Santa’s Holiday brings the Christmas magic straight from Lapland to our television screens this year. Santa’s Holiday is a brand new half hour animated film from Irish production company Ink &Light and premieres on RTÉ this Christmas.
When Santa finishes delivering presents all around the world, it’s time for the Elves in Santa’s Village to celebrate! There’s music, games, and lots of treats waiting for everyone. All the elves are ready to have fun, everyone except Arthur. He just doesn’t want to stop working.
Determined to help, cheerful little Maeve and her clever dog, Rocket, have a plan. They’re going to help Arthur put down his tools and join the party. But as Maeve tries to get him to relax, will she remember to enjoy the magic of Christmas herself?
Santa’s Holiday is based on the renowned Santa Claus children’s book series by Finnish author Mauri Kunnas, Kunnas is Finland’s most famous living children’s book author. His books have sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
The film was supported by Screen Ireland, support that was key to bringing the film to be produced in Ireland.
The film was supported by Screen Ireland, support that was key to bringing the film to be produced in Ireland. Kate McColgan – Head of Television at Screen Ireland said “Congratulations to producer Tamsin Lyons and all involved at Ink and Light for the making of the very charming Santa’s Holiday. Screen Ireland is delighted to support such a lovely seasonal film that will enchant not just for our younger audiences but the whole family.”
The film is a co-production with Anima Vitae from Finland, best known for their Niko the Reindeer feature films which are some of the most successful European independent animated films of all time. “As the Christmas season begins, we’re reminded that there are many ways to enjoy the holidays,” says director Leevi Lemmetty, “Not everyone will find the same things relaxing and that’s ok – even for elves! So we wanted to make a film that spoke about that, with plenty of laughs, excitement and snowy Christmas cheer thrown in for good measure.”
Santa’s Holiday is commissioned by RTÉ and YLE, with support from Screen Ireland, Finnish Film Foundation and Nordvision. The series is distributed internationally by Moon-keys who have already made several deals to release the film abroad.
Santa’s Holiday will premiere on RTÉ ONE on 24 th December 2025 at 17.15, with further screenings on 25 th December at 13:50 on RTÉ TWO and 15:05 and 18:35 on RTÉjr.
