"We Need a Little Christmas," from Jerry Herman's Broadway musical Mame, is performed by the cast of The Muppet Show as they drive to Ma Bear's farmhouse for Christmas in the opening number of A Muppet Family Christmas.

Muppet characters featured in the number include Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Camilla, Animal, Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Janice, Scooter, Dr. Teeth, Beauregard, Marvin Suggs, Lew Zealand, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Sam the Eagle, and assorted rats and chickens.

Although other Muppet Show characters end up at Ma Bear's house, it is unclear how they arrived, as they are not seen riding in Fozzie's pick-up truck. Miss Piggy, of course, makes her grand entrance later in the special via sleigh.