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Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018) movie poster

Timeline

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 89 min · English
Echo score 36
JustWatch #26,520 3
Directed by
Jennifer Westcott
Starring
Morena Baccarin, John Cleese, Martin Short, Samantha Bee, Josh Hutcherson, Christopher Jacot

When Santa’s reindeer unexpectedly retire, a determined young horse named Elliot and his best friend Hazel set off on a surprising quest to find replacements. Navigating the challenges of the North Pole tryouts, Hazel uncovers a threat that could jeopardize Christmas. Simultaneously, Elliot's friends back at the farm face danger, forcing him to choose between saving them and fulfilling his own ambition to save the holiday.

Animation Family Cast, crew & box office
On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (12)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018)

Where can you watch Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV and The CW: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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12 events in order · contains spoilers

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Introduction of the Whittick Petting Zoo

    Elliot, a pony living at the struggling Whittick petting zoo in North Dakota, is introduced. Despite the challenges surrounding the zoo, Elliot dreams of flying with Santa's reindeer, supported by his best friend, Hazel the goat.

    Where
    Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota

  2. Santa's Reindeer Competition Announced

    After the proud reindeer Blitzen leaves Santa's crew, Santa announces a competition to find a replacement. Walter Whittick, the zoo owner, sees this as an opportunity for his arrogant reindeer DJ to join Santa's team and possibly save the failing zoo.

    Where
    North Pole

  3. Ludzinka's Arrival

    A businesswoman named Ludzinka arrives at the zoo, expressing interest in purchasing the animals. Elliot and Hazel overhear her conversation, realizing that her ultimate goal is to turn them into dehydrated food products, which worries them.

    Where
    Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota

  4. Stowing Away for a Ride

    Determined to reach Santa, Elliot and Hazel stow away in Walter's hybrid sled car. Walter uses this vehicle to transport DJ and the horse Clyde to the North Pole, and Elliot hopes to get a chance to prove himself.

    Where
    Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota

  5. Elliot Signs Up for the Competition

    Once they arrive at the North Pole, Hazel uses disguises to sign Elliot up for the competition. This daring move is motivated by their shared dream of flying with Santa and saving the zoo from Ludzinka's grip.

    Where
    North Pole

  6. First Round of the Competition

    In the first round of the reindeer competition, Elliot manages to barely make the cut. His determination and spirit shine through as he competes against other hopefuls, showcasing his desire to fly and join Santa's crew.

    Where
    North Pole Competition Grounds

  7. The Totem Pole Challenge

    The second round requires the reindeer to recover a cap from atop a totem pole. Elliot faces intense competition and pressure as he attempts to navigate the challenge, demonstrating his growth and resilience.

    Where
    North Pole Competition Grounds

  8. Corkie's Investigation

    Meanwhile, a journalist named Corkie investigates the mysterious departures of reindeer from Santa's crew. His quest for the truth adds an element of urgency and tension as he uncovers unsettling information about the situation.

    Where
    North Pole

  9. Cover Blown

    When DJ sees Hazel at the competition, he inadvertently blows their cover. This surprise twist puts Elliot and Hazel’s plans at risk, creating new challenges as they navigate the competition.

    Where
    North Pole Competition Grounds

  10. Discovery of the Culprits

    Elliot and Hazel discover that Lemondrop and Jolene are behind the increased resignations of the reindeer. This revelation leads them to question the motives of other competitors and reinforces their determination to succeed.

    Where
    North Pole

  11. Return to the Zoo

    After the competition, Elliot and Hazel return to the zoo only to find the animals have taken matters into their own hands. They find Ludzinka tied up, showcasing the unity and bravery of the zoo animals in the face of danger.

    Where
    Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota

  12. Santa's Invitation

    In a moment of triumph, Santa invites Elliot to fly with his reindeer. This invitation not only fulfills Elliot's dream but also reinforces the bond of friendship and courage he shares with Hazel.

    Where
    North Pole

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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Timeline questions answered

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does a pony want to become a reindeer?

Elliot is a pony living at the Whittick petting zoo who dreams of flying with Santa's reindeer. Despite being a pony, he believes he can be a replacement reindeer when Santa announces a competition after Blitzen retires. His motivation comes from his grand aspirations and the opportunity the competition presents.

  • elliot pony
  • flying dreams
  • reindeer competition
  • santa
Q2

What does Ludzinka really want with the zoo animals?

Ludzinka is a greedy businesswoman who pretends to want to purchase the animals from the zoo. However, Elliot and Hazel discover her true intention: she plans to turn the animals into dehydrated food products. This villainous plot motivates Elliot and Hazel to escape and reach the North Pole.

  • ludzinka
  • villain
  • dehydrated food
  • zoo animals threat
Q3

How do Elliot and Hazel get to the North Pole?

Elliot and Hazel stow away in Walter Whittick's hybrid sled car, which is being used to transport DJ and another horse named Clyde to the North Pole for the reindeer competition. Once there, Hazel uses disguises to sign Elliot up for the competition.

