Christmas cartoons in English: a classic 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 kindergartens, children watch wonderful kind cartoons that create an indescribable feeling of celebration, magic and childhood. And in Soviet animated films, there are a lot of excellent examples of such cartoons, for example, "Santa Claus and Summer", "Postman Snowman" and many others. But today we will talk about those cartoons that are interesting to watch with the whole family, tuning in to a festive mood and learning English at the same time.

"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, along with his friends, is in a hurry to prepare for Christmas. The cartoon is divided into many television series, so if you watch all the series in a row, you get more than two hours of a wonderful movie! It is permeated with subtle humor and funny life sketches. The music for it was written by the wonderful composer Vince Guardaldi, and these songs have become a favorite soundtrack for Christmas throughout America.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" \ "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", 1966
All children are afraid of the Grinch, because he can suddenly get into your house at night and steal Christmas! Toys, gifts, sweets, even a Christmas tree will be lost... But as it should be on Christmas night, good conquers evil, even in the heart of the most greedy and harmful creature on earth. The classic 1966 Grinch is one of the most popular New Year's Eve cartoons in America.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964
Interestingly, the story of the deer who was supposed to be the lead reindeer in Santa's team (his red nose would light the way in the night) first saw the light of day in the form of a book, then in the form of a song (which became very popular in the 1950s), and only then - in the form of numerous cartoons. But this one, filmed in 1964 by the Americans in Japan, is the most unusual. It is unusual because it is a puppet film (although you will not surprise us with the Soyuzmultfilm legacy), and also because the story in it is slightly different from the book. If the language and accent in this movie is too hard to understand, you can watch the more modern version from 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. It's worth watching this cartoon just for that.

"Snowman" \ The Snowman, 1982
This very kind cartoon with decent orchestral music tells about 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 are almost no dialogues in it.

Have a good preparation for the New Year and Christmas with the classic English-language Christmas cartoons!

Ahead of the New Year holidays, when you do not have to go to work and do routine things. On such days, I want to wrap myself in a warm blanket, pour myself warm tea and recharge with festive positive, experience joyful excitement, dream of something bright and pure, plunge into the world of miracles and try on a fairy tale, watching New Year and Christmas films in the original language.

You can find some of them on Youtube, Vkontakte, and some on the specialized site for English learners OroroTV (there 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).

Happy viewing!

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 molesting dog. What he will choose in the end is a big question, because Jack will have to experience all the delights family life. A sincere, family, romantic, fabulous and truly New Year's film, which is definitely worth watching with the whole family!

Exchange leave

The Holiday
Englishwoman Iris and American Amanda cannot find their happiness in life. They meet on a site that offers people the new kind recreation - exchange of living space. Amanda goes to England, Iris goes to America. Meeting Christmas, girls get into their Christmas fairy tales ... What do we girls like to do most of all after the New Year? Of course start new life! Change the hairstyle, sport, clothing size, or at least the wallpaper on the monitor. The heroines of "The Vacation" performed by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet decided to go even further and switched houses on different continents for Christmas.

Princess for Christmas

A Princess for Christmas

A young woman, Jules, raises her children after her sister's death. Unexpectedly, in Europe, they have a grandfather who invites the family to visit. Jules and the kids 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 Brad and Kate, who are in love with each other. The idea of ​​congratulating parents is suddenly complicated by the fact that all moms and dads are divorced. In one evening, the couple needs to be in time for four different places so as not to leave anyone offended.

Christmas Holidays

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

A Christmas tree, gifts, a decorated house, congratulations, sweets on the table, a festive mood - this is Christmas! Accident man Clark Griswold decides to make him perfect. A burning Christmas tree, an exploding turkey and a host of other "surprises" - it's Clark's Christmas!

Love Actually

On Christmas Eve, love knocks on everyone's door. It is impossible to run away 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 his own real love.

