Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kermit and friends deliver a cheery holiday tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
It's Christmas Eve, and Muppet friends Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson), Fozzie Bear (also Jacobson), and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) are finishing up their errands before heading off on a Caribbean vacation. When Gonzo's curiosity causes mayhem at the post office, he mistakenly leaves with some letters addressed to Santa, including one from his young neighbor, Claire (Madison Pettis). Determined to follow through on his promise to mail them for her, Gonzo persuades his friends to forego their vacation and instead set out for the North Pole to deliver the letters directly to Santa. Not surprisingly their journey is fraught with mishaps -- but with holiday magic to back them up, they discover the true spirit of Christmas.
Is It Any Good?
A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA is as fulfilling to the holiday spirit as Christmas dinner is to the holiday appetite. Few other stuffed stars can rival the Muppets' unique blend of comedy, adventure, and musical accomplishment, and this special weaves themes like loyalty, friendship, and good will into a delightful, tune-filled tale that the entire family can enjoy together.
While the story is clearly geared toward kids, adults in particular will get a kick out of seeing celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Sopranos heavies Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa -- who make mobsters seem as cuddly as the Muppets themselves -- try to keep pace with their cushiony costars. Whether you grew up with the Muppets or this is your (or your kids') first time meeting them, you'll be enchanted from start to finish by this heartwarming holiday tale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the Muppets have been so popular for so long. Do you enjoy the Muppets' adventures? Why or why not?
Why do you think these characters still appeal to viewers decades after their debut? What is it that makes them appealing to both adults and kids?
What other Muppet movies have you seen? How did this one compare to those? How have the Muppets changed over the years? Can you think of any other characters that have enjoyed similar popularity with fans?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 17, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : September 28, 2009
- Cast : Dave Goelz , Eric Jacobson , Steve Whitmire
- Director : Kirk Thatcher
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Holidays , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 60 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : NR
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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