Christmas cartoons in English: classics for children!

In English-speaking countries, preparations for Christmas and New Year are in full swing. At this time, on television and in children's clubs, centers and gardens, children watch wonderful, kind cartoons that create an indescribable feeling of celebration, magic and childhood. And in Soviet animated cinema there are a lot of wonderful examples of such cartoons, for example “Santa Claus and Summer”, “Snowman Postman” and many others. But today we will talk about those cartoons that are interesting to watch with the whole family, getting into a festive mood and learning English at the same time.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" \ Chalie Brown Christmas, 1965
This kind, colorful cartoon is based on a comic book about the world's favorite dog, Snoopy ("Peanuts"). Charlie Brown is the owner of Snoopy, who, together with his friends, is hastily preparing for Christmas. The cartoon is divided into many television episodes, so if you watch all the episodes in a row, you will get more than two hours of wonderful cinema! It is permeated with subtle humor and funny life sketches. The music was written by the wonderful composer Vince Guaraldi, and these songs became a favorite Christmas soundtrack throughout America.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" \"How The Grinch Stole Christmas", 1966
All children are afraid of the Grinch, because he can suddenly sneak into your house at night and steal Christmas! Toys, gifts, sweets, even the Christmas tree will disappear... But as it should be on Christmas night, good triumphs over evil, even in the heart of the most greedy and harmful creature on earth. The 1966 classic Grinch is one of the most popular holiday cartoons in America.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964
Interestingly, the story of a fawn who would become the lead reindeer in Santa's team (his red nose would light the way in the night) was first published as a book, then as a song (which became very popular in the 1950s), and only then - in the form of numerous cartoons. But this one, filmed in Japan in 1964 by Americans, is the most unusual. It is unusual because it is a puppet film (although we are not surprised by the Soyuzmultfilm legacy), and also because the story in it is slightly different from the book. If the language and accent in this film is too difficult to understand, you can watch the more modern version made in 1998, but we highly recommend the old cartoon!

"The Nutcracker Prince" \ The Nutcracker Prince, 1990
This cartoon is based on the story of the Nutcracker and is based on the wonderful music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from the ballet of the same name. This cartoon is worth watching for this alone.

"The Snowman" \ The Snowman, 1982
This very kind hand-drawn cartoon with decent orchestral music tells the story of a boy who made a snowman. The snowman came to life and became his best friend... And what happened then - see for yourself! This cartoon is suitable even for those who are not ready to watch English and American cartoons in the original, because there is almost no dialogue in it.

Good preparations for the New Year and Christmas with the classics of English-language Christmas cartoons!

For New Year's Eve and Christmas, we've compiled a list of cartoons and films that will lift your spirits and add a few holiday phrases to your arsenal. Watching videos in the original is one of the most fun ways to learn a foreign language. But beginners in this business have questions: what to do if you don’t understand anything at all, whether subtitles will interfere, how to expand your vocabulary. At the end of the material you will find instructions that will tell you how to watch films in the original language to your advantage.

Animation

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Mickey's Christmas Carol, 1983

Disney's animated version of the classic Charles Dickens story. Starring famous characters: Scrooge McDuck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy. The language of this short half-hour tale will be understandable even to beginners. Thanks to the cartoon, you will learn the names of traditional dishes and get acquainted with New Year's vocabulary. If the language in the fairy tale seems too simple, you can watch the film version called Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey.

Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas

Ice Age: A Giant Christmas, 2011

A half-hour cartoon with simple short lines. Lots of Christmas words and phrases. In the story, Sid the sloth destroys the Christmas stone and flies to the North Pole to ask Santa for forgiveness. Of course, nothing works out for him and the rest of the cartoon characters go to save Christmas. Suitable for beginners, you can watch it from the Elementary level.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 and 2000

Classic American Christmas cartoon. Residents of the city of Whotown love to celebrate Christmas, but their evil neighbor, a green creature named the Grinch, hates the holiday and decides to steal it.

