holiday movies Archives

New on Screen: What to Watch in December

Published December 13, 2022

Nina Harada

The Boss Baby Christmas Bonus

Everyone’s favorite boss baby returns for the holidays with “The Boss Baby Christmas Bonus.” It’s Boss Baby’s first Christmas, but he’s having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit. His older brother Tim takes him to the mall to meet Santa, but the plan to lift Boss Baby’s spirits backfires when he’s mistaken for an elf. Available on Netflix.

The Mighty Ones

Peacock and Hulu present new episodes of “The Mighty Ones,” an animated series about a group of creatures—a twig, a pebble, a strawberry and a leaf— who live in an unkempt backyard. The tiny but mighty friends continue their adventures, determined to have fun and live large.

Cartoon Network’s Holiday Celebration

Get into the holiday spirit with festive Cartoonito and HBO Max Specials from family-friendly favorites like “Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go.” On Dec. 26 catch a “Snowplow Struttin” episode where Thomas learns how to use his plow for his friends. Other holiday specials include “Sesame Street The Nutcracker,” “Teen Titans Go!” episode, “The Great Holiday Escape,” “Batwheels” episode “Holidays on Ice” and more. Now streaming.

Puppy Place

The second season of “Puppy Place” continues the story based on Scholastic’s best-selling book series by Ellen Miles, “Puppy Place.” Dog-loving siblings Charles and Lizzie continue to help puppies find their forever homes. Available on Apple TV +.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Apple TV+ presents the animated short film, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse,” based on the best-selling book of the same name by author Charlie Mackesy. The story follows an unlikely friendly between the title characters as they help the boy’s search for home. The all-ages film premieres on Dec. 25 on Apple TV+.

For more movie and TV show recommendations, check out our November roundup.

New on Screen: What to Watch in November

Published November 1, 2022

By Nina Harada

A Christmas Story Christmas

Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max present the family comedy, “A Christmas Story Christmas” starring Peter Billingsly The sequel to the 1983 holiday favorite, Ralphie is now grown up and must deal with Christmas as a dad. Available Nov. 17 on HBO Max.

Slumberkins

Apple TV+ presents their new children’s series with the Jim Henson Company, “Slumberkins.” Created by two moms, Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, “Slumberkins” started as a children’s education and emotional health brand known for its plush characters and books. Now the popular characters from the books come to life in this mixed media pupped/2D animation series. Available Nov. 4 on Apple TV+.

A Gingerbread Christmas

Food Network and discover+ team up to deliver a delicious story, “A Gingerbread Christmas,” staring “Ace of Cakes” host, cookbook author and bakery owner Duff Goldman. The original holiday feature follows Hazel Stanley who discovers the family bakery is in decline. She hopes to save the family business by winning a gingerbread house competition led by food celebrity Mark Clemmons (Duff Goldman). To make your own taste of the holidays, check out Duff’s snickerdoodle recipe he shared with us last winter. Available Nov. 11 on Discovery+.

Gigi & Nate

Lionsgate presents “Gigi & Nate,” an inspiring story inspired by actual events. Nate suffers a near fatal illness weeks before going off to college, leaving him quadriplegic. His mother helps him bring home a service animal named Gigi, a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. Together, Nate and Gigi develop an unbreakable bond. Available Nov. 15 on Blu-ray and DVD.

Gratitude Revealed

Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg was inspired to express his gratitude for the world in the pandemic. Hoping to uplift others during such a difficult and unpredictable, he created the documentary “Gratitude Revealed,” which features stunning nature footage, intimate conversations with thought-leaders like Deepak Chopra and Jack Kornfield and more. Now available on VOD.

Everybody Dance

In the new documentary, “Everybody Dance,” filmmaker and former dancer and dance teacher Dan Watt follows five kids with different disabilities on a journey toward their dance recital over the course of 10 months. Their inspiring stories show how powerful arts education can be.

My Father’s Dragon

Netflix and Academy Award-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon presents the animated feature, “My Father’s Dragon.” Inspired by the Newbery-honored children’s book by Ruth Stiles Gannett, “My Father’s Dragon” follows Elmer, who struggling to cope after moving to the city with his mother, runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Available Nov. 11 on Netflix.

Gabby’s Dollhouse

DreamWorks Animation presents the newest season of “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” the preschool show that follows the adventures of Gabby and her Gabby Cats in Gabby’s magical dollhouse. Season six promises even more fantastical adventures and crafts, and a magical holiday moment with Santa Kitty and their Kitty reindeer. Available on Netflix.

For more movie and TV show recommendations, check out our October roundup.

