December Movie Guide
- Alexandra Burke
- Nov 30, 2025
- 6 min read
Let’s be honest—December in the classroom can feel like running a marathon in a snowstorm. Students are restless, the days are shorter, and the excitement for the holidays is palpable. As teachers, we’re looking for ways to engage, inspire, and yes, survive until Christmas break. One of the most magical—and educational—tools at our disposal? Holiday and winter-themed movies.
Showing movies in December isn’t just a way to give everyone a little breathing room; it’s an opportunity to teach valuable lessons while embracing the spirit of the season. From the magic of believing in The Polar Express to the lessons of empathy and perseverance in Remember the Titans, these films provide more than entertainment—they spark discussion, inspire creativity, and reinforce essential social-emotional skills.
Whether you’re teaching kindergarteners about friendship and kindness, middle schoolers about courage and compassion, or high school students about empathy, gratitude, and family dynamics, there’s a film to fit every age group. These movies allow students to reflect on the season’s themes—gratitude, generosity, resilience, and connection—while giving teachers a little breathing room to finish the semester with joy instead of stress.
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
1. The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve and learns about the importance of believing.
Why show in December: Encourages imagination and belief in the magic of the holiday season.
Educational value: Teaches themes of belief, trust, friendship, and literacy (can pair with the book).
Extension activity ideas:
Write a letter to Santa or a journal entry about a magical journey.
Draw or build your own “Polar Express” train.
Discuss character traits: courage, belief, and kindness.
2. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Rating: G/PG
Synopsis: A magical hat brings Frosty the Snowman to life, and children must help him escape a villain to ensure he doesn’t melt.
Why show in December: Highlights winter joy and community spirit.
Educational value: Teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and basic story elements (beginning, middle, end).
Extension activity ideas:
Create snowman crafts or write a short story about your own magical snowman.
Discuss cause and effect: what actions helped save Frosty?
3. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Arthur, Santa’s clumsy but well-meaning son, goes on a mission to deliver a forgotten gift before Christmas morning.
Why show in December: Shows the importance of family, responsibility, and empathy.
Educational value: Demonstrates problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork.
Extension activity ideas:
Write a “gift of kindness” plan for your classroom or home.
Map out Arthur’s journey using a simple timeline.
Grades 3–5
1. Elf (2003)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his real father, spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
Why show in December: Encourages joy, humor, and the spirit of giving.
Educational value: Teaches cultural literacy, character analysis, and social-emotional skills.
Extension activity ideas:
Write a “how to spread cheer” guide inspired by Buddy.
Discuss differences between Elf’s North Pole culture and NYC culture.
Research real holiday traditions around the world.
2. The Grinch (2018 Animated Version)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: The Grinch plans to steal Christmas from Whoville but discovers the true meaning of the holiday.
Why show in December: Reinforces empathy, compassion, and generosity.
Educational value: Lessons on perspective-taking, community, and morality.
Extension activity ideas:
Rewrite the story from the Grinch’s perspective.
Identify acts of kindness and create a “Kindness Calendar.”
Compare this adaptation with Dr. Seuss’ original book.
3. Remember the Titans (2000)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Based on a true story, a newly integrated high school football team overcomes racial tensions to become a championship team.
Why show in December: Reinforces themes of gratitude, perseverance, empathy, and community—perfect for reflecting on the holiday season.
Educational value: Social studies: civil rights, teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution.
Extension activity ideas:
Discuss real-life examples of teamwork overcoming adversity.
Write a reflective essay on empathy and cooperation.
Create a classroom project on historical figures promoting equality.
Grades 6–8
1. A Christmas Carol (2009 – Animated)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the impact of his actions on others and the meaning of generosity.
Why show in December: Timeless lesson on compassion, reflection, and gratitude.
Educational value: Character analysis, moral reasoning, and historical/cultural context.
Extension activity ideas:
Rewrite a scene from the story in a modern setting.
