One Magic Christmas (1985)
A touching Disney holiday film where a mother rediscovers the spirit of Christmas through her daughter's faith and a quiet guardian angel.
One Magic Christmas - Movie Information
- Original Title: One Magic Christmas
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Phillip Borsos
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 22, 1985 (United States - G)
- Alternative Titles: O Natal Mágico (BR), Den Magiske Julaften (NO)
- Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners II, Téléfilm Canada
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America
One Magic Christmas - Plot
Ginny Grainger, a young mother, rediscovers the joy and beauty of Christmas, thanks to the unshakable faith of her six-year-old daughter Abbie and Gideon, Ginny's very own guardian angel.
One Magic Christmas - Trailer
Check out this clip from the film to get a feel for the story:
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One Magic Christmas - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Phillip Borsos
Main Cast
- Mary Steenburgen
- Gary Basaraba
- Elisabeth Harnois
- Arthur Hill
- Wayne Robson
- Jan Rubeš
- Elias Koteas
- Robbie Magwood
- Michelle Meyrink
- Harry Dean Stanton
Writers
- Thomas Meehan
- Phillip Borsos
- Barry Healey
Producers
- Peter O'Brian
One Magic Christmas - FAQs
What is One Magic Christmas about?
One Magic Christmas follows Ginny Grainger, a stressed young mother who has lost her Christmas spirit. Through the unwavering faith of her six-year-old daughter Abbie and the quiet guidance of Gideon, her guardian angel, Ginny is led on a journey that restores her belief in the magic and meaning of the holiday season.
Who plays the guardian angel Gideon?
Harry Dean Stanton plays Gideon, Ginny's enigmatic guardian angel. It's a wonderfully understated performance — Stanton brings a quiet, otherworldly calm to the role that makes Gideon feel genuinely mysterious rather than saccharine, giving the film a distinctive emotional depth.
Where can you stream One Magic Christmas?
You can stream One Magic Christmas on Disney+. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — so there are plenty of ways to catch this holiday classic.
Is One Magic Christmas suitable for young children?
One Magic Christmas is rated G, making it officially suitable for all ages. That said, the film deals with some genuinely heavy themes — financial hardship, loss, and a mother's emotional breakdown — so parents of very young children may want to watch alongside them.
Is One Magic Christmas worth watching today?
Absolutely — especially if you appreciate Christmas films that go beyond the usual cheer. One Magic Christmas is darker and more emotionally honest than most Disney holiday fare, and Mary Steenburgen's performance anchors it beautifully. It's a hidden gem that rewards viewers looking for something a little more meaningful.
Who directed One Magic Christmas?
Phillip Borsos directed One Magic Christmas. The Canadian filmmaker was known for his visually lyrical style, and he brings a wintry, almost fairy-tale atmosphere to the film that sets it apart from typical holiday productions of the era.
Did One Magic Christmas perform well at the box office?
One Magic Christmas earned around $13.7 million at the box office. While not a blockbuster, it found a loyal audience and has grown in reputation over the decades, particularly among fans who appreciate its more introspective take on the Christmas movie formula.
Is Sarah Polley in One Magic Christmas?
Yes — a young Sarah Polley appears in One Magic Christmas as Molly Monaghan. It's one of the acclaimed Canadian director's earliest screen appearances, long before she became celebrated for films like Away from Her and Women Talking. A fun piece of film history for her fans.
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