Disney's "Best Christmas Ever" Brings Doodles to Life for a Magical Holiday Season

Get ready to feel the holiday spirit! Disney's new short film, directed by Taika Waititi and featuring the iconic voice of John Goodman, is at the heart of a heartwarming festive campaign.

TL;DR

• Disney's new holiday short, "A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever," is now streaming on Disney+ and other online platforms.
• Directed by Oscar-winner Taika Waititi and voiced by Disney Legend John Goodman, the film celebrates friendship and imagination.
• The short kicks off Disney's "Make Someone's Holiday Magic" campaign, which includes a global tour and the long-standing Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.

A Magical Christmas Wish Comes to Life in Disney's Latest Short Film

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, and among your presents, you find something truly extraordinary: your very own doodle, somehow magically brought to life! That's the enchanting premise of Disney's brand-new holiday short, "A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever," which premiered on November 10, 2025. It’s a heartwarming kick-off to Disney's festive season, inviting audiences to reconnect with childhood wonder.

This delightful film is more than just a sweet story; it’s a central piece of Disney’s overarching "Make Someone's Holiday Magic" campaign. The goal? To inspire fans and families worldwide to embrace the joy of giving and celebrate the powerful, nostalgic connection many feel with Disney during this special time of year.

The Imaginative Minds Behind This Festive Masterpiece

The short comes from the unique vision of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi, known for blending humor and heart in blockbusters like Marvel Studios’ "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Thor: Love and Thunder," as well as Searchlight Pictures’ "Jojo Rabbit." Waititi is no stranger to crafting Disney holiday magic; he also directed last year’s Emmy-nominated "A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus," showcasing his talent for unlikely friendships.

Bringing the lovable doodle to life with his distinctive voice is Disney Legend John Goodman. Fans will recognize Goodman from his extensive work with Disney, including lending his voice to James P. "Sulley" Sullivan in "Monsters, Inc." and "Monsters University," Pacha in "The Emperor's New Groove," and "Big Daddy" La Bouff in "The Princess and the Frog." His involvement truly adds a familiar, comforting layer to the new character.

The Charming Story of a Girl, Her Doodle, and a Borrowed Mouth

The plot of "Best Christmas Ever" centers on a young protagonist whose innocent doodle accidentally gets mistaken for a holiday wish by Santa. Suddenly, this simple drawing springs to life, becoming the girl’s inseparable new best friend. They navigate the world together, sharing countless adventures.

However, there's one small hitch: the doodle can't speak. In a truly touching moment that pays tribute to the transformative power of imagination and animation, the girl creatively solves this problem. She borrows a mouth from another toy—reportedly a subtle nod to Mr. Potato Head, according to Radio Times—allowing her festive friend to finally express itself. It's a sweet, inventive resolution that perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of friendship and resourcefulness.

"I've always loved being part of Disney stories because there's a timelessness to Disney's storytelling — it's fun, it's heartfelt, and it reminds families of what really matters. This wonderful short captures that same spirit perfectly." — John Goodman, Voice of Doodle

Behind-the-Scenes Creativity and Hidden Gems for Disney Fans

To ensure the animation was top-notch, renowned Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Eric Goldberg, famous for creating iconic characters like Genie from "Aladdin," served as an advisor on the short. He collaborated with production companies Untold Studios and Hungryman, along with creative agency adam&eveDDB, to bring this hand-drawn character to vibrant life.

Waititi himself highlighted what makes this story distinctly Disney: "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." For eagle-eyed Disney fans, Waititi also revealed that he's sprinkled in some subtle "Easter eggs" from other Disney films. While he admits they initially had "way too many," making the kid's bedroom look like a "Disney store," sharp viewers might spot elements like a Stitch-inspired mouth or balloons from "Up" in a background park scene. It adds a fun challenge for repeat viewings!

Disney's Grand "Make Someone's Holiday Magic" Campaign

The "Best Christmas Ever" short is just one part of Disney's expansive holiday efforts. Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at Disney, emphasized the company's long-standing role: "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." This year, they're amplifying that legacy globally.

A major component is the "Holiday Magic Tour," set to visit more than 20 cities across the country and around the world. This isn't just a promotional stunt; it's a mission to spread cheer through donations, community activations at local schools, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations, as well as VoluntEARS toy deliveries, exclusive movie screenings, and even a surprise Broadway cameo. Various Disney-owned networks, including ESPN, ABC, and ABC News programs like "Good Morning America" and "Dancing with the Stars," will also amplify the campaign's message, ensuring maximum reach for their mission of making holiday magic for countless kids and families, especially those who need it most.

Continuing a Legacy: The Disney Ultimate Toy Drive

A cornerstone of Disney’s holiday initiatives is the "Disney Ultimate Toy Drive," which continues a remarkable 75-year-old tradition. This enduring collaboration with the Marine Toys for Tots program was actually started by Walt Disney himself, demonstrating a deep-rooted commitment to giving back. The drive encourages everyone to donate new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots through December 24, 2025. In-person donations can also be made at Disney Stores, the Disneyland Resort, or Walt Disney World Resort through December 14, 2025.