Discuss consequences of selfishness and generosity.
Research the history of Victorian Christmas traditions.
2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: Four siblings discover a magical land under the rule of the White Witch and help bring spring back to Narnia.
Why show in December: Themes of hope, bravery, and standing up for good over evil.
Educational value: Literacy: allegory, symbolism, and character development.
Extension activity ideas:
Map the journey of the Pevensie children and Narnia.
Write about courage and personal challenges.
Compare the story’s themes with real-life historical examples of resistance.
3. The Holiday (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Synopsis: Two women from different countries swap homes for the holidays, learning life lessons about love, empathy, and self-discovery.
Why show in December: Encourages reflection on gratitude, perspective-taking, and personal growth.
Educational value: Social-emotional learning, cultural awareness, and writing prompts.
Extension activity ideas:
Reflective journal on empathy and seeing life from another perspective.
Cultural comparison project: holiday traditions in different countries.
Debate on the role of self-care and relationships in personal happiness.
Grades 9–12
1. Wonder (2017)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: A boy with a facial difference navigates public school, teaching lessons about kindness, resilience, and acceptance.
Why show in December: Encourages empathy, gratitude, and community reflection during the holiday season.
Educational value: Social-emotional learning, character analysis, and themes of inclusion.
Extension activity ideas:
Create a kindness campaign for school or community.
Write essays analyzing character growth and interpersonal challenges.
Discuss ethical dilemmas and social justice lessons in the story.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Synopsis: Based on a true story, a struggling father faces homelessness while trying to provide a better future for his son.
Why show in December: Perfect for reflecting on perseverance, gratitude, and empathy during the season of giving.
Educational value: History and economics: homelessness, poverty, and resilience; character development.
Extension activity ideas:
Research poverty and homelessness solutions.
Reflective essay on personal goals and overcoming challenges.
Create a plan for a community service or charitable project.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: George Bailey, feeling hopeless, learns how his life positively affected those around him, discovering the value of his existence.
Why show in December: Classic holiday story reinforcing gratitude, community, and the ripple effect of kindness.
Educational value: Moral reasoning, character study, and historical context of post-war America.
Extension activity ideas:
Write about the impact of one person in your community.
Discuss how small acts of kindness can ripple outwards.
Compare the film to modern-day examples of community support.
4. The Holiday Calendar (2018)
Rating: PG
Synopsis: A talented photographer inherits an antique advent calendar that seems to predict the future, leading her on a journey of love, self-discovery, and the magic of the holiday season.
Why show in December: Celebrates hope, reflection, and the joy of anticipation during the holidays, encouraging students to think about goals and gratitude.
Educational value: Encourages creative thinking, narrative analysis, and discussions about cause and effect, decision-making, and the role of hope in human behavior.
Extension activity ideas:
Create your own advent calendar with daily acts of kindness or personal reflections.
Write a short story inspired by a “magical object” that changes someone’s perspective.
Discuss how anticipation and goal-setting can influence personal growth.
As December winds down and the excitement of the holidays builds, these films provide a meaningful way to connect, reflect, and learn together. They aren’t just a break from routine—they’re opportunities to explore kindness, empathy, perseverance, and gratitude, all while enjoying the cozy magic of the season.
To extend the learning beyond the screen, consider simple activities tailored to each grade level. Younger students might write about their own magical adventures, create acts-of-kindness calendars, or illustrate favorite scenes. Middle schoolers can analyze character choices, compare holiday traditions, or reflect on acts of empathy in their own lives. High school students can take deeper dives—writing essays on moral lessons, researching historical or cultural contexts, or planning personal or community projects inspired by the films’ themes.
By pairing these movies with thoughtful discussions and creative assignments, teachers can turn December into a time of connection, reflection, and inspiration—helping students (and themselves!) make it all the way to Christmas break with smiles, lessons learned, and hearts a little fuller.
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