Once Upon a Christmas Wish (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[holiday music]

Well, good morning,

Mrs. Johnson.

Keeping warm?

I am.

And hoping you are

as well, Mr. Mayor.

Where's your scarf?

Wouldn't want you to get

windswept, after all.

I appreciate the concern.

I'll have to wrangle one up.

Oh.

Now, you just take one of mine.

Aw.

We have plenty of extras

this year at the store.

Very sweet of you. Thank you.

And you know what?

That reminds me, I

haven't gotten my staff

anything for Christmas yet.

Would you please put a couple

of these on hold for me?

I can. [chuckles]

OK.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, Mr. Mayor.

Hey, Sadie.

How's the bakery?

The bakery is great.

Outside the bakery,

not as great.

Oh.

What's the problem?

There's a big crack

in the sidewalk.

It's only gotten

worse by the day.

Any chance...

Oh, I'm adding it to my list

of city repairs right now.

Thanks, Mr. Mayor.

I'll save you a box of

gingerbread muffins.

You spoil me, Sadie.

I got you.

[whimsical music]

Good morning, Mr. Reynolds.

What's the morning

traffic report?

Mayor Ortega, look at this.

I'm looking.

At what, I'm not sure.

The traffic lights,

they keep flickering.

We don't want it to

cause any accidents.

Well, these gorgeous

Long Grove winters

can wreak havoc on the bulbs.

Did you say "havoc"?

There's no place for

havoc in Long Grove.

You're absolutely right

about that, Mr. Reynolds.

I'll add streetlight maintenance

to the budget inquiry.

Until then, thank

goodness you're

here to lend a helping hand.

And what about the tree?

The town tree.

It's on the docket for

today's city council meeting.

We should buy a big one

like Rockefeller Center.

Now, that's a tree!

Yes, sir!

[church bell ringing]

[phone ringing]

Leigh, hey.

Did you hear from John?

Have we got the numbers yet?

He's here right now, actually.

He says he needs to talk to you.

And he seems... worried.

That bad, huh?

All right, tell him

I'll be right there.

After you go to the school.

The school?

I'm headed to the

office right now.

Oh, the interview's

this morning.

You pushed it twice already.

What's this

journalist's name again?

Joey Delucca.

And he is quite insistent on

getting this time with you.

All right.

Heading to the school now.

Thank you.

["Silent Night"]

Long Grove, huh?

Who knew this

place even existed?

50 miles from New

York, but a world away.

[chuckles]

New York or not... oh!

- Oops.

- Watch your steps.

Don't go busting anything.

You just got here.

- Merry Christmas.

- Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

[gasps] Gami!

[laughs]

Nina!

Hi!

[laughs] Oh.

[laughs]

- Oh, oh, oh, oh.

- I'm sorry.

I forgot.

Oh, I forgot, too.

[laughter]

I am so sorry I couldn't make

the trip to the city this year.

Oh, my goodness!

Don't be!

This is a wonderful excuse

for me to come home.

It's been way too long.

It is so good to have you back.

- Oh, I'm so...

- Oh, oh.

Oh, wait, my bag.

Yeah.

[giggling]

[soft piano]

Good one, Pop.

Fa la, la, la, la

'Tis the season to be jolly

Fa la, la, la,

la, la, la, la, la

Don we now our g*y apparel

Fa la, la, la,

la, la, la, la, la

Troll the ancient

Yuletide carol

Fa la, la, la,

la, la, la, la, la

- Penny.

- Mr. Mayor!

Bravo.

[clapping]

Mrs. Colvin, I had to see

what that joyous sound was.

I thought you had a

professional choir in here.

[chuckling]

Mayor Ortega used to stand

on those very same bleachers

when he was in the

Christmas show.

Actually, I was really

working backstage.

Uh, it looks a little

different back there.

You mind if I check it out?

Of course not.

You take a stroll down memory

lane, while we rehearse.

Okay kids. Silent Night.

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ms. Nina Madden.

Mother and child

Holy infant so

tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent...

Wow.

Night

Holy night

Shepherds quake at

The sight

Glories stream

from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts

[pensive music]

My fourth grade Christmas list.

[chuckles] "Dear

Santa, can you make

me dance like Fred Astaire?

My mom loves him."

Mr. Mayor, you must

be looking for me.

I'm Joey Delucca.

Joey Delucca?

Yes, of course.

Joey Delucca.

I was looking for you.

For our interview, right?

Yeah.

Follow me.

OK.

["Angels We Have Heard On High"]

Oh, nice!

Have a seat.

Thank you.

So, Mayor Ortega, I'm

interested in doing

an article for our

Christmas Day edition

about what makes you, you.

Snack?

I'm an open book.

And no, thank you.

Ah, maybe some juice.

Before we begin,

I'll tell you what

I tell all of my interviewees.

It's best to speak

from the heart

and not to think too

much before you answer.

Think vulnerability.

Got it.

So, are you ready?

I hope so.

Do you believe in the

spirit of Christmas?

I believe.

Go on?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

I believe in the

spirit of Christmas.

And I love how this

community comes together

to really show that spirit.

So what is the part of Christmas

that makes you the happiest?

It's making sure that every Long

Grove resident

enjoys the holiday

season as much as possible.

If they're happy, I'm happy.

Uh, why aren't you writing?

Trust the process.

So your family has a lot of

history in Long Grove, correct?

Yep.

My grandfather opened the

very first general store here.

And my dad painted

a lot of the murals

that you see on Main Street.

As a matter of fact, he

painted that one over there.

Nice.

And my mom...

Yes?

Well, anyway, uh,

there's a lot of history.

I'm proud to be part

of this special town.

So what makes this

town so special?

What makes Long

Grove so amazing?

[notification pings on phone]

[sighs]

[notification pings on phone]

Um, I'm sorry.

What was the question again?

What makes Long

Grove so amazing?

[notification pings on phone]

Um, well...

[notification pings on phone]

Uh, well, because, uh...

uh...

Maybe you should think

about it and get back to me.

Wait.

It's over?

That's it?

For now.

Hey, Joey.

Last call for letters

for the big guy.

Oh, hey, Hannah.

