Hawn and Russell make sure all is merry and bright.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a sequel that delivers more of what the original offered: a good old-fashioned Christmas adventure with an extra sprinkle of magic, sentimentality, and Kurt Russell’s irrepressible charm.
This time around, Kate (Darby Camp) finds herself unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) when an old foe of Christmas, Belsnickel (Julian Dennison), threatens to derail the holiday season altogether. With the North Pole in jeopardy, Kate, Santa, and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn) must band together to save Christmas from Belsnickel’s mischievous schemes.
Russell remains the heart and soul of the movie, proving once again that he’s the kind of Santa Claus you can’t help but believe in. Joined by Goldie Hawn’s Mrs. Claus, Russell brings a warmth that only grows with Hawn by his side. Their real-life chemistry lights up the screen, bringing an authentic joy that carries through even in the face of Belsnickel’s chaos. Hawn’s Mrs. Claus is nurturing but with a resilient streak that perfectly balances Santa’s adventurous side. Together, they radiate the charm of a couple who have weathered countless escapades, making their bond feel as enchanting as the Christmas magic surrounding them.
The story builds on the template laid down by the first film. There’s still plenty of hijinks, sleigh-flying shenanigans, and festive peril, but now with the added twist of magical creatures, time travel, and a new villain in Belsnickel. Dennison’s Belsnickel is impish and bratty, with motivations rooted in classic holiday movie tropes: a former protégé of Santa turned resentful and jealous. While his actions are mischievous, it’s clear from the outset that his deeper struggle is about belonging and acceptance, which makes his eventual redemption somewhat inevitable. Despite this, Dennison brings enough energy to keep Belsnickel entertaining, even if the beats of his story feel familiar. Still, it’s hard to resist the charm of the North Pole setting, the twinkling magic, and the sense of nostalgia that the film aims to evoke.
The CGI elves are back, just as cutesy and slightly hokey as before, but it’s all part of the movie’s unabashed charm. The Christmas Chronicles 2 leans into the festive silliness even more than its predecessor, and while it may not quite capture the novelty of the original, it still has enough heart and joy to keep you invested.
The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a fun, whimsical continuation of the original. It doesn’t change the world set up by The Christmas Chronicles much at all, but with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn leading the way, it doesn’t need to. It’s a spirited, feel-good ride that’s a perfect way to kick off the holidays.
