The Ultimate List: Every Christmas Movie And Role Featuring Comedy Legend Martin Short

Martin Short, the comedic whirlwind known for his energetic characters and quick wit, has delighted audiences for decades across television, film, and Broadway. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, his most iconic and memorable contribution to the cinematic holiday canon remains his brilliantly "sleazy and cheesy" turn as a major Christmas villain, a performance that has grown in appreciation over time despite the film's initial mixed reviews. While he may not have a new holiday blockbuster in 2025, his existing Christmas-themed roles deserve a fresh look, proving why he is a true master of holiday comedy.

From a scene-stealing blockbuster antagonist to beloved appearances on late-night holiday specials, Short’s unique brand of comedy—often compared to a cross between Liza Minnelli and Liberace in its theatricality—brings a much-needed jolt of manic energy to the often-sentimental Christmas genre. This article dives deep into his complete holiday filmography, with a special focus on the role that cemented his status as a legendary, albeit unconventional, Christmas nemesis.

Martin Short: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Martin Hayter Short
• Born: March 26, 1950
• Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian and American
• Spouse: Nancy Dolman (m. 1980–2010; deceased)
• Children: Katherine Elizabeth Short, Oliver Patrick Short
• Key Collaborators: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Lorne Michaels
• Breakthrough: SCTV (Second City Television) and Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the 1980s.
• Iconic Characters: Ed Grimley, Jiminy Glick, Franck Eggelhoffer.
• Awards & Honors: Emmy Awards, Tony Award (for Little Me), Order of Canada (OC).
• Current Project Focus: Co-starring in the hit mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

The Definitive Martin Short Christmas Movie: A Villainous Masterpiece

The single most significant entry in Martin Short’s Christmas filmography is his role as the main antagonist in the third installment of the Disney franchise, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006). He plays the mischievous and ambitious spirit of winter, Jack Frost, who harbors a deep jealousy of Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), the current Santa Claus. Jack Frost’s entire motivation is to trick Santa into invoking the "Escape Clause" to steal the role for himself, turning the North Pole into a tacky, commercialized tourist attraction.

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Short's performance is often cited as the one element that injects life and unique humor into the sequel. Critics and fans alike praised his over-the-top, theatrical portrayal, which elevates the character beyond a simple cartoon villain. Short himself has stated in interviews that he felt "perfectly cast" as the "sleazy and cheesy" Jack Frost, embracing the character's flamboyant, attention-seeking nature. His performance is a whirlwind of energetic physical comedy and razor-sharp dialogue.

Jack Frost: The Iago of the North Pole

Martin Short’s Jack Frost is a master of manipulation, acting as the "Iago of the franchise" by subtly undermining Santa Claus. Unlike the previous antagonists in the series, Jack Frost is a supernatural entity who feels underappreciated by the "Council of Legendary Figures." His jealousy is palpable, driving the film’s central conflict: a battle for ownership of Christmas itself. This complex motivation, combined with Short’s signature comedic style, makes for a memorable holiday antagonist.

The film’s plot revolves around Jack Frost tricking Scott Calvin into saying, "I wish I hadn't been Santa," which activates the Escape Clause, sending Scott back to his life before he became Santa, and allowing Jack Frost to take over the role. The resulting alternate timeline, where the North Pole is a gaudy, commercialized resort, showcases Short’s comedic vision of a self-obsessed, celebrity-driven Santa, a stark contrast to the traditional, wholesome figure portrayed by Tim Allen.

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The Hidden Gem: Martin Short’s Musical Number

One of the true highlights of The Santa Clause 3 is a spectacular musical sequence starring Martin Short. The song, titled "North Pole, North Pole," is a hilarious, Broadway-style parody of the classic New York anthem, "New York, New York." In the scene, Jack Frost, having successfully taken over the North Pole, performs the number for a crowd of bewildered elves and tourists, celebrating his new, celebrity-focused version of Christmas.

• Performance Style: Short brings his extensive experience in musical theater to the role, delivering a show-stopping number that is both bizarre and captivating.
• Costume Design: Jack Frost’s transformation into "Santa Jack" includes a spectacular, glittery, Liberace-esque costume, further cementing the character’s flamboyant personality.
• Critical Retrospective: While the film itself received mixed critical reception, Short’s performance and the "North Pole, North Pole" musical sequence are frequently singled out as the best, most energetic parts of the movie, proving that his comedic genius can shine even in a less-loved sequel.

Beyond Jack Frost: Other Holiday Roles

While The Santa Clause 3 is his most prominent Christmas film, Martin Short has contributed his comedic talents to other holiday-themed projects, further solidifying his place in the festive entertainment landscape.

1. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas! (2012)

In this animated television special, Martin Short provides the voice of the titular character, The Cat in the Hat. The special follows the Cat and his friends, Nick and Sally, as they try to help a lost reindeer find his way back home in time for Christmas. This family-friendly role is a delightful contrast to the villainous Jack Frost, showcasing Short’s versatility as a voice actor.

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2. Saturday Night Live (SNL) Christmas Episodes

Martin Short has a long history with the iconic sketch comedy show, and his appearances often coincide with the coveted December Christmas episodes. His co-hosting gig with longtime collaborator Steve Martin in December 2022 was a major holiday event. Their joint appearances often feature classic holiday-themed sketches, including a memorable one about a modern-day, cynical version of A Christmas Carol. Short's ability to create instant, iconic characters makes his SNL appearances a holiday tradition for many comedy fans.

3. The Martin Short Show (1999-2000)

While not a movie, his late-night talk show included holiday-themed episodes and sketches during the Christmas season, featuring his beloved characters like Jiminy Glick, who would often interview celebrities about their holiday traditions, adding a touch of his signature satire to the festive period.

In conclusion, Martin Short's Christmas legacy is a powerful blend of over-the-top villainy and genuine comedic heart. His role as Jack Frost in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause remains a cult favorite, a vibrant, unforgettable performance that proves that a truly great comedic actor can steal a movie, even one focused on the magic of Santa Claus. Fans continue to revisit this film every holiday season, not for the traditional Christmas cheer, but for the sheer, unadulterated spectacle of Short's Jack Frost.