Introduction
2009 American animated TV special Yes, VirginiaCreated byWayne Best Matt MacDonaldBased onYes, Virginia, there is a Santa ClausWritten byWayne BestMatt MacDonaldChris PlehalScreenplay byChris PlehalDirected byPete CircuittVoices of Neil Patrick Harris Bea Miller Jennifer Love Hewitt Kieran Patrick Campbell Andrew Cherry Taylor Hay Nicholas Sireci Julian Franco Michael Buscemi Alfred Molina ComposerNicholas HooperCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionExecutive producers Dexton Deboree Mick Ebeling Chet Fenster Harvey Marco ProducerTed RogersEditors Darwin Ignacio Matt Ahrens Running time22 minutesProduction companies The Ebeling Group JWT Productions MEC:Active Engagement Macy's Starz Animation Original releaseNetworkCBSReleaseDecember 11, 2009 (2009-12-11) Yes, Virginia is an animated Christmas television special created by Wayne Best and Matt MacDonald, and produced by JWT Productions, The Ebeling Group, and Starz Animation, with sponsorship from Macy's. It first aired December 11, 2009 on CBS. It was based on Francis Pharcellus Church's famous 1897 editorial, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" in The (New York) Sun. The special featured the voice talents of Bea Miller as Virginia O'Hanlon and Neil Patrick Harris as her father, Philip. There was a previous animated special, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus, broadcast in 1974.
Why the 2009 special still clicks with modern families
The 2009 version of "Yes, Virginia" updates a Victorian editorial for a generation raised on digital media. By using crisp animation and a star‑studded voice cast, it bridges the gap between a timeless moral and today’s visual expectations. Parents appreciate that the narrative stays true to the original message – that belief in Santa is a kind of faith – while the pacing and humour feel contemporary enough to keep kids’ attention. Moreover, the partnership with Macy’s gives the special an extra layer of nostalgia, recalling the department store’s historic Christmas windows. This combination of heritage and fresh storytelling makes the short film a useful addition to any December TV line‑up, especially for families seeking a brief, heart‑warming programme before bedtime.
Buying guide: where to stream or own the special
Although the original broadcast was on CBS, the 22‑minute special is now most reliably found on major on‑demand platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple iTunes, where it can be purchased or rented individually. If you prefer physical media, look for the DVD compilation titled "CBS Holiday Classics" – it often bundles the 2009 "Yes, Virginia" with other seasonal shorts. For those with a Starz subscription, the title sometimes appears in the seasonal catalogue, so keep an eye on the platform’s holiday schedule. When buying, check that the region code matches your player; the US release is Region 1, but many digital copies are region‑free. A modest price, typically under £5, makes it an easy add‑on for your Christmas media library.
Common misconceptions about the original editorial
Many assume the famous 1897 editorial was a publicity stunt for Santa Claus, but in reality it was a response to a child's sincere query about the existence of the mythical gift‑giver. The editorial’s purpose was to defend the value of imagination against growing scepticism, a theme that resonates strongly in the animated adaptation. Viewers sometimes think the line "There is a Santa Claus" was coined for the TV special; it actually predates any screen version by more than a century. Understanding this historical context enriches the viewing experience, reminding audiences that the story’s heart lies not in commercialism but in preserving a child’s wonder – a point the 2009 special subtly reinforces through its gentle visual style.