Actually, just

throw this in there.

Thanks.

Mr. Mayor?

[whimsical music]

Um, OK, uh...

I'll be in touch.

OK.

See you soon.

[holiday music]

[scatting "deck the halls"]

Oh!

Oh, I wish I could

have decorated

before you got here, but...

Oh, are you kidding?

I love this.

My shoebox apartment can

barely fit a tabletop tree.

Oh, that looks nice.

Do you do this sort of thing

when you plan those events?

Sometimes.

Last week, I had a

Fortune 500 conference.

Oh.

The hours are crazy, but I'm

making really good contacts.

Do you ever find

time to sing anymore?

I barely have time for

a home-cooked meal.

I mean, I sing in the

shower, but not much anymore.

Oh, I'll help you, no problem.

No problem.

Here we go.

OK, now take that around.

Here it is.

OK.

Sure, that's good.

Got it.

[curious music]

Hello there!

Oh.

Uh, hi.

Uh, I don't think

we've met before, Mr...

Kringle.

Kris Kringle?

How'd you guess?

h*, h*, h*, h*.

[chuckles] OK.

So, Kris, you, uh,

new to Long Grove?

Uh, just visiting?

Ooh, I... I try to make a trip

here at least once a year.

Of course you do.

Well, glad you're back.

I'm Mayor Ortega.

Anything you need, here to help.

Actually, this trip

was unexpected.

Do you know a place I could

stay for a couple of days?

Uh, yeah, the... the

Holly Inn is a nice place.

It's right over there.

[chuckles] Well,

thank you, Brian.

Uh, that... that's my alarm

for the city council meeting.

I... I should get going.

But again, if there's anything

you need, I'm here to help.

Oh, that's funny.

I was going to say

the same thing.

[chuckles merrily]

He's really going

all out this year.

[cheerful holiday music]

Did that Santa guy

put you up to this?

Hey, you guys are good.

Yes.

[hip-hop break]

[CHEERFUL HOLIDAY

MUSIC CONTINUES]

[whimsical music]

What just happened?

Hey, excuse me, Mr. Reynolds.

What... what was that?

What was what?

The... the music

and the dancing.

What... what just happened?

What happened is I need a

place to put all these wreaths!

Should I hang them

on the new gazebo?

Uh, why don't... why don't

you try the fence over there?

All right.

[bright music]

Just give us the date, and

I'll make sure I'll put it in.

Yes, I got you.

You put it in the calendar.

"Dear Santa, can you make

me dance like Fred Astaire?

My mom loves him."

Actually, this trip

was unexpected.

h*, h*, h*, h*, h*, h*.

There's no way.

Look.

[blows air]

Huh?

Not a lot of guests these days.

I think those are

the same exact jars

from when I was a little girl.

[laughs] Probably.

Oh, if we have

time, we should...

time.

I'm going to be late.

For what?

The city council meeting.

Oh.

I'm a business owner.

I attend every one.

Hi.

Hey, John.

Talk to me.

How bad is it?

Well, as you know, the

past two years, we've

seen a decrease in all areas.

I know, but those years were

supposed to be just a blip.

The... the blip is still

very much still blipping.

Mr. Mayor, tourism

is down again,

and city maintenance is up.

So...

Those ads in the

upstate magazines

and tax incentive not working?

It's hard to compete

with a spa resort they

just built in Holly Falls.

Everyone loves a spa.

Does everyone love

a spa, though?

I know I do.

Look... look, the

numbers don't lie, Brian.

We need to go in there and

turn this around and...

and reverse it.

But also... but also go forward.

And, OK, we need to

take what we have

and make what we have

fit what we need.

So take what we have.

Make what we have

fit what we need.

Look, I don't know

what you're saying,

but the meeting's starting.

Got to get in there.

Let's not sound the alarm

until we can figure out

some solutions moving forward.

Let's put on a good face.

Let the town know

we're on top of it.

Yeah.

So, a busy year, everyone.

Let me... uh, lots of

goings on that, uh,

um... that continue going on.

Well, we have gotten your

requests to add to the budget

numbers upon numbers.

Do I have a fever?

You feel OK to me.

The budget is full of fullness.

Well, no, the numbers are busy.

No, we are... we are working.

Uh, we are...

we're stretching...

Yes, yes.

Yes, we are.

Thank you so much.

Really appreciate that, yes.

Let me translate.

I think we have a lot of budget

requests for this coming year.

Brian Ortega?

I went to elementary

school with him.

Now, with Christmas,

uh, around the corner,

I'd like to ask if we

have any volunteers who

would spearhead this

year's, uh, tree donation?

Anyone?

OK.

Thank you.

Mr. Kringle, my

assistant, Leigh,

will be in touch

with the details.

Hi.

Well, it sounds like

next year is going

to be one for the record books,

a time where we can really see

some growth in areas that...

Uh, Mr. Mayor, may I address

the town for a moment, please?

Yes.

Randall, of course.

Thank you. Thank you.

Uh, hi there.

You all probably know me.

I'm Randall Withers

of Withers Development

Company, longtime and proud

resident of Long Grove.

By the way, I hope

you all have been

enjoying the gazebo

that I recently

installed in the town square.

Yes?

Ah, ah, please, please.

Withers Development

Company recently

bought the plot of land

just south of Main Street.

And I have a

proposal that I think

will ultimately

bring some increased

revenue into Long Grove.

And that plan is this...

a luxury outdoor pedestrian mall

complete with mainstream brands

and chain restaurants and...

wait for it... a spa.

Oh!

And all I would need to do in

order to achieve this is buy

the five properties along

the southernmost part of

Main Street.

Isn't the Inn on the

southern side of Main Street?

And of course, I will enumerate

all of these shop owners

handsomely to do so, yes.

So we have all seen what

Holly Falls has done

with their outgrowth

and their expansion,

and I see no reason why Long

Grove shouldn't take a page out

of their playbook and

also make a little, uh,

moolah for ourselves, right?

Do something.

Uh, Randall, thank you.

Thank you.

Really, really

appreciate your time.

Oh, all right.

And we'll, uh...

we'll definitely

consider the possibility.

However, I don't

think we need to make

any decisions right away.

