Hallmark unveils sapphic Christmas movie The Christmas Baby

If you thought Hallmark’s holiday lineup couldn’t get any queerer, think again. The network just announced The Christmas Baby, a sapphic holiday romance already sending fans into a frenzy.

Ali Liebert of Bomb Girls fame stars alongside Katherine Barrell from Wynonna Earp. The film weaves together festive cheer, unexpected parenthood, and a love story that feels both fresh and long overdue.

It’s set to premiere December 21 as part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas schedule. This isn’t just another seasonal rom-com—it’s a milestone in LGBTQ+ representation for holiday programming.

With a baby on the doorstep, a booming business, and a relationship put to the test, The Christmas Baby promises laughter, tears, and a whole lot of heart.

Why The Christmas Baby Is Already a Big Deal

Hallmark’s been slowly opening its doors to more inclusive storytelling, and this film is proof of that shift. For years, the network was almost a synonym for heteronormative romances—cozy, sure, but not exactly inclusive.

Now, with Liebert and Barrell leading the charge, sapphic fans are finally seeing themselves in classic Christmas genres. The casting alone has sparked excitement, with social media buzzing about the crossover between two beloved queer characters—Betty McRae from Bomb Girls and Officer Nicole Haught from Wynonna Earp.

The Plot That Has Everyone Talking

The story kicks off when Erin (Liebert) and Kelly (Barrell) find a baby boy left on their doorstep just days before Christmas. There’s a note addressed to them, and suddenly the couple is thrown into the chaos of early parenthood while trying to keep their careers and relationship afloat.

What starts as a temporary arrangement—caring for the baby until his mother is found or he’s placed—quickly becomes something deeper. Erin and Kelly fall for the child and begin exploring adoption, all while juggling the busiest season for their business.

It’s a setup ripe for both comedy and heartfelt moments. Fans are already stocking up on tissues.

Representation That Matters

Representation in holiday films has been a long time coming, and Hallmark is finally stepping up. In 2022, the network released its first gay-centered Christmas film, The Holiday Sitter, starring Jonathan Bennett.

By 2023, Ali Liebert starred in another sapphic holiday rom-com, Friends & Family Christmas, which leaned into the fake dating trope. Now, with The Christmas Baby, Hallmark is doubling down on queer-forward storytelling.

Why Fans Are Ecstatic

Social media has exploded with reactions to the announcement. Fans are calling the casting a dream come true, with some joking that the film feels like fanfiction brought to life.

For many sapphics, seeing Liebert and Barrell together on screen is nothing short of a holiday miracle. The excitement isn’t just about the actors—it’s about finally being able to curl up with a cup of cocoa and watch a Christmas movie that reflects their own love stories and families.

The Creative Power Behind the Film

Ali Liebert isn’t just starring in the film; she’s also been a vocal advocate for expanding the definition of family in holiday storytelling. Her work as both actor and producer on Friends & Family Christmas showed her passion for telling queer stories with authenticity and joy.

Katherine Barrell, too, has been a long-time favorite in the queer community thanks to her role in Wynonna Earp. Their chemistry promises to make The Christmas Baby a standout in Hallmark’s lineup.

Behind-the-Scenes Excitement

Both stars have shared their enthusiasm on social media, hinting at watch parties and behind-the-scenes content. There have even been mentions of emotional reactions from the sound team during production.

Fans can expect not just the film but also a steady stream of updates and extras leading up to the premiere. It’s clear this project isn’t just another holiday rom-com for the cast and crew—it’s a labor of love they’re eager to share with the world.

Why This Story Hits Different

At its core, The Christmas Baby is about redefining what family can look like. Instead of tired tropes, the film embraces the complexities of modern relationships, the challenges of parenthood, and the joy of building a family in unexpected ways.

For queer audiences, this message really lands. Too often, LGBTQ+ characters are sidelined in holiday media, but here they’re front and center, facing challenges and celebrating love just like any other couple.

The Themes That Will Resonate

Expect the film to explore themes like:

• Love and partnership – Erin and Kelly must balance their relationship while stepping into parenthood.
• Chosen family – The story highlights how families are built through love, not just biology.
• Holiday chaos – Between a booming business and caring for a newborn, the couple faces the ultimate Christmas test.

These themes are universal, but through a sapphic lens, they bring a much-needed perspective.

Hallmark’s Evolution in Storytelling

Hallmark’s vice president of programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, has been clear about the network’s direction: more queer-forward stories. This shift reflects a growing recognition that audiences want to see themselves in the cozy, magical world of holiday films.

While the network still has a long way to go, projects like The Christmas Baby show that progress is happening. For many viewers, this isn’t just entertainment—it’s validation that their stories matter.

What This Means for the Future

If The Christmas Baby performs well, it could open the door for even more LGBTQ+ holiday films. Imagine a future where sapphic romances, gay love stories, and queer families are as common in holiday programming as mistletoe and gingerbread cookies.

Hallmark has the power to set the standard, and fans are watching closely to see how the network continues this trajectory.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas Baby isn’t just another holiday movie—it feels like a cultural moment. Beloved queer actresses lead the cast, and the story is both heartwarming and inclusive.

It’s refreshing to see a network finally embrace diverse narratives. This film might just become a favorite for years to come.

Maybe you’re a longtime Hallmark fan, or maybe you’ve been waiting for representation that feels real. Either way, this is one Christmas premiere you probably shouldn’t skip.

Mark your calendars for December 21. Stock up on tissues and hot cocoa.

Get ready for a sapphic holiday story that could warm your heart—and maybe even make you believe in Christmas miracles again. I mean, who doesn’t need a little magic now and then?

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