The cartoon has a literary source - the fairy tale in verse “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by the American writer Dr. Seuss. The film repeats the fairy tale verbatim, except for the Christmas songs, so you can get acquainted with its text before watching. The fairy tale and cartoon use very simple vocabulary that will be understandable to a student with a low level.

And if you want to watch a more modern and longer version of the story, pay attention to the 2000 full-length film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Polar Express

"Polar Express", 2004

An animated film about the adventures of a boy who didn’t believe in Santa Claus. Suddenly, the film's hero boards a train called the Polar Express, which takes him straight to the North Pole to visit Santa. The film has a lot of festive vocabulary, the dialogue of the characters is simple and understandable, and the story is kind and truly fabulous. Definitely suitable for students with an Intermediate level, but those who know the language a little worse can also try.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

"The Nightmare Before Christmas", 1993

An animated musical film in an unusual dark style about a hero from the kingdom of Halloween, who ends up in the city of Christmas and kidnaps Santa Claus to take his place. This unusual Christmas tale is not that easy to understand, recommended for Intermediate level and above.

Movies

Love Actually

"Love Actually", 2003

Even if you have already seen this film more than once, we recommend watching it in the original language. If only because you already know what it’s all about, which means you can fully concentrate on the language. The film tells 10 stories and is easily divided into separate parts. You can stop the video and write down unfamiliar words without losing the thread of the story, and you can also calmly stop watching after an episode if you get tired. Suitable for Intermediate level and above.

Miracle on 34th Street

"Miracle on 34th Street", 1947 and 1994

The story is about how in one of the large supermarkets the place of the actor is taken by the real Santa Claus. Thanks to this “substitution”, children receive the gifts they dream of. And the little girl Susan, who grows up without a father and dreams only of a dad and brother, becomes convinced that Santa exists. One of the most popular Christmas films in the United States exists in 1947 and 1994 versions. Choose any one depending on your tastes. Both films will be understandable even for Intermediate level.

The Hudsucker Proxy

"Hudsucker's Henchman", 1994

A classic New Year's story among New York clerks. The director of Hudsucker Industries dies suddenly. Shareholders want to buy shares at a low price, so they are urgently looking for a figurehead, a fool who will collapse the securities of a prosperous enterprise. But everything turns out in an unexpected way for the businessmen and the simpleton whom they make the president of the company. The vocabulary in the film is intricate, so we recommend it for at least an Intermediate level.

The shop around the corner

"The Shop Around the Corner", 1940

A funny comedy about how people who in reality cannot stand each other fall in love through anonymous correspondence. The action takes place, of course, on Christmas Eve. Romantic surroundings and good mood from the film are guaranteed. The actors speak quickly enough, you can easily understand them if you have an Upper‑Intermediate level.

It's a wonderful life

"It's a Wonderful Life", 1946

A good Christmas film, which is traditionally shown every year before the holidays in the USA. The main character, George Bailey, a sympathetic and honest man, gets into trouble on Christmas Eve and contemplates suicide. An angel is sent to help him, who dissuades the hero from taking a tragic step. The film is suitable for Upper‑Intermediate level.

Instructions: how to watch movies in the original

Watching videos in the original language is a good method of learning a language because it includes:

• vocabulary replenishment;
• listening comprehension of foreign speech;
• learning a real language, not from textbooks;
• speaking practice.

You can start watching short videos and cartoons at the Elementary level.

How to watch films in the original language:

• Rewatch movies. If you know the plot well, you will be able to focus on the vocabulary rather than the script.
• Watch movies with English subtitles. If you don't hear a word, you will see it in the text and remember the meaning. If a word or phrase is not familiar, you can translate and write it down by stopping the video.
• Write down unfamiliar words. If you no longer understand what is happening, break the scene into small fragments, write down and translate unfamiliar words and expressions. After you have dealt with unfamiliar words, review the entire passage.
• Repeat after the actors. If there is a phrase you especially like, write it down and repeat it several times, imitating the character’s intonation.

Watching films in the original language can be an effective tool for learning English. Proof of this is the experience of residents of small European countries, where films in cinemas and on television are shown without dubbing, only with subtitles. Since many films and programs are American-made, residents sooner or later learn to communicate in English.

