The Search for Santa Paws

Santa receives a letter and gift informing him of Mr. Hucklebuckle's death, a toy store owner and member of the 'Santa Cause' organization. The letter prompts Santa to visit Hucklebuckle's toy store in New York City, signaling the start of the story. Meanwhile, Hucklebuckle's grandson James and his wife Kate arrive at the store to assess its future.

James and Kate learn from their caseworker, Mr. Stewart, that they must successfully run Hucklebuckle's toy store for one Christmas season to gain ownership. They decide to hire a store Santa to attract customers, with plans to sell the store afterward. Their goal is to revive the store's popularity during the holiday season.

At an orphanage run by Ms. Stout, Quinn arrives and witnesses her stealing and destroying toys with an incinerator because Ms. Stout disapproves of Christmas. Quinn befriends other orphans, especially Will, who has lost her Christmas spirit after her parents' deaths. Despite her rough environment, Quinn shows kindness and curiosity about Christmas.

Santa's head elf Eli uses a magical Christmas icicle to bring a stuffed dog to life, naming him Paws. Paws quickly becomes Santa’s loyal friend, and Santa is visibly cheered by the magic. This event marks Santa's revitalization and his bond with Paws as they prepare for their journey.

Santa and Paws arrive in Central Park, where they attract the attention of a homeless man, Gus. During their street adventure, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory after Gus steals his magic crystal. Gus then takes Santa to Hucklebuckle's toy store, where James and Kate mistake him for a new Santa.

Confused and unable to remember his name, Santa calls himself 'Bud' and is taken in by James and Kate at Hucklebuckle's store. Kate invites Quinn to sit on Santa's lap, and she wishes for Will to have her dream bike and a puppy. Quinn becomes convinced that Santa is the real deal, believing in his magic.

Ms. Stout discovers Quinn and Will sneaking out, and punishes Will by locking her in the basement for her disrespect. Ms. Stout also confiscates Paws’ crystal and a sentimental ornament. This leads Will to lose her Christmas spirit until she hears Paws speak, which restores her belief in Christmas.

The reindeer are too weak to fly because Santa is absent. Quinn finds Paws in an alley and secretly brings him into the orphanage, promising to find Santa. Will also discovers Paws but cannot hear him because she doesn't believe, prompting Eli and Eddy to travel to find Santa and help restore his memories.

Santa starts remembering who he is at Hucklebuckle's store. Quinn and Paws sneak into the store, only for Paws to realize James is not Santa after they see him on break. Santa then meets Jimmy, a Boy Scout, who helps him feel closer to his true identity, and Santa parting gives Jimmy a North Pole pin as a token of thanks.

Ms. Stout locks Will and Paws in the basement, stealing Paws' crystal and her mother's ornament to prevent Paws from restoring Christmas cheer. Paws speaks, restoring Will’s belief, but is thrown into the incinerator, risking his life. Eli, Eddy, and Gus work together to rescue Paws and revive him using the stolen crystal.

Gus admits to stealing the crystal, and Eli guides them to the reindeer to help Santa regain his magic. Paws is rescued from the incinerator and revived, transforming into Santa Paws with the help of magic, which restores Santa’s health. Eli and Eddy then head to the orphanage to bring Paws back to life.

Mrs. Gibson, the new social worker, arrives and removes Ms. Stout from her negligent role, taking charge of the orphanage. Santa, now healed, and Paws help to reunite with his crystal. James and Kate decide to keep Hucklebuckle’s store and continue its legacy, promising a future centered on Christmas spirit.

Santa visits the Hucklebuckles on Christmas Eve with Santa Paws, returning Quinn's mother’s ornament and reuniting the family. James and Kate decide to adopt the orphans, and Haggis, Rasta, and T-Money become official elf dogs. Gus shares his charity earnings and is invited to join in the festive celebrations.

James and Kate announce they will keep the store and continue Hucklebuckle's legacy, fulfilling Hucklebuckle's dream. Mr. Stewart reflects on the true meaning of Christmas as he whispers a wish to Hucklebuckle’s spirit, signifying the enduring spirit of giving and family. The story closes with everyone celebrating the season in the spirit of Christmas.