This Christmas classic from nearly eight decades ago is still a must-watch for some who are wondering where they can see it this year. Although Miracle On 34th Street will not be showing on network TV, families can catch it at specific times on cable or simply rerun it on Disney +.
The one-and-a-half-hour movie featured Natalie Woods as Susan Walker, the young girl who does not believe in Christmas. Maureen O’Hara played Susan’s mother Doris Walker, who is equally convinced that Santa is a fable until an encounter with a certain Kris Kringle.
Where to watch ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ this holiday season
Those with a Disney + subscription can simply stream the classic anytime, but it will be showing on AMC at 9:45 am starting December 8, with the next airing being on Christmas Day at 3 am. BBC America will also show Miracle On 34th Street on December 23 at 12:15 pm, while Sundance TV will do a Christmas Day Marathon with three showings at 10:15 am, 3:15 pm, and 8:15 pm.
The George Seaton-directed classic featured a real-life Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which Maureen says was a mad scramble in her memoir Tis Herself. She recalled how cold it was, adding that there was no room for retakes.
After ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Miracle on 34th Street was a success, snagging three Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, Best Writing, Original Story, and Best Writing, Screenplay in 1948, alongside a Golden Globe Award. It had a budget slightly above half a million dollars back then—a fair amount for its times—and raked in $2.7 million upon debut.
Natalie’s role as Susan established her as a child actress. After Miracle On 34th Street was released, Parents Magazine named her the most exciting juvenile motion picture star of the year. She starred in ‘50s hits like Rebel Without a Cause and The Searchers and had a successful adult career until her sudden passing at 43 in 1981.