Movies - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever : A Heartwarming Holiday Tale Set for Theaters this November

By Mulder, 24 october 2024

Lionsgate's highly anticipated holiday film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, is set to light up screens across the country on November 8, 2024. Directed by Dallas Jenkins, known for his work on The Chosen, this family-friendly Christmas comedy-drama brings Barbara Robinson’s cherished 1972 novel to life, offering a story of humor, chaos, and ultimately, heartwarming holiday transformation. The film stars Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, and Molly Belle Wright, with narration by Lauren Graham, capturing the essence of Robinson’s story about a small town and its most unruly family—the Herdmans.

Set against the backdrop of a small town’s annual Christmas pageant, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever centers on the six Herdman siblings, who are notorious troublemakers with a reputation for causing havoc wherever they go. Known for being “the worst kids in the history of the world,” the Herdmans lie, bully, and steal, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. But when they unexpectedly take over the town’s Christmas pageant, they turn the holiday tradition upside down, sending shockwaves through a community that wants them nowhere near the production. Yet, as they stumble through their roles, these seemingly unredeemable kids reveal an unexpected capacity for kindness and compassion, ultimately guiding the townspeople to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

At the heart of the story is Grace Bradley, played by Judy Greer, who finds herself directing the Christmas pageant for the very first time. Alongside her supportive but sometimes exasperated husband Bob (Pete Holmes) and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright), Grace is determined to make the pageant a success. However, the Herdmans’ chaotic presence and unconventional approach challenge her every step of the way, making her question whether the play can succeed—or even survive. Yet, as Grace begins to see the Herdmans in a new light, she realizes that their participation may have a surprising impact on the town and the holiday spirit itself.

Filmed in scenic locations across Canada, including Argyle, Stonewall, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, principal photography on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever began on December 6, 2023, and wrapped on January 27, 2024. The film’s setting, direction, and casting were meticulously planned to capture the small-town charm and warm holiday nostalgia that define Robinson’s classic tale. Cinematographer C. Kim Miles used natural light and classic holiday colors to enhance the visual warmth of the film, while editors John Quinn and music composers Matthew S. Nelson and Dan Haseltine crafted an atmosphere that embraces the humor and emotion of the season.

Initially slated for a November 15 release, the movie’s debut was moved up a week to November 8 to avoid competing with another major holiday film, Red One. This strategic change allows The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to kick off the holiday season, providing families with a heartfelt, humorous movie that feels both timeless and refreshing. Lionsgate has also gone all out with promotional efforts, transforming theaters across the country with exclusive The Best Christmas Pageant Ever displays and merchandise. Moviegoers can look forward to collectible cups, custom popcorn buckets, and playful “naughty or nice” photo booths, which bring the Herdmans’ mischievous spirit to audiences nationwide.

With a runtime of 99 minutes, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever balances lighthearted comedy with meaningful themes, making it an ideal choice for family movie nights this holiday season. The film is produced by Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, and Daryl Lefever, who collaborated to stay true to the original story while adding fresh elements that resonate with today’s audiences. Writers Ryan Swanson, Platte Clark, and Darin McDaniel crafted a screenplay that captures the humor and resilience of the Herdmans while bringing a modern sensibility to the timeless story.

The film’s message of acceptance and community is one that resonates deeply in today’s world. As the Herdmans bring both chaos and unexpected insight to the pageant, the townspeople come to see that true Christmas spirit lies in embracing differences and finding kindness in the most unlikely of places. Grace, Bob, and Beth’s journey alongside the Herdmans reflects the power of openness and compassion, reminding viewers that even the most mischievous hearts can reveal a surprising goodness.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever promises to deliver a blend of laughter, nostalgia, and inspiration that appeals to audiences of all ages. As Dallas Jenkins brings his creative vision to this project, fans of his previous work on The Chosen will see a different side of his storytelling style, one that balances faith, humor, and universal themes. This holiday season, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever invites audiences to experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a group of misfit kids and a town that learns to embrace the unpredictable. As the release date approaches, families nationwide are ready to make this endearing comedy a cherished part of their holiday traditions.

itw Pete Holmes

itw Molly Belle Wright

itw Matthew Lamb

itw Mason Nelligan

itw Maria Livingstone Costume Designer

itw Kynlee Heiman

itw Kevin Downes (Producer)

itw Judy Greer

itw Jean Andre Carrier (Production Designer)

itw Ewan Matthys Wood

itw Essek Moore

itw Daryl Lefever (Producer)

itw Dallas Jenkins (Director)

itw Beatrice Schneider

Synopsis :
The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully…and now they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The best Christmas pageant ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Directed by Dallas Jenkins
Written by Ryan Swanson, Platte Clark, Darin McDaniel
Based on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Produced by Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, Daryl Lefever
Starring Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright
Narrated by Lauren Graham
Cinematography : C. Kim Miles
Edited by John Quinn
Music by Matthew S. Nelson, Dan Haseltine
Production companies : Kingdom Story Company, Lumenas Studios, Media Capital Technologies, Fletchet Entertainment
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date : November 8, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 99 minutes