20 Best Movies About Santa That Take You to the North Pole
These classics put the big man front and center! 🎅🏻
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Santa pretty much is Christmas at this point. He's the reason kids listen for footsteps on the roof, the reason wrapping paper flies everywhere on Christmas morning, and the reason half our favorite holiday movies even exist. So it only feels right to celebrate the big guy with a list dedicated entirely to Christmas movies where Santa takes center stage. You'll spot plenty of familiar faces along the way, including Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and all different varieties of hard-working elves.
Some of these movies about Santa are family Christmas favorites that have been part of holiday traditions for generations, like Miracle on 34th Street and The Santa Clause. Others are newer, funny holiday movies that are full of big laughs and big personalities, like The Christmas Chronicles or Red One. A few come straight from beloved Christmas books, including The Polar Express, which might be the most magical trip to the North Pole ever filmed. It's also so much fun to see how many different actors have stepped into the red suit over the years. (Feel free to sound off in the comments with your favorite!)
Now grab a blanket, pour yourself some cocoa, and settle in for a Santa marathon that'll put you right on the nice list
Check out more ways to spread Christmas cheer:
Tim Allen is the ultimate Santa in the first movie of the hilarious franchise. This one’s about a man who accidentally kills Santa—and then has to take his place.
The sweet story of Santa picking his lead reindeer is always a good watch. This is one of those underdog stories that never gets old. There's something about that bright-red nose!
This classic movie is in stop-motion, making it one creative way to spread Christmas cheer. You'll learn a lot about the history of Santa and his pals in this one!
Kurt Russell is amazing as Kris Kringle in the newer Netflix original. Don’t miss Goldie Hawn’s appearance as Mrs. Claus at the end!
This action-packed holiday adventure imagines Santa as a top-secret figure who needs rescuing when things go sideways at the North Pole. Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up to save the season, but it’s J. K. Simmons' larger-than-life Santa who steals the show.
This sweet animated tale follows a group of families preparing for Christmas while Santa tries to untangle a mix-up that only he could accidentally cause. It's so cozy and nostalgic, and Santa’s gentle presence ties all the little stories together!
This colorful classic tells the full origin story of Santa, from his earliest days to his present-day struggles with a mischievous elf and a greedy toy tycoon. It’s a big and glittery reminder of why Santa became the legend we love.
A young boy discovers that his grandfather is the real Santa Claus—and suddenly the family business needs a new apprentice. It’s a charming look at what it means to carry on Santa’s legacy, complete with magical workshops and heartwarming lessons.
In this stop-motion favorite, Santa thinks no one believes in him anymore, so he decides to take a year off. His loyal elves go on a mission to restore holiday spirit and Santa learns just how much the world still needs him.
One child gets the surprise of a lifetime when a magical train shows up on his doorstep to transport him to the North Pole. The scene where he finally meets Santa will stick with you for holidays to come.
Buddy knows Santa, and you will too after watching the beloved tale about a human who was raised as an elf.
Uh-oh! Santa is in a bit of trouble this year. (Don't worry, he's not actually bad... he's being framed!) In order to make sure Christmas is saved, a father-and-son duo must devise a plan to get the jolly fella back up and delivering presents.
Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be? Find out one possible origin story in this charming Netflix original Christmas movie!
Klaus is an origin story quite like nothing you’ve seen before. Learn how one version of Santa came to be, thanks to the help of a selfish-turned-selfless postman.
The Disney+ original is so, so cute. Santa’s son is in over his head after his dad retires and he takes over the family business. That is, until his sister steps in to help.
Ever since taking over as Santa eight years prior, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been doing a great job. But now, he has to get married by Christmas Eve—or risk giving up his position forever.
It’s a classic for a reason! A department store Santa tries to prove he’s the real thing in the magical story from 1947. (Psst, there’s a ‘90s remake, too.)
Fred Claus is Santa’s older brother, who moves to the North Pole to help his famous sibling in exchange for cash. Vince Vaughn and Elizabeth Banks are in the cast, so you know it’s funny.
Everyone's favorite hunky Santa is back—and this time, Mrs. Claus is by his side the entire time.
The third and final installment in the Santa Clause trilogy is just as magical as the first two. This time, the man in the big red suit faces off against the villainous Jack Frost.
Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.
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