Miracle on 34th Street

After spotting the drunk department-store Santa during Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Kris Kringle volunteers to take his place for the children. Karen Walker fires the inebriated Santa, and Kris steps in with warmth and sincerity. This spontaneous replacement marks the start of a magical holiday season at Macy's.

Kris captivates shoppers with his genuine portrayal and is hired as the store's main Santa for the holidays. His authenticity attracts families and boosts morale around the season. The store leans into his image as a central part of its holiday appeal.

Susan, Karen's skeptical six-year-old daughter, meets their new neighbor Bill Schafner, a lawyer. She immediately schemes to set him up with her mother. The budding romance will influence the adults as Kris's story unfolds.

Kris directs customers to other stores if their needs aren't found at Macy's, turning goodwill into a marketing move. The public embraces the act, and sales skyrocket as the community responds to the Santa's generosity. Mr. Macy supports the campaign, pushing the idea forward.

Karen and the store's executive Shellhammer learn that Kris genuinely believes he is Santa. They fear the implications for the store's image and try to shield their boss from the truth. Tension grows as Kris continues to act as if he truly is the real Santa.

Kris finds a kindred spirit in Alfred, the janitor who enjoys dressing as Santa at the YMCA each year. He also aims to restore Susan's imagination and belief in magic. Susan is convinced of Kris's authenticity by his beard and his Spanish-speaking to a young girl.

Kris becomes Bill's roommate, bringing warmth into Karen's overworked life. Susan learns the value of imagination as Kris grows closer to the family. She asks Kris to help secure a new house for Christmas and later to assist in making Bill her father.

Kris confides in Bill that he intends for Bill to help prove he is Santa by getting him off. Bill agrees, understanding Kris wants the world to see the real Santa. This sets the stage for the impending commitment hearing.

Dr. Sawyer antagonizes Kris, leading to a confrontation where Kris pies him in the lunchroom. Karen agrees to re-evaluate Kris, but Kris deliberately fails every Bellevue test to push the hospital toward commitment. The strain drives Kris toward a dramatic legal showdown.

Kris reveals his plan to Bill, and a commitment hearing is set in motion. The courtroom becomes the battleground over Kris's authenticity, with friends and foes alike weighing the truth of Santa Claus. Bill and Karen brace for a verdict that could redefine Christmas for a child.

Mr. Macy takes the stand and surprisingly declares belief in Kris, firing Dr. Sawyer in the process. The district attorney presses Bill to prove Kris is the real Santa, intensifying the moral test before the court. The courtroom buzzes with the future of Kris's identity.

Bill leverages the authority of the Postal Service to have all of Santa's mail delivered to the court. The flood of letters overwhelms the proceedings, and Judge Harper dismisses the case in Kris's favor, slipping a letter of his own into the pile. The postal magic finally seals Kris's truth.

At a memorial home celebration, Susan temporarily doubts Kris when she doesn't receive the house. On the way back to New York, Karen and Bill drive by the very house and Susan discovers it with the swing she asked for. Kris's influence becomes clear as the family realizes his arrangements and their love grows.

Karen and Bill find Kris's distinctive cane and realize he orchestrated the plan. The revelation cements their belief in Kris and their love for each other as the city celebrates Christmas magic come true.