2004)

A rich and lonely executive returns to his childhood home and offers to pay the current family to allow him to spend Christmas with them. Starring Ben Afleck, James Gandolfini, Christina Applegate. Rated PG-13.

The Thin Man (1934)

Ostensibly a detective story set in New York at Christmas, this first and best of the Nick and Nora Charles films is all about them and their pixilated, witty way of moving through life. Starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Maureen O'Sullivan; directed by W.S. Van Dyke. Not rated.

This Christmas (2007)

For the first time in years, the entire Whitfield clan comes home to celebrate Christmas and learn through the drama and emotional baggage how to be a family once again. Starring Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Loretta Devine. Rated PG-13.

Together Again for the First Time (2008)

The Wolders-Frobisher family hasn't been together in the same house since the parents' marriage seven years before. Their long-awaited reunion this holiday season would normally be cause to celebrate, if they could only stand each other's company. Starring Julia Duffy, David Ogden, Larisa Oleynik. Not rated.

Tokyo Godfathers (20030

An anime Christmas tale. The story takes place on Christmas Eve in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Middle-aged has-been Gin, aging transvestite Hana, and teenage runaway Miyuki are homeless friends who have formed a makeshift family structure bond. That bond is tested when they find an abandoned baby while searching for food in a trash dumpster. They try to care for the infant themselves, and travel throughout the city in search of the baby's parents. Featuring the voices of Toru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, and Aya Okamoto; directed by Satoshi Kon. Rated PG-13.

Trading Places (1983)

The rich Duke Brothers wager on whether a born loser like Billy Ray Valentine, a hustler from the ghetto, can become as successful as Winthorpe, a wealthy investment executive, if put in the proper environment--and would a prig like Winthorpe turn to a life of crime if he were to lose it all. Starring Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy. Rated R.

Trapped in Paradise (1994)

Pathological liar Dave Firpo and his kleptomaniac brother Alvin are two small-time crooks who lure their good-hearted brother Bill into robbing a bank in the small town of Paradise, Pennsylvania. Pulling off the heist is a snap compared to getting out of town after a snowstorm hits. Starring Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz, and Dana Carvey; directed by George Gallo. Rated PG-13.

Unaccompanied Minors (2007)

It's Christmas Eve and a huge blizzard has just shut down Hoover International Airport, threating to ruin holiday plans for all stranded travelers. Snowed in en route to their father's house, two unaccompanied minors, Spencer and his sister, Katherine, are ushered to the airport's UM Room, a holding cell for dozens of stranded, parent-free kids from all over the country. Spencer decides to make a run for freedom. With the airport's peevish Passenger Relations Manager and his lackey and every other airport security guard hot on his trail, a group of UMs help each other flee the clutches of airport authority. Starring Paget Brewster, Jessica Walter, Wilmer Valderrama; directed by Paul Feig. Rated PG.

We're No Angels (1955)

Three convicts, Joseph, Albert and Jules, are plotting their escape from Devil's Island. Fate intervenes when they hide out with kindly but inept Felix and his family. Felix manages a store for his arrogant cousin Andre, who makes the fatal mistake of stealing Albert's pet, a poisonous snake. After resolving Felix's problems, the convicts return to prison, convinced that the world is much too wicked. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, Peter Ustinov. Not rated. Remade in 1989 in a version starring Robert de Niro and Sean Penn, and set in Canada.

White Christmas (1954)

Irving Berlin musical. Two talented song-and-dance men team with a sister act to save the Vermont inn of a retired army general. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney; directed by Michael Curtiz. Not rated.

FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

Babes in Toyland (1997)

Animated adventure which takes place two days before Christmas. The Toyland Toy Factory has just received the biggest order ever -- but the evil Barnaby, who doesn't believe in toys, has plans to shut the factory down. Starring the voices of James Belushi, Lacey Chabert, and Bronson Pinchot; based on the operetta by Victor Herbert and Glen Mac Donough; directed by Paul Sabella. Not rated.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Join Charlie Brown and his friends as they discover the true meaning of Christmas in this heartwarming holiday classic. Created and written by Charles M. Schulz; directed by Bill Melendez.

