Classic Christmas Cartoons from the '30s and '40s
Today is December 24th, often called the "day before Christmas."
In this article, I’d like to share some cartoons I used to enjoy as a kid during the holiday season. Back then there was no internet. I had them stored on several VHS tapes. I didn’t know where they originated or how they were created, but I knew they were very different from the typical cartoons aired on the Italian television at the time.
Most of them are several decades old and are likely in the "public domain".
Christmas Night (1933)
Directed by Mannie Davis and John Foster, "Christmas Night" is a sweet tale featuring anthropomorphic toys coming to life on Christmas Eve.
This short animation-film is based on Otto Soglow’s popular comic strip character, The Little King. The Little King invites a group of orphans to his palace for a Christmas celebration, determined to share the joy of the season with those less fortunate. The story is simple but touching, as the Little King’s generosity transforms what could have been a bleak holiday into one filled with warmth, laughter, and surprises.
The story's message is compassion and selflessness, reminding us that the true spirit of Christmas lies in giving and spreading happiness to those in need.
The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives (1933)
The short (from Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies cartoon) begins in a poor, snowy neighborhood where a lonely boy, living in a shanty, has little to celebrate during the holidays. When Santa Claus himself arrives to brighten his Christmas, the boy is whisked away to a magical land filled with toys that come to life. What follows is a charming and whimsical adventure as the boy explores the enchanting world, surrounded by festive cheer and animated wonders.
Despite its simple narrative, the animation conveys a meaningful message about hope and generosity, reminding us that even in difficult times, the magic of Christmas can bring joy and comfort.
Santa's Workshop (1932)
Santa's Workshop is another short animation directed by Wilfred Jackson. The cartoon takes the viewers on a magical journey into the busy factory of Santa Claus and his hardworking elves as they prepare for Christmas Eve.
The story is simple yet enchanting: Santa and his team of assistants are shown making toys, checking the Naughty and Nice List, and getting everything ready for the "big night".
What sets Santa’s Workshop apart is its whimsical creativity. From mechanical reindeer to intricate toy assembly lines, every detail brings Santa’s world to life in a way that feels magical. The cartoon, like all others, also illustrates the values of generosity and joy, which are central to the Christmas spirit.
The Night Before Christmas (1933)
The Night Before Christmas, directed by Wilfred Jackson (Walt Disney Studios), is a Silly Symphonies short that animates the famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
The short begins with a snowy scene, with Santa Claus and his reindeer arriving at a cozy home to deliver gifts. The animation is gorgeously detailed, with every frame exuding warmth and holiday cheer. The whimsical sequence of Santa sliding down the chimney, carefully arranging presents, and playfully interacting with toys as they come to life is simply amazing.
The film highlights the joy of receiving gifts on Christmas Day, especially as a child.
"Jack Frost" (1934)
This story, produced by Ub Iwerks, has nothing to do with Christmas except for its snowy winter atmosphere. Nonetheless, it was included in a Christmas-themed VHS collection I had as a child.
Autumn is approaching, and the forest animals receive a warning from Jack Frost, the sprite who uses his brush and palette to paint the leaves of the trees red: they must quickly find shelter and stock up on food because the Old Winter is coming! All the animals retreat to their burrows, except for a little bear who, deaf to his mother's warnings, decides to run away. Unfortunately for him, just outside his home, a terrifying encounter awaits...
Jack Frost carries the thrilling charm of old fairy tales—the kind where you know everything will end well but still manage to scare you.
Jack Frost is a short story with a very clear moral: obey your parents.
"Alias St. Nick" (1935)
Happy Harmonies was a series of animated short films produced by MGM between 1934 and 1938, created by the team of Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising. These shorts were MGM's answer to Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies, featuring elaborate animation, music, and stand-alone stories.
Alias St. Nick (1935) is a delightful short that combines Christmas charm with comedic mischief. Directed by Friz Freleng, the cartoon takes place on Christmas Eve in a cozy mouse family’s home, where the holiday cheer is soon disrupted by a cunning cat with a not-so-festive agenda.
The story begins with a family of mice preparing for Christmas. The young mice, full of excitement, eagerly await Santa Claus. Meanwhile, a sly cat introduces himself as Santa in an attempt to infiltrate the mouse family's home for a midnight snack. What follows is a series of clever and chaotic gags as the mice uncover the cat’s true intentions and work together to outsmart him.
It carries a timeless moral: appearances can be deceiving. The cartoon warns against blind trust, even during the festive season, encouraging vigilance and teamwork.
"Somewhere in Dreamland" (1936)
This cartoon, like Jack Frost, is not explicitly Christmas-themed but still captures a snowy, festive atmosphere and conveys holiday-like themes of warmth and kindness.
Two children, poorly dressed and with little to nothing to eat, fulfill all their wishes in a dreamlike journey to a world aptly named Dreamland, where they find an abundance of food. However, the real miracle awaits them upon waking: concerned about their situation, some merchants organized a surprise feast, preparing an array of delicacies to finally ease their hunger.
