December is a busy time with family and friends getting together, decorating for the holidays and actually celebrating. But it’s also a great chance to get the whole family together to go to the movies.

Look at our list of suggestions for some “quality family time.”

‘Rise of the Guardians’

Rating: PG

When it comes out: It’s in theaters now.

What it’s about: What happens when Santa, the Easter Bunny and Jack Frost team up to take down a bad guy named Pitch, who wants to steal children’s dreams.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’

Rating: PG-13

When it comes out: Dec. 14

What it’s about: This is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s story of a nervous hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who must go on an epic quest with a bunch of dwarves and Gandalf the Grey to recapture Lonely Mountain. It should be full of magic, but its length (2 1/2 hours) and its rating (PG-13) means it’s for older kids, preferably those who have read the book.

‘Monsters, Inc. 3D’

Rating: G

When it comes out: Dec. 19

What it’s about: Yes, this is a movie you have probably seen on DVD, but the adorable story of what monsters actually do when they’re not scaring little kids is a classic worthy of a family trip to the theater.

‘Parental Guidance’

Rating: PG

When it comes out: Dec. 25

What it’s about: When grandparents take on the long-term job of baby-sitting their grandchildren, they discover that parenting has changed a lot. This comedy is likely to be funny in different places for kids, parents and grandparents.