Cricket on the Hearth: The Original TV Classic (1967)

Featuring the voices of Danny Thomas, Marlo Thomas, Roddy McDowall. Includes bonus music video collection: "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" performed by Destiny's Child, and "Santa Claus is comin' to town" performed by Mariah Carey.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

In tongue-twisting verse and lighthearted music, this is the timeless tale of the mean-spirited Grinch and his feeble attempts to steal the yuletide celebration of Whoville. Animated, musical version of the Seuss classic, featuring the voice of Boris Karloff. Directed by Chuck Jones. Not rated.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

When Frosty the snowman is accidently brought to life, he has several adventures and must outwit the plans of an evil magician in order to find safety at the North Pole. Told and sung by Jimmy Durante; Billy DeWolfe as the Magician; Jackie Vernon as Frosty. Not rated.

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002)

On Christmas Eve, an angel petitions God to send help for Kermit the Frog who has lost all hope after losing the Muppet Theatre. Loosely based on It's a Wonderful Life. Directed by Kirk R. Thatcher. Rated PG.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (2003)

Linus and Lucy's baby brother, Rerun, believes he'll be the happiest little boy in the world if he receives one very special Christmas gift - his own dog. Unfortunately, his mom won't get him one, and he doesn't have the ten million dollars Charlie Brown says it will cost to buy Snoopy. Rerun figures there must be a way, and when he learns that Snoopy's brother, Spike, is coming to visit, he decides that he'll adopt him. Made for TV, not rated.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Animated story of an orphaned drummer boy who witnesses the the newborn baby Jesus. Having no gift to bring, the drummer boy gives the only thing he has - a song. Starring the voices of Jose Ferrer and Greer Garson; music performed by the Vienna Boys Choir.

Little Spirit: Christmas in New York (2009)

New to New York City, a little boy loses his dog in Central Park close to the holidays, and his search leads him on the magical adventure of a lifetime. Starring Danny Devito, Lucy Liu, Freddy Rodriguez, Brenda Song. Not rated.

Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens gets a slightly skewed and humorous treatment when it is retold by the Muppets. Featuring The Muppet characters, Michael Caine. Rated G.

The Polar Express (2004)

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Starring Tom Hanks, Leslie Harter Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen; directed by Robert Zemeckis. Rated G.

Posada navidena (Charles Dickens' A Christmas carol) (2004)

A classic Spanish language retelling of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the whole crew come to life through this brilliantly animated feature that is appropriate for the entire family.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (1964)

This is the classic Christmas tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Shunned by the other reindeer because of his red nose, Rudolph becomes a hero when he guides Santa's sleigh through a blinding blizzard, and Christmas morning is saved for boys and girls all over the world. Told and sung by Burl Ives; music and lyrics by Johnny Marks; produced by Arthur Rankin, Jr. Not rated.

Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving (2009)

Laura Carrot's Christmas stocking might be empty this year because her dad is in danger of losing his job. While Larry thinks a letter to the North Pole should fix the problem, Bob tells a story of a little boy named Nicholas who made a discovery in Bethlehem that changed Christmas forever. What did Nick learn that can help Laura and her family? From the Veggie Tales series.

Santa Buddies (2009)

When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he finds Budderball on Santa's naughty list and figures he's just the dog to show him how to be an ordinary pup. But when the magical Christmas Icicle starts to melt and the world begins to forget the true meaning of the season, it's up to Puppy Paws and his newfound Buddies to save Christmas. Starring Christopher Lloyd, Danny Woodburn, George Wendt; directed by Robert Vince. Rated G.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)

A holiday favorite filled with good cheer, this delightful story tells how Kris Kringle got his start as the world's most famous gift giver by struggling to bring toys and happiness to the children of Slumbertown. Told and sung by Fred Astaire; with Mickey Rooney (Kris), Keenan Wynn (Winter), and the Westminster Childrens Choir; directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr. Not rated.

Shrek the Halls (2008)

With no clue how to plan anything for the holidays, Shrek sets out to give Fiona and their children a perfect Christmas. With the help of a book and some party crashers, Shrek will learn what really matters. Includes sing-along. Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz. Not rated.

The Stingiest Man in Town (1978)

The animated tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is forced to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Featuring the voices of Tom Bosley, Theodore Bikel, Robert Morse. Not rated.

Year without a Santa Claus (1974)

Another Rankin/Bass animated classic. Santa Claus feels unwanted and decides to take a vacation. It just wouldn't be Christmas time without HeatMiser and SnowMiser! Starring the voices of Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, and George S. Irving; Shirley Booth sings and narrates. Not rated.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1974)

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon tries every source to find out if there is a Santa Claus and finally writes to the editor of the New York Sun for her answer. Featuring the voices of Jim Backus, Courtney Lemmon, Louis Nye. Not rated.

Updated 12/09

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