12 Educational Christmas Movies for a Cozy Homeschool Day

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When I was a kid, my mom’s best friend would come to stay for Christmas. Every year she would bring with her a stack of movies for us to watch together. Some of them were Christmas movies, others were not.

It didn’t really matter, because what I remember is the special times we had together doing that.

When the weather cools and holiday excitement fills the air, Christmas movies can bring both learning and seasonal joy to your homeschool.

Watching movies as a family can be a wonderful way to relax, learn, and connect during the festive season. Let’s face it, the festive season is also a very busy season. It can be really helpful to just chill out as a family and watch some movies that are both holiday-themed and educational!

Here’s a list of educational Christmas movies perfect for a cozy homeschool day.

Related: 24 Easy Homeschool Advent Activities

Educational Christmas Movies for Your Homeschool

Almost all of these movies are Christmas-themed, but some are not. Those that are not still provide a nod to the festive spirit, and more importantly, important lessons to be learned.

A little disclosure: Each family has their own viewing standards. Please make sure to do your own research and make an informed decision before viewing any of these movies.

#1 A Charlie Brown Christmas

Ages: All ages
Educational Value: This classic movie offers timeless lessons about consumerism, the true meaning of Christmas, and simple values.

It opens conversations about gratitude, simplicity, and the joy of giving. Young children can learn about friendship and compassion, and older kids can explore the underlying themes of mental health and social expectations.

#2 The Star

Ages: 5+
Educational Value: The Star is an animated retelling of the Nativity story, focusing on the journey of a brave little donkey named Bo.

This movie provides a way to discuss the origins of Christmas and the story of Jesus’ birth in a child-friendly, animated format. It offers opportunities to explore concepts like faith, friendship, and bravery.

We watched this for the first time last year and really enjoyed it.

#3 The Man Who Invented Christmas

Ages: 10+
Educational Value: A fascinating look at how Charles Dickens came to write A Christmas Carol, this movie introduces students to classic literature and the world of Victorian England.

It dives into the life of Dickens, his creative struggles, and the themes of generosity and redemption, inspiring conversations about literary history and the power of storytelling.

There are some homeschool Christmas unit studies that focus on Dickens. This would be a great supplement to that!

#4 The Polar Express

Ages: All ages
Educational Value: While The Polar Express is known for its holiday magic, it’s also a fantastic way to discuss themes like belief, courage, and the importance of kindness.

It’s an excellent conversation starter for lessons on the power of imagination and even the science behind train travel and the North Pole.

We watch this movie every year and my kids love it!

#5 It’s a Wonderful Life

Ages: 8+
Educational Value: This classic movie introduces students to timeless themes such as gratitude, community, and the impact of our lives on others.

It can spark discussions on empathy, financial responsibility, and historical concepts, as the story unfolds during the Great Depression.

This is a Christmas movie that I watched as a kid. I’ve yet to show it to my kids, but I think this year might be the year.

#6 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 version)

Ages: All ages
Educational Value: Based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved book, this adaptation teaches lessons about kindness, the effects of isolation, and the importance of community.

It’s a great springboard for talking about the emotions behind giving, gratitude, and how people can change and grow.

We’ve also watched the more recent adaptations of this movie, but they definitely can be a bit scary for younger viewers.

#7 An American Christmas Carol

Ages: 10+
Educational Value: This adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set in the Depression-era U.S., providing historical insight into a challenging time in American history.

It allows homeschool families to explore both literature and history, highlighting themes of redemption and compassion in a relatable way.

#8 Elf

Ages: 7+
Educational Value: Elf may be known for its humor, but it also teaches valuable lessons about family, belonging, and kindness.

The movie offers opportunities to discuss differences in family dynamics, adoption, and adjusting to new environments.

#9 Angela’s Christmas

Ages: 5+
Educational Value: Angela’s Christmas is a heartwarming animated short based on a story by Frank McCourt, set in 1910s Ireland. It follows young Angela, who takes it upon herself to bring warmth to Baby Jesus during a cold church service.

This short film gently introduces themes of empathy, generosity, and compassion, as Angela learns the importance of thinking of others and spreading kindness.

With its historical setting, it also offers homeschoolers an opportunity to discuss life in early 20th-century Ireland, exploring cultural differences while inspiring acts of thoughtfulness during the holiday season.

My kids have really enjoyed this movie over the years. I also love listening to the lilting Irish accent.

10. The Nativity Story

Ages: 10+
Educational Value: This film gives a detailed, historically rich portrayal of the Nativity story, offering a chance to learn about life in ancient times and the historical background of the Christmas story.

Families can explore discussions around culture, tradition, and the origins of the holiday.

11. Klaus

Ages: 7+
Educational Value: Klaus is a beautifully animated story that reimagines the origins of Santa Claus with themes of kindness, community, and generosity.

It’s a wonderful movie for discussing the importance of giving, overcoming prejudice, and the power of positive actions in transforming lives.

12. The Christmas Candle

Ages: 8+
Educational Value: Set in Victorian England, The Christmas Candle tells the story of a village that believes in the miracle of a blessed candle.

This movie provides a glimpse into historical beliefs and practices while exploring themes of faith, tradition, and community support during challenging times.

Tips for Incorporating Educational Movies into Homeschool

Honestly, you could totally just sit, watch these movies together, and then have a discussion.

However, if you’d like to be more intentional and go more in-depth, here are some great points for doing just that.

1. Create a Discussion Guide: Before watching, make a list of questions you’d like to discuss after the movie. This can help children process and retain what they’ve learned.
2. Link to Subjects: Incorporate each movie into your lessons. For example, The Man Who Invented Christmas can be linked to literature studies, while The Nativity Story can be a lesson on ancient history or religious studies.
3. Reflect with Art or Writing: After the movie, encourage kids to draw scenes, write a reflection, or compose an alternate ending. This reinforces their comprehension and inspires creativity.
4. Plan a Follow-Up Activity: Connect the movie to hands-on learning by making a craft, reenacting a scene, or researching more about the topics it touches on.
5. Encourage Critical Thinking: Ask open-ended questions that promote discussion, like “Why do you think the character did that?” or “How would you handle this situation?”

Final Thoughts

These educational Christmas movies can add warmth, learning, and excitement to your homeschool schedule during the holiday season. They also give your family an opportunity for some downtime.

Each film provides unique opportunities to explore history, culture, literature, and important values with your children, bringing meaningful depth to the holiday spirit.

Gather your family, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a cozy homeschool day that both entertains and educates.