You're probably looking for that specific cozy vibe that only a Richard Curtis script can deliver. It's a very particular itch. You want the snow, the slightly messy human emotions, and that British charm that feels like a warm blanket. If you're wondering where to watch That Christmas, the answer is actually pretty straightforward, but there’s a bit of nuance to how you can access it depending on where you are and what kind of setup you have at home.
The movie isn't just another generic holiday flick. It’s an adaptation of the children's book series by Curtis, and it marks the directorial debut of Simon Otto, who you might know from his incredible character design work on How to Train Your Dragon. Because of that pedigree, people are hunting for it across all the major platforms.
The Short Answer: Where to Watch That Christmas Right Now
Netflix. That’s the spot.
Honestly, since this is a Netflix Original production, you aren't going to find it sitting on Disney+, Hulu, or Max. Netflix put a lot of muscle into this one, securing the rights to Curtis’s stories to build out their animation slate. It premiered globally on their platform in late 2024. If you have an active subscription, you just type the title into the search bar and you're good to go. It’s available in 4K Ultra HD if your plan supports it, which I’d highly recommend because the animation style is actually quite stunning and tactile.
It’s not just a "kids' movie." It weaves together three different stories about lockdown, love, and a massive amount of snow. If you've seen Love Actually, you'll recognize the DNA immediately.
Why You Won't Find It on Physical Media (Yet)
A lot of people still love owning a Blu-ray. I get it. The bitrate is better, and you don't have to worry about your internet stuttering during the emotional climax. However, Netflix is notoriously stingy with physical releases.
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While some of their prestige films like Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio or The Irishman eventually got Criterion Collection releases, most of their animated holiday specials stay locked behind the digital gates. If you’re waiting for a DVD to pop up at Walmart, you’re probably going to be waiting a long time. For now, streaming is the only legitimate path.
Can You Rent or Buy It on VOD?
Usually, when a movie hits theaters, it moves to "Premium Video on Demand" (PVOD) services like Apple TV or Amazon's store a few weeks later. That is not the case here.
Because Netflix funded the production from the ground up, they want to keep you inside their ecosystem. You can't go to the PlayStation Store or Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu) and drop $19.99 to own it. This is a common point of frustration for folks who don't want another monthly bill. But, if you really want to see it, the cheapest "entry fee" is simply a one-month basic subscription to Netflix. Just remember to cancel it if you're only there for the festive cheer.
What Makes This Film Different From Other Holiday Animation?
Most holiday movies feel like they were generated by an algorithm. They have the same bright, plastic-looking 3D characters and the same predictable "save Christmas" plot. This feels... different. It’s gritty in a weird way. Not dark-gritty, but "real life" gritty.
The stories involve a group of kids trapped by a blizzard, a lonely Santa (voiced by Brian Cox, which is a brilliant casting choice), and parents making mistakes. It’s based on Curtis’s books: The Empty Stocking, Snow Day, and That Christmas.
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- The Voice Cast: You’ve got Brian Cox as Santa. That alone is worth the price of admission.
- The Music: John Powell did the score. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he's the genius behind the music in How to Train Your Dragon and The Bourne Identity.
- The Tone: It captures that specific British "making do" attitude.
Watching While Traveling: The VPN Question
If you are traveling abroad and find that your Netflix library has changed, you might wonder if you can still watch it. Netflix generally keeps its Originals available in every territory where the service operates. So, whether you are in London, New York, or Tokyo, where to watch That Christmas remains the same: the Netflix app.
Some people use VPNs to access different libraries, but for a global original like this, it’s rarely necessary. If you’re on a plane, your best bet is to use the "Download" feature on the Netflix mobile app before you leave your house. It saves your data and prevents that annoying buffering when the plane's Wi-Fi inevitably fails.
Common Technical Issues and Fixes
Sometimes you open the app and the movie just isn't there, or the quality looks like it was filmed through a wet sock.
First, check your maturity ratings. If you’re on a "Kids" profile with strict filters, it should show up, but occasionally glitches happens. If you’re seeing low resolution, it’s usually a bandwidth throttle. Netflix requires about 15-25 Mbps for a stable 4K stream. If your kids are in the other room playing Fortnite and your spouse is on a Zoom call, your Christmas movie night might suffer.
Try toggling your Wi-Fi off and on, or better yet, hardwire your TV with an ethernet cable. It’s old school, but it works.
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Is It Worth the Subscription?
If you’re only signing up for this one movie, you might want to look at what else is on the platform to get your money's worth. Netflix has been cornering the market on "thoughtful" animation lately. Klaus is another one that is essential viewing if you like this style.
That Christmas is about 90 minutes long. It’s a quick watch. It doesn't overstay its welcome. It's the kind of movie you put on while you're wrapping presents or nursing a hot chocolate. It’s charming, a bit chaotic, and genuinely moving in parts.
Actionable Steps for Your Movie Night
To get the best experience when you finally sit down to watch, follow these quick steps:
- Verify your subscription tier: If you want 4K and HDR, make sure you aren't on the "Standard with Ads" plan, as those features are often restricted to the Premium tier.
- Update the app: If you're watching on a Smart TV, ensure the Netflix app is updated. Older versions can sometimes struggle with the newer HDR formats used in 2024/2025 releases.
- Check the "Remind Me" list: If you’re planning to watch it later in the week, hit the "Plus" icon to add it to "My List." Netflix's algorithm can be aggressive, and sometimes the thing you want to watch gets buried under "Trending Now" trailers.
- Download for offline viewing: If you're heading to a cabin or somewhere with spotty internet, download the film onto a tablet or phone today. You can then use an HDMI adapter to plug it into a TV at your destination.
- Look for the Easter Eggs: Since Simon Otto directed it, keep an eye out for small nods to his DreamWorks days. The animation community loves hiding those details in the background of crowd scenes.
Knowing where to watch That Christmas is just the start; actually making the time to sit down without distractions is the real challenge. Turn off your phone, dim the lights, and let Brian Cox's Santa tell you a story. It’s a solid addition to the holiday canon that avoids the usual saccharine traps of the genre.