Credit: DisneyThere are Christmas movies, and then there’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. Since its release in 1992, Brian Henson’s Dickensian adaptation has become a seasonal ritual for generations — a perfect blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer.
And this winter, there’s no shortage of ways to experience it all over again.
Fans can, of course, head straight to Disney+, where the standard edition remains one of the platform’s most-watched festive titles. But the real treat lies in the newly restored version, featuring “When Love Is Gone,” the long-lost ballad that was famously cut from the theatrical release and missing from home video for decades. The infamous song’s return makes the story hit even harder — a rare case of a director’s cut actually feeling essential.
Then there’s the option to go old-school. Many fans still cling to their original VHS copies, those grainy, flickering relics that somehow heighten the film’s charm. The fuzzy warmth of the analog era suits Michael Caine’s world-weary Scrooge and Kermit’s hopeful Bob Cratchit better than high-definition ever could.
For anyone looking to leave the sofa, The Muppet Christmas Carol is once again returning to theaters across the U.K., accompanied by a live orchestra performing Paul Williams’ unforgettable score. The tour has quietly become a beloved winter tradition.
Londoners, meanwhile, can count on the Prince Charles Cinema in the West End, where daily sing-along screenings will keep fans entertained throughout November and December.
Related: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’: The Version Without Gonzo as Narrator Explained
Beyond the screen, the story continues to expand in surprising directions.
The official storybook offers a cozy, illustrated retelling; Funko’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol Spirit of Giving Card Game” invites players to relive scenes in tabletop form; and an audio story album released in 1993 delivers the songs and narration for long drives home.
No matter the format — streaming, physical, or live — The Muppet Christmas Carol endures because its message never fades. It’s about generosity, kindness, and love, and this year, there are more ways than ever to let that message back in.
The Muppet Christmas Carol stars Kermit the Frog/Bob Cratchit (Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy/Emily Cratchit (Frank Oz), The Great Gonzo/Charles Dickens/Narrator (Dave Goelz), Fozzie Bear/Fozziewig (Frank Oz), and Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine).
How will you be celebrating The Muppet Christmas Carol this winter? Let us know!