Child Actors Who Made Holiday TV Better

Barrymore’s appearance in Babes in Toyland came at a time when she was still discovering who she could be as an actress. The movie was whimsical, full of fantasy settings and musical moments, and her performance added a spark of innocence amid the playful chaos.

For many families, this made-for-TV special became a seasonal favorite that introduced them to Barrymore as more than the little girl from E.T.—it revealed a young performer comfortable carrying a story.