The Muppet Christmas Carol Marks Its 30th Anniversary With a Special Cinema Re‑Release

It’s been 30 years since The Muppet Christmas Carol first arrived on screens, and to celebrate the milestone, a newly restored 4K edition is returning to cinemas across the UK and Ireland — complete with the long‑lost song that fans have been waiting decades to see reinstated.

A Long‑Lost Song Finally Returns

The missing musical number, “When Love Is Gone”, originally performed during Scrooge’s past‑life flashback, was removed from the theatrical release and remained unseen for years. Rediscovered in 2020, it now forms part of the anniversary presentation, giving audiences the chance to experience the film as it was originally intended.

Where You Can See the Anniversary Edition

More than 150 cinemas across the UK and Ireland — including major chains such as Odeon, Cineworld, Vue and Picturehouse — are screening the new 4K restoration, with additional venues expected to join the lineup.

Explore more festive favourites in Christmas Movies and Christmas Entertainment.

‘Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (Best Supporting Actor) gives a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes — and his heart — to the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with original music and dazzling special effects, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will become a holiday tradition your family will treasure all the days of the year.

Why This Christmas Classic Endures

Three decades on, The Muppet Christmas Carol remains one of the most beloved festive films of all time. Its blend of humour, heart, musical storytelling and a faithful retelling of Dickens’ classic continues to resonate with families each December. The anniversary edition offers a refreshed way to revisit the story, complete with restored scenes, enhanced visuals and the emotional depth of the reinstated song.

A Festive Favourite Worth Revisiting

This anniversary release is set to be a highlight for Christmas film fans — a chance to rediscover a seasonal classic on the big screen and enjoy a version of the film that hasn’t been widely seen since its original production.