Suzanne relocates to Belgium with her two children, Jules and Noor, as she secures employment at a local biscuit factory. During her shifts, her father-in-law, Noël Claus, takes on the role of caretaker for the kids. One day, Jules stumbles upon a magical snow globe among his grandfather's belongings, which grants him the ability to travel anywhere in the world. To his surprise, he discovers that his grandfather is none other than the real Santa Claus, who operates a secret workshop in the North Pole with the assistance of elves.
However, the joy is short-lived as Noël faces health challenges, rendering him unable to deliver Christmas presents globally, thus placing the responsibility squarely on Jules’ young shoulders. Despite the festive obligations, Jules harbors resentment towards Christmas, a sentiment rooted in the tragic loss of his father the previous year on Christmas Eve. As he learns that the family tradition dictates that all first-born males must take over the Santa role when the time comes, his dread only deepens.
Simultaneously, the biscuit factory is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, as management refuses to embrace innovation or invest in new flavors. In an effort to bring "light to dark times," Suzanne attempts to bake her signature colorful cookies but faces consequences, losing her job after failing to respond to Jules' distress calls. When Jules returns home, he faces a stern reprimand from his mother, who questions his perceived selfishness. Feeling misunderstood and still reeling from his father's death, Jules retreats to his room in anger.
He is visited by Ella, his insightful babysitter, who gently reminds him that while no one can compel him to move on from his grief, he must not impose his pain on others. Ella encourages Jules to confront a letter left for him by his father. Despite his fears that reading it would solidify the finality of his father's death, Jules eventually musters the courage to open it.
As Suzanne grapples with her own feelings of shame for snapping at Jules, she confides in a friend from the factory about the family's struggles since her husband's tragic passing. This heartfelt conversation leads to a reconciliation between mother and son. Suzanne shares her grief, revealing that she too is searching for ways to navigate their shared loss.
With inspiration drawn from Ella's wisdom and Suzanne's vulnerability, Jules reads his father's letter, which reassures him that although his father is no longer physically present, his spirit lives on through him. This comforting realization revitalizes Jules’ determination to rescue Christmas and fulfill his destiny.
As the story unfolds, Jules steps up to deliver presents, accompanying them with the homemade cookies created by his mother and her coworkers at the factory. His journey culminates in delivering a batch to the President of the United States, who is so taken by the cookies that she places a significant order, thanks to the united efforts of the factory workers—including the previously estranged manager. Finally, Jules decorates a Christmas tree, symbolizing his emotional reconciliation with the past. In a heartwarming conclusion, Jules, Noël, Suzanne, Ella, and their friends gather to celebrate the joys of Christmas together, embracing the spirit of family and community.
