On the town Christmas pageant's 75th anniversary, Beth's housewife mom Grace volunteers to be in charge as the woman who usually runs it has broken her legs.

Beth's little brother Charlie tells his tormentor that at church they get treats and sweets, so the whole Herdman clan comes to Sunday school.

But even more surprising, Imogen announces she will take the role of Mary in the local church pageant.

The shocked community is appalled that Grace gives them a chance to reform by letting them perform in the pageant.

They are outraged by the story, suggesting they include a King Herod to kill, so they cut their first meeting short when chaos errupts.

In the mayhem with the fire trucks, Imogen overhears many townspeople speaking badly of the Herdmans, so they disappear.

In November 2023, it was reported that an adaptation of the 1972 children's novel was in the works at Lionsgate, with Dallas Jenkins directing the film.

[9] It was previously scheduled for November 15, 2024 before moving forward a week earlier to avoid competition with another Christmas film, Red One.

The website's consensus reads: "Decking the halls with unflappable charm and sincere spiritual conviction, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is winningly wholesome family entertainment.