We have Christmas ahead and...

and...

[inspiring music building]

And I am proposing

a big bonanza,

a Christmas town festival.

[applause, cheers]

[clearing throat]

Well, I'm glad

I'm here for this.

[chuckles]

Yes, yes, it could be

a fundraiser of sorts,

but also a way to get

some publicity out

there for all Long Grove

already has to offer.

The money from the ticket sales

will be a nice little boost,

and it's a great way

to celebrate this town.

We can have festive

food, uh, holiday games,

and that thing you hammer

and it hits the bell?

The High Striker!

Yes, the High Striker.

Nina?

Nina Madden?

Yes, the... the High Striker.

Thank you, Nina Madden.

Look, we have a lot to

plan, but I hope you're as

excited as I am for the, uh...

the... the Claus

for Celebration.

Great name!

Thank you, everyone.

[applause]

Oh, thank you.

Good to see you.

All right.

Oh, Mr. Mayor, I think

we should talk soon.

Yeah, why don't you come by

my office tomorrow afternoon?

Right, excellent. Progress...

Yeah, that'd be great.

Equals profits.

[indistinct conversation]

Brian.

Nina.

Sorry to catch you

off guard up there.

I was more caught off

guard that anyone knew

- the name for the High Striker.

- Oh, yeah.

[laughs]

You, uh, home for long?

I'm visiting my

grandmother at the Inn.

I was overdue for a Long

Grove Christmas, so.

Oh, that's great.

So you'll be in town

for the new festival?

Yes, and I love the

name, by the way.

Oh, the Claus for Celebration?

Yeah, that just

sort of came to me.

Mayor Ortega, I need

your signature on these.

Oh, sorry to interrupt.

Oh, no worries.

I have to get back to

my grandmother anyway.

I just wanted to say hello.

Glad you did.

- Mr. Mayor.

- Yes?

I didn't hear

anything in the city

council meeting about those

flickering traffic lights.

It could be they just

need replace the bulbs,

or... or maybe it's

just some grime and gunk

that got back there over time.

[holiday music]

Hi again.

Hannah.

Are you looking for Joey?

Actually, I was looking for you.

Today, you had that box,

that Letters to Santa box?

Right, I painted that myself.

The stripes took forever.

Do you want me to make you one?

No.

Thank you, though.

I mean, it was

lovely, but, um, I...

what did you do with

the letters in the box?

I put them in the mailbox and

sent them to the North Pole.

The North Pole?

How else would Santa get them?

You can't just make a wishlist.

You have to send it off.

It's a two-step process,

from what I understand.

True.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor.

Let me know if you change

your mind about the box.

Merry Christmas, Hannah.

[light holiday music]

Once you're 30, you

can't even remember

what you had for breakfast.

[knocking]

Reminder, you have dinner

with your dad tonight.

And we need to track down that

Kris Kringle for the Christmas

tree donations.

Silent night

Holy night

All is calm

All is bright

Round yon virgin

Mother and child

Holy infant so tender...

[laughs] Sorry, I didn't

realize I had an audience.

Please, don't stop

singing on my account.

You sound amazing.

Thanks.

Uh, let me help you.

It's, uh... it's kind of a

strange thing to brag about,

but I'm actually really good

at Christmas decorations.

The key is you gotta

twist the branch.

And then they, boom,

pop up like that.

- See?

- Nice.

Well, it's amazing to

see the talents you've

learned since I've

been gone, never

mind the whole mayor thing.

Ah, never mind that.

So what have you been

up to for the last...

Oh, please do not

calculate the year

since the fourth grade.

Way too many to count.

Good point.

What have you been up to the

last few years since you moved?

Uh, let me guess... uh,

lead singer in a band?

Married?

Dog named Hamilton?

No, not even remotely close.

Single.

I gave up singing

a few years ago,

and I primarily focus

on event planning

and a cat named Hamilton.

Seriously?

No.

His name is Romeo.

[chuckles]

You haven't changed.

A little help?

Oh.

Thank you.

I gotcha, Rotha.

Whatcha doing here, Mr. Mayor?

Oh, I'm just grilling

your granddaughter

about her beautiful voice.

I say the same thing.

How's your dad?

I haven't seen him in ages.

He's good.

I'm on my way there

after this, actually.

Oh, please tell him I said hi.

I will.

Now, uh, how's your arm?

What do you need?

Well, after today, I need

all the strength I can find

after hearing Randall's plans.

Just try to take

the Inn from me.

Oh, you tell him, Gami.

Mm.

You have nothing to worry about.

He can have all the

big plans he wants,

but ultimately,

it's your choice.

We may not be full every night,

but as long as we have guests,

I'm not going anywhere.

Actually, uh, that's why

I came by to see you.

I had a question about a

possible guest of yours.

Oh, not to help me decorate?

That, too.

What guest?

Uh, this may sound kind

of funny, but is there

a Kris Kringle staying here?

[laughs] Who?

Room 21.

Wait, really?

He's a lovely

guest. Very tidy.

Big fan of my cookies.

Oh.

Well, he volunteered a

Christmas tree for the town.

Wait.

If... if you need

a tree, you are

welcome to check the back

property here at the Inn.

That's where we got this beauty.

Oh, that's a good-looking tree.

Oh, we've got three acres

of woods back there.

Glen and I always

talked about adding

some hotel amenities

at some point,

but we never got around to it.

Uh, are you free tomorrow,

perhaps, for a Christmas

tree adventure?

Sure, yeah.

Tomorrow morning?

Uh, I'll bring some hot

chocolate for your troubles.

Hmm.

Extra marshmallows.

See you tomorrow morning.

Extra marshmallows.

Don't forget.

Hey, Dad, it's me.

I got cheeseburgers.

I'm in the studio!

Wow.

You've been busy, huh?

[chuckles] Yeah, lots of

commissions this time of year.

People love giving paintings as

Christmas presents, you know.

I have two ready to be shipped.

I mean, if you want to swing

by the post office for me?

Of course I'll take them, Dad.

I just thought maybe

you'd like to get out.

Decorations are going up.

The town looks

beautiful right now.

I'll take your word for it.

