When Santa Fell to Earth (2011): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2011, When Santa Fell to Earth is a comedy, fantasy and family film directed by Oliver Dieckmann, running about 107 minutes.

What it’s about. Christmas is just two weeks away, it is pouring with rain, and Ben is struggling to get into the Christmas spirit. Suddenly, Bens life takes a turn for the better when Santa Niklas Goodfellow and his Christmas caravan come crashing down to Earth in the middle of thunderstorm and land in Foggy Lane. Santa is on the run from the ruthless Gerold Geronimus Goblynch and his army of nutcrackers who have outlawed all of the old magical ways and have transformed the bright and peaceful Christmas world into a dark and hostile place, governed by greed and money. Goblynch has banned work for all Santas and confined the Christmas angels to tiny prison cells, where they can no longer hear the dearest wishes of children. Goblynch also wants to force Santa Niklas Goodfellow, the last real Santa, to work for his commercialized Christmas company and forces him to do hard labour in the ordering department of the Christmas Palace.

Who’s in it. When Santa Fell to Earth stars Alexander Scheer as Niklas Julebukk, Mercedes Jadea Diaz as Charlotte Blumenfeld, Jessica Schwarz as Lena Schuster and Fritz Karl as Fred Schuster, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, When Santa Fell to Earth has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch When Santa Fell to Earth page.

If you liked it. Fans of When Santa Fell to Earth tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.