A Charlie Brown Holiday (2025) arrives like a warm cup of cocoa on a snowy night — comforting, nostalgic, and quietly profound. This new chapter brings the Peanuts gang into a modern lens without ever losing the gentle charm and soulful simplicity that made Charles Schulz’s world beloved for generations.
The film opens with Charlie Brown, voiced with soft vulnerability by Noah Schnapp, facing a familiar sense of emotional heaviness as Christmas approaches. Despite his best intentions, he’s burdened by the pressure to make this year’s celebration perfect, hoping to create something meaningful for his friends. Schnapp captures Charlie Brown’s earnestness beautifully, allowing audiences to feel the weight of his worries from the very first scene.
As preparations begin, Lucy — played with commanding wit and comedic flair by Millie Bobby Brown — immediately takes control of decorating. Her bold ideas, assertive attitude, and over-the-top ambition create delightful clashes with Charlie Brown’s quieter, humbler vision for the holiday. It’s a dynamic that feels lovingly true to the original Peanuts spirit.
Meanwhile, Schroeder, voiced by Finn Wolfhard, becomes immersed in crafting the perfect piano piece for the holiday celebration. His passion borders on obsession, creating moments of humor and unexpected emotional depth as he grapples with artistic expectations — a modern twist that resonates even beyond the Peanuts universe.
And at the center of the chaos is, of course, Snoopy. Steve Carell brings a brilliant blend of mischief and warmth to the iconic pup, infusing Snoopy’s every bark, sigh, and festive antic with charm. Whether he’s stringing lights around his doghouse or daydreaming about grand Christmas adventures, Snoopy’s presence remains a source of both comedic relief and loyalty.
Yet the more Charlie Brown tries to bring his friends together, the more isolated he begins to feel. The movie explores this loneliness with honesty, showing how even surrounded by others, one can feel adrift — a theme that quietly echoes the wisdom of past Peanuts tales. His world feels louder, busier, and more overwhelming than usual, and Schnapp’s voice work brings an almost fragile sincerity to these moments.
Enter Linus, whose voice actor (left for reveal) delivers one of the film’s most touching performances. With his gentle philosophy and unwavering support, Linus helps guide Charlie Brown back to the center of what truly matters during the holidays. His messages are simple yet universal — kindness, presence, love — and in classic Peanuts fashion, they land with the emotional clarity of a quiet whisper.
The film’s turning point arrives not through grand spectacle but through small, intimate moments: friends quietly helping one another, Snoopy curling beside Charlie Brown when he needs comfort, Lucy softening in rare flashes of sincerity, and the gang slowly coming together not because of perfect plans, but because they care.
As the final celebration unfolds, it’s imperfect, a little messy, and delightfully human. The decorations are mismatched, the music slightly off-tempo, and Snoopy insists on stealing the spotlight — but it’s filled with laughter, warmth, and connection. And in that simplicity, Charlie Brown finally rediscovers the magic he thought he’d lost.
Visually, the film blends modern animation with classic Peanuts aesthetics: soft lines, gentle colors, and a cozy, storybook atmosphere. The pacing mirrors the soul of the original specials — calm, reflective, and quietly powerful — creating a space where emotions can breathe.
In its final moments, A Charlie Brown Holiday delivers the kind of emotional resonance only the Peanuts gang can: a reminder that Christmas is not about flawless celebrations, elaborate gifts, or perfect expectations. It’s found in imperfect friendships, shared moments, and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.
Warm, nostalgic, and filled with tender wisdom, this film stands as a beautiful addition to the Peanuts legacy — one that will touch longtime fans and new audiences alike.
