The 10 Best 1930s Christmas Movies & Why You Should Watch Them

As a huge film buff, there’s just something magical about those classic Christmas movies, isn’t there? They instantly make me feel cozy and at home, and I look forward to watching them every single year. We definitely have some newer favorites like ‘Elf’ and ‘Home Alone’ that get repeat viewings, but if you’re craving that nostalgic feeling and want to discover some older gems, you’ve come to the right place!

I’m sharing the ten best Christmas movies from the 1930s – films that are almost a century old! You can enjoy this list during this holiday season, or save it for future years. The movies are ranked according to their ratings on IMDb. Have fun watching!

10. Alias St. Nick (1935)

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Okay, so this short film is just adorable! It centers around a momma mouse reading ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ – you know, the classic poem – to her little ones. But things get a little scary when a sneaky cat overhears them and realizes it has a chance for a tasty meal! The mice are debating if Santa’s real, and the cat? Well, it gets a brilliant – and mischievous – idea. It dresses up as Santa and tries to trick its way into their house! It’s a really clever twist on the traditional story.

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, this charming 10-minute animated short is a perfect way to start! It has a lovely, old-fashioned feel reminiscent of 1930s films. While the animation is simple and the story moves quickly, it’s one of the most heartwarming Christmas shorts released in recent years.

9. Scrooge (1935)

IMDb rating: 6.5/10

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a classic story that’s been made into a movie many times, starting way back in the 1930s. This early film adaptation tells the familiar tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. These spirits aim to teach him a lesson and inspire him to become a kinder person.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming classic, this version of A Christmas Carol is a great choice! It tells the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge with a slightly updated approach, making him feel more human. While it adds a few new details, it still captures the charm and spirit of the original, all presented with a beautiful, old-fashioned style reminiscent of the 1930s.

8. The Night Before Christmas (1933)

IMDb rating: 7.0/10

The video shows a charming scene set to the tune of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.’ Santa Claus is depicted landing on a rooftop and entering a home via the chimney. As he unpacks his bag, toys magically come to life and decorate a Christmas tree. We see playful details like toy soldiers firing ornaments from their cannons and an airplane trailing garlands as it flies.

Santa’s cheerful laugh wakes the children, who rush to see him. He quickly slips out the chimney, leaving a perfectly arranged pile of gifts under the tree. The scene is accompanied by music from Disney’s Silly Symphony.

This short film (just 8 minutes!) offers a beautiful and heartwarming interpretation of a classic Christmas poem. The animation is lovely, and while the story is simple, it perfectly captures the magic of the season. It’s sure to be a hit with children!

7. Christmas Comes But Once a Year (1936)

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

This short, animated film tells the story of children in an orphanage who are disappointed at Christmas because all their toys are broken. A kind professor, known as Professor Grampy, happens to be nearby in his motorized sleigh and overhears their sadness.

He quickly figured out how to fix the toys and make the children very happy.

This charming old cartoon is surprisingly heartwarming! Despite being short and having simple animation, it’s guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings – it always makes me cry! If you’re looking for a classic Christmas movie from the 1930s, you absolutely should watch this one.

6. March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934)

IMDb rating: 7.1/10

This family comedy, originally called Babes in Toyland, centers on Stanley and Ollie, two boys who need money to save their mother’s house. When they can’t get a loan from their toymaker boss, a mischievous plan leads to the villain, Barnaby, accidentally marrying Stanley instead of his intended bride, Bo Peep – all in an effort to resolve the debt.

Barnaby gets insanely angry and sends some cave bogeymen to destroy Toyland in an act of vengeance.

You might be surprised by this movie! While the plot sounds intense, it’s actually a really funny family comedy. Expect lots of giggles from you and plenty of laughter from the kids.

5. Santa’s Workshop (1932)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

This classic Disney short film shows Santa Claus and his elves working hard at the North Pole to get all the toys ready in time for Christmas delivery. It’s a heartwarming look at the busy preparations before the big night!

This Christmas short is, in my opinion, the best ever made. It’s incredibly heartwarming and funny, bringing pure joy to viewers of all ages. It showcases Walt Disney’s classic style with beautiful, hand-drawn animation. While the animation might look a little old-fashioned now, it’s still stunning, especially considering the short is only about seven minutes long.

4. Bachelor Mother (1939)

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

The story centers around Polly Parish, a clerk at Merlin’s Department Store. A misunderstanding occurs when the store owner, David Merlin, mistakenly believes she is the mother of a baby, though the child doesn’t actually belong to her.

He’s consistently shocked by her lack of maternal instincts – she isn’t the baby’s real mother – and works tirelessly to ensure the baby stays with her.

While it’s not a traditional Christmas movie, this film is set during the holiday season and really captures its spirit. It’s a genuinely funny, touching, and lovely story, and I think you’ll absolutely enjoy it.

3. A Christmas Carol (1938)

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

This film is a well-known adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” telling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a miser to a kind man, aided by a ghostly Christmas Eve encounter. It stars Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, and Kathleen Lockhart.

If you’re looking for a classic Christmas movie, this 1938 adaptation is one of the best. It’s a simple and heartwarming story about a grumpy old man who learns the importance of kindness, with great acting and a straightforward plot. Despite many versions of this tale, this one truly stands out.

2. Holiday (1938)

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

The story follows Johnny Case, who is engaged to a wealthy man’s daughter, but he’s a carefree soul who doesn’t want to marry without love. He longs to travel and enjoy life before settling down, and his friends Nick and Susan help make that happen. During his travels, he meets someone new and must choose between his fiancée and this new connection.

If you love Audrey Hepburn, you’ll adore Kathleen Hepburn in this movie! It’s a fun, feel-good classic with comedy, romance, and fantastic acting – plus, it’s perfect for the holidays. With a great IMDb rating, you really shouldn’t miss it!

1. The Thin Man (1934)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

The story follows Nick Charles, a retired detective, who is persuaded by his wife, Nora, to investigate a murder. The victim was the mistress and former secretary of their friend’s wealthy father, Clyde Wynant, who quickly becomes the prime suspect. Nick and Nora ultimately solve the case, exposing the killer during a lively party in front of all the guests.

While most of the Thin Man movies aren’t considered Christmas films, the original is set during the holiday season – you can even hear ‘Jingle Bells’ in the soundtrack! It’s a classic detective comedy, and the film that launched a beloved series. Definitely worth watching!

2025-12-20 23:47