Jonathan Thomas Christmas On The Moon

Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas on the Moon was a delightful Christmas serial produced in 1938, the year after the first broadcast of The Cinnamon Bear. This 26-part children’s serial, created by the Transcription Company of America, did not enjoy the same commercial success as The Cinnamon Bear or Jump Jump and the Ice Queen, but it may be the best written of the three. Part of the reason Christmas on the Moon was the least popular was that no sponsor chose to associate it with a toy promotion, unlike its more successful counterparts.

The story follows six-year-old Jonathan Thomas, who goes on an exciting adventure to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus and save Christmas itself. When a moonbeam shines through Jonathan’s window and two little elves slide down it into his bedroom, his teddy bear Guz takes off after them up the moonbeam. Jonathan follows, and soon finds himself involved in a fantastical quest, accompanied by the Man in the Moon and a horse named Gorgonzola, traveling to strange and exotic places like the Merry-Go-Round River, the Rainbow Bridge, the Wall of Doors, and Looking Glass Land, meeting a wildly imaginative group of characters straight out of Lewis Carroll and many beloved fairy tales.

The Stars

There were no regular stars in Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas on the Moon, as it featured a large ensemble cast of experienced radio performers bringing the imaginative characters to life.

Key Dates

• Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas on the Moon debuted on November 25, 1938 and ran for 26 episodes.
• It conclude on December 24, 1938.
• The series was syndicated, with episodes airing daily in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Other Information

While Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas on the Moon did not achieve the same level of popularity and commercial success as The Cinnamon Bear, it has developed a loyal following over the years. The series’ unique premise, blending elements of fairy tales, folk tales, and classic literature, as well as its creative production and engaging characters, have made it a cherished part of the holiday radio canon for many old-time radio enthusiasts.

Unlike The Cinnamon Bear and Jump Jump and the Ice Queen, Jonathan Thomas and His Christmas on the Moon did not have the benefit of a toy promotion or merchandising tie-ins to help drive its popularity.

However, the series’ imaginative storytelling and memorable characters have ensured that it remains a beloved holiday tradition for those who discover it.