How to Watch Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2026

Cancel your quiet weekends: Hallmark has officially switched on its 2026 Countdown to Christmas, with 34 new movies and a fresh season of Mistletoe Murders. But before you settle in for festive romance and seasonal sleuthing, there’s one important viewing change to know: Peacock is no longer your Hallmark holiday destination. From this weekend’s premieres to the Thanksgiving movie marathon and streaming options worth comparing, here’s how to keep your Christmas watchlist merry without missing the movies you want to see.

The Hallmark Christmas Takeover Is Underway

Hallmark’s annual holiday lineup leans into familiar comforts and appointment viewing this year. New movies fill the weekend schedule, while Mistletoe Murders gives fans another reason to tune in on Thursdays.

The key distinction is whether you’re watching live or streaming later. The listed premieres air on Hallmark Channel, then arrive on Hallmark+ the following day. So your preferred viewing schedule matters just as much as your subscription choice.

This Weekend Has Three New Movies to Put on Your Radar

The current stretch began Thursday, November 5, with the Season 3 premiere of Mistletoe Murders, followed by Merry Memories on Friday, November 6. If you missed either one, Hallmark+ is where to look for on-demand viewing after the broadcast premiere.

Saturday, November 7, brings Holiday Unplugged, while A Season of Promises closes out the weekend on Sunday, November 8. Both are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. That should make your weekend movie-night decision considerably easier.

The Streaming Change That Could Derail Your Movie Night

If you’re relying on last year’s viewing habits, double-check your setup before the opening credits. Hallmark movies left Peacock last year and are not available there in 2026.

Instead, you can watch through a live-TV service that carries Hallmark Channel or subscribe to Hallmark+ for next-day streaming. One gives you the premiere-night experience; the other lets you build your own holiday marathon.

Hallmark+ Is the Straightforward On-Demand Option

Hallmark+ costs $9 per month or $80 per year, and a seven-day free trial is available. Along with the new holiday movies, the service offers Hallmark series such as Finding Mr. Christmas and Mistletoe Murders.

There are membership extras beyond the screen, too, including a monthly $5 coupon for Hallmark Gold Crown stores and e-cards. Annual members get additional perks, such as free ornaments and birthday gifts. Those benefits may sweeten the deal, but next-day movie access is the main draw this season.

Prime Video Can Keep Your Subscriptions Together

If you prefer fewer apps and consolidated billing, you can also get Hallmark+ as a Prime Video add-on for $9 per month. That charge is separate from an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $15 monthly or $139 annually.

Amazon offers a free trial to eligible subscribers. For existing Prime members, the add-on is a convenience worth considering, not a discount on the Hallmark+ subscription itself.

DIRECTV Offers a Live Premiere-Night Route

For viewers who want to watch as the movies debut, DIRECTV’s MyEntertainment Genre Pack includes Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Family. The advertised promotion offers two months for $34.99, then renews at $42.99 per month. A five-day free trial is also available.

The package includes CNN, TLC, FX and more than 60 other live channels, plus ad-supported access to Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max and AMC+. Check the current offer terms before subscribing, especially if Hallmark is the only channel on your shopping list.

November Is Building Toward a Thanksgiving Movie Binge

The next two weekends keep the Friday-through-Sunday premiere rhythm going. Then Thanksgiving week expands the schedule, with earlier starts and multiple new movies on several days.

Most listed premieres begin at 8 p.m., but the holiday-week exceptions are worth noting. Missing a 6 p.m. start would be an especially avoidable seasonal disappointment.

The Mid-November Movies

• November 13: My Christmas Cowboy
• November 14: The Nights Before Christmas
• November 15: Mistletoe and Mimosas
• November 20: Our Holiday Playbook
• November 21: Christmas in Blue Dog Valley
• November 22: Double Booked for the Holidays

All six are listed for 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. New Mistletoe Murders episodes air November 12 and November 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

Thanksgiving Weekend Changes the Routine

Christmas Delivered arrives Thanksgiving Day, November 26, at 8 p.m. ET. That night’s Mistletoe Murders episode moves to 10 p.m. ET, an important exception to the usual Thursday schedule.

• November 27: The Christmas Eve Feast at 6 p.m.; Return to Santa at 8 p.m.
• November 28: The Most Wonderful Secret at 6 p.m.; Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True at 8 p.m.
• November 29: Eight Nights for Love at 6 p.m.; Miles to Christmas at 8 p.m.

All times are Eastern. With two premieres each evening from Friday through Sunday, it’s worth planning your viewing before the leftovers take over.

December Keeps the Holiday Momentum Going

The schedule doesn’t slow down when the calendar flips. December brings another run of new titles, plus a late-evening presentation of The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday.

New Mistletoe Murders episodes are also scheduled for December 3 and December 10 at 8 p.m. ET. Here are the remaining dates from the published lineup.

The December Dates to Save

• December 4: The Snowflake Effect
• December 5: A Grand Biltmore Christmas at 8 p.m.; The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday at 10 p.m.
• December 6: An Angel in My Stocking
• December 11: Christmas in Canterbury
• December 12: Snow Globe Town
• December 13: Noelle Nomads
• December 18: Hearts All Aglow
• December 19: Barking All the Way
• December 20: Save the Date for Christmas

Unless noted otherwise, these premieres air at 8 p.m. ET. If premiere night is part of your tradition, tune in live. Prefer watching the next day? Hallmark+ has you covered. Either way, sort out your streaming plan now, because the festive viewing season is already moving fast.