“Where is Santa?” With that excitement, the movie “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express” will be released on December 12, 2025. We’ll give you a thorough guide to this heartwarming Christmas story the whole family can enjoy, along with ways to watch for free and the best streaming deals.
This article covers everything from the movie’s highlights and predicted streaming start date to the cast and buzz on social media. It’s packed with information so you don’t miss this “a film that makes both kids and adults smile.”
By reading to the end, you’ll find the viewing option that suits you best. Don’t miss the comparison table of streaming services and the lineup of related titles.
- What Is the Movie “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”?
- Synopsis & Production Details for “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”
- Highlights to Know Before Watching
- Streaming Services Likely to Carry the Film
- FAQs About Watching “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”
- Filmography of the Main Cast
- Similar & Related Recommendations
- Check the Buzz on Social Media!
What Is the Movie “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”?
“Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express” is a feature-length animated film from the globally beloved “Thomas & Friends” series, opening across Japan on December 12, 2025 (Fri). It’s the series’ first-ever Christmas-themed theatrical release, delivering a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and the wishes tucked inside presents.
The original work is Wilbert Awdry’s classic picture-book series “The Railway Series.” The animation is produced in the current 2D reboot style of “All Engines Go,” directed by Campbell Bryer with a screenplay by Rick Suvalle. In the Japanese dub, voice talents include Minami Tanaka (Thomas), 越乃奏 (Percy), and Rumi Okubo (Kana), among others.
The story begins with a small incident on Christmas Eve on the Island of Sodor. After finishing his mail deliveries, Percy finds an important letter addressed to Santa Claus. “It has to be delivered today!” And so begins a grand adventure to find Santa together with his friends.
Key Features
- Compact 60-minute runtime so even young children can stay engaged
- Beautiful visuals and music that bring out the special feeling of Christmas
- A story packed with the universal themes of friendship, teamwork, and dreams
- The overseas version “Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express” specially edited for Japan
This film is positioned as a “Christmas-limited special edition” within the Thomas movie series. With its ideal length and content for parent–child outings, it’s perfect for making winter memories.
Synopsis & Production Details for “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”
“Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express” is an inspiring adventure set on Christmas Eve on the Island of Sodor. After completing his mail route, Percy discovers a special letter addressed to Santa Claus in the mail car. To make the wish come true, it must be delivered to Santa today, and Percy sets off with his friends to find him.
Snow-covered tracks, twinkling lights, and heartwarming interactions with friends—this film lets you feel both the excitement and urgency of Christmas, with friendship, teamwork, and dreams as its pillars.
Basic Information
| Title | Movie Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express |
| Release Date | December 12, 2025 (Fri) |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Director | Campbell Bryer |
| Screenplay | Rick Suvalle |
| Production | Mattel Television |
| Japan Distributor | Tokyo Theatres (distribution cooperation: AEON Entertainment) |
| Presented by | Sony Creative Products |
Japanese Dub Cast
- Thomas: 田中美海
- Percy: 越乃奏
- Kana: 大久保瑠美
- Nia: 古賀英里奈
- Diesel: 山藤桃子
- Sandy: 山下七海
- Carly: 土師亜文
- Bruno: 竹内恵美子
- James: 伊東健人
- Harold: 神尾晋一郎
- Sir Topham Hatt: 岡本幸輔
- Santa Claus: Voice actor not yet announced
The story is not a short; it’s structured as a brand-new, feature-length narrative. The Christmas-only visuals and music are made to be enjoyed on the big screen.
Highlights to Know Before Watching
“Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express” distills the long-loved charm of the Thomas series into a special Christmas setting. It’s great for parents and kids, and even adults returning to the series after a while will feel both nostalgia and freshness.
1. Christmas-Only Flourishes
From Sodor blanketed in snow to stations lit with illuminations and arrangements of Christmas songs, the film brims with winter excitement. The final scene featuring Santa, in particular, will capture children’s hearts.
2. Percy’s Growth Story
At the center is Percy. Usually a bit clumsy, he musters his courage to deliver an important letter, drawing his friends into the challenge. Percy’s change and the deepening of friendship are moving even from an adult perspective.
3. Passionate Performances by a Stellar Cast
The Japanese dub features accomplished voice actors like Minami Tanaka, 越乃奏, and Rumi Okubo. Beyond dialogue, the emotion-filled songs and banter add depth to the film.
4. Not Just for Kids
In addition to universal themes like friendship, courage, and kindness, the film carries the message of “taking action to make dreams come true”. Adults can relate too, making it enjoyable for the whole family.
It’s not just a kids’ film—adults will be moved as well. This has strong potential to become a long-loved winter family classic.
Streaming Services Likely to Carry the Film
As a new release hitting theaters in December 2025, streaming is expected to begin a few months after the theatrical run. Based on past streaming patterns for Thomas & Friends titles, the following services are strong candidates.
In particular, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have consistently carried Thomas feature films and shorts, so an earlier streaming window is likely. d Anime Store and ABEMA also sometimes run limited-time free viewing campaigns.
