Nativity!

Paul Maddens is a jaded teacher at St. Bernadette's who once dreamed of success in musical theatre but never made it. He harbors resentment toward Christmas due to a painful breakup with his drama school girlfriend. This sets the tone for his cautious, cynical view of the school's annual nativity project.

St. Bernadette's is pitted against Oakmoor, the local private school, in a yearly nativity showdown. The headteacher Patricia Bevan tasks Maddens with running the production, introducing new energy for the upcoming show. Tension rises as expectations for a better performance are established.

Mr. Poppy — Bevan's nephew — is introduced as the classroom assistant, bringing a childish, optimistic energy to the project. His enthusiasm contrasts with Maddens' cynicism and quickly earns him a role in shaping the nativity. The dynamic foreshadows the unconventional approach to the show.

While shopping for a Christmas tree, Maddens runs into Gordon Shakespeare, Oakmoor's nativity rival. He fabricates a story claiming a Hollywood producer Jennifer will turn his production into a film, hoping to gain prestige. Desperate not to be seen as a failure, he embellishes the tale and hides the lie from those around him.

Mr. Poppy overhears the Hollywood story and eagerly spreads it to the press, turning Maddens' fabrication into a sensational tale. Media attention swells, and the students grow excited by the prospect of fame. Maddens finds himself caught in a rapidly expanding web of deceit.

With mounting pressure and few talents to showcase, the enthusiastic Mr. Poppy helps the class create a lively, memorable nativity. He champions each child's unique talents, lifting the students' spirits. Maddens watches as the kids begin to believe in themselves again.

Desperate to realize the Hollywood dream, Maddens tries to contact the supposed producer Jennifer and even flies to America to persuade her to visit. When he discovers she is merely the secretary to a film producer, the trip ends in disappointment. The lie's consequences complicate his personal and professional life.

Mrs. Bevan learns the truth behind the Hollywood myth and cancels the Nativity show, telling Maddens to find another job. Poppy is fired as part of the fallout. The disappointment among the class tests Maddens' resolve and forces him to confront his responsibilities.

Even as the project seems doomed, the Mayor offers to let the performance take place in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. The children and staff rally again, intent on proving themselves despite the setback. This new venue adds a sense of grandeur and pressure to deliver a memorable performance.

At the cathedral, the Nativity unfolds with nervous energy but rising confidence thanks to Mr. Poppy's infectious optimism. The kids manage to showcase their talents and the audience starts to respond with warmth and encouragement. The event marks a turning point in the kids' and Maddens' attitudes.

Midway through the performance, Gordon Shakespeare reveals that there is nobody from Hollywood in attendance and Maddens' story was a fabrication. The revelation shocks the crowd, threatening the show's momentum. In a twist, a helicopter appears as a symbol of the supposed Hollywood arrival, reigniting the narrative's energy.

A helicopter sweeps overhead as Mr. Poppy proclaims the arrival of Hollywood. Jennifer, whom Maddens had pursued, and her boss Mr. Parker appear at the back of the crowd, turning the moment into a joyful, literal reveal. Maddens reunites with Jennifer and they share a kiss, accepting the real-life happy ending.

With the truth out and the crowd enthralled, Bevan, Shakespeare, and the parents join the children onstage to celebrate the successful nativity. The school community comes to see the kids' talents rather than the lie that sparked the drama. The event ends with a warm Christmas reunion as Maddens and Jennifer plan a future together.

In a quiet, intimate ending, Maddens and Jennifer decorate his house for Christmas, reaffirming their reconciliation. The townspeople's trust in the kids' talents is solidified as the ensemble takes their final bow and the community reflects on what mattered most. The film closes on a warm, hopeful note for the season.