Once I get in the zone

with my work, I just...

just want to hunker

down, you know?

[sentimental music]

Yeah.

I know, Dad.

Hey, you know, I was at

the elementary school

earlier today, and I saw the

festival painting of yours.

When did you donate that?

Yeah, a couple of years

ago when I was cleaning

stuff up after your mom...

[sighs]

She always liked that one, too.

Said she wanted to just jump in

there and dance forever. [laughs]

Something you want to tell me?

Well, uh, remember, uh...

remember when Mom and I used

to watch those old Fred Astaire

dance movies when I was a kid?

Yeah, of course.

All right, well,

let's start there.

[bright music]

[whimsical music]

Randall!

Just the man I wanted to see.

I thought we were

meeting this afternoon.

You bringing me

some wrapping paper?

Not exactly.

Uh, I just thought we

could get a headstart.

Future of Long Grove

can't wait, after all.

Huh.

Is that coffee I smell?

Let me get you a cup.

Thanks.

[sighs] Oh.

So what is all this?

Thank you.

Well, uh, after your

very timely announcement

of the festival the other

day, something interesting

has come up.

I went down to the

surveyor's office

and had Long Grove's

lot lines rechecked.

OK.

Were you aware that this

piece of land right here,

my recently purchased

land, has been

used as Long Grove's unofficial

events grounds for years?

It... it's true.

You can see it right there.

See?

No, I...

I wasn't aware.

Hmm.

And I'm... I'm just assuming

that's where you're planning

on having the festival, right?

Yeah?

Hmm.

Brian, look, we're on the

same team here, right?

We both grew up in Long Grove.

I want people to enjoy

this town for generations

to come as much as you do.

And I think this will help.

Just... just take a look.

Yeah?

[light holiday music]

Mm.

- Wow!

- Yeah?

Told you.

This is good.

Hal's has the best in town.

Mayor's not supposed

to choose favorites,

so you didn't hear that from me.

Ah.

You know, I'm not

surprised, by the way.

That I chose the

best hot chocolate?

- That you're the mayor.

- Hmm.

You're always the

first one to raise

your hand to collect the lunch

trays or wash the chalkboard.

Ah, what can I say?

I like to help out.

I didn't realize there was

so much property back here.

I know, right?

I played out here all the

time when I was a little girl.

A cool place to be a kid.

You know, my

grandparents bought this

the week they got married?

She's not gonna give it up.

I got a visit from

Randall this morning.

He thinks he has a plan that

can really help Long Grove,

but I'm not so sure.

He's trying to derail

our festival plans.

Is there anything

that you can do?

I'm working on it, but getting

new permits for the rides

for a new location is...

Who needs rides?

I mean, we could bring in

gorgeous ice sculptures

or hundreds of poinsettias or...

or maybe even one of those...

I think you may be misjudging

our budget just a bit.

OK, OK.

So we'll get creative.

OK?

I love a challenge.

Well, we need a venue first.

Hey, Brian!

What about this one?

Yeah, well.

Has... has this

always been here?

It's perfect, actually.

Yeah, good... great find.

It's sort of my thing.

Kris Kringle.

It's good to see you again.

Do you want me to get this

tree into town for you?

By yourself?

Not a problem.

I do it all the time.

Well, that would actually

allow us more time

to go look for another venue.

Yeah, OK. Uh, great.

[chuckles]

Well, you kids run along.

Enjoy the ride.

I'm sorry?

I said, enjoy your time.

- [laughing]

- Oh, watch it!

- Oh, thank you.

- Sorry.

- Pothole.

- Better move that.

It's on the list.

[engine sputtering]

[laughs] Well, I

guess you'd better

add this to the list as well.

Unbelievable.

Yeah.

What's one more thing?

I'll call a tow.

[indistinct conversation]

- Yo, Brian.

- Yeah?

Your alternator is messed up.

[sighs]

I can get it back to

you two days, tops.

Days?

Not exactly what I

was hoping to hear.

I'm not gonna leave you hanging.

I got you covered.

I got you a loaner.

Let me get those keys.

All right.

[bells jingling]

[door shutting]

Did you hear that?

The doorbell?

Oh, I thought it

was something else.

All right, check it out.

Just got her in today.

A little paperwork

nonsense, but I think

it's going to do just fine.

[dramatic music]

A '57 Chevy Corvette?

Ooh, I love the candy cane red!

This is my childhood dream car.

Like, exactly.

What a coincidence.

"Drive a '57 cherry

red Corvette."

Wow.

Ah, OK.

Seeing how it feels?

You don't care if I

drive it first, do you?

I've never driven a classic car.

Yeah, sure.

You can go first.

Hey, what's another 15 minutes

after I've waited 30 years?

[laughs]

[festive music]

Have I mentioned how

much I miss Long Grove?

Once or twice.

Why is this so good?

'Cause it's Christmas,

and everything

tastes better at Christmas.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[sighs] Do you know

that Christmas morning

feeling when you open a gift?

It's like a mixture

between curiosity and...

Exhilaration.

Yes.

I'm sorry our search

for a venue today

turned into a total

greasy garage.

[scoffs] You mean you're

sorry I got to hang out

with you in an

awesome car and have

the best fudge I've ever had?

Don't be.

[chuckles] I should get

you back to the inn.

However, this time, I'm driving.

Oh. OK, we'll see.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I'll make sure you get

in the passenger side.

[laughs]

After you, miss.

Wait, is that...

No way.

He got that here all by himself?

Hey, Kris!

That looks great!

OK, well, that's one less

thing we need to worry about.

Now we just need a venue.

[sighs] Randall.

My late husband and

I built this business

from the ground up.

It's an amazing offer.

It really is.

But the Inn means

too much to me.

Of course.

Of course, Rotha.

I understand.

But you do have to remind

yourself of what this place is

going to feel like when

you go from virtually

no guests to no guests at all.

Is everything OK, Gami?

Anything we can help

you with, Randall?

No, but thank you very much.

I'm just talking to

my friend Rotha here.

Oh, have you had a

chance to consider

that proposal I mentioned?

Actually, I've been a little

too busy with the festival,

finding ways to celebrate this

town rather than change it.

