How a 2020 holiday sequel reimagined the origins of Saint Nicholas of Myra

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Christmas Chronicles 2 expands the lore of Santa Claus, tracing his roots back to fourth-century Turkey. Beyond the festive cheer, the film introduces a complex backstory involving magical artifacts, a cursed elf, and time-traveling escapades that challenge the traditional boundaries of the North Pole mythos in a modern setting.

Directed by Chris Columbus, the 2020 film serves as a sequel to the 2018 original, featuring Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as the Clauses. The narrative shifts from a standard holiday tale to an origin story, revealing that Santa was born as Nicholas in Turkey before 312 AD. Serving as the Bishop of Myra, he gained local renown for his generosity toward the poor. This version of the legend posits that he eventually discovered the Star of Bethlehem, a holy artifact that grants the North Pole its power and ability to stop time.

The plot centers on a conflict with Belsnickel, an elf whom the Clauses once adopted. After feeling neglected as he matured, Belsnickel turned unruly, leading the Clauses to curse him into human form. His subsequent rebellion involves sabotaging the village, stealing the Christmas Star, and utilizing a time-travel device that forces Santa and the protagonist, Kate Pierce, to navigate a journey back to 1990. This temporal detour allows for a poignant encounter between Kate and her late father, Doug, before the duo returns to the present to restore the village.

The production marked a notable shift in distribution strategy for Netflix. While primarily a streaming release, the film saw a limited theatrical run in approximately 32 Cinemark locations, representing the first instance where the platform permitted a title to screen within a major commercial cinema chain. Following its November 25, 2020 debut, the film achieved significant reach, with Netflix reporting that 61 million households viewed it within the first month. Critical reception remained mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes noting a 66% approval rating, acknowledging the film's charm while suggesting it lacked some of the original's enchantment.

Ultimately, the film blends historical myth-making with high-stakes fantasy. By grounding Santa’s power in a specific artifact and exploring the consequences of the Clauses' past decisions regarding Belsnickel, the story attempts to provide a deeper emotional framework for the character. The resolution, involving reconciliation and the restoration of the Star, reinforces the film's focus on family dynamics and the enduring spirit of the season.

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