Learn English to enjoy original movies! On TeachMePlease you will find English courses for any level, face-to-face in any city and online.

The New Year holidays are ahead, when you don’t have to go to work and do routine things. On such days, you want to wrap yourself in a warm blanket, pour yourself some warm tea and recharge yourself with festive positivity, experience joyful excitement, dream about something bright and pure, plunge into a world of wonders and try on a fairy tale while watching New Year and Christmas films in the original language.

You can find some of them on Youtube, Vkontakte, and some on a specialized website for English language learners OroroTV (where you can turn on English and Russian subtitles, point at an unfamiliar word and immediately see the translation, write unfamiliar words into your online dictionary in the system and then repeat).

Enjoy watching!

Family man

The Family Man

Rich, successful, but lonely Jack, after meeting a black Santa Claus, suddenly wakes up married to his ex-girlfriend, surrounded by children and a pestering dog. What he will choose in the end is a big question, because Jack will have to experience all the delights of family life. A sincere, family, romantic, fairy-tale and truly New Year's film that is definitely worth watching with the whole family!

Exchange leave

The Holiday
Englishwoman Iris and American Amanda cannot find happiness in life. They meet on a website that offers people a new type of vacation - sharing living space. Amanda goes to England, Iris goes to America. Celebrating Christmas, girls find themselves in their own Christmas fairy tales... What do we girls love to do most after the New Year? Of course, start a new life! Change your hairstyle, sport, clothing size, or at least the wallpaper on your monitor. The heroines of “Exchange Holiday” performed by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet decided to go even further and exchanged homes on different continents at Christmas.

Princess for Christmas

A Princess for Christmas

A young woman, Jules, raises her children after the death of her sister. Suddenly, they find a grandfather in Europe who invites the family to visit. Jules and the children go on a trip and end up in a castle, where she meets the prince. Every girl's childhood dream suddenly becomes a reality.

Four Christmases

Four Christmases
Christmas turns into a steeplechase for lovebirds Brad and Kate. The idea of ​​congratulating your parents is suddenly complicated by the fact that all the moms and dads are divorced. In one evening, the couple needs to go to four different places in order not to leave anyone offended.

Christmas Holidays

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Christmas tree, gifts, decorated house, congratulations, goodies on the table, festive mood - this is Christmas! Crash man Clark Griswold decides to arrange it perfectly. A burning Christmas tree, an exploding turkey and a lot of other “surprises” - this is Clark's Christmas!

Love Actually

On Christmas Eve, love knocks on everyone's door. It is impossible to escape from her, she does not see the difference between people and simply gives a chance for a miracle. A writer, a rocker, a minister, an ordinary employee, a young wife - each of them has their own real love.

Swap places

Trading Places

Can a crook from the street manage a huge company? One of the wealthy Duke brothers was confident that he could. Do not have another one. The bet, where only a dollar was at stake, turned the lives of many people upside down.

Serendipity
Jonathan and Sarah, who met by chance on New Year's Eve, decided to check whether it was an accident or not. Having written their phone numbers in a book and on a banknote, they get rid of them in the confidence that fate will definitely bring them together again. However, fate plays by its own rules.

Survive Christmas

Surviving Christmas
Rich man Drew decides to spend Christmas in his childhood home. But other people live there. An attempt to buy a family during the holidays turns out to be something incredible for Drew, because short-term relatives certainly cannot be called normal people.

Letter for you

You've Got Mail

The tender affection of the main characters on the Internet and real life full of hatred due to the clash of interests of a very small and very large business. How to find a middle ground in such a love story and is it possible? Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan answer the questions.

Family for rent

Borrowed Hearts
A profitable deal for Sam requires one small condition - he must be married. A savvy businessman promises to pay a casual acquaintance and her daughter for a play called “Family.” However, the little girl has her own views on life, and her mother and Sam really fall in love with each other.

