The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kernel Score: 79% · 2,361 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2018-11-22
Runtime: 104 minutes
Is The Christmas Chronicles worth watching?
Worth watching. Kurt Russell makes a loose, funny Santa in a family adventure about two kids and a crashed sleigh. It's silly and predictable, but it's a pleasant seasonal watch for families.
Watch it if you
- want a light Christmas movie with kids
- enjoy Kurt Russell having fun
- like gentle holiday adventures
Skip it if you
- want sophisticated storytelling
- dislike sentimental holiday films
Best for: Family Christmas night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Christmas Chronicles
- Stream: Netflix
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Siblings Kate and Teddy try to prove Santa Claus is real, but when they accidentally cause his sleigh to crash, they have to save Christmas.
The Christmas Chronicles parents' guide: ages 5+
Parents need to know that The Christmas Chronicles is a PG-rated family fantasy adventure about siblings trying to save Christmas after crashing Santa's sleigh.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild peril from the sleigh crash and chase elements typical of a PG family adventure.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Christmas Chronicles
If you liked The Christmas Chronicles, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) — 88%: Quirky, inventive Christmas fantasy with great style.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Funny, adventurous family fantasy.
- A Boy Called Christmas (2021) — 82%: Family fantasy adventure with a Christmas theme.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) — 83%: Classic Christmas animation with a charming story.
- Red One (2024) — 79%: Santa-in-peril action comedy with a bigger budget.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) — 87%: Classic family fantasy adventure.
Director
Clay Kaytis
Cast
- Darby Camp as Kate Pierce
- Judah Lewis as Teddy Pierce
- Kurt Russell as Santa Claus
- Martin Roach as Dave Poveda
- Lamorne Morris as Mikey Jameson
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Claire Pierce
- Oliver Hudson as Doug Pierce
- Tony Nappo as Charlie Plummer
- Vella Lovell as Wendy
- Lauren Collins as Woman at Another Table
The Christmas Chronicles FAQ
Is The Christmas Chronicles worth watching?
Worth watching. Kurt Russell makes a loose, funny Santa in a family adventure about two kids and a crashed sleigh. It's silly and predictable, but it's a pleasant seasonal watch for families.
Where can I watch The Christmas Chronicles?
In the US you can stream The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix.
Is The Christmas Chronicles OK for kids?
The Christmas Chronicles is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 5+. Parents need to know that The Christmas Chronicles is a PG-rated family fantasy adventure about siblings trying to save Christmas after crashing Santa's sleigh.
What movies are like The Christmas Chronicles?
If you liked The Christmas Chronicles, try The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Princess Bride, A Boy Called Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.