Hallmark Christmas 2025 Begins With Mistletoe Murders Premiere

There’s a chill in the air, and the scent of pine and sugar cookies is creeping back into our lives. Hallmark is already decking the halls with its signature brand of cozy suspense.

This year, the beloved network is unwrapping its 2025 Christmas programming earlier than ever. Things kick off on October 17 with the much-anticipated return of Mistletoe Murders.

The two-part season premiere, Poison in a Pear Tree, promises a festive blend of mystery, romance, and small-town intrigue. Only Hallmark could deliver this particular cocktail of comfort and suspense, right?

If you’re into cozy mysteries and Christmas cheer, this is the must-watch event that really rings in the holiday TV season.

The Return of Mistletoe Murders: A Cozy Mystery with a Chilling Twist

Hallmark has built an empire on heartwarming holiday tales. But Mistletoe Murders adds a thrilling edge to the network’s usual lineup.

The series follows Emily Lane, a Christmas store owner played by Sarah Drew. She’s left behind a complicated past to start fresh in the picturesque town of Fletcher’s Grove.

Of course, peace never lasts long. A string of suspicious deaths starts to unravel the town’s festive calm.

Emily, who’s more than just a talented decorator, has to dust off her old investigative instincts. Protecting her friends—and maybe the whole community—becomes her holiday to-do list.

The 2025 season opens with Poison in a Pear Tree, a two-parter that finds Emily knee-deep in a case involving a poisoned batch of holiday cookies. When one of her closest friends gets accused, Emily’s loyalty and sleuthing skills are put to the test.

The title’s a clever nod to The Twelve Days of Christmas. This opening mystery sets a tone that’s as festive as it is foreboding.

Why Fans Are Counting Down to October 17

Hallmark’s decision to start its Christmas programming on Friday, October 17 at 8 p.m. ET isn’t random. The network knows its audience is ready for holiday spirit as soon as pumpkin spice hits the shelves.

By launching Mistletoe Murders ahead of Halloween, Hallmark gives us a deliciously eerie bridge between spooky season and yuletide cheer. It’s a show for anyone who craves a little suspense with their snowflakes.

Adding to the anticipation is the return of Peter Mooney as Sam, Emily’s charming confidant and maybe-more-than-friend. Their chemistry has always been a highlight—tension, tenderness, and a little bit of will-they-won’t-they magic.

With murder, mistletoe, and maybe a little romance under the twinkle lights, fans can expect the kind of emotional rollercoaster that keeps them coming back every year.

How to Watch Mistletoe Murders and Other Hallmark Christmas Premieres

Hallmark’s made it easier than ever to catch its Christmas lineup, whether you’re a cord-cutter or sticking with traditional TV. The network’s holiday programming—including Mistletoe Murders—can be streamed live or on-demand on several platforms.

Here’s a quick rundown of where and how to tune in:

• Philo: Offers a free trial and includes Hallmark among its live channels. Starting at $33 per month, it’s one of the most affordable ways to stream the network’s full holiday slate.
• Fubo: Known for its sports and entertainment mix, Fubo currently offers up to $30 off the first month of service. Plans begin at $84.99 per month, giving viewers access to Hallmark, BET, FX, and more.
• DirecTV: Viewers can save $40 on the first month with the Entertainment package. After the free trial, plans start at $49.99 and include Hallmark’s full lineup of Christmas classics and new premieres.
• Sling: For those wanting flexibility, Sling’s Passes let viewers watch live TV for as little as $4.99 per day. The Select plan, starting at $19.99 per month, includes Hallmark through the Lifestyle Extra add-on.

Each of these services lets fans stream Mistletoe Murders live as it airs or catch up later. That makes it pretty easy to fit in some holiday viewing, even with a December schedule that’s already jam-packed.

Whether you’re curled up on the couch, watching on your phone, or hiding under a blanket of fairy lights, Hallmark’s Christmas magic is just a click away.

Hallmark’s 2025 Holiday Lineup: What Else to Expect

While Mistletoe Murders is the headline act for the season’s kickoff, Hallmark’s got plenty more premieres lined up. The network’s calendar includes heartwarming romances, family reunions, and a few more mysteries sprinkled throughout the festivities.

Upcoming highlights include A Christmas Angel Match and The Prep School Disappearance, both debuting later in the season. Each promises Hallmark’s signature blend of comfort, charm, and some holiday sparkle.

If you like a little variety, Hallmark’s sister networks—Lifetime and LMN—are rolling out their own seasonal thrillers. Titles like The Widow’s Payback and Her Life Is on the Line will keep mystery fans busy all winter long.

No matter where you tune in, Hallmark’s early start means the holiday spirit will stretch well into the new year.

The Magic of Hallmark’s Holiday Mysteries

What makes Mistletoe Murders stand out? It manages to merge two genres that don’t always go together: the cozy comfort of Christmas storytelling and the suspense of a whodunit.

It’s a formula that appeals to both Hallmark traditionalists and fans of mystery dramas. The result is a series that feels like curling up by the fire with a mug of cocoa—only with a dash of danger to keep your heart racing.

Sarah Drew’s portrayal of Emily Lane really nails that balance. She brings warmth and relatability to the role, but there’s also grit and intelligence as Emily’s investigative past comes into play.

Peter Mooney’s Sam is the perfect complement—offering support, and sometimes just the right amount of romantic tension. Together, they anchor a story that’s as much about redemption and community as it is about solving crimes.

Why Mistletoe Murders Is the Perfect Start to the Season

Every year, Hallmark fans look for that one premiere that signals the start of the holidays—the moment when it’s officially time to hang the stockings and start baking cookies. In 2025, that moment is Mistletoe Murders.

The show’s blend of mystery and Christmas spirit offers something for everyone: suspense for thrill-seekers, romance for the dreamers, and cozy holiday charm for the traditionalists. It’s the kind of series that invites you to settle in for the long winter nights and get lost in a world where even murder mysteries come wrapped in twinkling lights.

As Hallmark continues to expand its holiday universe, Mistletoe Murders proves the network isn’t afraid to try something new while staying true to its roots. There’s a certain charm in seeing Christmas spirit—love, forgiveness, community—shine through, even when chaos and crime are afoot.

Final Thoughts: A Holiday Tradition with a Twist

With *Mistletoe Murders* leading the charge, Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas season actually looks pretty exciting. The early October launch means fans can soak up every snow-dusted storyline and mystery.

Maybe you’re here for the romance, or the intrigue. Or maybe you just like seeing a small town glow under Christmas lights—this series packs all that in, plus a little suspense and a lot of seasonal charm.

So, mark your calendars and stock up on cocoa. Friday nights in Fletcher’s Grove are about to get interesting.

When *Mistletoe Murders* comes back on October 17, Hallmark isn’t just airing another show. It’s kind of the unofficial kickoff to the most wonderful (and, honestly, mysterious) time of the year.