Films & TV for Kids: What Are We Streaming in December?
When it comes to finding or choosing French films or TV shows for kids to watch, the number of programs available on American streaming platforms can be overwhelming. That's why each month, we gather a list of great French content for kids and teens that are available to watch online. While some films or series are pure entertainment, others are designed to share useful educational concepts, and more still may be great for the whole family to enjoy! So, what's on this month?
 
 
People walking on a pathway

© Adopt a Daddy - Alain Guizard

To celebrate the Holidays, IFcinéma à la carte offers two French movies to watch with the whole family. They are available online and for free until December 31! 

Adopt a Daddy (Damien veut changer le monde) by Xavier De Choudens, 2018, 1h39
Damien and his sister Melanie lived a happy childhood, yet shaken by the constant battles led by their militant parents. After the sudden death of their mother, the rebellious spark of the family went off. 20 years later, Damien is an educator in primary school. When one paperless kid is about to be expelled out of the country with his mother, he decides to tell the authorities he is the father. Soon he convinces his sister, now a fierce delusioned lawyer, and his best friend Rudy to join the fight. Together, they will do anything to help kids from being sent back, even if it means adopting many more...

My Family and the Wolf (Ma famille et le loup) by Adria Garcia, 2018, 1h25
Everybody is gathered to celebrate Granny Sara’s 80th birthday at the seaside family house. It’s a beautiful summer for 9 years old Hugo. However this year, Granny Sara has fallen ill. One night, she brings together the family to tell the story of the Wolf. Someday the animal will come and take her away forever. Will Hugo manage to protect his grandma from the mysterious beast ?

 

Santa Claus is celebrating Nicholas' birthday

© Santa's Apprentice

Santa's Apprentice (L'apprenti Père Noël)
By Luc Vinciguerra, 2015, 1h11, Australia-France, PG / Recommended for ages 6+

Santa doesn't want to retire, but rules are rules and he must train someone to replace him. The lucky winner, to be chosen from among millions of children, must be named Nicholas, be an orphan and have a pure heart.

Available on Hoopla | Amazon Video | YouTube | GooglePlay | AppleTV | Vudu | Microsoft | Redbox

 

Bûche de noël - Minuscule

© Bûche de noël - Minuscule

Minuscule - The Yule Log (Bûche de noël)
Animated TV series (Season 2), 2012, 5 min., Recommended for ages 3+

It's Christmas time and the black ants are on the lookout for some festive cheer. When humans at a party are distracted, the ants use this opportunity to pinch a yummy yule log. Alas there is another obstacle they need to pass in order to fully succeed in this daring heist.

Available on Vimeo

 

Santa Claus between other Santas

© Santa & Cie

Christmas & Co (Santa & Cie)
By Alain Chabat, 2017, 1h39, France-Belgium, PG / Recommended for ages 10+

Santa's 92,000 elves all fall ill and collapse... Simultaneously on Christmas Eve! Who will make the toys for all the kids all around the world? He has no choice! Santa and his reindeer must go to Earth in search of a cure. But once he gets there, Mr. Claus will need some help to save the magic of Christmas...

Available on Hoopla | Vudu | Amazon Video | YouTube | GooglePlay | AppleTV

 

Chicken are outside decorating their Christmas tree.

© The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales ©Gkids

The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales (Le grand méchant renard et autres contes...)
By Benjamin Renner & Patrick Imbert, 2017, 1h19, France-Belgium, PG / Recommended for ages 5+

The countryside isn't always as calm and peaceful as it's made out to be, and the animals on this farm are particularly agitated: a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork, and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus.

Available on DirecTV | AppleTV | Microsoft | Vudu | GooglePlay | YouTube | Amazon | Hoopla

 

Miraculous, Cat Noir and Santa in Paris

© Miraculous

A Christmas Special - Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (Pire Noël - Miraculous : Les aventures de Ladybug et de Chat Noir)
Animated TV Series, 2016, 21 min. / Recommended for ages 7+

Parisian teen Marinette transforms herself into superhero Ladybug to find her lonely secret crush Adrien when he runs away from home at Christmas.

Available on Netflix (#tip: make sure to click on "Audio & Subtitles" and select audio in French!)

 

A horse is cooking a Christmas cake

© A Town Called Panic © Autour de Minuit / Shout! Factory

A Town Called Panic: The Christmas Log (Panique au village : La bûche de Noël)
By Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, 2013, 26 min., Belgium-France / Recommended for ages 10+

The year’s end celebrations are coming. Christmas : the tree, the dinner, the presents. Indian and Cowboy are expecting their presents eagerly. Overexcited by the organisation of the celebration, they fight and destroy the Yule log on which Horse was putting the last touch. Horse is livid and cancels the gifts from Santa Claus. How will they win back the favours of Horse and The Old Bearded Man? How will they retrieve their gifts ? For Indian and Cowboy begins a long, very long Christmas Eve.

Available on Amazon Video | Vudu | GooglePlay | YouTube
Education resources are available in French: download it here (French level: B2).

 

Young girl adding a christmas hat to a dog

© Noël Noël by Nicola Lemay

Noël Noël
By Nicola Lemay, 2003, 22 min., Canada / Recommended for ages 6+

Noel Noel, a misguided billionaire, is in love with Beatrice, a bespectacled fairy. But thanks to little Zoey, her dog Snooze and a blue-eyed reindeer, his eyes are finally opened. Enlivened by a humorous and rhymed narration spoken by Leslie Nielsen, Noel Noël is an animated fantasy about Christmas reminding us that happiness comes when the heart is allowed to speak.

Available on ONF website (French version) | Amazon Video (English version)

 

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