The Ultimate 2024 Disney Plus Holiday Movie Guide: 15 Must-Watch New Originals And Timeless Classics

The 2024 holiday season is officially here, and Disney Plus has once again rolled out the red carpet for an expansive and joyful collection of festive films and specials. Unlike previous years that relied heavily on established classics, the current lineup offers a blend of highly anticipated new originals, returning fan-favorite franchises, and unexpected seasonal crossovers that guarantee something for every member of the family. The streaming platform is positioning itself as the definitive destination for holiday cheer, making it essential to know which titles are fresh, which are essential viewing, and how to navigate the massive library.

With new, exclusive titles premiering right now, including major star-studded movies and beloved animated shorts, staying up-to-date on the Disney Plus holiday schedule is crucial for maximizing your festive viewing time. This guide cuts through the clutter, focusing on the must-watch new releases and the foundational classics that define the Christmas movie canon on the service, ensuring your watchlist is packed with the best, most current, and most memorable content.

The New Class: Must-Watch Disney+ Original Holiday Movies for 2024

The 2024 slate of Disney Plus original holiday programming is notably strong, featuring big names and unique concepts that move beyond the typical Santa Clause reboots. These new additions are the cornerstone of the platform's seasonal offerings and provide fresh, unique viewing experiences.

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1. Nutcrackers (2024 Original Film)

One of the biggest holiday movie surprises of the year is the comedy-drama Nutcrackers, starring Ben Stiller in his first lead film role in several years. Released on November 29, 2024, the film is a significant addition to the Disney+ and Hulu libraries. Directed by David Gordon Green, the movie follows a workaholic man named Mike who is forced to reconnect with his estranged father, a former Christmas tree salesman, after he suffers a stroke. The film explores themes of family, tradition, and finding the holiday spirit in unexpected places, offering a more grounded, yet comedic, take on the season.

2. An Almost Christmas Story (2024 Animated Short)

For fans of heartwarming animation, An Almost Christmas Story is a charming new short film that premiered recently in November 2024. This animated adventure follows Moon, a curious and young owl, who unexpectedly finds himself on a Christmas tree destined for the iconic Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. The short is an emotional journey about a small creature navigating the enormity of the holiday season and finding his way home, perfect for younger viewers and families looking for a quick, feel-good watch.

3. Doctor Who: Joy to the World (2024 Christmas Special)

In a massive cross-platform event, the highly anticipated Doctor Who: Joy to the World Christmas Special premiered on December 25, 2024, on Disney+ internationally. This feature-length special continues the adventures of the Fifteenth Doctor and is a major highlight of the December schedule. The special is a traditional Christmas Day event for Whovians, bringing a blend of sci-fi adventure, festive cheer, and high-stakes drama to the holiday lineup.

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4. Mickey and the Very Many Christmases (2024 Special)

Premiering on December 2, 2024, this new animated special brings the classic Disney characters back for a fresh adventure. Led by Mickey Mouse, the special promises a fun, family-friendly celebration that captures the traditional spirit of Disney Christmas cartoons, making it an essential watch for families with young children.

Timeless Classics and Essential Disney+ Holiday Franchises

While the new originals generate buzz, the core value of a Disney Plus subscription during the holidays lies in its unrivaled collection of classic Christmas movies and exclusive franchise content. These films form the backbone of any complete holiday movie marathon.

The Santa Clause Trilogy and The Series

No Disney+ holiday guide is complete without Tim Allen's iconic portrayal of Scott Calvin. The platform is the exclusive home to the entire The Santa Clause trilogy (*The Santa Clause*, *The Santa Clause 2*, *The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause*). Furthermore, the highly successful sequel series, The Santa Clauses, starring Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell, is also available, providing a modern continuation of the beloved story and adding significant topical authority to the Christmas canon on the service.

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The Home Alone Collection

The entire, original, and most beloved Home Alone franchise is a perennial holiday favorite streaming on Disney+. Titles like *Home Alone* and *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* are essential viewing. The platform also features the Disney+ original reboot, *Home Sweet Home Alone*, offering a contemporary twist on the classic setup.

Marvel and Star Wars Holiday Specials

Disney+ leverages its ownership of massive franchises to offer unique, non-traditional holiday viewing. *The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special* is a critically acclaimed, must-watch Marvel entry that blends comedy, music, and genuine holiday sentiment. Additionally, while not strictly a holiday film, the new *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew* series premiered in December 2024, providing a major new piece of content to binge during the winter break.

More Festive Favorites: Deepening Your Disney+ Holiday Watchlist

To achieve true topical authority and ensure a diverse watchlist, you need to look beyond the major franchises and explore the hidden gems and animated treasures that Disney+ offers.

• Noelle (2019): Disney's first big, original holiday movie for the service, starring Anna Kendrick as Santa's daughter, who must save Christmas when her brother goes missing.
• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): Widely considered one of the best adaptations of the Dickens classic, featuring Michael Caine and the beloved Muppets.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A perfect blend of Halloween and Christmas, this stop-motion classic is a unique and essential entry for its artistic merit and enduring popularity.
• Dashing Through the Snow (2023): A newer Disney+ original starring Lil Rel Howery as a divorced social worker who has lost his Christmas spirit until he meets a mysterious man named Nick.
• The Naughty Nine (2023): An original film about a mischievous nine-year-old who discovers he's on Santa's "naughty list" and plots a heist to get his present.
• Miracle on 34th Street (1947): The original, timeless classic that explores the true meaning of Christmas and the belief in Santa Claus.
• Olaf's Frozen Adventure: A delightful short featuring the beloved snowman from *Frozen*, perfect for younger fans.
• CMA Country Christmas (2024): A music-focused special featuring performances from top country music stars, providing variety to the film-heavy schedule.
• Dream Productions (2024): While not a holiday movie, this new Pixar series, a spin-off from *Inside Out*, premiered in December 2024 and is a major new animated offering for the holiday viewing window.

The sheer volume and quality of content available on Disney+ for the 2024 holiday season is unmatched. By focusing on major new titles like the star-driven Nutcrackers and the highly anticipated Doctor Who: Joy to the World, while still preserving time for foundational classics like the Home Alone and The Santa Clause franchises, you can craft a perfect, up-to-date, and comprehensive holiday movie marathon. From animated shorts and musical specials to major feature films, Disney Plus has solidified its position as the ultimate streaming service for festive entertainment.