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Candy Cane Lane (film)

Candy Cane Lane is a 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Candy Cane Lane is a 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger. The film stars Eddie Murphy as a man who makes a deal with a mischievous elf while trying to win a neighbourhood holiday decoration contest. It was released in limited theatres on 24 November 2023 and on Prime Video on 1 December 2023.

Plot

The film centres on Chris Carver, a laid-off corporate marketer who becomes determined to win his street's Christmas decoration contest. His attempt to improve his chances leads to a deal with a mischievous elf and supernatural consequences.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Trevante Rhodes, David Alan Grier, and Nick Offerman. The film combines family comedy with fantasy elements.

Release

Candy Cane Lane received a limited theatrical release on 24 November 2023 and began streaming on Prime Video on 1 December 2023. It was distributed by Amazon Studios.

Production

The film was directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger. It was produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Imagine Entertainment.

Key facts

  • The film is an American Christmas fantasy comedy released in 2023.
  • Reginald Hudlin directed the film and Kelly Younger wrote the screenplay.
  • Eddie Murphy plays Chris Carver, who wants to win a neighbourhood Christmas decoration contest.
  • The story involves a deal with an elf named Pepper, leading to magical chaos tied to the 12 Days of Christmas.
  • The film was released on Prime Video after a limited theatrical run.
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Canadian context

The film was listed as available in Canada among its Prime Video distribution territories, making it accessible to Canadian streaming audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Candy Cane Lane?
Candy Cane Lane is a 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy film about a man who tries to win a holiday decoration contest and ends up in a magical mess.
Who directed Candy Cane Lane?
The film was directed by Reginald Hudlin.
Who stars in Candy Cane Lane?
The film stars Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, with Jillian Bell, Ken Marino, Trevante Rhodes, David Alan Grier, and Nick Offerman among the supporting cast.
When was Candy Cane Lane released?
It was released in limited theatres on 24 November 2023 and on Prime Video on 1 December 2023.
What is the film about?
It follows Chris Carver, who makes a deal with an elf to help him win a neighbourhood Christmas decoration contest, triggering magical chaos.
What genre is Candy Cane Lane?
It is a Christmas fantasy comedy film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_Cane_Lane_(film)
    Supports: Directed by Reginald Hudlin; written by Kelly Younger; 2023 American Christmas fantasy comedy; principal cast; basic plot.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21328106/
    Supports: Release date, runtime, country of origin, language, plot premise.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/candy_cane_lane
    Supports: Director, producer credits, distributor, genre, rating, theatrical and streaming release dates, plot summary.
  4. Variety — https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/candy-cane-lane-review-eddie-murphy-tracee-ellis-ross-1235819573/
    Supports: Setting, cast names, and the holiday decoration contest premise.