60s Christmas Movies | Best Classic Holiday Films

Best 60s Christmas Movies, and the best Christmas Movies of all time

This post is all about 60s Christmas Movies

Looking for the ultimate classic film to bring alive the Christmas season?

The 1960s produced some of the most nostalgic and famous films that continue to top the must-watch movie lists.

What’s uniquely special about this decade’s films are the enchanting stop-motion animated classics. 

These heartwarming laugh out loud films for the whole family, include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Little Drummer Boy.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a Christmas rom-com or holiday medieval royal intrigue? 

Get ready for some unexpected and magical stories, that only Old Hollywood can bring alive. 

The line-up for these silver screen classics include none other than Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Katharine Hepburn, among others.

Plus who better to bring alive one of Christmas’s most memorable villains than the vintage horror film super star Boris Karloff? 

No matter your age, get ready to fall in love again Dr. Seuss’ animated film, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 

Throw another log on your crackling fire, grab a mug of hot chocolate, and get ready to build some magical memories, as you discover anew the most captivating and impactful films of the 1960s. 

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #1: The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

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Stop-motion animated TV Movie directed by Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., and Takeo Nakamura, starring José Ferrer, Paul Frees, and June Foray.

Story: A poor and lonely orphan boy, joins Three Wise Men traveling to Bethlehem to witness a magical birth. The little boy discovers his life forever changed for the better, after giving the gift of music to Baby Jesus in the manger.

This charming and unforgettable animated 60s classic brings alive the true meaning of Christmas, weaving in themes of love, selflessness, and giving, without expecting anything in return.

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #2: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

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A stop-motion animation comedy directed by Larry Roemer, starring Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, and Larry D. Mann.

Story: In this original holiday special, Rudolph, shunned for his glowing red nose, discovers his bright purpose as he saves the day in the North Pole. His Christmas Eve mission? Guide Santa’s sleigh through a stormy and dangerous weather conditions!

This 60s classic magically portrays the powerful message of friendship, helping others, and embracing one’s unique abilities. Set against a heartwarming and festive backdrop, the adventures of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his beaming honker are brought alive in a whole new way, with the quintessential ’60s animated technique. 

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #3: A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

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A hand-drawn slapstick holiday animation film directed by Bill Melendez, starring Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, and Sally Dryer.

Story: Upset at the blatant focus on commercialism during the holidays, Charlie Brown embarks on a whimsical journey to discover the deeper meaning of Christmas. 

The adorable and endearing characters, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Lucy are brought alive in this heartwarming Christmas story, set to the backdrop of an unforgettable jazz-inspired score by Vince Guaraldi. It’s no wonder that this cheery classic has become synonymous with Christmas. 

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #4: Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)

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Animated holiday comedy directed by Abe Levitow, starring Jim Backus, Morey Amsterdam, and Jack Cassidy.

Story: In this humorous and animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, “A Christmas Carol,” the miserly Mr. Magoo steals the limelight. The self centered businessman, Ebenezer Scrooge, discovers the error of his greedy ways on a magical and musical journey.

You’ll love this 1960s unique and slapstick spin on the classic Dickensian tale. With heartfelt emotion and merry cheer, this delightful film explores the powerful themes of forgiveness and redemption. 

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #5: Frosty the Snowman (1969)

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A musical holiday animation directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., featuring Billy De Wolfe, Jackie Vernon, and Jimmy Durante.

Story: This original holiday special, brings alive the magical tale of Frosty and his adorable friends, with the timeless theme song “Frosty the Snowman”. In this classic, the happy jolly Snowman and a little girl, flee an evil magician who is trying to steal the snowman’s magic hat.

This whimsical holiday tale of friendship comes alive with enchanting animation. This classic truly encapsulates the magic and wonder of ’60s holiday films. 

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #6: Pocketful of Miracles (1961)

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A comedy drama directed by Frank Capra, starring Bette Davis, Glenn Ford, and Hope Lang

Story: In this charming rags to riches tale, a New York gangster and his girlfriend transform a boozy street beggar into an upper crust high-society lady. Will she pass the sniff test of her daughter’s royal European fiancé?

This 60s holiday film beautifully weaves in the powerful themes of serendipity, second chances, and generosity. Discover how a simple act of kindness can change lives forever in this inspirational holiday film. 

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #7: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

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A classic holiday hand-drawn animation comedy directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam, starring Boris Karloff, Thurl Ravenscroft, and June Foray.

Story: This whimsical and captivating animated film brings to life Dr. Seuss’ timeless holiday tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Although the grumpy Grinch plots an evil plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville, he instead discovers the true meaning of the most wonderful time of the year.

With its cheery rhymes, vivid animation, and an unforgettable holiday villain, it’s no wonder this iconic movie continues to be a top 60s Christmas favorite for the whole family.

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #8: The Apartment (1960)

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A holiday romantic drama directed by Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray.

Story: Set in a wintery New York City, a jaded insurance clerk tries an unconventional hack for climbing the corporate ladder. Lend his apartment to company executives for their romances! Complications ensure when his scheme threatens his own romance with a beautiful girl he has fallen head over heels for. 

