Hallmark’s Top Holiday Movies: Magical Santas and Meet-Cutes
The Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas lineup has undergone a delightful transformation this year. While the classic elements of holiday magic, romantic meet-cutes, and heartwarming happy endings remain, the network has introduced fresh twists and unexpected partnerships that make this season’s offerings particularly noteworthy.
From early kisses and self-aware scripts to NFL partnerships and more diverse holiday themes, Hallmark has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the most notable releases this holiday season and discover which movies are must-watches while you cozy up in your favorite holiday PJs.
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New Trends in Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas
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This year, Hallmark has embraced change with open arms, introducing several new trends that break away from their traditional formula. Here are some highlights:
- Early Kisses: Lead actors are sharing their first kiss well before the final five minutes of the movie.
- Self-Aware Scripts: The scripts now playfully acknowledge the clichés that have become synonymous with Hallmark movies.
- Celebrity Cameos: Longtime Hallmark actors and even NFL stars are making guest appearances.
- More Diverse Themes: The lineup includes multiple Hanukkah-themed movies and a broader range of holiday songs.
Santa Tell Me: The Quintessential Holiday Movie
*Santa Tell Me* epitomizes this year’s Countdown to Christmas. Featuring Erin Krakow as Olivia, an interior designer with dreams of her own TV show, and Daniel Lissing as Chris, a producer who changes her plans, this movie is packed with holiday magic.
Olivia finds a magic letter from Santa that reveals the name of her true love, Nick. She meets three different Nicks and must choose the right one by Christmas. This film airs on December 19, 25, 30, and January 5 and 17, and is also available for streaming on Hallmark+.
Donna Kelce’s Dual Roles
Donna Kelce, mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, shines in two Hallmark films this season. Here’s a look at her roles:
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
In *Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story*, Hunter King stars as a woman whose family’s magic hat is credited for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins. Tyler Hynes co-stars as a team marketing exec, and Donna Kelce works at a barbecue joint owned by the heroine’s grandparents.
This movie is a fun watch with lots of NFL cameos and airs on December 20, 25, 31, and January 18. It’s also streaming on Hallmark+.
Christmas on Call
*Christmas on Call* follows a doctor (Sara Canning) who falls in love with an EMT (Ser’Darius Blain) in Philadelphia. Despite the cheesesteaks “whiz wit” that Donna Kelce’s character slings, this film doesn’t quite hit the mark. It airs on December 18, 25, and January 4 on the Hallmark Channel.
Self-Aware and Playful Films
Hallmark’s new self-aware approach is evident in several films that playfully acknowledge the genre’s clichés.
Sugarplummed
In *Sugarplummed*, overworked lawyer and mom Emily (Maggie Lawson) wishes for a perfect Christmas, and Sugarplum (Janel Parrish) comes to her aid with whimsical rules from her town of Perfection.
This film airs on December 21, 25, 30, and January 3, and is streaming on Hallmark+.
The Santa Class
*The Santa Class* features Paul Campbell as a fictional version of himself considering a role as Santa in a Hallmark movie. He enrolls in classes at a struggling Santa school, adding a humorous twist. This movie airs on December 18, 21, 27, and January 4 on the Hallmark Channel.
Romantic Comedies and Family Dramas
Hallmark continues to deliver heartwarming romantic comedies and family dramas that are perfect for the holiday season.
Holiday Mismatch
*Holiday Mismatch* features Kath (Caroline Rhea) and Barbara (Beth Broderick) clashing on the Chamber of Commerce Christmas committee. Their meddling leads to a fake dating scenario between their children, Lauren (Maxine Denis) and Shane (Jon McLaren). This film airs on December 19, 26, and January 4 on the Hallmark Channel.
‘Twas the Date Before Christmas
In *’Twas the Date Before Christmas*, Jessie (Amy Groening) brings a date she met on an app to her family’s Christmas Olympics, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events. This movie airs on December 24 and January 3 on the Hallmark Channel.
Action and Adventure Offerings
Hallmark has stepped up its action and adventure game with two exciting new films.
The Christmas Quest
*The Christmas Quest* stars Kristoffer Polaha and Lacey Chabert as divorced academics searching for treasure in Iceland. This film, with its *Indiana Jones*-inspired elements, is streaming on Hallmark+.
The Christmas Charade
In *The Christmas Charade*, a grumpy FBI agent (Cory Sevier) and a quiet librarian (Rachel Skarsten) team up to chase down art and jewel thieves. This movie airs on December 18, 24, and January 4 on the Hallmark Channel.
Blended Family Comedies
Hallmark explores the comedic potential of blending families in two new films.
Christmas With the Singhs
*Christmas With the Singhs* follows ER doctor Asha (Anuja Joshi) as she navigates a parental showdown between her extended Indian family and her fiancé’s divorced white parents. This film airs on December 19 and 25 on the Hallmark Channel.
To Have and to Holiday
In *To Have and to Holiday*, Celeste (Madeleine Arthur) and Jason (Robert Bazzocchi) must pass a marriage boot camp led by Celeste’s father, the local pastor. This movie airs on December 20 on the Hallmark Channel.
Holiday Competitions
Holiday competitions take center stage in two new Hallmark films.
Jingle Bell Run
*Jingle Bell Run* pairs retired hockey player (Andrew Walker) with an introverted teacher (Ashley Williams) for a holiday-themed reality TV competition. This film airs on December 20, 25, and January 4 and is streaming on Hallmark+.
Trivia at St. Nick’s
In *Trivia at St. Nick’s*, an astronomy professor (Tammin Sursok) and a football coach (Brant Daugherty) team up for a holiday trivia competition. This movie airs on December 26 and 31 on the Hallmark Channel.
Hanukkah-Themed Movies
Hallmark expands its holiday repertoire with two Hanukkah-themed films.
Hanukkah on the Rocks
*Hanukkah on the Rocks* features a Chicago lawyer (Stacy Farber) who plans Hanukkah events at a local bar. The film’s standout character is Sam, played by Marc Summers. This movie airs on December 22, 26, and 31 on the Hallmark Channel.
Leah’s Perfect Gift
*Leah’s Perfect Gift* follows Leah as she navigates her first Christmas with her boyfriend’s uptight parents. This film airs on December 19, 24, 28, and January 3 on the Hallmark Channel.
Product Placement Woes
While Hallmark is known for its heartwarming stories, *Deck the Walls* is marred by blatant product placements that detract from the movie’s charm.
Deck the Walls
In *Deck the Walls*, a big-city interior designer returns to her hometown to help flip her grandparents’ home. However, the film’s numerous product placements feel forced and unnecessary.
This movie airs on December 21, 27, 30, and January 5 on the Hallmark Channel.
This holiday season, Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas offers a delightful mix of classic themes and fresh twists. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, comedy, action, or family drama, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So grab your favorite holiday PJs, a cup of hot cocoa, and settle in for a season of heartwarming entertainment.
