Disney’s new holiday film, “Best Christmas Ever,” created by adam&eveDDB and directed by Taika Waititi, turns a child’s simple crayon drawing into a lively Christmas character. The partly animated short, now streaming on Disney+ and online, serves as the centerpiece of Disney’s broader “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” campaign, encouraging audiences to capture and share the festive spirit.
The story centers on a young girl whose holiday takes an unexpected twist when her simple drawing comes to life after Santa confuses it for a Christmas wish. What unfolds is a classic Disney-style buddy adventure – equal parts humor and heart. The premise echoes adam&eveDDB’s beloved “Monty the Penguin” ad for John Lewis.
The film wraps up with a heartfelt reminder to share kindness during the holidays, reinforcing the central message of Disney’s wider festive campaign.
According to Waititi, the film’s essence comes from its childlike perspective – a story rooted in the imaginative world of a young girl and her newfound friend, who explore life’s challenges together through the simple yet powerful forces of friendship and imagination.
Supporting him is a seasoned creative team featuring legendary animator Eric Goldberg, best known for bringing the Genie to life in Disney’s 1992 Aladdin, who served as an advisor on the project. Collaborating with Untold Studios and Hungry Man, the production delivers a film that honors the charm of traditional hand-drawn Disney animation while blending it seamlessly with a contemporary, polished look.
The doodle is brought to life by John Goodman, a longtime Disney favorite known for his roles as Sulley in Monsters, Inc. and Pacha in The Emperor’s New Groove. His familiar warmth adds to the film’s nostalgic tone, perfectly reflecting the heartfelt spirit at the core of the short.
“Disney stories have always been a source of togetherness, wonder and joy, especially during the holidays,” said Disney’s Joanna Balikian, senior VP of brand management. The campaign reaches far beyond the short film itself, as on November 12, visitors in Times Square will have the chance to see their own doodles come to life on a massive digital billboard. By submitting drawings via a QR code, fans can watch their sketches animated in real time against the city’s bright backdrop.
The broader initiative also includes a blend of nostalgic and fresh content across Disney’s platforms, highlighted by the upcoming “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie,” premiering on November 14 on Disney+.