Fleischer (the directory of the short) portrays two children who are literally starving but still have the strength of spirit to hide their condition to avoid further upsetting their mother, who is already heartbroken over being unable to feed them. Their only temporary solace lies in the world of dreams. One might even call it magical or fantastical neorealism, given the contrast between the realism with which the protagonists' plight is depicted and the visionary quality of the consoling dream sequences.
The true magic, however, comes from the hearts of people. For once, those who have more put their wealth to the service of the needy, creating a wonderful gift without ulterior motives. Christmas, after all, is primarily about this: helping those in greater need and doing one's part to alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate. For this reason, Somewhere in Dreamland, though not explicitly a Christmas tale, fits perfectly into this list.
Christmas Comes but Once a Year (1936)
Christmas Comes But Once A Year is a short film released in 1936 as part of the Color Classics series, also directed by Dave Fleischer.
The film addresses the dramatic theme of the Great Depression in the United States and the widespread poverty of those years, which hit the weakest and most defenseless the hardest, particularly children.
The story is set in an orphanage. On Christmas morning, the children wake up to discover that the toys they received as gifts break as soon as they try to use them.
Drawn by the sound of the children’s crying, an elderly inventor enters the building and, by recycling common objects, creates new toys. He then organizes a wonderful and cheerful party for the children.
"The Pups’ Christmas" (1936)
This short shows the joy and chaos of Christmas morning through the eyes of two playful puppies. The story follows two adorable puppies who excitedly explore their Christmas gifts, creating chaos and laughter as they interact with the toys under the tree. The toys come to life in imaginative and whimsical ways, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the holiday spirit.
At its core, the cartoon, directed by Hugh Harman, conveys the pure joy of giving and receiving, particularly during the holidays. It reminds viewers of the innocent excitement that Christmas brings, especially for the young.
"The Captain’s Christmas" (1938)
The Captain’s Christmas (1938) is a short film from MGM, directed by Hugh Harman.
The story centers around a group of children and their Christmas celebration, which is interrupted when a band of pirates, led by a grumpy Captain, arrives to cause chaos. Initially bent on ruining the festivities, the pirates find themselves swept up in the spirit of Christmas. The Captain undergoes a heartwarming transformation, showing that even the toughest scoundrel can embrace the holiday’s joy and generosity.
The Captain’s Christmas emphasizes the power of the holiday spirit. The cartoon conveys the message that kindness and goodwill can soften even the hardest of hearts!
"Peace on Earth" (1939)
Peace on Earth, a MGM cartoon directed by Hugh Harman, is a powerful anti-war Christmas short featuring animals rebuilding the world after human conflict.
"The Night Before Christmas" (1941)
The Night Before Christmas is a Tom and Jerry short directed by Hugh Harman where Tom tries to ruin Jerry's Christmas but learns a lesson in holiday kindness.
"Pluto’s Christmas Tree" (1942)
In this cartoon from Walt Disney Studios, Pluto discovers Chip and Dale causing chaos inside Mickey’s Christmas tree.
"Santa's Surprise" (1947)
Santa's Surprise, directed by Seymour Kneitel, is a heartwarming story of children from around the world coming together to surprise Santa.
Christmas Eve is coming to an end, and Santa Claus, exhausted, returns home after delivering all the presents. What he doesn’t know is that a group of children from all over the world has hidden in his sleigh. To thank him for the gifts, they decide to clean and tidy up his house.
Hector's Hectic Life (1948)
Hector’s Hectic Life, directed by Bill Tytla, was released in 1948. The cartoon is similar to Tom & Jerry due to the domestic scuffles between animals. Hector is a lazy and messy dog whose owner threatens to kick him out into the cold winter if he causes any more trouble. Determined to clean up his act, Hector tries to behave, but an unexpected gift arrives: three mischievous puppies who immediately start wreaking havoc in the house.
Hector, from being a selfish and lazy dog, learns to take responsibility and care for others, in this case, the three puppies.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1948)
This short, directed by Max Fleischer, is one of the earliest animated adaptations of the famous Rudolph story.
The story is based on the 1939 poem of the same name by Robert L. May and explores Santa Claus's mythology regarding his reindeer. It’s Christmas Eve, but Santa cannot depart due to a thick fog that prevents his flying reindeer from finding the proper "path". Luckily, his attention is caught by Rudolph’s glowing nose, and what was once the target of ridicule becomes a beacon of hope. Rudolph transforms from being mocked by his peers into a hero, guiding Santa’s sleigh through the fog.
The tale is very simple and straightforward, superbly animated, and carries a beautiful message of redemption: initially bullied for his physical difference, Rudolph is ultimately celebrated as a hero when his unique trait allows Santa to complete his mission and bring joy to the world.
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