New On Screen: Shows and Movies to Watch this December

Published December 3, 2021

By Simone Quary

With the holidays this month, it is the perfect time to celebrate our accomplishments from the year and envision what we want for the next year. From baking competition shows to holiday movies, our December “New on Screen” roundup features new shows and movies that celebrate the adversities and joys of life.

Encanto

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” tells the tale of a unique family, the Madrigals. Set in the mountains of Colombia, the Madrigals reside in a vibrant town and possess the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she must protect her family from harm. “Encanto” is playing at the El Capitan Theatre from Nov. 23 – Dec. 5. Rated PG for some thematic elements, and mild peril.

Madagascar: A Little Wild

Presented by DreamWorks, the fifth season of “Madagascar: A Little Wild” features your favorite characters from the “Madagascar” movie franchise when they were younger. Alex (voiced by Tucker Chandler), Marty (voiced by Amir O’Neil), Melman (voiced by Luke Lowe) and Gloria (voiced by Shaylin Becton) are back in New York City with adventures in and out of the “A Little Wild” rescue habitat. Episodes include Marty locking himself inside the public library, and Melman needing help to make it through his first-ever night away from the habitat. The fifth season of “Madagascar: A Little Wild” is available now to watch on Hulu and Peacock.

8 Bit Christmas (HBO Max)

HBO Max and New Line Cinema present “8 Bit Christmas,” a humorous and heartfelt holiday movie. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 80’s, ten-year old Jake (played by Winslow Fegley) embarks on a quest to get a popular video game system for Christmas. Reminiscing of his childhood, an adult Jake (played by Neil Patrick Harris) reflects upon his Christmas adventure in the 80s. The film is now available exclusively on HBO Max. Rated PG for rude humor, mild language, and suggestive references.

Mixtape (Netflix movie)

From the most popular streaming service, “Mixtape” is a coming-of-age and heartfelt movie to watch with the family. Set on the eve of Y2K (December 31^st, 1999), 12-year old Beverly Moody (played by Gemmy Brooke Allen) discovers a broken mixtape created by her teen parents that died when she was a baby. Despite her grandmother’s (played by Julie Bowen) difficulty with discussing her late parents, Beverly sets out on a journey to find all of the songs on the mixtape in an effort to learn more about her parents. “Mixtape” premiers exclusively on Netflix on Dec. 3.

Baking It!

With the holidays around the corner, it is the perfect time to tune into Peacock’s “Baking It”. Hosted by Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg, this competition series involves teams of two talented home bakers to create savory and edible creations for a $100,000 prize. The judges include four real-life grandmas, who happen to be fantastic bakers themselves. All six episodes are available for streaming on Peacock on Dec. 2.

TrollsTopia

Based on DreamWorks Animation’s hit movie, “Trolls,” join Polly and other musical trolls for the fifth season of “TrollsTopia.” After discovering other trolls in the forest, Polly decides to invite each of the troll tribes throughout the forest to live in harmony. Episodes for this season include welcoming a K-Pop girl group on a mission, and trolls Synth and Minuet go through “The Tunnel of Friendship.” “TrollsTopia” returns with new episodes on Hulu and Peacock on Dec. 9.

West Side Story

Head to the El Capitan Theatre to watch the new adaptation of the beloved musical “West Side Story.” Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony), Ariana DeBose (Anita), featuring Rita Moreno (Valentina). With Academy®, Emmy®, Grammy®, Tony® and Peabody Awards under her belt, Moreno also serves as one of the films executive producers. “West Side Story” will be playing at El Capitan Theatre from Dec. 10 – Jan. 2. Tickets available now. PG-13 for some strong violence, strong language, thematic content, suggestive material and brief smoking.

Foodtastic

Hosted by Emmy^® Award winning actress Keke Palmer, “Foodtastic” is a competition show featuring talented artists across the world. Inspired by fan-favorite Disney movies and shows, the artists make extravagant sculptures with food. Episodes include “Toy Story: Toy Doctor to the Rescue” and “The Avengers: Sorceress by Day”. Along with Palmer, FLOUR SHOP founder Amirah Kassem and NYC’s City Cakes founder chef Benny Rivera serve as food art experts on the series. All episodes of “Foodtastic” will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ on Dec. 15.

Paddington Saves Christmas

The beloved bear of children’s books stars in his own Christmas special, “Paddington Saves Christmas,” a unique virtual puppet performance made especially for kids and families. Join Paddington as he helps his grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry, prepare his house for Christmas. Presented by Rockefeller Productions and written and directed by Jonathan Rockefeller, “Paddington Saves Christmas” is now streaming on Broadway on Demand and Marquee TV through Jan. 4.

For more ideas on what to watch with your family, check out our November New on Screen roundup.