Streaming in Canada: Shows and Movies for Kids in December
We made it. It’s the final month of the year, which means the holiday rush is ON. Shopping, baking, planning, packaging… December is an exhausting month for most parents, despite the ongoing cheer. So no one would blame you if you wanted to throw on the TV and have a chill family night or host your own family wrapping party with a feel-good flick. Looking for family-friendly shows and movies for kids for the month? Read on for 13 shows and movies for kids we’re streaming with our families before the New Year.
New Shows & Movies for Kids Streaming in December
Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules
Friday, December 2 on Disney+
Middle school student Greg Heffley is back for another round of angsty and disaster-prone antics, only this time around the story switches gears to focus on Greg’s complicated relationship with his brother, Rodrick. The movie clocks in at just over an hour and 15 minutes, making it a great animated flick to help settle kids down before bed (or while you get dinner on
the table).
Mickey Saves Christmas
Friday, December 2 on Disney+
Disney-loving families of all ages will want to gather round for this Mickey Mouse-led animated special, in which Mickey and Minnie are ready to celebrate a perfect Christmas at the cabin. But when Pluto accidentally makes Santa lose all his presents, the gang travels to the North Pole to try and save the holiday.
Stay Tooned
Friday, December 2 on CBC Gem
If you and the fam are fascinated with cartoons and the people who voice them, add this Canadian special to your watch list this month. The six-part series looks at how some of the biggest animated series have shaped the world, all while helping us to understand the happenings around us. Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza hosts.
The Hunger Games Franchise
Friday, December 2 on Crave
May the odds ever be in your favour if you and your family are into the big screen franchise that launched Jennifer Lawrence’s career. Whether the kids are old enough to finally watch it or you’re looking for a family fave to binge over the holidays, all four movies are available to watch on Crave this month.
The Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus
Tuesday, December 6 on Netflix
Tired of watching the same old Boss Baby movies, series and shorts? Lucky for you (and for your kids) there’s a new holiday-themed special to look forward to this month. In this movie, Christmas Eve takes a sudden twist when Boss Baby accidentally swaps places with one of Santa’s elves and winds up stranded at the North Pole.
Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again
Friday, December 9 on Disney+
The beloved franchise is back, but this time in cartoon form. The anticipated animated film is a sequel to Secret of the Tomb and revolves around Nick Daley—the son of Larry Daley. Here, he becomes a night guard at the Museum of Natural History, where Kahmunrah (of the second film) returns to take over the world.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio
Friday, December 9 on Netflix
This isn’t your average Pinocchio, but a more grown up take from the mind of a horror master. Keep that (and the fact that it’s set in 1930s fascist Italy) in mind before introducing kids to this one. However, older kids may appreciate the darker take in this stop-motion flick, which stars a slew of notable actors, like Ewan McGreggor, Ron Perlman and Tilda Swinton, voicing the characters.
Game of Sharks
Wednesday, December 14 on National Geographic (via Disney+)
Most of us are obsessed with sharks, but how many of us have ever wondered what would happen if sharks faced off in the ultimate battle? This series attempts to answer that question with some of the greatest underwater matchups ever imagined. Follow along in 10 nail-biting competitions to see which shark species is the real king of the ocean, and which one is actually a bottom feeder.
Top Gun: Maverick
Thursday, December 22 on Paramount Plus
Tom Cruise’s big screen follow-up to Top Gun is finally available to stream—just in time for the holidays. Introduce older kids to the classic then follow it up with this impressive sequel, and start a new family tradition that adults and kids alike can get behind.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Sunday, December 25 on Netflix
If you’ve watched the heck out of the 1996 movie starring Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, and Rhea Perlman, maybe you’re ready to introduce kids to this take, which is based on the award-winning musical. Here Emma Thompson plays the formidable Miss Trunchbull, while Lashana Lynch (The Woman King) takes the reins as Miss Honey.
Brown and Friends
Thursday, December 29 on Netflix
Need something nice and simple to occupy kids with while you get those cookies in the oven? This 2D animated comedy (aimed at those 12 and older) revolves around a group of animals that often find themselves in strange situations. Naturally, they must work as a team if they want to (hilariously) get out of them.
The Rocky Collection
Friday, December 30 on Crave
Cue up “Eye of the Tiger” and start putting together your training plans because the entire Rocky collection—all six movies plus the Sylvester Stallone-narrated documentary, 40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic—hits the streaming service just in time for the New Year.
Lizzo: Live in Concert
Saturday, December 31 on Crave
Looking for a New Year’s Eve alternative? If your family is into Lizzo then this concert may be just the (stay at home) ticket. The Grammy-winning performer rings in the big night with special guests Cardi B, SZA, and Missy Elliott in a celebration of love, positivity and light. Now who couldn’t use more of that heading into 2023?
