Parents' Guide to

The Magic Snowflake

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Charming, creative holiday fun for the whole family.

Movie NR 2013 82 minutes
The Magic Snowflake Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 6+

Based on 3 parent reviews

mlinds
mlinds Parent of 5 and 10-year-old
December 16, 2022
age 7+

Bizarre plot in this boring, disappointing movie

We watched this specifically because Common Sense Media recommended it (and they’re usually spot on) but this movie was just bad. Bizarre plot, not particularly charming in any way… my six year old said it was “sad, scary, and weird.” She asked to go read stories halfway through. My ten year old (who would literally watch any Christmas movie) said “meh” after.
Cawenner1
Cawenner1 Adult
December 25, 2019
age 6+

The best for kids

This movie has an excellent message and was entertaining for my 10 year-old child as well as us, his parents. There wasn't physical violence and only a few scenes that a child under 6 may be scared by.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As the former Mr. and Mrs. Claus leave the North Pole to retire in Sydney, Australia, young Nicholas (Nathan Simony) is faced with his first Christmas as the new Santa in THE MAGIC SNOWFLAKE. In the midst of so many responsibilities -- getting up at 5:30 each morning to supervise the unruly elves, design new toys, and meet deadlines -- Nicholas begins to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and, well, like a grown-up. He begins to lose his temper and even starts growing white hairs on his face. As Nicholas' frustration mounts and he can't stop adulthood from possessing him, the Magic Snowflake that remains frozen due to Santa's unwavering belief in the Christmas spirit begins to melt. Nicholas undergoes a journey to his past and future to try to figure out why he is losing his Christmas spirit and what might happen to him and to Christmas if he loses his Christmas spirit for good. Meanwhile, all the former Santas return to the North Pole to try to save Christmas; they include a pompous former Santa who now seems to believe that he can rescue Christmas if he replaces Nicholas and simply delivers gift-wrapped bricks as toys to all the good boys and girls. It's up to Nicholas to get back in touch with his Christmas spirit, prevent the magic snowflake from melting, and reclaim his rightful role as the new Santa.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This movie is a charming and creative Christmas story that can be enjoyed just as much by parents as kids. Its message of maintaining a childlike wonder during the holidays should resonate with anyone who sometimes feels overwhelmed in the days and weeks leading up to December 25. It's silly without being juvenile, sweet without being sappy, and never loses sight of the overall story and its message.

While it isn't quite up to the level of previous and contemporary classic Christmas movies and television specials, The Magic Snowflake is enjoyable fare, especially for those looking for something different. It's a sequel, but it does stand on its own, even if families haven't seen the first movie in the series, Santa's Apprentice. The creativity and freshness reward repeated viewing -- something that is definitely a hallmark of the best Christmas movies.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about holiday movies like The Magic Snowflake. What are some common character strengths and themes that often come up in these movies?

  • How is this movie different from other holiday movies? How is it similar?

  • How does the movie present its overall message on the spirit of Christmas?

Movie Details

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