Nickelodeon’s Santa Hunters is a delightful holiday treat that combines humor, adventure, and just the right amount of magic to captivate its audience. Released in 2014 and directed by Savage Steve Holland (Malibu Rescue, Lizzie McGuire), the film brings together a talented young cast, including Benjamin Flores Jr., Breanna Yde, Mace Coronel, and Laya DeLeon Hayes. At its heart, Santa Hunters is a story about preserving the wonder of Christmas while exploring the bonds of friendship and family.
The movie begins with a quirky “found footage” documentary style reminiscent of Blair Witch Project—but with far more holiday cheer. Alex (Benjamin Flores Jr.), the film’s energetic and determined protagonist, introduces the concept by vlogging about his mission to prove Santa Claus’s existence. His sister Elizabeth (Laya DeLeon Hayes) takes on the role of camerawoman, capturing the team’s hijinks as they navigate school, family gatherings, and their ambitious Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa in the act.
Alex’s belief in Santa stems from a unique family tradition. His eccentric Uncle Charlie (Kelly Perine) has passed down a pipe he claims once belonged to Santa Claus, adding a personal touch to Alex’s resolve to uncover the truth. With the help of his best friends, tech-savvy Zoey (Breanna Yde) and karate enthusiast Richard (Mace Coronel), Alex forms the Santa Hunters—a team equipped with gadgets, surveillance tools, and boundless determination.
The group’s adventure kicks off with humorous mishaps, including a misfire where they confront a Santa impersonator who turns out to be their school principal. Undeterred, they set their sights on Christmas Eve, sealing up their house, installing cameras, and donning matching uniforms to await Santa’s arrival. Just as it seems their plan has failed, the unthinkable happens—Santa appears. But this Santa isn’t the cuddly figure from storybooks. He moves at lightning speed and carries a magical sack filled with an endless supply of gifts. The children’s discovery is both thrilling and a little chaotic, especially when they realize Santa loses his magic every time someone sees him.
The stakes rise further when Natasha (April Telek), a bitter family guest with a grudge against Christmas, decides to expose Santa to the world. Fueled by resentment over a childhood gift she never received, Natasha steals Santa’s sleigh and the kids’ footage, threatening to unravel the magic of Christmas forever. The film’s climax shifts from hunting Santa to stopping Natasha, as the kids learn that some secrets—like Santa’s existence—are worth keeping. Their ultimate decision to destroy the evidence preserves the holiday spirit and ensures Christmas can continue uninterrupted.
At just over an hour, Santa Hunters maintains a brisk pace that keeps younger viewers engaged while still offering moments of humor and heart for the whole family. The child actors shine in their roles, with Benjamin Flores Jr. leading the charge as the charismatic Alex. Breanna Yde brings charm and intelligence to Zoey, while Mace Coronel adds comedic flair as Richard, the self-proclaimed martial arts expert. Their chemistry feels natural, making their teamwork a highlight of the film.
That said, the movie isn’t without its flaws. The humor occasionally leans too heavily on slapstick and gross-out gags, such as an extended bathroom scene involving a grandpa. While moments like these might elicit giggles from younger kids, they can drag for older viewers. Similarly, the storyline, while entertaining, borrows liberally from holiday classics like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and Elf, making it feel more familiar than original. Yet, the movie’s heart and festive energy largely make up for these shortcomings.
What truly sets Santa Hunters apart is its emphasis on the importance of family and tradition. The movie reminds viewers that the magic of Christmas isn’t just about presents or proof of Santa—it’s about the memories and bonds we create with loved ones. This sentiment is woven throughout the film, from Alex’s connection to his Uncle Charlie’s heirloom to the group’s selfless decision to protect Santa’s secret, even at the cost of their hard-earned footage.
Visually, Santa Hunters embraces a colorful, festive aesthetic that enhances the holiday spirit. The gadgets and tech used by the kids are creative and fun, adding a modern twist to their classic mission. The found footage style, while not groundbreaking, adds a unique narrative layer that sets the movie apart from more traditional holiday fare.
For families looking for a quick, fun holiday movie to enjoy together, Santa Hunters is an excellent choice. Its mix of humor, adventure, and heart ensures it will entertain kids aged 7-12 while also providing enough charm for parents to enjoy. The film is currently available on Paramount+, with options to purchase it on YouTube and AppleTV for those looking to add it to their holiday movie rotation.
You can watch Santa Hunters on Paramount+ or you can purchase it to view on YouTube and AppleTV.
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Santa Hunters