  • north pole journey
  • stow away
  • hybrid sled car
  • hazel disguise
Q4

Why are reindeer leaving Santa's team?

Elliot and Hazel discover that Lemondrop and Jolene are orchestrating the departures of many reindeer who once stood by Santa's side. These culprits are behind the mysterious increase in reindeer resignations, though the full reason for their scheme is not detailed in the summary.

  • lemondrop
  • jolene
  • reindeer departures
  • santa team
Q5

How do the zoo animals stop Ludzinka?

When Elliot and Hazel return to the zoo after the competition, they discover that the other animals have taken matters into their own hands. The animals have courageously tied up Ludzinka, successfully thwarting her plan to turn them into food products.

  • zoo animals
  • ludzinka tied up
  • rescue
  • villain defeated
Q6

Why does Santa invite Elliot to fly with his reindeer?

Santa recognizes Elliot's bravery and determination throughout the competition and quest. Despite being a pony competing against actual reindeer, Elliot's courage in facing the challenges, his journey to the North Pole, and his willingness to help save Christmas earn him a place flying with Santa's team.

  • santa invitation
  • flying with reindeer
  • courage
  • dream come true
Q7

Why does DJ expose Elliot and Hazel at the competition?

When DJ sees Hazel at the reindeer competition, he inadvertently blows their cover by recognizing her. This creates a complication in their stealthy mission, as DJ's discovery threatens their plans to compete and prove Elliot worthy of joining Santa's team.

  • dj
  • cover blown
  • competition
  • hazel exposed
Q8

What is Corkie investigating at the North Pole?

Corkie is an inquisitive journalist who attempts to uncover the mystery behind the increasing number of reindeer deserting Santa's team. His investigation adds urgency to the story as he works to expose what's causing the reindeer departures.

  • corkie
  • journalist
  • investigation
  • reindeer mystery
Q9

Why does the Whittick zoo need to be saved?

The Whittick petting zoo in North Dakota is described as struggling and financially troubled. Walter Whittick, the owner, hopes that his arrogant reindeer DJ will win the competition to join Santa's team, which could potentially save the failing zoo from closure.

  • whittick zoo
  • financial trouble
  • struggling zoo
  • walter whittick

Movie threads

More Movies Like Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Plucky Animal Adventures like Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Small heroes on big quests, proving that courage and friendship conquer all. If you enjoyed the charming quest in Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer, explore more movies like it. This collection features uplifting animated films where small animal heroes go on big adventures, driven by friendship and courage. Discover more similar heartwarming family stories about underdogs saving the day.

  • heartwarming
  • adventurous
  • uplifting
  • courageous
  • playful
  • determined
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, adventurous
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a classic underdog arc. A small, often overlooked protagonist—usually an animal—discovers a problem only they can solve. They set off on a quest, facing challenges that test their courage and ingenuity, often with a loyal friend by their side. The narrative builds steadily towards a triumphant conclusion where their unique qualities save the day.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together for their shared focus on animal protagonists, lighthearted adventurous tone, and uplifting underdog narratives. They deliver a consistent experience of gentle excitement, heartfelt friendship, and a positive, satisfying ending perfect for family viewing.

The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales movie poster

The Big Bad Fox & Other Tales

2018
Pet Pals in Windland movie poster

Pet Pals in Windland

2014
Santa Buddies movie poster

Santa Buddies

2009
The Aristocats movie poster

The Aristocats

1970
Little Golden Book Land movie poster

Little Golden Book Land

1989
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer movie poster

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

2018
Stuart Little 2 movie poster

Stuart Little 2

2002
Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie movie poster

Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie

2005

Holiday Rescue Movies like Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Magical missions filled with holiday spirit, where the fate of a special day rests on unlikely heroes. Fans of Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer will love these similar movies about saving the holidays. Discover other charming Christmas films where unlikely heroes embark on a whimsical quest to ensure the season's magic continues. If you liked the holiday adventure in Elliot, this list is for you.

  • christmas
  • magical
  • heartwarming
  • festive
  • hopeful
  • whimsical
  • Tone: whimsical, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, quest-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves an external threat to a beloved holiday. An unlikely hero or group of heroes—often those who initially feel unprepared—steps up to confront this threat. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, mixing light peril with moments of holiday magic and humor, ultimately culminating in a successful rescue that reaffirms the true meaning of the season.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here based on their shared holiday setting, the central 'save the day' plot, and their overwhelmingly whimsical and light tone. They provide a specific, comforting viewing experience centered on festive magic, positive outcomes, and family-friendly adventure.

David and the Elves movie poster

David and the Elves

2021
Santa Claus: The Movie movie poster

Santa Claus: The Movie

1985
A Boy Called Christmas movie poster

A Boy Called Christmas

2021
Snow movie poster

Snow

2004
Noelle movie poster

Noelle

2019
The Christmas Chronicles movie poster

The Christmas Chronicles

2018
A Country Christmas movie poster

A Country Christmas

2013
A Snow White Christmas movie poster

A Snow White Christmas

2018

Every angle

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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