12 Christmas Movies to Watch with Teens (That You’ll Love Too!)
Cosy nights in, twinkly lights on, snacks at the ready—it’s the perfect time of year to slow down and enjoy a festive film together. But when your kids become teens, finding something everyone wants to watch can be a bit trickier.
Whether your teen is into nostalgia, action, romance, animation or laugh-out-loud comedy, here’s a list of 12 brilliant Christmas movies the whole family will enjoy—and where you can stream them whether you’re in Ireland, the UK, or the US.
1. Home Alone (1990)
An absolute classic. Still as funny as ever. Great for nostalgic laughs and holiday chaos.
- Ireland/UK: Disney+
- USA: Disney+
2. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf is endearingly ridiculous, and the whole thing is warm, quirky, and full of heart.
- Ireland/UK: Prime Video (with rental), Sky/Now
- USA: Max, AMC+
3. The Holiday (2006)
Part rom-com, part self-care inspo—with lovely snowy scenes and heartwarming themes. Teens will enjoy the mix of drama and charm.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix
- USA: Hulu, Peacock
4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A magical musical fantasy with a brilliant cast, stunning visuals, and a great message about family and imagination.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix
- USA: Netflix
5. Klaus (2019)
Gorgeous animation, a unique twist on the Santa origin story, and beautiful storytelling. A hidden gem.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix
- USA: Netflix
6. Love Actually (2003)
Best for older teens (it’s rated 15). It’s full of intertwining stories, humour, romance, and very British Christmas vibes.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix, Sky/Now
- USA: Prime Video (with rental), Peacock
7. The Grinch (2018, animated)
This newer version of the classic is a big hit with all ages—visually fun, sweet, and funny without being too saccharine.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix, Prime Video (rental)
- USA: Netflix, Peacock
8. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A magical origin story of Father Christmas with a lovely cast and a deeper emotional core. A bit more fantasy-adventure than your average festive film.
- Ireland/UK: Sky Cinema / Now
- USA: Netflix
9. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Fast-paced, funny, and wonderfully British. Teens and tweens alike love the clever humour and updated Santa story.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix
- USA: Prime Video (rental), Hulu (with add-on)
10. Die Hard (1988)
Yes, we’re including it. For older teens who love a bit of action with their tinsel—just be mindful of the rating (18).
- Ireland/UK: Disney+
- USA: Hulu, Starz, or Prime (with rental)
11. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
A fun, action-packed Santa adventure starring Kurt Russell as the coolest Santa ever. Great energy, with a teen sibling duo at the heart of the story.
- Ireland/UK: Netflix
- USA: Netflix
12. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A beautiful black-and-white classic that never gets old. Older teens with a love for stories that mean something will really appreciate it.
- Ireland/UK: Prime Video (rental), BBC iPlayer (often shown on TV)
- USA: Prime Video, Plex, Tubi
💡 Tips for Making Movie Night Special
- Let everyone vote on the pick (a jar of options can be fun!)
- Create a hot chocolate bar or snack station
- Cosy blankets, fairy lights, and phones away (mostly!)
- If you love it, make it a weekly tradition through December
❤️ Final Thought
Whatever movie you choose, it’s really not about the film—it’s about that hour or two of slowing down and being together. So pick a night, grab your snacks, and enjoy something festive together this season.
Chat soon,
Ciara x
📖 Winter Reading & Seasonal Inspiration
If you’re drawn to the quieter, slower rhythms of the colder months, these are some of the books I return to again and again during winter. They explore themes of seasonal living, rest, reflection, hygge, and finding joy in simpler days. I’ll leave the links below if you’d like to explore any of them further.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
📚 Winter & Seasonal Reading
- The Christmas Chronicles – Nigel Slater
- The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2026 – Lia Leendertz
- The Joy of Wintering – Erin Niimi Longhurst
- How to Winter – Kari Leibowitz
- Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year – Beth Kempton
- My Hygge Home – Meik Wiking
- The Art of Danish Living – Meik Wiking
- The Little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking
- The Little Book of Lykke – Meik Wiking
- Wintering – Katherine May
- The Self-Care Year – Alison Davies
- The Happiness Year – Tara Ward
- The Wheel of the Year – Fiona Cook & Jessica Roux


