The holidays are the perfect time to grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up with your pup, and settle in for a cozy Christmas movie marathon. While the classics are always a hit, why not mix it up with festive films starring pooches? Dogs are part of the family, and they deserve to enjoy the festivities just as much as we do! With that in mind, we’ve listed some of the best dog-themed Christmas movies that are sure to fill you and your pup’s heart with holiday cheer!
Table of contents
- ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)
- ‘Up on the Wooftop’ (2015)
- ‘A Dog Named Christmas’ (2009)
- ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
- ’A Doggone Christmas’ (2016)
- ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (1955)
- ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (1965)
- ‘The 12 Dogs of Christmas’ (2005)
- Why watching movies with your dog is the ultimate bonding experience
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)
The classic Dr. Seuss animated film is a holiday staple for many families, but we have a soft spot for the live-action version. Why? It stars an adorable real-life pup named Max!
In our book, Max is the true hero of the story. He’s the one who hauls all those gifts out of Whoville and serves as the Grinch’s moral compass, cringing at every selfish or mean-spirited scheme. Wise, loyal, and endlessly patient, Max proves he’s not just a sidekick — he’s the heart of the story.
Simply put, Max is the ultimate Good Boy!
‘Up on the Wooftop’ (2015)
Ever wonder what it takes to be one of Santa’s sleigh dogs? Toby, a determined little pup with big dreams, finds out the hard way in “Up on the Wooftop.” Sneaking onto Santa’s sleigh, Toby accidentally gets left behind and embarks on a whirlwind Christmas Eve adventure in the human world.
With the clock ticking, he teams up with two kids to make it back to the North Pole. Full of festive mischief and holiday heart, this unique tale will have you rooting for the underdog!
‘A Dog Named Christmas’ (2009)
If you love heartwarming, feel-good movies that celebrate the spirit of small-town Americana, this one’s a must-watch for you and your dog.
This Hallmark Channel gem follows the story of a developmentally disabled teen who persuades his hesitant parents to foster a dog during the holiday season. While the plot may be predictable, the movie delivers all the cozy, heart-melting holiday vibes you could ask for.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
When Jack Skellington has the brilliant idea to try running Christmas instead of Halloween for a change, his loyal ghost pup, Zero, is with him every step of the way.
With his glowing nose, Zero acts as Jack’s Rudolph, getting him through a heavy fog. This movie is half Christmas, half Halloween, and 100 percent adorable on the ghost puppy front.
’A Doggone Christmas’ (2016)
“A Doggone Christmas” is a holiday adventure full of laughs, heart, and one very smart dog. Jesse, a telepathic Jack Russell Terrier, escapes from a secret government lab just before Christmas and ends up on the run. With a group of kids helping him dodge the agents chasing him, Jesse turns the holiday season into a whirlwind of fun and chaos.
Filled with mischief, heartwarming moments, and plenty of doggy charm, this film is the perfect pick for a family holiday movie night. It’s got everything you need — festive cheer, adorable animals, and just the right amount of holiday mayhem.
‘Lady and the Tramp’ (1955)
This may not be a “Christmas” movie per se, but it is one of the best dog movies that also happens to begin and end on Christmas Day. Disney has also made a live action version of the movie, but we can’t help loving the classics!
Lady is a Christmas gift to her human. Through the year, the pampered, sophisticated Lady falls in puppy love with a streetwise Mutt. On Christmas Day the next year, we see a beautiful new doggy family started by the Lady and the Tramp.
We encourage making plain, garlic- and onion-free pasta to eat instead of popcorn while watching so you can try to recreate the film’s most famous scene with your pup.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ (1965)
Nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like the Peanuts Gang’s iconic dance number in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
We especially adore Snoopy, the lovable Beagle, grooving to Schroeder’s piano and flipping his ears with perfect rhythm. And when he picks up a guitar and channels his inner rockstar? It’s pure magic.
This timeless classic is the ultimate dose of holiday nostalgia — don’t miss it!
‘The 12 Dogs of Christmas’ (2005)
The “12 Dogs of Christmas” is a holiday classic that serves up charm and cuteness in equal measure. Set during the Great Depression, it follows a young girl named Emma, who is sent to live with her Aunt Delores in a small town where dogs are, strangely, not welcome. What starts as a seemingly dog-free adventure turns into a canine celebration as Emma rallies the community to change the local laws against dogs by organizing a festive Christmas pageant featuring — you guessed it — 12 adorable dogs.
Your furry friend might not grasp the legal battle for canine rights, but they’ll certainly enjoy the scenes filled with barking, wagging, and overall doggy joy. The story is perfect for setting a feel-good mood, with a simple but heartfelt plot. Plus, who can resist a movie where dogs play a vital role in spreading Christmas cheer?
Why watching movies with your dog is the ultimate bonding experience
There’s something incredibly special about sharing moments like these with your pet. Dogs might not understand the storyline, but they can definitely feel the warmth and joy that comes with these movies. Plus, your pooch will love being close to you and soaking in the happy vibes. It’s a great way to bond, relax, and enjoy the holiday spirit together.
So, as the snow falls gently outside — or maybe not, depending on where you live — take some time to unwind with your four-legged friend. After all, Christmas is about love, joy, and spending time with those who matter most, whether they have two legs or four!
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