As the year draws to a close, the Christmas season offers a chance for families to slow down and reconnect through shared stories.
Whether it is a familiar film, a quiet read or festive music playing in the background, entertainment often becomes part of the holiday tradition.
Here is a curated holiday entertainment guide featuring Christmas movies, books and music, with brief summaries and age recommendations.
Christmas movies for family time
Home Alone (1990)
Recommended age: 7+
A classic holiday comedy about a young boy accidentally left behind during Christmas who must protect his home from two burglars. Beyond the humour, the story focuses on independence and the importance of family.
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Recommended age: 5+
An animated adventure that brings together legendary guardians, including Santa Claus, to protect children’s hopes and dreams from a rising darkness. The film explores belief, courage and teamwork, making it a meaningful and entertaining choice for the holiday season.
Elf (2003)
Recommended age: 6+
A human raised by elves travels to New York City in search of his real family, leading to humour and heartfelt moments. A reliable choice for family viewing during the holidays.
A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Recommended age: 7+
A stop-motion animated film that blends Christmas with a darker fantasy world, following Jack Skellington as he explores the meaning of Christmas beyond his familiar surroundings. While visually gothic, the story focuses on identity, curiosity and understanding one’s place, making it suitable for family viewing with older children.
Christmas movies for older viewers
Love Actually (2003)
Recommended age: 13+
Set during the Christmas season, the film weaves together several love stories that explore relationships, loss and second chances.
The Holiday (2006)
Recommended age: 13+
Two women swap homes for Christmas and find renewal, friendship and unexpected romance. Light and comforting, it suits a relaxed holiday evening.
Die Hard (1988)
Recommended age: 16+
An action film set during Christmas that continues to divide opinion. While unconventional, it remains a popular festive watch for some audiences.
Christmas books for quiet moments
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Recommended age: 13+
A festive romantic comedy following Becky Bloomwood as she navigates the chaos of Christmas shopping, family expectations and personal growth. Light, humorous and relatable, it suits older teens and adults looking for an easy holiday read.
Christmas Eve Book Box by Igloo Books
Recommended age: 4+
A festive interactive book designed to be opened on Christmas Eve, featuring simple stories, activities and surprises. It encourages shared reading and creates anticipation for Christmas Day, making it ideal for young children.
Christmas? That’s Not Right! by Candy Bee
Recommended age: 3+
A playful picture book that uses humour and repetition to explore the fun confusion of Christmas traditions. Its bright illustrations and simple storytelling make it suitable for early readers and read-aloud sessions.
Paddington and the Christmas Surprise by Michael Bond
Recommended age: 4+
A heartwarming Christmas story featuring Paddington Bear as he prepares for the festive season. Gentle humour and familiar characters make it an enjoyable read for children and families alike.
Christmas music favourites
White Christmas by Bing Crosby
All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
Last Christmas by Wham!
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Perry Como
Silent Night by Bing Crosby
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Dean Martin
Writer’s picks
Best family film: Home Alone
Best classic read: Paddington and the Christmas Surprise by Michael Bond
Best Christmas music: Last Christmas by Wham!
As homes fill with laughter, quiet moments and familiar melodies, these holiday picks offer simple ways to bring families together during the festive season.
Whether revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering something new, shared stories remain at the heart of Christmas traditions, creating memories that last well beyond the holidays.
