Make These Holiday Streaming Picks Before the Kids' Winter Break Begins

The countdown is on. Winter break is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual challenge of keeping everyone entertained. Get ahead of the game with a pre-approved list of holiday movies and specials ready to stream at a moment’s notice.

For a Dose of Nostalgia: Fraggle Rock: A Holiday Gift

Parents who grew up with the original Fraggles can introduce a new generation to the musical cave-dwellers with this all-new holiday special. Premiering on Apple TV+ on December 4, the story follows Wembley as he’s named Spirit Captain and tasked with spreading

cheer. When the Fraggles accidentally take a cherished snow globe from Doc’s workshop, the holiday spirit begins to fade, and Wembley must learn that kindness is the true gift of the season. Featuring new songs and the classic Jim Henson charm, it’s a gentle, heartwarming pick perfect for co-viewing with younger children.

For a New Animated Classic: A Proud Family Wizmas

The Proud Family is back in a brand-new, stop-motion musical special that premiered November 14 on Disney+. In 'A Proud Family Wizmas', Penny Proud accidentally ruins Christmas and must embark on a mission to restore the holiday for children everywhere. Hailed as Disney's first-ever African American stop-motion holiday special, it reunites the original voice cast, including Kyla Pratt and Cedric the Entertainer, and features six new original songs. It's a fresh, funny, and visually distinct adventure for fans of the original series and newcomers alike.

For the Whole Family: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: The Getaway

The beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series is getting another holiday installment on Disney+. Titled 'The Getaway', this new animated special joins a slate of other holiday content dropping on the platform this season. While details on the plot are still emerging, the Wimpy Kid franchise is known for its relatable humor and awkward family moments, making it a reliable choice for a movie night that will have both kids and parents laughing. It’s a perfect pick for elementary and middle school-aged kids who are fans of the books.

For a Canine-Led Adventure: A Dog's Perfect Christmas

Now streaming on Netflix, this film is for every family with a soft spot for four-legged friends. Starring Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, and Mary Steenburgen, the story follows a family struggling to keep it together during a difficult holiday season. It’s up to the family’s trusty basset hound, Winstead, to help bring everyone closer. Based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron, author of 'A Dog's Purpose', this movie delivers a heartwarming story about family and loyalty, making it a cozy, feel-good choice for a chilly evening.

For a Timeless Tradition: Elf

Some movies are classics for a reason. 'Elf' (2003), starring Will Ferrell as the endlessly cheerful Buddy, is a modern holiday staple that never gets old. This year, it's available to stream on Max, making it easy to revisit. The story of a human raised by elves who travels to New York City to find his biological father is packed with laughs and genuine heart. It's a film that works for nearly every age, bridging the gap between silly humor for kids and a surprisingly sweet story for adults. If you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this is it.

For a Magical Origin Story: Klaus

If you missed this Netflix original animated film from 2019, the holidays are the perfect time to discover it. 'Klaus' tells an alternate origin story for Santa Claus, centered on a cynical postman who is sent to a frozen, feuding town in the Far North. There he meets a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. The film’s unique, hand-drawn animation style is stunning, and its story is both funny and deeply moving. It was Netflix's first animated feature to be nominated for an Academy Award, and it’s a beautiful, high-quality film that feels like a future classic.