Top 10 Animated Christmas Movies

Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas isn't as well known as some of the other entries on the list, and since it uses puppetry rather than animation, I'm cheating a little by including it here, but it has such a special place in this editor's heart that I'll break a few of the 'rules.'

Based on a children's book and brought to life by the masterful Jim Henson, the special follows Emmet Otter and his Ma, two kindhearted woodland creatures who make ends meet by doing laundry and other odd jobs for the town's richer residents. When they hear of a local talent contest, they put together a jug-band in the hopes of winning a some extra money to buy presents for one another come Christmas time. Unfortunately, their folksy tunes are up against the rock and roll thrashings of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band.

The film is sweet, well made, has some wonderful folk tunes, and is a perfect addition to your holiday television watching.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

From 1964 to 1985, Rankin/Bass created some of the most memorable and beloved Christmas specials. From Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to Frosty the Snowmen, they were the go-to company for quality stop-motion holiday fare. Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, which aired in 1970, is yet another of their programs that can be found on television every year at Christmastime. Narrated by Fred Astaire, it sets out to explain the origins of everything from why Santa goes down the chimney (an evil toy-hating mayor has all of the children's doors locked) to how reindeer can fly (magic feed corn). It can be a bit goofy at times, but ultimately Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is a fun look at how legend of Santa Claus may have come to pass.