It Nearly Wasn't Christmas
1989, English. Directed by Burt Brinckerhoff.
Feeling unneeded, a disillusioned Santa Claus (Charles Durning) quits Christmas. Through the selflessness of a little girl looking to reunite her parents for Christmas (and the help of his bumbling chief elf, Philpot (Bruce Vilanch), Santa and the child travel across America and Santa discovers that people really do need him and care about other people.
- Runtime
- 1h 40m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
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Where to watch It Nearly Wasn't Christmas
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 December 1989.
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Cast & crew
- Burt BrinckerhoffDirector
- Charles DurningSanta
- Bruce VilanchPhilpot
- Wayne OsmondJeff Baxter
- Risa SchiffmanJennifer Baxter
- Annette MarinLaura Baxter
- Beverly RowlandMrs. Claus
- Tip BoxellJeff's Boss
- Star HerrmannMother (as Star Roman)
- Paul GraceMugger
- Alan NashTicket Clerk
- Jason BallBus Driver
- John DarylCop - Chicago
Details
- Released
- 1 December 1989
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Golda David, Alan Jay Glueckman, Stanley Isaacs
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News & fan talk
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It Nearly Wasn't Christmas: quick answers
Is It Nearly Wasn't Christmas worth watching?
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is It Nearly Wasn't Christmas?
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas runs 100 minutes (1h 40m).
Does It Nearly Wasn't Christmas have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for It Nearly Wasn't Christmas. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas is rated G in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is It Nearly Wasn't Christmas on?
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 1 December 1989. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like It Nearly Wasn't Christmas?
If you liked It Nearly Wasn't Christmas, try The Bridge Part 2, A Veteran's Christmas, The Bridge.
Who directed It Nearly Wasn't Christmas?
It Nearly Wasn't Christmas (1989) was directed by Burt Brinckerhoff and stars Charles Durning, Bruce Vilanch, Wayne Osmond.