Every Christmas season, Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas brings fossilized smiles and festive nostalgia to fans of the beloved Ice Age franchise. This 2011 TV special reunites our favorite prehistoric herd as they embark on a magical journey to save Christmas. Featuring heartfelt humor and holiday cheer, the special injected a seasonal twist into the Ice Age universe. A starstudded voice cast, both returning and new, helped give life to this wintry tale, weaving together classic characters and fresh personalities that warmed hearts and warmed the Holiday Rock during the festive season.
Main Returning Cast Members
Ray Romano as Manny
Ray Romano reprises his role as Manny the woolly mammoth, the steadfast and protective leader of the herd. In A Mammoth Christmas, he cherishes the family’s Christmas Rock and sets out on a journey to rescue his daughter and friends from the North Pole adventure. Romano’s gentle paternal tone adds warmth to the story.
John Leguizamo as Sid
Sid the sloth, voiced unforgettably by John Leguizamo, provides the comic relief. After breaking Manny’s cherished ornament, Sid takes it upon himself alongside Crash, Eddie, and Peaches to journey to the North Pole and appeal to Santa. Leguizamo’s energetic performance keeps the story lively.
Denis Leary as Diego
Denis Leary returns as Diego the sabertoothed tiger, offering a composed voice of wisdom and occasional exasperation. He steps in to support the family’s mission and even leads the rescue party when things go awry.
Queen Latifah as Ellie
Queen Latifah reprises her role as Ellie, Manny’s wife. Her affectionate and level-headed presence is pivotal as she rallies the herd to follow the missing adventurers.
Seann William Scott and Josh Peck as Crash & Eddie
The mischievous opossum brothers Crash (Seann William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck) bring their signature chaos to the journey when they accompany Sid. Their antics add a delightful dose of unpredictability.
Ciara Bravo as Peaches
Ciara Bravo voices pre-teen Peaches, Manny and Ellie’s daughter. Curious and determined, Peaches leads the charge, urging Sid to prove Santa is real and bringing heart to the holiday mission.
Chris Wedge as Scrat
Chris Wedge returns as Scrat, the saber-toothed squirrel whose acorn obsession has brought adoration across generations. In this short, Scrat plays his own seasonal side story involving icy mishaps and a tiny gift.
New Characters and Voice Cast
- Billy Gardell as Santa Claus: The special introduces a jolly, rotund Santa whose workshop gets upended. Gardell’s comedic timing channels a warm yet slightly grumpy Santa.
- T. J. Miller as Prancer: A young reindeer who rescues the herd from a snowstorm. His goofy enthusiasm helps mend the damaged workshop.
- Judah Friedlander as Head Mini-Sloth: Leader of the mini-sloths tiny helpers in Santa’s workshop Friedlander’s voice adds fun and charm.
- Karen Disher as Molehog: A minor but memorable character, voiced by the film’s director herself.
Crew and Production Highlights
Directed by Karen Disher
Veteran animator and director Karen Disher helmed the special, infusing it with lively animation and a touch of seasonal whimsy.
Written by Sam Harper and Mike Reiss
The script, co-written by Sam Harper and The Simpsons veteran Mike Reiss, blends character-driven holiday spirit with clever comedy.
Music and Technical Team
Composer John Paesano provided a festive score, while Russell Eaton edited the 26-minute special. Production was led by Lori Forte, with executive production from Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha under Blue Sky Studios and Reel FX.
Reception and Legacy
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas premiered on November 24, 2011 on Fox, drawing approximately 7.1 million viewers. It became the second most-watched show in its time slot, and received an Annie Award nomination for Best Animated Special Production. While it divides critics, many fans enjoy its nostalgic charm and lighthearted approach to holiday themes.
The voice cast of Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas brings together franchise favorites and delightful newcomers to create a seasonal adventure rich with warmth, humor, and holiday mischief. Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, and Chris Wedge return to anchor the story alongside Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, and Ciara Bravo. New additions Billy Gardell, T. J. Miller, Judah Friedlander, and director Karen Disher add fresh faces and voices to the yuletide quest. Their combined talents helped craft a festive treat that holds a special place in fans’ hearts during the winter season.