This holiday season, Disney is partnering with filmmaker Taika Waititi to debut a new short film as part of its Holiday Magic Tour, which will visit 20 cities starting next month. The event aims to spread joy and togetherness for kids and families through a series of festive activities, donation drives, and special surprises. The new short, titled A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, is now available on Disney+ and kicks off Disney’s expansive holiday programming.
A Charming Tale of Friendship and Imagination
The film centers on a young girl whose Christmas drawing of a doodle comes to life after Santa mistakenly interprets it as a holiday wish. This animated character, voiced by Disney Legend John Goodman, embarks on an enchanting adventure that celebrates friendship and creativity. Renowned animator Eric Goldberg from Walt Disney Animation Studios contributed guidance on the animation, ensuring the short’s visual quality reflects Disney’s traditional excellence.
Taika Waititi Continues His Holiday Storytelling Tradition
This project follows Waititi’s previous holiday short, The Boy & The Octopus, which was Emmy-nominated and also released under Disney’s banner. Known for directing beloved films including two installments of Thor and the Oscar-winning Jojo Rabbit, Waititi brings his unique storytelling style to this heartwarming holiday tale. Last year, he also created a Christmas-themed short called Joy is Made for Amazon.
“What makes this story uniquely Disney is the fact that it’s set in the world of a kid. It’s a kid and her new best friend, navigating the complex world together, and doing it just with the power of friendship and imagination,” Taika Waititi
Community Engagement and Nationwide Festivities
The Holiday Magic Tour extends far beyond the screen, with Disney hosting events at schools, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations across the globe. Activities include VoluntEARS toy deliveries, exclusive movie screenings, and even a surprise Broadway cameo. Disney’s expansive media platforms, such as ESPN’s First Take, SEC Nation, and various ABC programs, are participating in the celebrations to reach a broad audience.
In addition, Disney Stores in all 50 states will host shopping sprees in collaboration with the Marine Toys for Tots program, a partnership that has lasted for 75 years. These efforts add a tangible, charitable element to the holiday season, supporting children and families in need.
Additional Festive Offerings from Disney This Season
Beyond the short film and tour, Disney is promoting several other holiday events, including an Unleash the Holidays occasion featuring Stitch as the host. Fans will also see premieres of holiday-themed content like A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, starring Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas, set to stream on November 14. These varied offerings demonstrate Disney’s commitment to crafting memorable holiday experiences for viewers of all ages.
“For generations, Disney has been part of how families celebrate the holidays—through the impact we have in communities, the stories we share, and the lifelong memories we help create that bring people together,” Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Disney
“This year, Disney is continuing that legacy of making magic during the holidays all over the world,” Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Disney
Anticipated Impact and Future Prospects for Disney’s Holiday Efforts
By combining Taika Waititi’s imaginative storytelling with wide-reaching community events and media collaborations, Disney hopes to enrich holiday celebrations for families worldwide. The campaign’s focus on kindness, creativity, and shared joy positions it as a meaningful cultural moment during the season. As the Holiday Magic Tour unfolds, viewers and participants alike can expect new opportunities to engage with Disney’s message of warmth and togetherness that transcends generations.
