Get ready to snuggle up for the holidays with Disney+’s latest animated short,An Almost Christmas Story.We’re approaching the warm and cozy time of year, and it’s the perfect moment to light a fire, get some cocoa, and get ready for the festive season.An Almost Christmas Storylooks set to be another charming additionto the limitless holiday specials that we start seeking out in November and December, and Collider has an exclusive first look atJohn C. Reillylending his voice—and singing talents—to the heartwarming holiday tale.
Inspired by the true story of Rocky the owl, who was rescued after being found in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020,An Almost Christmas Storyfollows a young owl named Moon (voiced byCary Christopher), who gets swept up in holiday excitement after accidentally ending up in a Christmas tree bound for New York City.Once Moon arrives in the Big Apple, he gets caught up in an unexpected adventure while he seeks his way home, bumping into Luna (Estella Madrigal), a young girl also just trying to find her way home for Christmas. Together, Moon and Luna encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a charming folksy character voiced byJohn C. Reilly, appropriately called The Folk Singer.
In our exclusive sneak peek, Reilly is heard performing “In the Bleak Midwinter,” with his distinct voice adding an inviting, nostalgic feelthat’s perfect for the season. In the film, Reilly two original tracks “It’s Christmas Today” and “The Spirit of Christmas,” which areavailable for you to stream today. Reilly’s character is no stranger to lending a helping hand and reminds both Moon and Luna of the magic that exists in unexpected places. Alongside Christopher, Madrigal, and Reilly, the cast also includesJim Gaffiganas Papa Owl,Mamoudou Athieas Pelly,Alex Ross Perryas Dave the Dog,Gianna Josephas Peaky,Phil Rosenthalas Punt andNatasha Lyonneas Pat.
Who Are The Creative Team Behind ‘An Almost Christmas Story’?
The short film is directed byDavid Lowery, one of Disney’s most trusted collaborators these days thanks to his work on movies likePete’s DragonandPeter Pan & Wendy, and produced by the five-time Academy Award winnerAlfonso Cuarón,and debuts on Disney+ on June 11, 2025, rounding out Cuarón’s acclaimed holiday trilogy for the streaming service, having previously released the Oscar-nominatedLe Pupilleand the critically acclaimedThe Shepherd.
An Almost Christmas Storypremiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival on June 03, 2025, where it was warmly received. Disney+ viewers can start streaming the short on November 15, just in time to kick off the holiday season. Check out our exclusive sneak peek above, and stay tuned to Collider for further updates.
An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a curious young owl, who accidentally ends up in a Christmas tree bound for Rockefeller Plaza. The film chronicles his enchanting journey home, highlighting themes of magic and unexpected friendships amidst his adventurous quest.
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