The... the festival,

your little thing.

Count me in for several tickets.

Anything for Long Grove, right?

Just, uh... just let

me know where and when.

Emphasis on the

where, of course.

It's going to be here.

The Claus for Celebration

is going to be here.

Hey, there we go.

Location handled.

How many tickets would

you like there, Randall?

Uh, I'll... I'll get

back to you on that.

Offer still stands, Ms. Madden.

Have a good one.

You too.

Hey!

[laughter]

That's awesome.

We have the room,

and I'm a good cook.

Yeah.

OK.

[festive music]

OK, I've started a list.

So you'll get the

permits in order.

And I will work with Gami to

get the property ready to host.

And then...

You don't have to do this, Nina.

I... I appreciate it, but

I know you're here to visit

your grandmother, not help me.

I may have moved to

the city, but Long

Grove will always be my home.

So, like I was saying,

let's make a list.

List.

Nina, do you by chance happen

to remember your fourth grade

Christmas list?

Fourth grade?

Uh, I'm sure it had

something to do with singing.

Did that ever come true for you?

Yeah, it did for a little while.

But then I became an adult,

and I had to get a real job.

So you started planning events.

It's a much different

life than I had imagined.

But it is what it is.

You still sing?

Only when I'm happy.

What about you, Mr. Mayor?

What's on your fourth

grade Christmas list?

This is crazy, but, uh...

[phone ringing]

Wilson, hey.

Oh, that was quick.

Uh, all right.

Thanks.

I'll, uh... I'll

see you in a few.

Huh.

My car is ready.

[soft music]

What is it?

Nothing.

It's... it's nice

to see you again.

Same.

I have an elementary

school thing tomorrow.

We host this annual

Christmas toy drive.

You should come.

I would love to.

Perfect.

All right, then.

Well, you go enjoy your

last drive in my car.

Right, your car.

[chuckles] I'll

see you tomorrow.

[sighs]

["Jingle Bells"]

Hey.

It's like you drove it out

of the poster in your room.

I know, right?

I'm on my way to return it, but

I wanted you to see it first.

This is from the

list again, yeah?

I think so.

Wish number 2.

You know, with great power

comes great responsibility.

Isn't that from Spider-Man?

Winston Churchill, but close!

Well, don't worry, Dad.

I've already got

some inspiration.

We're moving the festival

to Rotha's property.

You seem to be excited.

Glad to see you having some fun.

Well, come on. Hop in.

We'll go for a little spin.

I want to show you the houses

with the best decorations.

No, no, I...

I've gotta get back.

[engine roaring]

OK, maybe real quick.

Come on.

[sighs] See the

decorations and maybe

a little coffee and, you know.

- There you go.

- I got that.

You ready?

Yeah.

[festive music]

[bright music]

[chatter]

Winston, hi.

Thanks for coming.

Ah, it's a great day for giving.

Oh, it's good to see you.

Eh, a stuffed animal.

A reindeer is my guess.

There's a lump of

coal or a game system.

I'm hoping this is an

instrument of some kind.

h*, h*, h*, everyone.

Hey.

[applause]

Welcome to the Long

Grove charity toy drive.

Man, this guy is everywhere.

We appreciate your generosity.

And all donations

from today will

go to help families in need.

[applause]

Hey.

Sorry I'm late.

Hey, you made it!

I wouldn't miss it.

Mrs. Colvin?

Nina Madden?

You remember me?

Oh, h*!

I can't believe you're back.

And of course I remember you.

Your voice was unforgettable.

- Aw.

- See?

I'm not the only one.

[chuckles] While you're

in town, you should

stop by during rehearsal.

I would love that.

Oh, great.

Yes, for sure.

Hi.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Joey Delucca, Long Grove

school newspaper editor

and Mayor Ortega's friend.

So nice to meet

you, Joey Delucca.

I'm Nina Madden.

I used to go to this school

forever ago with Brian.

Oh, really?

So you probably have

some great insight

into how Brian was as a kid.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Don't get any ideas there, Joey.

[laughs]

We'll talk later.

Hey.

Whoa!

[dramatic music]

Mr. Mayor, take a shot.

Uh, no, no, no, no.

No one wants to see that.

Mr. Mayor, I'll tell you what.

If you can make it

from half court,

I will donate $5,000 to your

favorite Long Grove charity.

Huh?

Oh.

[applause]

Hey, this isn't a good idea.

Aw, come on.

- Do it for Long Grove, huh?

- Yeah!

Yeah.

[applause]

You have to do it. Come on.

I believe in you.

You gotta do it.

All right.

Take the shot.

So much charity for one day.

Isn't it wonderful?

[laughs] All right,

settle down, everyone.

sh**t your shot, Brian.

[sighs]

Yeah!

[cheering, applause]

[laughs]

Look at that, Brian.

Let's hear it for Mayor Ortega

and a $5,000 donation to?

Uh, the Anna Ortega

Dance Foundation.

[laughter]

Whoa!

What was that?

A little Christmas

spirit, I guess.

Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo, yeah!

Oh, my gosh.

[sighs]

"Make a basket from half court

in front of the whole school."

Hey, you disappeared.

I just kind of had to

soak that up for a minute.

That was wild!

- I know, right?

- Yes!

[laughs]

Wait a second.

Is that the...

Oh.

How does it smell

the exact same?

Like piano keys and...

Painted plywood.

[chuckling]

Hey, here we go.

That's better.

[sighs]

Ah.

[sighs]

You know, my parents used to

sit right there, front left.

My mom would always wink and

wave at me through the crack

in the curtain.

I bet she's so proud of you.

You know, I've been

back here for two days,

and all I see is how much

you take care of others.

It kind of comes with the job.

No, it comes with the person.

You know, I didn't get a

chance to ask you yesterday,

what is something

that makes you happy?

Real Cokes, classic cars,

classic Christmas movies,

putting away my cell phone

and putting on some music

and, uh, watching my dad paint.

Oh, good stuff.

You know, being here

on stage with you

makes me pretty happy also.

Cue the spotlight.

Da da da, da da da, da

Da da da, da da da, da

[laughs]

Actually, I think it might

have went a little more like...

