(Updated 08/26/2024)
Lately, most new Christmas movies seem to skip theaters in favor of streaming. So we're thankful for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which adapts Barbara Robinson's children's book about six unruly kids who, against all odds, teach their town the true meaning of Christmas. That's right — this is a Christmas movie, an adaptation of a lovely book, and an underdog story, all rolled into one!
Here's the first trailer for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER and everything you need to know about the movie.
What's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Release Date?
Lionsgate will release THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER in theaters on November 8, 2024.
Watch the First Trailer for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
This boisterous, upbeat trailer suggests the feeling of Christmas movies like A CHRISTMAS STORY while also channeling the spirit of the original "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" book. It doesn't even feel radically modernized — in fact, the movie seems to be set in the 1970s, mirroring the feel of the original book, which was published in 1972.
The Story of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
For those unfamiliar with the original book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER tells the story of the Bradley family — a textbook nuclear American family with nice parents and two kids — and the six Herdman children, known as the roughest and often worst kids in town.
When Grace Bradley agrees to oversee the annual church Christmas Pageant, she gets more than she bargained for when the Herdman kids show up demanding to be part of the play. The Herdmans, whose father long since fled town and whose mother works constantly to keep bills paid, have never heard the story of Christmas, much less acted in a play, so they approach the project with characteristic chaos.
Who's in the Cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?
Judy Greer leads the cast of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, as Grace Bradley, with Pete Holmes appearing as Bob Bradley and Molly Belle Wright as their daughter, Beth Bradley and Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez as Charlie Bradley.
The Herdman kids are played by Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Ewan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, and Kynlee Heiman as Gladys.
The cast also features Nolan Grantham as Elmer Hopkins, Kirk B.R. Woller as Reverend Hopkins, Vanessa Benavente, Lorelei Olivia Mote as Alice Wendelken, and Danielle Hoetmer as Mrs. Wendelken. Finally, Lauren Graham narrates the story. The book is told from the perspective of Beth Bradley, so Graham likely plays Beth as an adult.
A Timely Message for Modern Audiences
The book's enduring popularity stems from its blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer. It tackles themes of prejudice, community, and the true meaning of Christmas in a way that resonates with both children and adults. The trailer suggests the movie achieves that same balance.
The themes of acceptance, redemption, and looking beyond superficial appearances are as relevant as ever, if not more so. People sometimes seem to be more quick to judge than ever, and the story's message of finding goodness in unexpected places resonates strongly.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER opens on November 8.
All images courtesy of Lionsgate.