Disney Christmas Advert 2026: The Invisible Horse Is the Magical Tearjerker We Didn’t See Coming

A boy who thinks he’s too old for Christmas magic, and a creature nobody else can see. Get the tissues ready.

Disney Christmas advert 2026 has arrived, and it’s another heart-melter. Called A Disney Holiday Short: The Invisible Horse, it’s a brand-new original film you can stream right now on Disney+ and online.

And here’s the bit that made us sit up. It’s directed by Dougal Wilson. If that name rings a bell, it should. He’s the man behind some of John Lewis’s most famous Christmas adverts, including The Long Wait, Monty the Penguin and Buster the Boxer. In other words, he’s been making the nation cry at Christmas for more than a decade.

WATCH: Disney Christmas Advert 2926 – The Invisible Horse:

A Disney Holiday Short: The Invisible Horse is available now on Disney+ and online. Grab a blanket, gather the family and watch it below.

What happens in Disney’s The Invisible Horse?

Meet Jack. He’s a boy who reckons he’s outgrown the magic of Christmas. He won’t join in with the family traditions, and he even leaves his trusty Woody from Toy Story behind. We’ve all met a Jack, and some of us have been one.

But then, one snowy day, he spots horseshoe prints in the garden, slowly heading his way. He reaches out and, just for a second, touches something he can’t see. Then it gallops off. Of course, when he tells everyone about his invisible horse, nobody believes him, and his friends have a good laugh at his expense. Jack isn’t giving up, though. He spends the next few days outside in his cowboy hat until, at last, the horse comes back.

Then comes the moment that had us cheering. After a family movie night watching Frozen II, Jack is inspired by Elsa riding her magical water horse. So he decides to do the same. Cue Jack cantering across the fields and past his stunned friends on a horse nobody can see. Honestly, it’s pure joy.

And here’s the twist. As the weather turns, snow and frost settle on the creature, slowly revealing its true shape. It isn’t a horse at all. It’s a reindeer! Jack brings his new friend home to meet the family, and in a truly magical finale, the reindeer is joined by the rest of its herd. Together, they take off and soar up into the night sky. We’ll admit it. We welled up.

The music is the cherry on top. The short features music from Disney’s 1973 classic Robin Hood, giving it a lovely, nostalgic feel that grown-ups will recognise straight away. Meanwhile, there are sweet little nods to Toy Story and Frozen II throughout, so keep your eyes peeled.

It’s a lovely reminder that wonder often turns up when you least expect it. As Disney puts it, the most meaningful holiday memories often begin with a little belief.

[ADD QUOTE: Dougal Wilson or Disney spokesperson]

Part of Disney’s Make the Holidays Magic campaign

The Invisible Horse kicks off Make the Holidays Magic, Disney’s global Christmas campaign. It brings together festive experiences, entertainment and gifting, alongside initiatives to support children and families.

Fancy a festive film marathon after? Sign up for Disney+ here: Disney+

Our verdict

This one feels like a big warm hug. Pairing Disney’s magic with the director behind Monty the Penguin was always going to tug at the heartstrings. And the message lands beautifully. However old you are, it’s never too late to believe in a little Christmas magic. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to check the back garden for invisible horses.

👉 Catching up on the Christmas advert battle? See John Lewis’s Gloria and Pickles picks, Lidl’s Banger and Aldi’s Cauli Dog advert