Da da da, da da da da da da

Da da da

Turn, and stop.

OK, stage crew.

[laughs] You learn

a thing or two after

watching so many rehearsals.

Dance with me.

No no, I couldn't keep up.

Yeah, you can.

Come on.

Just try.

[piano playing, tapping feet]

[PATTING HANDS,

SNAPPING FINGERS]

[laughing]

Sorry, I got carried

away a little bit.

[chuckles]

You should have tried

out for the show.

Yeah, no, I like

to be backstage.

[chuckles]

Yeah, always taking

care of others.

Brian, they're waiting

for you to take photos

with the student council.

Right.

Coming.

[footsteps pattering]

[soft music]

What's come over me?

Everything I see

The colors seem

brighter for sure

The old eyes see anew

I haven't got a clue

Why I couldn't

see it before

In the comfort of home

I feel such a thrill

The best that I've known

I'm lifted and filled

I've never felt

this kind of bliss

Oh, what have I missed

[music intensifying]

As I reminisce

I can't figure it out

By seeing all this

It's touching me now

I've never felt

this kind of bliss

Oh, what have I missed

[exciting music]

They just don't make

them like that anymore.

They sure don't.

They just don't

make them like Fred

Astaire anymore either.

Oh, come on.

He was one of a kind.

So, what's next on the list?

I wish I knew.

Mm.

Oh, Dad, I wanted

to ask you a favor.

What's up?

Well, we need a local artist

for the ornament station

to help people

paint the ornaments

and hang them on the tree.

You know.

Well, let me think

about that a little bit.

I mean, that's...

that's a lot of people.

Take your time.

It's all good.

By the way, I forgot to tell

you that I went to the school

auditorium yesterday and

saw the... the backdrop

that they had in the corner

for the Christmas show.

And, oh, man, it...

it didn't look good.

It was... oof.

What do you mean?

The... the snow wasn't right,

and... and the painting

was cracked.

And it just looked real

rundown, like they'd been

using the same one for ages.

Rundown, huh?

Mm.

Well, I'm almost finished

with my commissions

for the end of the year.

Maybe... maybe I could

see if Mrs. Colvin

could use a little help.

That's a great idea.

I never thought of that.

Yeah.

I'm on to you, pal.

[chuckling]

[phone ringing]

Hey, Nina.

Are you down for some crepes?

Who's Nina?

All right, I'll pick you up.

Now, who's Nina?

See you later, Dad.

Who's Nina?

[humming]

Here you go.

Ooh, thank you.

[soft music]

Huh?

Mm!

Seriously?

[laughs]

Better than New York.

I mean, maybe because

I'm not eating on the go.

I'm sitting and

savoring each bite,

appreciating the atmosphere,

enjoying my company.

You forget how

great Long Grove is.

You've been in New

York for too long.

It was just a matter of time.

[chuckles]

["Deck the Halls"]

Are you OK?

Yeah.

No, not really.

Are you worried

about the festival?

Not just the festival.

Beyond the festival.

I love this town.

It's just that

these other towns,

they have these big

spas and these...

these brand new

shopping centers.

And it's just getting

hard to keep up.

I'm not sure I'm

doing what's best.

I get it.

You want to keep Long

Grove as it's always been

and how it should always be.

Just trust yourself.

And don't give in to...

Randall?

Yes, Randall.

No, Randall.

[whimsical music]

[whispering] Is he coming?

Good morning.

We'd really love to

get you on board, too.

Enjoy your breakfast.

It's time to make

this festival great.

We need to get the word out.

Joey.

["Sleigh Ride"]

OK.

So this is where

you come to think.

I have a little brother.

And he needs a

Christmas present.

Don't read too much into it.

Could you, um, print this

flyer in your school newspaper?

Trying to get the word out

to all the families in town.

Of course, but it

doesn't get you

out of your Christmas piece.

Hey, you scratch my

back, I scratch yours.

Deal?

Deal.

So where's this

shindig gonna be held?

The Holly Inn.

It's the perfect place

to host a festival

for this amazing town.

And?

What makes Long

Grove so amazing?

Well...

The only place in the world

that has a sock monkey museum?

Exactly.

Mr. Mayor, I'll be in touch.

Well?

How'd it go.

Joey is going to get the word

out to the kids and parents.

And we can distribute

the rest of these.

Great.

I'm doing the

right thing, right?

Yes.

I'm not going to let Withers

take over this town, right?

No.

OK.

Good.

This town is lucky to have you.

I am the mayor.

I've already told

you, it's the person.

Now come on, stage crew.

We've gotta get this town

excited for a festival.

[whimsical music]

Thank you, and you

have a glorious day.

Mr. Mayor!

How's the peppermint

soap feeling?

Like Christmas morning.

Hey, Winston, would

you be willing to put

up a soap booth for the Claus

for Celebration Festival?

Your homemade soaps

are next-level.

I'd love to.

Nice!

I have to try and

figure out what scents

the festivalgoers would like.

Oh, maybe Cinnamon Ginger.

That's a good one.

I'll leave you to it, Winston.

Thanks for the suds.

[sighs] Vanilla Sugarplum.

Ooh, maybe some

Winterberry Bubble Bath.

Brian.

Here to collect your scarves?

That, and to see if you'd

be interested in setting up

a booth for the store

at the festival.

Maybe really get some of

this inventory moving?

I love that idea.

- We're in!

- Nice!

Thank you.

Sure.

I'll take this one in

red if you have it.

Good choice.

Oh, what a day.

Sounds like you could use this.

Ah.

OK. [chuckles]

Oh.

[soft music]

So you can always keep Long

Grove close after you leave

and go back to New York.

[sighs] Yeah.

You OK?

Yeah.

No, not really. [laughs]

I'm just thinking what

life would have been

like if we hadn't moved.

[choir singing]

Yeah.

I've thought about that, too.

I wanted to tell you something.

I have something

to tell you, too.

You can go first.

I just found out we're moving

at the end of the year.

My dad got a job in New York.

Oh.

[gentle music]

What did you want to tell me?

Nothing as exciting

as your news.

I'll miss Long Grove, though.

[applause]

I'll miss you.

Brian, the curtains.

