Best Hallmark Christmas Movies Filmed in Wilmington NC

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to cozying up with a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a delightful Christmas movie. While classics like *White Christmas* and *Scrooged* have their place, Hallmark Christmas movies have carved out a special niche in our hearts.

Known for their romantic, often corny, and sometimes outlandish plots, these films have become a beloved holiday tradition.

With hundreds of options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Fortunately, Forbes has ranked the best Hallmark Christmas movies based on reviews from sites like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Reddit.

Interestingly, while several Hallmark movies have been filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, none made the top 10 list.

Here’s a closer look at the top picks and how you can watch them.

Top-Ranked Hallmark Christmas Movies

1. A Workaholic’s Holiday Romance

Sam, a workaholic bachelor, finds himself babysitting his niece and nephew during the holidays. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from a handsome neighbor and soon finds himself in an unexpected romance.

One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes noted that Hallmark put significant time and effort into this movie, resulting in a great story with strong actors, including a terrific supporting cast.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla, Apple TV, Amazon Prime

2. The Toy Store Love Story

The owner of a toy store falls in love with a man who cares for his orphaned niece. This heartwarming tale has made viewers shed tears multiple times, as noted by a reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla

3. Discovering Family During the Holidays

A woman meets long-lost relatives for the first time after discovering her family tree during the holidays.

This movie stands out because it focuses more on the story than the romance, making it one of the best, according to an IMDb reviewer.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+; Hallmark Channel on Dec. 22 at 4:01 a.m.

4. An Angel’s Christmas Regret

A new angel gets the chance to address his one regret — not helping his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to Earth as a stranger, he encourages them to revive their parents’ old tradition of charity.

A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer found this heartfelt story to be one of their favorites.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla

5. The Queen’s Christmas Scheme

A queen schemes to break up her son’s romance with a seamstress from Philadelphia.

This movie is praised for its well-written script, excellent acting, and perfect soundtrack, according to an IMDb reviewer.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla; Hallmark Channel on Dec. 19 at 10 p.m.

6. A Doctor’s Alaskan Christmas

After unexpectedly moving to Alaska, an ambitious doctor starts a new romance and learns that her small town is hiding a holiday secret.

An IMDb reviewer appreciated the unpretentious nature of this Christmas romance.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla, Apple TV, Amazon Prime; Hallmark Channel on Dec. 18 at 10 p.m.

7. The Youth Choir Director’s Challenge

A youth choir director must write the title song for the Christmas Eve show but becomes distracted when a gifted boy joins her choir, unbeknownst to his widowed father.

An IMDb reviewer enjoyed the well-used elements and the unexpected twist.

Where to Watch: Peacock, Tubi, Fubo, Hallmark+, Pluto

8. A Christmas Wish Come True

A Christmas wish grants Renee the successful life she’s always dreamed of, but she finds herself no longer married to her beloved husband.

A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer praised the movie for its sweet story and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla

9. Three Brothers and a Baby

Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together and care for a baby over the holidays.

One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes loved the movie and could see it becoming a regular Christmas tradition.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Hoopla, Apple TV, Amazon Prime; Hallmark Channel on Dec. 14 at noon, Dec. 17 at midnight, Dec. 23 at 10 p.m., Christmas Day at noon, and an extended cut on Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.

10. A Magical Hourglass

A magical hourglass sends a modern-day screenwriter to the set of a 1947 holiday movie classic.

Before she can return to the present, she must make things right or risk altering the future forever.

A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer found this movie to be a must-watch for rom-com and Christmas fans.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Fubo, Hallmark+; Hallmark Channel on Dec. 17 at 8 a.m.

Hallmark Christmas Movies Filmed in Wilmington, NC

Christmas in Conway (2013)

A grouchy man attempts to recreate a special moment for his ailing wife by constructing a Ferris wheel in their backyard.

The film features big-name actors like Andy Garcia, Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore, and Cheri Oteri. Wilmington residents may recognize the Ferris wheel built in the city’s Forest Hills neighborhood.

Where to Watch: Peacock, other streaming services

USS Christmas (2020)

Shot in Wilmington in September 2020, this movie is about a young journalist who falls for a Navy pilot during the ship’s traditional Christmas cruise.

The film features scenes filmed on the Battleship North Carolina and other Port City locations, including the Hanna Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, the Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the former StarNews office in downtown Wilmington.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, other streaming services

Christmas in Harmony (2021)

Shot in Wilmington over the summer, this movie features a nearly all-Black cast.

It stars Ashleigh Murray as Harmony, who comes home for Christmas only to be tricked into joining a holiday choir directed by her ex, played by Luke James. The romantic holiday storyline is both predictable and heartwarming.

Where to Watch: Hallmark+, other streaming services

Get the Best of Hallmark Christmas Movies

If you want to watch all of the Hallmark Christmas movies whenever you want, your best bet is to sign up for the Hallmark+ streaming service.

Subscribers can enjoy a one-week free trial, a monthly plan for about $8 per month, or an annual plan for about $80 per year.

In addition to the movie and TV show library, subscribers get:

• $5 monthly Gold Crown coupon for participating stores and online
• Unlimited eCards
• A free custom greeting card every month
• And more perks

So, grab your favorite holiday snack, settle in, and let the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies bring joy and warmth to your holiday season.