The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024): A New Holiday Classic

Christmas is for everyone.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a 2024 film based on the 1979 book by Barbara Robinson. A town is preparing for its 75th annual Christmas pageant. The Herdmans, a family of six troublemaking children join the show much to everyone’s dismay. However, one voice is willing to give them a try and teach them about the holiday.

Once this movie ended tears streamed down my face. I was in a musical adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and when I saw a new movie coming out, I put it on my list. I love this movie. This film does an amazing job of delivering the story’s hopeful message about tolerance, hope, and the true meaning of Christmas.

This is my favorite Judy Greer role. I haven’t always been a fan of her work because I feel she has been miscast in some roles. Greer plays Grace, a determined and hardworking mom who is not appreciated enough for her outlook. With a lot mounting on her shoulders, Grace sees a difference in others.

Unlike the conservative views of the town, Grace walks her own way. Greer did an excellent job with this character’s leadership and confidence. This is someone we need more of, to stick up for anyone who feels unseen.

The kid actors are incredible. The kid ensemble has the most important job in Christmas Pageant. Beatrice Schneider is the highlight child performance as Imogen Herdman. Imogen is one of my favorite characters from the play because she has a lot of hidden layers.

More child credits include Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Mason D. Nelligan, Kynlee Heiman, Nolan Grantham, and Lorelei Olivia Mote. More credits include Pete Holmes, Kirk B.R. Woller, and Mariam Berstein as adults in the town. Fans of the hit show Gilmore Girls will be happy to see Lauren Graham in a significant role.

Directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been a dream come true for Dallis Jenkins. Jenkins set this film in the eyes of a child, making the message pivotal. His main goal was to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and remind people of Christ’s birth. He discovered aspects he never noticed before, making him appreciate the story more.

The film has its share of laughs, though the comedy is mixed. The editors do a good job of creating funny moments. Some examples include Grace alone in one shot only for the next shot to show all the kids she’s up against.

Not only is it funny, Christmas Pageant is a heartwarming story. The scene that struck me the most was Beth reassuring her mother. This story is told through the perspective of Beth (Molly Belle Wright), an intriguing lens choice. Kids learn and grow.

The pageant scene is the film’s signature moment. The play doesn’t go off to everyone’s expectations, however, the performance leads the community to a new understanding of this story. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a story about faith, defining Christmas for any eager child.

Reviewers have commented that the story is too on the nose with its message, but that’s the point. Growing up, kids are seeing the world’s true colors. While we are guided by our parents, it’s very important how children choose to treat a situation. Put away your opinions and accept everyone. Nobody ever knows what any family is enduring.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has a hopeful message like no other kids' film. Take the kids to see this movie. I hope it becomes a holiday classic in the future.