Nina, you're on.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Miss Nina Madden.

[applause, cheers]

[soft music]

[phone ringing]

Hi, Leigh.

I'm not sure I can hold

down the fort without you

much longer.

Yeah, I'm so sorry.

We've just been busy with

Claus for Celebration stuff.

Well, I had about 12

calls today adding

to the list for maintenance.

All right, I'll be right there.

Sorry, but...

It... it's OK.

Go ahead.

I have to go see

Mrs. Colvin anyway.

See you later.

[soft music]

The most famous artist to come

out of Long Grove, and my

family's favorite painter.

I have a Michael

Ortega original hanging

in my apartment right

now in New York City.

Every time I look at it,

it reminds me of home.

Art always seems to

do that, doesn't it?

I mean, it's beautiful.

I love how you captured

the Long Grove bridge,

but you can't forget

about the new town tree.

You know, I don't

think I've seen it yet.

I'm Nina Madden.

Young Nina Madden, most

famous singer to ever

come out of Long Grove.

Mm.

And you're my family's

favorite artist.

Well, I didn't have

quite the same success.

I'm successful because I

get to paint every day,

no matter where or for whom.

It's what I am.

And without it,

I wouldn't be me.

You're a singer.

You love to sing.

Success is finding a way to do

it, no matter where you are.

Oh!

Yay, Nina's here.

Yay, Nina's here.

Well, I think that's my cue.

Get a better look at

that town tree, huh?

[chuckles]

[laughs] Our friend,

Nina, is here

today to help us sing and get

our voices in great shape.

OK, let's warm up.

Repeat after me.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la.

Good!

[whimsical music]

[indistinct conversation]

And just, uh, sign.

There.

Perfect. All right.

Thank you.

All right.

[light clicking on and off]

Hey, there it is.

You've got other things to do.

Let me finish up here.

You sure about that?

Trust me.

[chuckles] Thank you.

He's doing it.

[soft music]

[light clicking on]

It's like a movie.

[mysterious music]

"Wish number four, a white

Christmas dance solo."

[upbeat festive music]

The light looks great.

[soft music]

It's... it's like a movie.

Make a wish.

[blows air]

What'd you wish for?

If I tell you, it

won't come true.

I'll take my chances.

[romantic music]

Here you go.

[laughs] Thank you.

You know, Joey's actually

a really good writer.

Hey, I knew my boy could write.

[chuckles]

I feel like we're in a really

good position for the festival.

Now we just need

the town to show up.

Oh, Mayor Ortega.

What's up, John?

Uh, may I have a word?

Sure.

Oh, you can speak freely.

Ok.

Um, I tried everything, OK?

The numbers are not numbering

the way we want them to.

There are several numbers

which are truly...

Whoa, whoa.

Slow down.

We still have hundreds

of tickets left.

This... this fundraiser,

it's not even

gonna be able to cover the

cost of the maintenance budget

for the next year.

And we're nowhere near that.

So none of the outreach to Holly

Falls, Redmont, Hammond,

Greenwood, none of that worked?

It's gonna take more than a

festival to fix our problems.

We need some... we need

something drastic to change.

We are out of options.

What are we gonna do?

[children shouting]

Am I the only one in this town

that wants to keep it as it is?

Maybe I'm the one

that needs to change.

Brian.

I just...

I just need to think right now.

[sighs] I'll see y'all later.

Even when he's sad, he's

really handsome, you know.

[pensive music]

[sighs]

[soft music]

Do it for Long Grove.

Brian?

Hello.

I was pleasantly surprised

to get your call.

Thank you, Leigh.

[knocking]

Hi.

I was on my way home, but I

feel like we need to talk.

Is this about your

meeting with Randall?

[sighs]

Please tell me you did

not make a deal with him.

It's not as simple as it looks.

If you sign those papers

and the last shop agrees,

it'll just be Rotha

against all of you.

Actually, it'll be Rotha

and me against all of you.

I don't know what to do other

than embrace the reality.

This town's not going

to be able to keep up.

Even with the Claus

for Celebration,

even if I fix every

streetlight by myself,

it's... it's not gonna work.

So that's it, huh?

Well, Mr. Mayor, you

do what you gotta do.

[knocking]

Hi.

This young man wanted to

interview me because he's

doing a story on you.

I suggested we all talk.

I don't think this

is a good time.

Let's talk about why.

Because I'm in way

too honest a mood.

[WHISPERING] Yes!

So you're telling

me Santa is here,

and your fourth grade

wish list is coming true?

Item by item.

And even though it's fun

and exciting and even

a little crazy, it's not really

giving me what I want anymore.

And worst of all, the

woman I love is mad at me.

[exhales]

So if you can make your

wishlist now, as a grown-up,

what would be on it?

Good question.

First of all, I'd wish that

everyone could see the charming

gem that Long Grove is

before it becomes another

high-end shopping center.

It's... it's quaint and

unique and beautiful.

And the people here are some

of the best you'll find.

I know the hot chocolate

isn't from France.

And... and the scarves

aren't cashmere,

and we don't have a spa.

But I wish there

was a way to remind

people that bells

and whistles aren't

what makes something special.

We're so much more

than all that,

especially during the holidays.

We're like that warm,

happy Christmas feeling all

year long.

That is a great wish.

And next, I'd make the

town's Clause for Celebration

a success without stretching

the town's non-existent budget.

I wish these people could see

that they don't need to have

a big festival for others.

They alone are reason

enough to celebrate.

It's... it's all the love

they pour into everything

and into everyone they meet.

That's enough reason to

celebrate right there.

This community deserves so

much more than I can give it.

And I just...

I just wish I would have figured

it out in time for Christmas.

And finally, I wish

I had the courage

to tell Nina Madden how

I really feel about her

before she leaves again.

- Great!

- Great!

Great?

That was awesome.

This is what I was

talking about when I

said to speak from the heart.

Mr. Mayor, I can't

solve your problems,

but I can say that

are doing a great job,

and I wish that you saw that.

Thank you for taking the time

to speak with the Long Grove

Elementary School Newspaper.

Wait, I... I kind

of blacked out.

What'd I say?

