Disney sparks holiday joy with Taika Waititi-directed Best Christmas Ever

Disney is ushering in the holiday season with A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi.

The animated short, which premieres today on Disney+ and online, serves as the centrepiece of Disney’s Make Someone’s Holiday Magic campaign. It features the voice of Disney Legend John Goodman as Doodle, a character brought to life through a story of imagination, friendship, and festive wonder.

Joanna Balikian, Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Disney: “Disney stories have always been a source of togetherness, wonder, and joy, especially during the holidays. With A Disney Holiday Short: Best Christmas Ever, we sought to capture that timeless spirit of friendship, family, and imagination that brings generations together and makes the holidays magical.”

Short anchors Disney’s Make Someone’s Holiday Magic campaign

The story follows a young girl whose Christmas morning turns extraordinary when her doodle comes to life after Santa mistakes it for a holiday wish. Together, the girl and her animated friend embark on a heartwarming adventure that celebrates the joy of creativity and connection.

Renowned Walt Disney Animation Studios animator Eric Goldberg—creator of the Genie in Aladdin—advised on the animation, which was produced by Untold Studios and Hungryman, with creative direction from adam&eveDDB.

The short continues Disney’s tradition of holiday storytelling, following last year’s Emmy®-nominated A Disney Holiday Short: The Boy & The Octopus, also directed by Waititi.

Taika Waititi and John Goodman unite for holiday storytelling

Taika Waititi: “What makes this story uniquely Disney is the fact that it’s set in the world of a kid. 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.”

John Goodman lends his voice to Doodle, adding another role to his legacy of Disney characters, including Sulley in Monsters, Inc. and Pacha in The Emperor’s New Groove.

John Goodman: “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.”

Fans invited to bring doodles to life in Times Square

To celebrate the launch, Disney will host an interactive event in Times Square on November 12. Fans can submit their own doodles via QR code and watch their creations come to life on the billboard in real time—an experience designed to extend the film’s message of imagination and shared joy.

Disney’s Make Someone’s Holiday Magic campaign also spans global experiences, from Disney theme parks and cruise ships to stores and streaming. Alongside timeless favourites such as Home Alone, audiences can look forward to A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, debuting on Disney+ on November 14.

www.thewaltdisneycompany.com

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