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The Holiday

The Holiday is a 2006 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Nancy Meyers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Holiday is a 2006 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Nancy Meyers. It stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black as two women who swap homes after heartbreak and find new relationships during the Christmas season. The film was a commercial success, grossing $205.8 million worldwide against an $85 million budget.

Plot

The story follows two women from opposite sides of the Atlantic who swap homes to recover from failed relationships. Their time in each other’s lives leads to new romances and personal change.

Cast

The main cast includes Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, with supporting roles by Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, and Rufus Sewell.

Release and reception

The film premiered in New York City on November 29, 2006, and was released theatrically in the United States on December 8, 2006. It received mixed critical reviews but performed strongly at the box office.

Production

Nancy Meyers wrote and directed the film and co-produced it with Bruce A. Block. It was filmed in California and England.

Key facts

  • The Holiday is a 2006 American romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers.
  • The film stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
  • It centers on a home swap between two women from California and England.
  • The film premiered on November 29, 2006, and was released in the U.S. on December 8, 2006.
  • It earned $205.8 million worldwide on an $85 million budget.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada by Sony Pictures Releasing, and it has remained a familiar Christmas-season title for Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed The Holiday?
Nancy Meyers directed the film and also wrote it.
When was The Holiday released?
It premiered on November 29, 2006, and opened theatrically in the United States on December 8, 2006.
Who stars in The Holiday?
The film stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black.
What is The Holiday about?
Two women exchange homes after heartbreak and each finds a new romantic connection during the Christmas season.
Was The Holiday a box office success?
Yes. It grossed about $205.8 million worldwide against an $85 million budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holiday
    Supports: Basic film details including year, director, cast, plot, filming locations, release dates, distribution, budget, and worldwide gross.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_holiday
    Supports: Film synopsis, credited director, producers, screenwriter, distributor, runtime, rating, release date, and box office information.
  3. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTiVh91DIb4
    Supports: Secondary commentary noting the film's Christmas setting and later reputation as a holiday classic.