It sounds like you

finally figured out what

makes Long Grove so amazing.

Like you said, the

people of this town

are the best there is.

Go talk to your people.

They'll understand.

[bright music]

Dinner at my house, one hour.

Joey!

Hi.

I made copies.

I'm sorry?

Brian's interview.

We finished, and I thought

before I published it,

you would want to see it first.

[soft music]

Hey, these are cool.

Oh, hey.

Maybe I'll take them

to the festival.

You know, sell them at

the ornament station.

That'd be great.

[sighs] I've been

thinking a lot about you

and your mom this Christmas.

I can see why you like being

involved in the community.

I've really gotten a lot out

of the small amount I've given.

Dad, I don't know what I'm

going to do about this Claus

for Celebration.

We don't have

enough attractions.

We haven't sold enough tickets.

We don't...

Let me stop you right there.

What do you mean by saying

that you don't have?

What do you have?

We got Hal Bakery's

gingerbread muffins

and hot chocolate, a cup

of Grove coffee, and...

It's a great start.

We basically have everything

that Long Grove has to offer.

[laughs] Exactly right.

That's enough.

Oh, my god.

[bright music]

[sighs]

Hey.

I need a favor.

Are you familiar with

the town of Long Grove?

Well, have I got

a story for you.

[exciting music]

Nina!

Nina!

Gami, are you OK?

We're fully booked.

What?

The Inn is fully booked.

The papers all

have this article.

You won't... you won't

believe what it says.

Well, I saw a sneak peek.

So many bookings.

So many bookings.

Nina.

You were right, Nina.

I can't wish away these problems

or take them on myself.

I need to tell everyone

what's going on.

Look at this.

It looks like the story

got out about Long Grove.

Joey's story went national.

Wow.

I guess I underestimated Joey.

He had a little help.

The best part about

being an event planner

are all the contacts

that you make.

So, if you've read the

article, then you know...

Yeah.

I'm kind of crazy

about you, too.

But right now, we need to figure

out how we're going to fit all

these people into Long Grove.

There's people coming?

Yes, for the Claus

for Celebration.

The Inn is booked from

Christmas through New Year's.

And 4th of July is

booking up fast.

Brian, you did it.

Not yet.

Hey, Leigh, we need to call an

emergency City Hall meeting.

That's right.

So I'm sure you've

all seen the papers.

Well, first of all, I'd

just like to apologize.

I haven't exactly been honest

with you on how much trouble

this town has been in.

And... and that was wrong.

What makes Long

Grove so amazing?

A really talented journalist

and close friend of mine

has been asking me why I think

it's so special, and I...

I couldn't really

answer that until today.

[sentimental music]

I realized that what makes

this place special is

the love within the community

and the authenticity

of our town.

This... this is the place

that people go to take

a break from the daily grind.

And it took all of you

to remind me of that.

People want to get back to

the simple, happy pleasures

that Long Grove

is so abundant in,

and that's what

we're going to remind

them of with this festival.

And you know what?

They're going to come

back the next time they

need to feel that connection.

And they're going to

tell their friends

that Long Grove is the town

that isn't trying to keep up.

We may be 50 miles

from New York,

but we are very

proudly a world away.

[applause]

However, I'm gonna

need your help.

I could bring my new litter

of kittens for people to pet.

Yeah, I love that.

I could decorate my tractor

like a sleigh and give rides.

That'd be great.

All right.

Who's with me?

[thrilling music]

[applause]

[festive music]

Was all this on your wishlist?

Oh, you read about my wishlist?

Yeah.

Yeah, it's true.

[chuckles] Hey, how you doing?

Please.

Please come in.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

As promised, your favorite.

Oh, thank you, Sadie.

Mm!

Yes.

[laughs]

This is great.

What's your story?

Ooh, you got a nice

coloring going.

Yeah.

[applause, exciting music]

[lively chatter]

Have a fun time.

["Deck the Halls"]

- Hey there.

- Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Brian.

Merry Christmas, Randall.

You know, I see a lot of

faces here I don't recognize.

I like it.

Well, word must have got

out that Long Grove is

the perfect Christmas town...

as is

Yes.

Oh, which reminds

me, at some point,

I would love to bend your ear

about how to best use my lot.

Hmm.

Oh, well, my grandmother has

always wanted to expand...

tennis court, pool.

That's interesting.

Or maybe an art gallery.

Ah, I like the sound of that.

I wouldn't even mind helping

get it off the ground.

Withers Galleria d'Arte.

Ortega's.

Eh, spitballing.

Either way, we'll

be talking soon.

Lots of exciting

things to discuss.

Yeah?

Absolutely.

Have a good night, guys.

Hey there, Mr. Journalist

of the Year.

Hey there, Mr. Mayor

of the Year.

I don't know what to say, Joey.

Uh, thanks for

getting it out of me.

A good writer knows.

The story will always

reveal itself in time.

Couldn't have done

it without you, kid.

Stop it already.

I gotta go find Hannah.

She promised me to do

that thing with the, uh...

the hammer, the, uh...

Hey, Joey.

Come on.

The High Striker.

Have fun.

[exhales]

[festive music]

This is better than I

could have ever imagined.

The numbers are happy.

- Very happy.

- Great.

[laughs]

Do you want to do the

cotton candy with me?

- I'd love to.

- OK.

Come on.

No, wait.

OK.

Congratulations, Brian.

Thank you for all your help.

I... I...

I don't know if you're...

if you're, uh...

I don't know how much

you had to do with...

Oh.

I, uh, found this.

Is this yours?

I don't need that anymore.

All my wishes came true.

Well, almost all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ms. Nina Madden.

This is for you, stage crew.

[soft music]

What's come over me?

Everything I see

The colors seem

brighter for sure

The old I see anew

I haven't got a clue

Why I couldn't

see it before

The comfort of home

Now feels such a thrill

The best that I've known

Uplifted and filled

I've never felt

this kind of bliss

Oh, what have I missed?

[music intensifying]

I see it so clear

I figured it out

I'm staying right here

'Cause I can't live without

The feeling of

this kind of bliss

You're my Christmas wish

[applause, cheers]

[jazzy holiday music]

[whimsical music]