While you were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping

An accident helps modest Lucy find herself close to her beloved Peter. She spends hours with him, because now he is in a coma and lying in the hospital. His family thinks Lucy is his fiancée. And the “bride” understands that soon she will have to make a choice between a fairy tale or reality.

Bridget Jones's Diary

Bridget Jones's Diary
Lonely fat girl, who is already over 30, is absolutely lonely. She decides to start a new life and conquer her boss, with whom she has long been in love. The diary becomes a faithful assistant for her, however, the tasks set turn out to be not so simple.

Sleepless in Seattle

Sleepless in Seattle

On Christmas Eve, little John, the son of widower Sam (Tom Hanks), calls the radio to talk about his wish: for his dad to have a new wife. Of course, this touching message touched thousands of women across America, but most of all it interested journalist Annie, played by Meg Ryan. Taking on a report about a charming bachelor, Annie begins to doubt her own engagement...

Hello family!

The Family Stone

Unpleasant when the groom's family suddenly dislikes you. It’s doubly unpleasant when it’s a huge family, and she decided to express her dislike on Christmas. This is exactly what Sarah Jessica Parker's heroine faces as she confronts an army of haters played by Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton and Claire Danes.

200 cigarettes

200 Cigarettes

An almost cult film with a completely non-holiday title tells about a New Year's youth party, among the guests of which are characters performed by Kate Hudson, Courtney Love, Paul Rudd, Ben Affleck, Christina Ricci.

A new Christmas tale

Scrooged

Another variation on the theme of Dickens' immortal tale, but this time played out on the streets of New York today. Bill Murray as the heartless and cynical tycoon Frank Cross will be put under a re-education program by modern-day ghosts on Christmas night.

Gift for Christmas

Jingle All the Way

What could be better than a movie with the magnificent iron Arnie? That's right, the film is about the magnificent iron Arnie, who is looking for a gift for his little son. Be careful, the mimime meter goes off scale when viewing!

Merry Christmas

Joyeux Noel

This drama is dedicated to all the soldiers who fought during Christmas 1914 and celebrated the New Year in the trenches. It is there - in the trenches of the warring parties - that the action of the picture unfolds. Only no shots were heard: soldiers and officers left the trenches to exchange cigarettes and chocolate with the enemies and wish each other a Merry Christmas.

old New Year

New Year's Eve

The lives of several New Yorkers are miraculously intertwined on New Year's Eve. But the most interesting thing is not the plot. The most interesting thing is the cast: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Jessica Parker, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, Sofia Vergara , Alyssa Milano, Sarah Paulson, James Belushi - impressive, right?

Let's create a festive mood and learn English

A winter fairy tale is needed not only for children, but also for adults. We have collected for you magical Christmas cartoons that are worth watching in English. This is an interesting option to learn new words, and the child will be even more delighted with this method of learning. Stock up on some goodies, a warm drink, and go to the world of Christmas miracles :)

Friends, this article contains sites with films and cartoons in English with subtitles. You can search for cartoons from the presented article on these sites if it is difficult for you to watch them without subtitles.

Almost all Christmas cartoons from this collection are distinguished by simple vocabulary and grammar, as well as clear pronunciation. Therefore, you can start watching them from the Pre-Intermediate level.

Saving Santa / Save Santa

Have you ever wondered how Santa manages to fly around the world in just one night? The whole secret is that on Christmas night this white-bearded old man, thanks to a magic sleigh, moves not only in space, but also in time. A sweet, smart and funny elf named Bernard was known as frivolous and slightly irresponsible. But he gets a chance to prove otherwise. After all, he finds out that someone is planning to kidnap Santa. Bernard decides that he can save him, and with him, Christmas. The clumsy elf will have to go back in time to confront insidious villains. But will he succeed?

Father Christmas / Santa Claus

This charming cartoon is just 25 minutes long and is based on the book by Raymond Briggs. Designed for adults.

We are all accustomed to the classic image of Father Frost: a kind old man in a red robe who adores children, gives gifts and faith in the best. But what is it like in everyday life? Father Christmas shows the everyday life of the Christmas Father (British Santa). And these days he is far from how we are used to seeing him at Christmas. This is a grumpy old man who smokes a cradle, every now and then uses the not at all magical word blooming (damn) and gets into tricky situations.

