A Chipmunk Christmas 1981

A doctor [Frank Welker] visits the Waterford family because their son Tommy Waterford is gravely ill, and the prognosis for a Christmas recovery looks bleak. The visit sets a quiet, anxious tone as the household braces for bad news, while in a nearby studio, the Chipmunks are in the middle of a recording session. Alvin is visibly grumpy about having to work on Christmas, but his mood softens when Dave—David Seville—tells him he can get everything set up in the studio while the others go window shopping. The promise of a new project and a chance to distract himself from worry gives Alvin a flicker of hope, even as the family’s worry for Tommy remains front and center.

At a bustling music store, Alvin spots another Golden Echo harmonica and insists that his own harmonica is the best in the world. The moment is interrupted when Tommy Waterford’s mother and her daughter arrive, and the daughter mentions that if Tommy could have the Golden Echo harmonica, it might lift his spirits. Deeply moved by Tommy’s illness, Alvin’s empathy takes over; during the recording break, he finds himself unable to sing in tune with the others, his thoughts pulled toward the ailing boy. Dave notices and steps back, urging patience and fairness, while Alvin quietly decides to do something meaningful.

That evening, Alvin pays a personal visit to the Waterfords’ home and gifts Tommy with his own harmonica, hoping to spark a spark of joy and a sense of normalcy for the sick boy. He returns in time to finish the session, and Simon and Theodore salute their brother’s generosity, though Alvin quietly requests they not tell Dave, fearing the news could hurt his mentor’s feelings. The idea of keeping the secret weighs on him as Christmas approaches, and he resolves to save money to buy a better harmonica after the holiday.

As Christmas Eve draws near, Dave receives a call from Carnegie Hall, requesting Alvin to perform on Christmas Eve. The idea of a prestigious stage pushes Alvin into a dilemma: he wants to honor his promise to Tommy, yet the chance of a quick windfall tempts him. The Chipmunks organize a neighborhood photo booth with Santa, hoping to raise funds by charging for pictures. The plan hits a snag when a curious cat distracts Dave, and the brothers struggle to explain themselves. Unable to tell the truth, the boys’ anxiety blooms into a dream sequence where Clyde Crashcup, inventor of fantastical ideas, appears and offers a surreal, humorous take on the season—while a nightmarish image of Santa (in a pumpkin sleigh pulled by four elephants) and Abraham Lincoln floats through the fantasy. The scene underscores Alvin’s desperation as he mutters in his sleep about money, and Dave wakes up from the dream with a newfound willingness to trust his nephews.

When the real Christmas Eve arrives, Simon and Theodore bring their saved money to help Alvin, hoping to see him through the finish line. They search for Alvin, and Tommy’s mother contacts Dave to share the miraculous news: the harmonica has already helped Tommy feel better. In the music store, a mysterious old woman appears, buys the harmonica for Alvin, and simply asks for a song in return. After Alvin performs, the woman vanishes, leaving the Chipmunks and Dave hopeful and surprised. Dave apologizes for mistaking Alvin’s generosity for greed and reveals a shared surprise they had planned all along.

At the concert, Tommy’s recovery is complete, and he rejoins the Chipmunks on stage. The city lights up as Santa Claus glides over the skyline while the quartet belts out We Wish You a Merry Christmas, their harmonies filling the night with warmth. When they return to the North Pole, Santa is greeted by his wife—the same woman who had quietly bought Alvin the harmonica—revealing the small, magical arc of kindness that sparked everything. This Christmas story blends faith, friendship, and music as a family’s love helps heal a boy and teaches a noisy crew that generosity can outshine fame and fortune.