Swap places

Trading Places

Can a rogue from the street manage a huge company? One of the wealthy Duke brothers was sure 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 phones in a book and on a banknote, they get rid of them in the belief 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 at his childhood home. It's just that other people live there. An attempt to buy a family for the holidays turns out to be something incredible for Drew, because normal people You can’t exactly name short-term relatives.

Letter for you

You've Got Mail

Tender affection of the main characters on the Internet and full of hatred real life because of the clash of interests between very small and very large businesses. How to find the golden mean in such a love affair and is it possible? Questions answered by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

Family rental

Borrowed Hearts
A good 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 performance called "Family". However, the little girl has her own outlook on life, and her mom and Sam really fall in love with each other.

While you were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping

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

Diary of Bridget Jones

Bridget Jones's Diary
A single BBW in her 30s is completely alone. She decides to start a new life and conquer her boss, whom she has long been in love with. The diary becomes her faithful assistant, however, the tasks set are not so simple.

Sleepless in Seattle

Sleepless in Seattle

On Christmas Eve, little John, the son of the widower Sam (Tom Hanks), calls on the radio to talk about his wish: for his dad to have a new wife. Of course, this touching message did not leave indifferent thousands of women across America, but most of all it interested the journalist Annie, performed 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 is doubly unpleasant when it is a huge family, and she decided to throw out her dislike on Christmas. This is exactly what the heroine of Sarah Jessica Parker faces, who confronts the army of haters performed 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 heroes performed by Kate Hudson, Courtney Love, Paul Rudd, Ben Affleck, Christina Ricci.

New Christmas story

scrooged

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

Christmas present

Jingle All the Way

What could be better than a movie with a great iron Arnie? That's right, a film about the magnificent iron Arnie, who is looking for a gift for his little son. Caution, when viewing the mimimometer rolls over!

Merry Christmas

Joyeux Noel

This drama is dedicated to all the soldiers who fought during Christmas 1914 and met New Year in the trenches. It is there - in the trenches of the warring parties - that the action of the picture unfolds. Only shots are not 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. Cast: Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Jessica Parker, Seth Myers, Lea Michele, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, Sofia Vergara , Alyssa Milano, Sarah Paulson, James Belushi - impressive, right?

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

Animation

Mickey's Christmas Carol

Mickey's Christmas Carol, 1983

Disney's animated version of Charles Dickens' classic story. Starring famous characters: Scrooge McDuck, Mickey Mouse and Goofy. The language of this short half-hour fairy tale will be clear even to beginners. Thanks to the cartoon you will learn the names traditional dishes and get acquainted with the 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: 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 for forgiveness from Santa. Of course, nothing comes of it, and the rest of the cartoon characters will go to save Christmas. Suitable for beginners, you can watch from the Elementary level.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 and 2000

Classic American Christmas cartoon. The inhabitants of Whograd love to celebrate Christmas, and their evil neighbor, a green creature named Grinch, hates the holiday and decides to steal it.

The cartoon has a literary source - a fairy tale in verse "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by American writer Dr. Seuss. The film literally repeats the tale, except for Christmas songs, so you can get acquainted with its text before watching. In the fairy tale and cartoon, very simple vocabulary is used, which 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 feature film The Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Polar Express

"Polar Express", 2004

An animated film about the adventures of a boy who did not believe in Santa Claus. Suddenly, the hero of the film boards a train called the Polar Express, which takes him directly to the North Pole to visit Santa. The film has a lot of festive vocabulary, the dialogues of the characters are simple and understandable, and the story is kind and truly fabulous. Definitely suitable for students with an Intermediate level, but you can try for someone who knows the language a little worse.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993

An animated musical in an unusual dark style about a hero from the realm of Halloween who enters the city of Christmas and kidnaps Santa Claus to take his place. Unusual Christmas tale is not so easy to understand, recommended for Intermediate level and above.

Films

Love actually

"Real love", 2003

Even if you have already seen this film more than once, we recommend that you review it in the original language. If only because you already know what the matter is, 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 without losing the thread of the story and write out unfamiliar words, as well as calmly stop watching after the episode if you get tired. Suitable for Intermediate level and above.