Beyond collecting toys, Disney is leveraging its consumer products division to create magic. This includes special Disney Store shopping sprees in all 50 states and a heartwarming community toy distribution event in Detroit, supported by licensees and retailers. This concentrated effort ensures that the spirit of the season reaches a wide array of communities and delivers tangible joy to children in need.

Experience the Magic: Times Square Doodles and Other Festive Content

For those in New York City, there’s a unique interactive experience happening in Times Square on November 12. Fans can submit their own doodles using a QR code and watch them magically come to life on a massive digital billboard. It’s a fantastic way to engage directly with the film’s central theme of imagination and brings the magic right into the urban landscape.

And the holiday content doesn’t stop there! Disney is also launching "Unleash the Holidays" featuring Stitch and beloved characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, offering plenty of themed merchandise. Plus, be on the lookout for new premieres like "A Very Jonas Christmas Movie," featuring Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas, available to stream on November 14.

Balancing Corporate Strategy with Heartfelt Storytelling: A Wider View

While Disney's holiday campaign shines brightly with magic and goodwill, it's always worth glancing at the broader corporate landscape. CEO Bob Iger recently reiterated Disney's strong commitment to the "television business," signaling a move to better integrate streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu with traditional TV offerings. The company saw a gain of 2.6 million subscribers across Disney+ and Hulu in the third quarter, pushing their total to 183 million, and revenues rose 2% to $23.7 billion (Source: Marketing Week, "Disney pledges to meet audiences ‘where they are’ as it unifies services", November 10, 2025).

However, it hasn't been without its challenges. Disney has openly acknowledged that it "lost a little focus" by, at one point, trying to "flood" its Disney+ platform with new content. Despite this, and a reported loss of over half a million subscribers in the previous three months, the streaming arm notably remains profitable. This shows the constant balancing act of maintaining an iconic brand's heartfelt magic while navigating a dynamic, competitive media market and the financial realities that come with it. The holiday campaign, in this context, serves not only as a beacon of joy but also as a powerful brand reaffirmation.

Example: The Impact of a Simple Doodle-Inspired Gift

Consider a scenario: a small art program at a community center for underprivileged children. Sarah, a shy 8-year-old, loves to draw fantastical creatures but rarely shares her work. One day, a Disney VoluntEAR arrives during a "Holiday Magic Tour" stop, bringing not just a box of art supplies, but a special, doodle-inspired notebook. The VoluntEAR, referencing "Best Christmas Ever," encourages the kids to draw their own "best friends." Sarah, inspired by the short, draws her magical doodle. Later, during a screening of the short, she sees her drawing briefly projected onto a wall as part of the event's interactive display, a small but profound moment that makes her feel truly seen and celebrated. This tangible connection between the film's message and real-world engagement is what the campaign aims to achieve.

Key Takeaways for Your Holiday Season Planning

• Watch the Short: Stream "A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever" on Disney+ for a dose of heartwarming festive fun.
• Donate a Toy: Participate in the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by donating new toys to Toys for Tots through December 24, 2025 (in-person donations accepted until December 14, 2025, at Disney Stores and Parks).
• Spot Easter Eggs: Keep an eye out for hidden nods to other Disney films when you watch "Best Christmas Ever" – it's a fun game for the whole family!
• Experience Interactive Magic: If you're near Times Square on November 12, don't miss the chance to see your own doodle appear on the digital billboard.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Disney's Holiday Magic Where can I watch "A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever"? You can stream it exclusively on Disney+ and other online platforms, having premiered on November 10, 2025. Who directed this heartwarming holiday short? The short was directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi. What is the "Disney Ultimate Toy Drive" and how can I participate? It's Disney's annual initiative, in partnership with Marine Toys for Tots, encouraging donations of new toys for children in need. You can donate through December 24, 2025, or in person at Disney Stores/Resorts until December 14, 2025. Is John Goodman involved in the short? Yes, Disney Legend John Goodman lends his iconic voice to the character of Doodle. Sources

• The Drum, "Ad of the Day: Disney brings a doodle to life in Taika Waititi’s heartwarming holiday short," Amy Houston, November 10, 2025.
• Radio Times, "Disney releases Christmas film from blockbuster director, as he reveals hidden Easter eggs within," Helen Daly, November 10, 2025.
• What's On Disney Plus, "Disney Announces Best Christmas Ever Holiday Short," Roger Palmer, November 6, 2025.
• Marketing Week, "A child’s doodle comes alive in Disney’s ‘Best Christmas Ever’ film," Tim Nudd, November 10, 2025.
• Marketing Week, "Disney pledges to meet audiences ‘where they are’ as it unifies services," November 10, 2025.
• Vital Thrills, "Disney Launches Holiday Campaign with New Short Film and World Tour," Josh Sharpe, November 10, 2025.
• Total Licensing, "Disney Kicks off the Holiday Season with some Magic," Rebecca Ash, November 10, 2025.
• UpNext, "How to watch A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever outside the US on Disney+," November 10, 2025.