Attention! The video in this article shows the original (UK version). There is also a version with American voice acting, in which some scenes were cut out (for example, the drinking of Santa Claus), and the word blooming was replaced with merry.

Christmas Carol / Christmas story

It's hard to imagine Christmas and New Year without an adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which tells the story of a grumpy miser whose only value in life is money. But everything changes when he is visited by three spirits: past, present and future.

The first cartoon (2001) is a classic fairy tale that is perfect for children to watch.

The second is a modern adaptation starring Jim Carrey. The cartoon is a little dark, so it is suitable for older children and adults. In this version, it is worth considering that the characters’ speech is not very clear, and there is complex vocabulary. At a minimum, you need to have an average level to watch the fairy tale in the original, but it is better to find a version with subtitles.

https://youtu.be/e7tQV22lCXQ

A Wish for Wings That Work

A short cartoon (23 minutes) about the penguin Opus, who has dreamed of learning to fly since childhood. Every day he ran after the birds, flapping his wings and hoping that he would be able to fly after them. But, alas, his wings “didn’t work.” There was always a red cat hovering around the penguin, who dreamed of making friends with him. Everyone thought the cat and Opus were a couple of losers. But the little penguin did not despair, he continued to believe that one day he would grow wings that would “work.”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! / How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Everyone loves Christmas, but not the Grinch. During the winter holidays, everyone rejoices and showers each other with gifts. No one has any idea about the Grinch's hidden grudge. One day this green monster decides enough is enough! It's time to steal the hated holiday. He dresses up as Santa and forces his dog to play the role of a reindeer, intending to steal all the Christmas paraphernalia from the town's residents.

The Grinch / Grinch

It’s impossible not to mention the new cartoon about the Grinch. The plot of the classic story about a green introvert living with his dog away from people remains the same. Only now the fairy tale is flavored with a large number of humorous scenes and is distinguished by high-quality graphic design. A kind, slightly naive, Christmas story for family viewing.

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Santa Claus has come to town!

Have you ever wondered where Santa Claus came from? Well, sit back and listen to the story the postman will tell.

Once upon a time there was a boy named Chris. His family was involved in the production of toys. When the boy grew up a little, he wanted to please the neighboring children by giving them toys. But the villain Burgomitr lived nearby. He decided to stop Chris from carrying out his plan. However, the boy does not want to give up. He is aware that an evil wizard lives not far from him. Of course, being evil, the wizard would be more happy to help Burgomitr, but Chris decides to win the favor of the magician.

The Night Before Christmas: A Mouse Tale / The Night Before Christmas: Mouse Stories

Despite the fact that the cartoon is quite childish, the English language in it is not so simple. Therefore, it is worth watching it with subtitles, and when watching it with a child, analyze difficult moments together.
The Attwell family is getting ready for the winter holidays. The little mice living nearby are surprised at the decorated Christmas tree, the beautifully wrapped boxes, and the beautifully set table. Little mice become curious: what is Christmas? They go on a journey to find out everything about this wonderful holiday. Many adventures await them, both good and not so good. Will the little mice be able to find out the answer to their question?

Today is Christmas Eve!

If you have friends and acquaintances who speak English or simply live in English-speaking countries, then today is the time to wish them a Merry Christmas. You can congratulate them with a musical flash card by email.

I liked these cards:

There are many common expressions associated with Christmas in the English language. We have prepared a number of games, riddles and jokes on a Christmas theme. You can get acquainted with them by clicking on the following link:

And to maintain the festive mood, we invite you to watch cartoons about Christmas in English:

1. Twas the night before Christmas

Show cartoon text

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas would soon be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away everyone!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

2. Mouse Christmas Cartoon

3. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1944/1948)

4. The Night Before Christmas (1968) Pt 1

5. Santa Claus is coming to town

Merry Christmas to our native English teachers and Happy New Year to everyone! =)