Predicted Streaming Start Dates
| Service | Predicted Start | Price (tax incl.) | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | March 2026 | ¥600/month | Use the 30-day free trial |
| Netflix | April 2026 | ¥790/month and up | No free trial (available from the first paid month) |
| Hulu | May 2026 | ¥1,026/month | Use the 2-week free trial |
| d Anime Store | June 2026 | ¥550/month | Use the 31-day free trial |
| ABEMA | June 2026 | ¥960/month | Use the 14-day free trial |
Note that immediate post-theatrical streaming is unlikely; it will most likely see a DVD/Blu-ray early release before rolling out to streaming services.
If you want to watch as early as possible, Amazon Prime Video or Netflix are your best bets. Amazon especially carries many past titles, letting you enjoy other family films as well.
FAQs About Watching “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”
Q1. When will it start streaming?
Theatrical release is December 12, 2025 (Fri), and streaming will likely begin in spring 2026 or later. Based on previous series trends, the fastest cases appear on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix about 3–4 months after release.
Q2. Can I watch it for free?
A completely free viewing isn’t possible at this time, but by using free trial periods you may be able to watch at effectively no cost. Services like Amazon Prime Video (30 days), Hulu (2 weeks), and d Anime Store (31 days) are recommended.
Q3. Is it for kids?
Yes, it can be enjoyed by a wide range—from preschoolers to early elementary students. With a 60-minute runtime, it’s perfect for a first trip to the movie theater.
Q4. Will adults enjoy it too?
It deals with universal themes like friendship, courage, and working to make dreams come true, so adults can be moved as well. Those with fond memories of the series will feel both nostalgia and freshness.
Q5. Are there past Christmas entries?
As a feature-length film, this is the series’ first Christmas entry. There are multiple short episodes with Christmas themes, available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
If you want to see it right after release, head to theaters; if you plan to wait for streaming, it’s smart to get Amazon or Netflix set up in advance.
Filmography of the Main Cast
This film brings together popular and skilled voice actors. Here are the principal cast members and some of their representative works.
Minami Tanaka (Thomas)
- “Wake Up, Girls!” as Yoshino Nanase
- “Zombie Land Saga” as Conchouゾンビランドサガ
- “Macross Δ” as Makina Nakajimaマクロス△【プライム会員なら3話までお試し見放題】
越乃奏 (Percy)
- “Thomas & Friends” Percy (TV series)きかんしゃトーマス
- “Oshiri Tantei” appearances (multiple characters)おしりたんてい
- “Shimajiro no Wao!” guest appearance
Rumi Okubo (Kana)
- “YuruYuri” as Chinatsu Yoshikawaゆるゆり
- “Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-” as Felt
- “Fruits Basket” as Machi Kuragiフルーツバスケット
古賀英里奈 (Nia)
- “Thomas & Friends” as Niaきかんしゃトーマス
- “Yo-kai Watch” as Keita Amano
- “Shaman King” as Anna Kyoyama (dub)
Kento Ito (James)
- “Hypnosis Mic” as Doppo Kannonzaka
- “Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku” as Hirotaka Nifuji
- “A3!” as Omi FushimiA3！
One appeal of the Thomas films’ dubbing is the balanced mix of veterans and up-and-comers. It’s a must-see lineup for voice-acting fans.
Similar & Related Recommendations
After enjoying “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express”, here are titles with similar themes and vibes. We’ve focused on family-friendly works centered on Christmas and friendship.
Thomas & Friends–Related Titles
- “Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie” (feature film about bonds among friends)
- “Thomas & Friends: The Adventure Begins” (recommended for series newcomers)
- “Thomas & Friends: All Aboard!” (a lively work featuring all the characters)
Family Christmas Movies
- “The Polar Express” (an animated railway film about believing in Santa)
created by Rinker¥400 (2025/11/21 15:59:01時点 Amazon調べ-詳細) - “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (a warm Disney short Christmas story)
- “Arthur Christmas” (Santa’s son Arthur takes on the gift-delivery mission)
created by Rinker¥1,600 (2025/11/21 15:38:51時点 Amazon調べ-詳細)
Why We Recommend Them
These titles share elements like the magic of Christmas, friendship, and family love, and are also praised for their visuals and music. Many are visually accessible and heartwarming for younger children.
Watching related works lets you savor this film’s appeal even more. “The Polar Express,” in particular, is a big hit with train-loving kids.
Check the Buzz on Social Media!
Even before release, anticipation for “Thomas & Friends: Find Santa! Percy’s Christmas Express” is rising on social media. Based on posts from fans and families, we analyzed the early buzz.
Main Positive Comments
- “It’s awesome that we can see Thomas in theaters at Christmas!”
- “So happy Percy is the lead.”
- “At 60 minutes, kids will likely stay focused to the end.”
- “The dub cast is stacked—very excited.”
Concerns & Questions
- “Can’t decide whether to wait for streaming or go to theaters.”
- “Since it opens before winter break, we’ll need to plan our schedule.”
Five-Parameter Score (Social Media Tally)
| Parameter | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Story Anticipation | 4.6 |
| Character Appeal | 4.8 |
| Visuals | 4.5 |
| Music & Direction | 4.4 |
| Family-Friendliness | 5.0 |
Total Score: 93/100
Overall, buzz is very positive, with the fact that it’s a new Percy-led entry drawing major attention online. Many say it’s ideal for making Christmas memories, whether you go as a family or otherwise.
Based on the trends in comments, this is “worth heading to the theater as a family.” The opening week is expected to be crowded, so advance ticket reservations are recommended.
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