From our Friends at D23
The magic of the holidays is in full swing, and that means that lots of merrier-than-usual content is available to watch, from around the worlds of Disney, all weekend long. What’s in store, you may ask? A certain middle-school favorite finds himself contending with a snowstorm just as Christmas is approaching, in a Disney+ original; the Doctor meets a sure-to-be-memorable nemesis, in the final special celebrating the British import’s incredible six-decade history; and so much more! Read on for a small sampling of the festive fun:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever—Friday, December 8, on Disney+
A hilarious and heartfelt holiday tale centered around everyone’s favorite disaster-prone middle schooler, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is the latest animated movie based on Jeff Kinney’s insanely successful book series. The winter holidays are turning out to be especially stressful this year for Greg Heffley (voiced by Wesley Kimmel). After accidentally damaging someone else’s property with his best friend Rowley (voiced by Spencer Howell), Greg worries he won’t get the gift he so desperately wants for Christmas. To make matters worse, a snowstorm hits the town—and the entire family is trapped indoors for days! With Christmas right around the corner, will Greg be able to be on his best behavior?
Hamster & Gretel—Saturday, December 9, at 10 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
In the bound-to-be-hilariously-thrilling two-part season 1 finale, entitled “Exclamation Strikes Back Parts I and II,” Professor Exclamation (voiced by Phil LaMarr) traps Hamster (voiced by Beck Bennett) and Gretel (voiced by Meli Povenmire) and takes away their powers.
Doctor Who: The Giggle—Saturday, December 9, on Disney+
If you’re not watching these incredible 60th anniversary Doctor Who specials—as created by returning showrunner Russell T. Davies—you’re seriously missing out. Spoiler alert if you haven’t yet watched last week’s special, “Wild Blue Yonder”: It was the very last appearance of fan-favorite Wilfred Mott, as portrayed by Bernard Cribbins, who passed away in 2022. “Wilf,” as he was affectionately known, was the grandfather of Donna (Catherine Tate), companion to the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant), whose familiar face has returned for reasons still mysterious. This week, in the third and final special, the Doctor and Donna meet a most terrifying villain: the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris in his Doctor Who debut). And there just might be a regeneration in the offing…
Mickey Saves Christmas—Sunday, December 10, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings)
It’s a holiday bonanza this Sunday on ABC! In Mickey Saves Christmas—an original stop-motion animated special that debuted last year across several Disney networks and steaming services—it’s Christmas Eve, and the lights on the roof of Mickey Mouse’s cabin have gone out just as Santa tried to land. Merry misfortune ensues, leaving St. Nick with no toys for the children of Hot Dog Hill! Luckily, Mickey and all his friends are able to hop aboard Santa’s sleigh for a quick trip to the North Pole… but can they save Christmas in time?
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure—Sunday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings)
Following Mickey Saves Christmas is the adorable 2017 Walt Disney Animation Studios featurette Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. It’s the first holiday season since Arendelle’s gates reopened—and Anna (voiced by Disney Legend Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voiced by Disney Legend Idina Menzel), with assistance from Kristoff (voice of Disney Legend Jonathan Groff), are excited to host a big celebration for the kingdom. But when the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their own holiday customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions to delight in together. And so, ever-helpful Olaf (Disney Legend Josh Gad) sets out to comb the countryside with Sven for all the very best traditions and save this inaugural Christmas for his very best friends. Stick around after the short to see how it all began, with 2013’s Oscar®-winning Frozen.
