Disney’s festive doodle comes to life

Disney is leaning into emotional storytelling this season with a short: Best Christmas Ever, directed by Oscar-winning director Taika Waititi.

Out now on Disney+ and online, follows a young girl whose Christmas doodle magically comes to life – scored with a familiar Toy Story tune and voiced by John Goodman.

The story blends whimsy with warmth, anchoring Disney’s broader “Make Someone’s Holiday Magic” campaign.

As Waititi puts it, “It’s a kid and her new best friend, navigating the world together through friendship and imagination.”

Longer form films are on-trend this year – yesterday Waitrose dropped a four minute romcom starring Keira Knightley.

Adam&eveDDB created the spot.

Ant Nelson & Mike Sutherland, Chief Creative Officers said: “The Holiday Short celebrates the magic of imagination and unexpected friendships. From the film to interactive doodle experiences, the campaign builds on Disney’s unique connection with families during the holiday season and beyond.”

Crafted with input from Disney animation legend Eric Goldberg and produced in partnership with Untold Studios, the short stays true to Disney’s classic holiday tone while adding a playful twist.

The campaign extends beyond screens. On November 12, Disney will activate an interactive billboard in Times Square, inviting fans to submit their own doodles and watch them animate live – bringing the short’s theme of imagination to life in real time.

With this release, Disney continues its strategy of pairing premium storytelling with participatory brand moments, building on the success of last year’s The Boy & The Octopus, also helmed by Waititi.

Check out our round up of The best Christmas of 2025 featuring Aldi, Amazon, Argos, Barbour, Asda, B&M, Boots, Burberry, Co-op, Currys, Debenhams, Iceland, John Lewis, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Matalan, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Sports Direct and Tesco.

Advertising Christmas