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 and 1994

The story of 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 her father and brother, is convinced that Santa exists. One of the most popular Christmas movies in the US exists in 1947 and 1994 versions. Choose any depending on your tastes. Both films will be understandable even for the Intermediate level.

The Hudsucker Proxy

Hudsucker's henchman, 1994

A classic New Year's story among New York clerks. The director of Hudsucker Industries suddenly dies. Shareholders want to buy shares at a low price, so they are urgently looking for a figurehead, a fool who will bring down the papers 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 a level no lower than Intermediate.

The shop around the corner

"Shop around the corner", 1940

A funny comedy about how people fall in love through anonymous correspondence, who in reality cannot stand each other. The action takes place, of course, on Christmas Eve. romantic setting and good mood from the movie guaranteed. Actors speak fast enough, you can easily understand them, having an Upper‑Intermediate level.

It's a wonderful life

"This Wonderful Life", 1946

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

Instructions: how to watch movies in the original

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

• vocabulary replenishment;
• understanding foreign speech aurally;
• learning a real language, not from textbooks;
• conversational practice.

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

How to watch movies in 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 do not hear a word, you will see it in the text and remember the meaning. If a word or phrase is unfamiliar, you can translate and record it 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 you particularly liked a phrase, write it out and repeat it several times, imitating the intonation of the character.

Watching movies in their original language can be effective tool for learning English. Proof of this is the experience of residents of small European countries, where films are shown in cinemas and on television 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! At TeachMePlease you will find English courses for all levels, in person in any city and online.

Create a festive mood and learn English

A winter fairy tale is needed not only for children, but also for adults. We have collected magical Christmas cartoons for you to watch. English language. This is an interesting option to learn new words, and the child will be delighted with this way of learning. Stock up on sweets, 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 already from the Pre-Intermediate level.

Saving 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 magical 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 learns that someone is planning to kidnap Santa. Bernard decides that he can save him, and with it, Christmas. The clumsy elf will have to return to the past to confront the insidious villains. But will he succeed?

Father Christmas / Santa Claus

This adorable 25-minute cartoon is based on the book by Raymond Briggs. Designed for adults.

We are all used to the classic image of Santa Claus: a kind old man in a red robe who loves children, gives gifts and believes in the best. But what is he everyday life? Father Christmas shows the everyday life of the Christmas Father (British Santa). And these days it is far from what we used to see it at Christmas. This is a grouchy old man who smokes a cradle, every now and then uses the not-so-magic word blooming (damn) and gets into tricky situations.

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

Christmas Carol / A Christmas Carol

It's hard to imagine Christmas and New Year's without an adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which tells the story of a grouchy miser whose only value in life is money. But everything changes when three spirits visit him: 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 with Jim Carrey in leading role. The cartoon is a little dark, so it is suitable for older children and adults. In this version, it is worth considering that the speech of the characters is not very clear, and there is a 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 been dreaming 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 "did not work." A red cat always hovered 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 a clue about the Grinch's lingering 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 deer, intending to steal all the Christmas paraphernalia from the inhabitants of the town.

The Grinch / Grinch

It is 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 is preserved. But 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!

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

There was a boy named Chris. His family was in the toy business. When the boy grew up a little, he wanted to please the neighbor's children by giving them toys. But the villain Burgomiter lived nearby. He decided to prevent 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 than happy to help the Burgomaster, but Chris decides to win the magician's favor.

The Night Before Christmas: A Mouse Tale

Despite the fact that the cartoon is quite childish, English speech it is not so simple. Therefore, it is worth watching it with subtitles, and when watching with a child, analyze difficult moments together.
The Attwell family is getting ready for the winter holidays with might and main. The mice living nearby are surprised at the decorated Christmas tree, beautifully wrapped boxes, beautifully laid table. Little mice become interested: 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 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 love these postcards:

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

And to maintain a festive mood, we suggest you 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 luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeers.

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 corruption! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

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 when he shook 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, ‘here 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 everyone! =)