Santa Claus: The Movie

Santa Claus: The Movie

Year: 1985

Runtime: 108 mins

Language: English

Director: Jeannot Szwarc

FantasyAdventureFamilyHoliday joy and heartwarming ChristmasFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magic

You’d better watch out—this year he really is coming to town. In ancient times a humble toy‑maker named Claus fulfills his destiny to become Santa after meeting the master elf Patch at the North Pole. In the modern era Santa is swamped with work, and a disgruntled Patch abandons the workshop for New York City, where he unwittingly endangers Christmas by taking a job at a struggling toy company run by a scheming businessman.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

Trace every key event in Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Claus's awakening and prophecy

In a forest in northern Europe during the Middle Ages, Claus and his family are frozen by a blizzard while delivering toys. They awaken in the North Pole, where immortality greets them and kindly elves welcome their arrival. Dooley prophesies that Claus's destiny is to deliver elf-made gifts to children around the world.

Middle Ages Forest in northern Europe
2

The first Christmas Eve and the birth of Santa

On their first Christmas Eve, Claus is named Santa Claus by the ancient elf and told that the night will last as long as necessary to deliver gifts. He begins his eternal voyage across the world, aided by flying reindeer fed with magical dust. The world soon grows around this central myth as generations pass.

First Christmas Eve after awakening North Pole
3

A timeless voyage across the world

Santa's lifetime of gift deliveries extends across centuries, while the myth of Santa grows with each passing Christmas. His sleigh traverses the globe with Donner, Blitzen and the other reindeer, fueled by magical dust-laden hay. The long-running mission becomes an enduring legend across cultures.

Centuries from medieval to modern times Earth
4

Late 20th century fatigue and Patch joins

In the late 20th century, Santa grows tired of the rising workload. Anya suggests bringing in an assistant, and Patch, a diligent inventor, is chosen to modernize toy production. He builds a machine that automates toy-making to increase efficiency at the North Pole workshop.

Late 20th century North Pole
5

Patch and Joe meet in New York

Delivering toys in New York City, Santa befriends a homeless orphan boy named Joe who rides along in the sleigh. Patch’s presence brings new ideas to the operation, marking a shift from purely traditional methods to a more modern approach. The bustling city becomes a backdrop for this evolving partnership.

Late 20th century New York City
6

The Super Duper Looper and Cornelia

After attempting and failing a maneuver called the 'Super Duper Looper', Santa returns Joe to safety. He then meets Cornelia, a wealthy orphan girl who befriends Joe, broadening the circle of those touched by Santa’s mission. This encounter deepens Patch’s involvement in the modern era.

Late 20th century New York City
7

Patch resigns and heads to New York

When Patch’s mass-produced toys malfunction, he resigns as Santa’s assistant and leaves the North Pole. He ends up in New York, where Cornelia’s unscrupulous step-uncle B.Z. threatens to shut down his toy company. Patch seeks redemption by finding a new path to help.

Late 20th century New York
8

Lollipops with magic dust

Patch helps B.Z. mass-produce lollipops laced with the magic flight dust, enabling people to fly briefly. The plan flourishes and eclipses Santa’s traditional toys, leaving Santa feeling sidelined. Patch’s invention promises rapid success but undermines his old partnership.

Late 20th century New York
9

Christmas II and the candy-cane plan

B.Z. schemes 'Christmas II' by distributing candy canes with dust on March 25, while Cornelia and Joe overhear that heat will cause the canes to explode. They realize the danger and alert Santa, who travels from December-only flights into January to intervene. The stakes rise as corporate greed clashes with holiday magic.

March 25 (planning) and January (intervention) New York
10

Joe captured and Santa intervenes

B.Z. captures Joe, prompting Cornelia to alert the police. Santa breaks his tradition of December-only flights and flies to New York in January to help. B.Z. escapes by swallowing multiple candy canes and leaping from a window, floating into space.

January (intervention) New York
11

Patch and Joe race toward the North Pole

Patch frees Joe and, recognizing Santa's bond with him, heads toward the North Pole in a flying car with the candy canes. Joe clings to Patch as they cut through the wintry air, seeking safety and a final chance at salvation. The trio’s fates become a test of loyalty and ingenuity.

January Aboard flying car en route to North Pole
12

The Super Duper Looper saves the day

Santa and Cornelia pursue Patch and Joe in the sleigh. Facing danger, the reindeer summon courage to perform the 'Super Duper Looper' dive. They maneuver to catch Patch and Joe just as the candy canes reach a critical level, saving them from disaster.

January In the air between NYC and the North Pole
13

Resolution: Joe and Cornelia live at the workshop

Patch returns to the North Pole with Joe, and Santa welcomes him and Cornelia to live with him in the workshop. The North Pole becomes their new home and the trio becomes part of Santa’s extended family as the legend of Santa endures. The story closes with a balance between tradition and innovation.

Post-climax North Pole workshop

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:45

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Santa Claus: The Movie Summary

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Santa Claus: The Movie Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Santa Claus: The Movie

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