The film follows Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen), a man who inadvertently becomes Santa Claus after a strange series of events on Christmas Eve. Scott, a cynical and disenchanted toy company executive, is divorced from his wife, Laura (Wendy Crewson), and has a strained relationship with his young son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd). On Christmas Eve, Scott and Charlie accidentally cause the original Santa to fall off the roof of their house, and Scott unknowingly takes his place.

By following the mysterious instructions on a “Santa Clause” card left by the fallen Santa, Scott embarks on a magical transformation, beginning with him physically changing into Santa Claus. The movie explores Scott’s initial disbelief and resistance to his new role, but over time, he embraces his new identity as Santa, bringing joy to children and learning to reconnect with his son.

As Scott starts gaining weight, growing a beard, and undergoing other physical changes, his life begins to revolve more and more around Christmas and the North Pole. With the help of his elf assistant, Bernard (David Krumholtz), Scott navigates the challenges of being Santa while also dealing with the growing tension between his new role and his professional and personal life.

The Santa Clause was a commercial success, grossing over $190 million worldwide against a modest budget of around $22 million. Critics generally praised the film for its family-friendly charm, humor, and Tim Allen’s performance, which captured both the comedy and heart of the story. The movie’s mix of humor, heartwarming moments, and festive cheer made it an instant holiday favorite.

Though it was aimed primarily at family audiences, The Santa Clause has remained a nostalgic part of Christmas viewing for many people over the years. The film’s blend of magic, heart, and humor has earned it a special place in the pantheon of Christmas movies.