During the American Civil War 'Marmee' March brings up her four daughters whilst her husband serves as a pastor to the Union army. At their first Christmas without him, they donate their food to the poverty-stricken Hummel family and are rewarded with a feast by their elderly neighbour, Mr Laurence. Tomboy Jo reluctantly accompanies elder sister Meg to a dance, meeting Mr Laurence's lonely grandson Laurie and his tutor John Brooke, who invite them to a theatrical show. Angry not to have been invited by Jo, youngest sister Amy burns the manuscript of the novel Jo was writing, causing a rift only healed after a skating accident, when Jo resumes her writing. Whilst Meg and John get closer, and shy Beth is allowed to play the Laurence's piano, Marmee must go to Washington, where her husband is seriously ill, her fare being met by a sacrifice from Jo.

With Marmee, accompanied by John Brooke, still in Washington with her sick husband , Jo takes charge of the household, taking Amy out of the school where she is bullied. Beth continues to visit the Hummels but contracts the scarlet fever rampant in the town, Amy being sent to stay with cantankerous Aunt March, but with their father's health still poor, the girls refrain from informing Marmee. Fortunately Laurie steps in to bring her home for Christmas, where the family has another pleasant surprise, and, for different reasons, Jo and Meg have cause to celebrate.