Year: 2003
Runtime: 89 mins
Language: English
Director: Kevin Lima
Eloise, a spirited six‑year‑old who lives in New York’s Plaza Hotel, discovers that the owner’s daughter is about to marry a fiancé who plans to swindle the kind Rachel. When she realizes her own crush is Bill, the friendly kitchen worker, Eloise sets out to create a Christmas miracle and reunite the star‑crossed couple before the holidays arrive.
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The Plaza Hotel hums with festive energy as Christmas approaches, and at its heart stands Eloise Sofia Vassilieva, a bright, curious girl on a mission to uncover presents in the package room from her mother, who is traveling in Paris.
When no packages materialize, Eloise creates a deliberate little mess in her room and streaks into the lobby, weaving through a crowded check-in line and interrupting a conversation about upgrades between hotel manager Mr. Salomone Jeffrey Tambor and two patrons. She asks if there have been any parcels from Paris, and Mr. Salomone explains there haven’t been any, offering a brisk reminder that he is very busy. Undeterred, Eloise pushes further, volunteering help that isn’t really needed, and Mr. Salomone kindly but firmly nudges her aside as he navigates a hectic moment.
She pulls back, only to lock eyes on a suspicious patron lingering nearby. Believing this person might be a spy, Eloise’s instincts prompt her to keep watch, while Mr. Salomone quickly shifts the conversation to the imminent arrival of the hotel’s Christmas tree delivery, asking Eloise to report when it arrives. With a quick, decisive nod, she exits the scene, whispering to the “spy” that she will be on the lookout.
Beneath Eloise’s bustling mischief lies a more intimate drama: the upcoming marriage between Rachel Peabody Sara Topham, the hotel owner’s daughter, and a bachelor named Brooks Oliver Rick Roberts. The family hopes the union will stabilize the estate, yet the narrative begins to reveal threats to that plan. Eloise uncovers that Brooks is involved in something suspicious, while Rachel remembers a yearned-for romance with Bill Gavin Creel, a room service waiter and a close friend, from four years earlier. When Rachel’s father, Mr. Peabody, learns of his daughter’s attachment to Bill, he sends her away to university in an attempt to sever the relationship.
Eloise steps in to mend what is at stake. Through her interventions, Bill and Rachel’s bond is rekindled, and the family’s concerns begin to ease. Brooks’s alleged crime comes to light, and he is arrested for forgery, removing a key obstacle to Rachel’s happiness. In parallel, Mrs. Thornton the Poodle Lady Corinne Conley finds relief from eviction, earning a permanent stay at the Plaza, a resolution that reflects the hotel’s broader spirit of care and community. As the holiday spirit swells, Eloise’s mother Donna Feore arrives, and the film closes on a warm moment of celebration and reunion, with the Plaza once again at the center of a family’s joyful holiday.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:51
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Movies where a spirited child's perspective creates festive magic.Looking for more movies like Eloise at Christmastime? This thread features family-friendly films where a child's unique viewpoint brings Christmas magic to life. If you enjoyed Eloise's playful spirit and festive hotel setting, you'll find similar charming and heartwarming stories here.
This narrative pattern follows a clever and optimistic child protagonist who identifies a problem within their community, often a romantic or familial one. They then use their unique access and innocent charm to orchestrate events, leading to a joyful resolution that strengthens community bonds just in time for a holiday celebration.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a child's heartwarming perspective, a festive and often luxurious setting, and a plot driven by playful matchmaking or problem-solving. They share a light, gentle tone where the central conflict never feels truly dangerous, ensuring a comforting and hopeful viewing experience.
Feel-good seasonal stories set in the warmth of a grand hotel.Discover more films similar to Eloise at Christmastime that feature a grand hotel during the holidays. These movies often involve light romantic plots, class dynamics, and a strong sense of community, perfect for viewers who loved the festive Plaza Hotel setting and its heartwarming story.
Stories in this thread typically unfold within the elegant confines of a hotel during the Christmas season. A central, often class-crossing romantic plot is complicated by a misunderstanding or a scheming outsider. The unique environment of the hotel—its staff, guests, and festive decorations—plays a key role in facilitating the truth to emerge and love to triumph.
These films are connected by their specific setting—a hotel brimming with holiday spirit—which creates a distinct cozy and luxurious atmosphere. They blend light romance with themes of community, often featuring a mix of staff and guest perspectives, and always culminate in a joyful, festive resolution that celebrates belonging.
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Track the full timeline of Eloise at Christmastime with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Eloise at Christmastime. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Eloise at Christmastime that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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Discover movies like Eloise at Christmastime that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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