Toy Story That Time Forgot — Pixar’s Forgotten Dinosaur Christmas Special

When we think of Toy Story, most of us remember Woody, Buzz, and Jessie’s big-screen adventures. But tucked away in Pixar history is a little holiday special that many fans have forgotten: Toy Story That Time Forgot. First aired on ABC on December 2, 2014, this 22-minute short combines Christmas magic with dinosaur action figures, delivering a story that’s part adventure, part heartwarming lesson.

The special begins just after Christmas, when Bonnie takes her toys to a playdate at her friend Mason’s house. Mason has a brand-new set of toys still wrapped in the glow of Christmas morning — the BattleSaur action figures. These dinosaurs aren’t just plastic warriors; they think they’re real and have no idea that they’re toys at all (a clever callback to Buzz Lightyear’s original confusion in Toy Story).

Woody and Buzz tag along, but it’s really Trixie’s story this time. For years, she’s longed to be played with as a “real dinosaur” instead of just Bonnie’s make-believe companion. When she meets the Battlesaurs, she finally gets the chance. But the joy of roleplay quickly turns dangerous when the Battlesaurs try to trap the Toy Story gang in their world of combat.

With help from Woody, Buzz, and her friends, Trixie realizes that being a toy isn’t about proving your strength — it’s about the joy of being played with and loved.

Why It Stands Out
Unlike the Halloween-themed Toy Story of Terror!, this short feels like a Christmas adventure with a twist. It balances:

• Holiday atmosphere: post-Christmas playdate, shiny new toys, the magic of the season.
  
• Dinosaur action: epic battles, warrior armor, and larger-than-life characters.
  

Character growth: Trixie finally gets her “hero moment” and embraces her identity as Bonnie’s toy.

It’s a mix of holiday coziness and action-packed fun that kids loved — and many parents may have caught when it first aired back in 2014.

Where to Watch Today
Originally aired: December 2, 2014 on ABC
Home media: Released on Blu-ray/DVD in 2014 (often bundled with Toy Story of Terror!)
Streaming: Currently available on Disney+

For collectors, physical copies are still floating around online through Amazon and eBay — a great way to make sure this special stays part of your holiday library.

Why You Should Revisit It
Toy Story That Time Forgot may not be as well-known as the main films, but it captures something special: the thrill of new toys, the heart of the holiday season, and the timeless lesson that play is what makes toys truly come alive.

If it’s been years since you’ve seen it — maybe back when your kids were little — this Christmas is the perfect time to revisit it. Whether you stream it on Disney+ or pop in a DVD copy, it’s a nostalgic, action-filled short that deserves a spot in your holiday lineup.

Technicolor Memories Tip: Pair this short with Toy Story of Terror! for a seasonal Pixar double-feature — Halloween and Christmas, the perfect way to relive Disney/Pixar nostalgia all autumn and winter long.