As the most wonderful time of the year draws ever nearer, I’m offering up my top picks of the best Christmas shows & movies on Disney+ right now.
Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell) who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
On Christmas Eve, a high-tech team of elves from an elite unit known a `Prep & Landing’ ensures homes around the world are prepared for Santa’s visit. But after working tirelessly for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive a promotion to be Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, he is partnered with Lanny, an idealistic rookie. During their mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and threaten Christmas for children everywhere.
Prep & Landing – Naughty vs. Nice
The outrageous yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue in this totally tinsel adventure that reminds us there’s room for everyone on the ‘nice’ list. Santa’s stealthiest little elves must race to recover classified North Pole technology, which has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking naughty kid, in order to stop Christmas from descending into chaos.
Max Mercer, a mischievous and resourceful young boy who has been left behind while his family is in Japan for the holidays. So when a married couple attempting to retrieve a priceless heirloom sets their sights on the Mercer family’s home, it is up to Max to protect it from the trespassers, and he will do whatever it takes to keep them out. The reboot promises hilarious hijinks of epic proportions, and despite the absolute chaos, Max eventually comes to realize that there really is no place like home sweet home.
On Christmas Eve, a divorced dad and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When the dad takes the reigns, he finds he is now the new Santa, and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) has become the man of the house, overnight! Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, Kevin gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he’s not decking the halls with tinsel and holly. Two bumbling burglars are trying to break in, and Kevin’s rigging a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them!
In Disney+’s holiday comedy “Noelle,” Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over from their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes — and his heart — to the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with original music and dazzling special effects, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will become a holiday tradition your family will treasure all the days of the year.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere!
Beauty and the Beast – The Enchanted Christmas
Celebrate the most magical time of the year with this irresistible holiday movie inspired by Disney’s beloved classic. Share the wonder as Mrs. Potts recounts another “tale as old as time” about a Christmas past that almost wasn’t thanks to the scheming of former court composer Forte who is determined to keep Belle and Beast apart forever. This enchanting adventure boasts delightful songs, spellbinding visuals, and enduring themes of hope, friendship, and love. Your family will enjoy the spirit of the season all year long with the timeless magic of Beauty and The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
Find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice in this spectacular Christmas celebration. Santa Claus joins Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals in an original movie about discovering the true joys of Christmas. Watch the hilarious antics of stubborn old Donald as he tries in vain to resist the joy of the season and laugh along with Mickey and Pluto as they learn a great lesson about the power of friendship.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
From Disney, the studio that brought you Beauty and the Beast, comes the reimagined tale of The Nutcracker. When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms-where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world.
Everyone, especially children, knows that the holiday season is a time for miracles. However, six-year-old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) has doubts about childhood’s most enduring miracle…Santa Claus. This holiday season, Susan is going to receive the most precious gift of all: something to believe in. And she’s about to discover that miracles do occur…The story relates the arrival of one Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough), a department store Santa who believes he’s the genuine article, and who subsequently turns a skeptical child’s world upside-down. When Kris is put on trial to prove he’s Santa, the youngster — and everyone around her — learns the true meaning of faith, the importance of family… and that even today, we all need something to believe in.
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
It’s the most wonderful tine of the year, but Rabbit woll only discover the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change who they really are.
Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. It’s the first holiday season since the gates reopened, and Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle. When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.
Good Luck Charlie – It’s Christmas
Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas! follows the Duncans as they get separated en route to Palm Springs, and with just days left before the holiday, everyone scrambles to reunite the family. In true Duncan fashion, and not without facing some hiccups, hurdles and even a happy surprise, they discover a whole new meaning of family.
Marvel Super Hero Adventure – Frost Fight!
The holiday season gets extra chilly as Loki and the frost giant Ymir plot to conquer the world. Marvel heroes Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and others must stop the villains from stealing Santa’s power – if anyone can actually find the mysterious Mr. Claus. Fortunately, Rocket Raccoon and Groot are also hot on Santa’s trail. Heroes, villains, elves and cosmic bounty hunters collide in an epic quest that leaves the fate of the holiday and the world in the balance.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Young Kevin is alone again, this time in the wilds of New York City. He meets up with the same two-bit crooks who are out for revenge. Our hero delivers the same kind of punishment to the hapless crooks as in the original 1990 smash hit.
Tim Allen reappears in SANTA CLAUSE 2, the hilarious sequel to everybody’s holiday favorite. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been Santa Claus for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But Scott’s got problems. His son Charlie has landed on this year’s “naughty” list, and if Scott doesn’t marry by Christmas Eve — one very, very short month away — he’ll stop being Santa forever. Embracing Christmas and the magic of family with heart, warmth, fun, and charm, SANTA CLAUSE 2 is classic holiday entertainment everybody will enjoy.
Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen gives a solid performance as Ginny Grainger, a young mother who rediscovers the joy and beauty of Christmas, thanks to the unshakable faith of her six-year-old daughter Abbie and Gideon, Ginny’s very own guardian angel. Ginny’s wondrous experience will touch your heart and warm your soul in the timeless tradition of past Disney favourites. ONE MAGIC CHRISTMAS fulfils all your most treasured Christmas fantasies. Share it with those you love.
The Mindful Traveller 