Best Holiday Sports Movies for Kids

The holiday season is a perfect time for families to gather, relax, and enjoy some feel-good movies together. If your kids love sports, why not combine the festive cheer with inspiring tales of teamwork, determination, and triumph? Holiday sports movies for kids deliver the best of both worlds, mixing the excitement of athletic competition with heartwarming holiday magic.

Here’s a list of the best holiday sports movies for kids that will entertain and inspire your family this season.

1. The Mighty Ducks (1992)

Sport: Hockey
This classic underdog story follows Gordon Bombay, a disgraced lawyer who reluctantly coaches a ragtag youth hockey team. While not explicitly a holiday movie, the wintry setting, snowy ice rinks, and themes of teamwork make it a great pick for the season. Kids will love cheering for the Ducks as they bond, learn new skills, and overcome challenges together.

2. Angels in the Endzone (1997)

Sport: Football
This heartwarming sequel to Angels in the Outfield brings heavenly intervention to the football field. When a struggling high school football team receives help from celestial beings, they learn valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and teamwork. It’s an uplifting story with a sprinkle of holiday spirit, perfect for inspiring young athletes.

3. Snow Buddies (2008)

Sport: Dog Sledding
Kids who adore animals and adventure will love Snow Buddies. This movie follows a group of golden retriever puppies who find themselves in Alaska and enter a dog-sledding race. Filled with snowy landscapes, teamwork, and adorable pups, it’s a lighthearted holiday treat that combines sports and seasonal fun.

4. Ice Castles (2010)

Sport: Figure Skating
This family-friendly remake of the 1978 classic tells the story of a talented figure skater who suffers a life-altering injury but finds the courage to continue pursuing her dreams. The snowy setting and emotional story make it an inspiring choice for the holiday season, especially for kids interested in ice skating or overcoming obstacles.

5. The Game Plan (2007)

Sport: Football
Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, The Game Plan tells the story of a professional football player who discovers he has a young daughter. As he navigates fatherhood, he learns valuable lessons about family, love, and priorities. While not directly a holiday film, its heartfelt themes and festive moments make it a feel-good movie perfect for the season.

6. Miracle (2004)

Sport: Hockey
Based on the true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, Miracle is an inspiring tale of determination and teamwork. While the film focuses on the sport itself, the snowy winter backdrop and underdog narrative evoke holiday spirit. It’s a great choice for older kids who love intense sports stories.

7. Home Team (2022)

Sport: Football
This newer movie follows a suspended NFL coach who reconnects with his son by coaching his youth football team. With plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and football action, Home Team offers a fun and relatable story for families during the holidays.

Why These Movies Are Perfect for the Holidays

Holiday sports movies combine the excitement of athletic competition with themes of family, perseverance, and joy. They provide valuable lessons for kids, such as the importance of teamwork, resilience, and believing in themselves. Plus, the wintery settings in many of these films add to the holiday charm.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, gather your young sports fans and cozy up with these inspiring and heartwarming films. Whether you’re rooting for the Mighty Ducks, laughing at the antics in Snow Buddies, or marveling at the triumphs in Miracle, these movies will bring your family closer together and inspire a love for both sports and the holiday spirit.

Grab some hot cocoa, pull out the blankets, and let the festive sports movie marathon begin!

iSport360 is the only app that does it all for youth sports. For more information on what we do, click here. 

About the author: 

Amy Masters is a sports mom, coach, and club administrator. She has been coaching youth sports for more than 10 years. She started Jr Lions Field Hockey, the youth recreation program for the Hunterdon County community growing it from 40 players in year 1 to 150 players by year 3. A few years later, she saw the love and competitiveness grow then started Omega Field Hockey Club serving NJ and PA players. Before coaching, she was a collegiate field hockey player for Lock Haven University. In her spare time (lol), she is head of marketing for iSport360 and the co-editor of the Youth Sports Survival Guide. The Youth Sports Survival Guide is the largest youth sports newsletter in the world.