Since the main events of the film take place over Christmas Eve and Christmas, it is a perfect 1960s go-to holiday romantic comedy. 

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Best 1960s Christmas Movies #9:  Babes in Toyland (1961)

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Live-action musical directed by Jack Donohue, starring Ray Bolger, Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands.

Story: This colorful and unforgettable tale brings Mother Goose’s whimsical characters alive in a magical Christmas world. Mary Contrary and Tom Piper must rise to the occasion to save their love, and sheep, looked after by Little Bo Peep from the evil Barnaby.

This cherry and colorful live-action musical brings alive the enchanting world of Mother Goose and joy of Christmas, in a whimsical land, like only ’60s classic can.

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #10: The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t (1966)

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Live-action comedy directed by Rossano Brazzi, featuring Paul Tripp, Alberto Rabagliati, Lydia Brazzi and Mischa Auer.

Story: A greedy landlord obtains the deed to the North Pole and demands back rent from Santa. Otherwise he will evict Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all of the elves! Santa Claus now has to get a job as Santa to come up with the money to save the day.

This quirky Italian-American live-action film delightfully brings alive an unconventional Christmas tale. It uses whimsical comedy to deliver a strong message of hope, joy and teamwork. You’ll love this unique film that captures the iconic creativity and charm of the 1960s Christmas movie genre.

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #11: The Lion in Winter (1968)

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A Medieval historical drama directed by Anthony Harvey, starring Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, and Anthony Hopkins.

Story: In Christmas 1183, the indecisive King Henry II plans to announce the successor to this throne. Not only are the king and estranged queen each scheming for their favorite to become the next ruler, but each of the three royal sons is determined to claim it for his own.

This 1960s Academy Award-winning film masterfully delves into the themes of political ambition and complex relationships during the holidays. 

Since the holidays are usually the backdrop for love and togetherness, the unexpected pairing of this with royal intrigues and family strife only serves to heighten the drama and tension in this period biography.

Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #12: Jack Frost (1964)

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A romantic fantasy stop-motion animation film directed by Alexander Rou, featuring Anatoly Kubatsky and Georgy Millyar.

Story: In this fairy tale set in a magical winter wonderland, true love must conquer evil in order to win the ultimate prize. 

After a handsome young villager discovers that Grandfather Frost keeps a beautiful young woman frozen in his palace, the young man embarks on a journey to bring the girl back to life and win her love.

This beloved Eastern Europe film beautifully explores the themes of love and sacrifice. Its grounding in Slavic folklore is both fascinating and creepy, similar to the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #13: Cash on Demand (1961)

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Crime thriller directed by Quentin Lawrence, starring Peter Cushing and André Morell

Story: During the Christmas holidays, a ruthless and charming criminal holds a bank manager’s family hostage in the ultimate bank heist plot.

You’ll love how this British crime film uses the festive and cheery holidays as the backdrop to heighten the stakes of the chilling, all or nothing, bank heist. 

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Top Classic Holiday Films of the 1960s #14: The Christmas Tree (1969)

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Drama directed by Terence Young, starring William Holden and Virna Lisi.

Story: This tender and heartfelt story centers on the love and loss of a father and his young son over the holidays.

This touching French film explores a family’s poignant journey through the complexities of grief. And it shows the power of hope during difficult times. In typical 60s fashion, The Christmas Tree evocatively captures the vulnerable and human side of the holiday experience, which serves a reminder of the power of selfless love. 

Best 1960s Christmas Movies #15: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

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Sci-fi adventure comedy directed by Nicholas Webster, starring John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck, and Pia Zadora.

Story: In an unforgettable holiday sci-fi adventure, Santa Claus is kidnapped by the Martians and taken to Mars. The Martians need Old Saint Nick to give the Martian children presents and bring Christmas cheer to outer space. Ho ho ho!

You’ll enjoy this quirky 1960s film that showcases the 60s obsession with space exploration! Get ready for some whimsy, 60s eccentricity and heartwarming humor in this unexpected take on “traditional” holiday themes. 

Best Christmas Movies of All Time – Bonus!

Looking for the best Christmas movies of all time? 

We have some unforgettable classics that are sure to make your season cheery and bright.

In the mood for a Humphrey Bogart’s classic Christmas comedy about three escapees from Devil’s island?  

Check out We’re No Angels (1955).

Or how about the ultimate feel-good Christmas drama starring none other than the handsome Jimmy Stewart? 

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is one of the most famous Christmas films of all time. 

You’ll fall in love, once again, with this iconic film’s powerful message of love, selflessness, and making a difference.

Need a gangster-themed comedy starring the ultimate lol lead of the 1940s and 1950s?

Bob Hope delivers the both lols and ho ho ho’s in The Lemon Drop Kid (1951).

In his role as a New York swindler, he counts down the days until Christmas to come up with the money he owes to a dangerous gangster!

For more on the best Christmas movies of all time:
Best 40s & 50s Christmas Movies & Vintage Holiday Fashion post.

This post was all about the best 1960s Christmas Movies

What is your favorite 1960s Christmas movie?