In recent years, it has become a bit of a tradition for a lot of people to watch Hallmark’s festive and cozy movies. The network brings out dozens of Christmas movies each year, and they have some things in common. They are filled with Christmas backdrops, revolve around a romantic storyline, and offer viewers some important lessons. So here is a list of 20 Hallmark Christmas movies to watch this Holiday season.
1. Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
Starring Hallmark veteran, Candace Cameron Bure, this light-hearted movie revolves around the talented Doctor Lauren (Bure), who hopes to be awarded a prestigious fellowship. But her plans crash down when she is waitlisted and has to take up the offer of head doctor in the small town of Garland, Alaska. Her Christmas soon turns magical, when she meets the charming Andy (O’Donnell) and begins to live in the moment. The movie has plenty of festive vibes and a mini adventure.
2. The Holiday Sitter (2022)
This movie is Hallmark’s first foray into representing LGBTQ+ LOVE. Sam (Jonathan Bennett), is a New York City businessman, who plans to take a vacation to Hawaii this Christmas season. But his plans for a sunny, beachy Christmas are thwarted when he has to babysit his sister’s two kids. Disappointed with the change of plans, Christmas soon turns magical for Sam, as he finds love blossoming when his neighbor Jason (George Krissa), decides to help him. This rom-com is a must-watch during the holiday season.
3. The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014)
Brandon Routh plays firefighter Zachary, who does not believe in love because of his parents’ marriage. On the other hand, Marilee (Kimberly Sustad) is a talented veterinarian who does not want to commit until her career takes off. But as fate would have it, the two are brought together by a cute, homeless cat, Ambrose, who ends up bringing the magic of Christmas and love into their lives. This delightfully festive movie is based on a book by Sheila Roberts and is all things fun, cute, and romantic.
4. Crown for Christmas (2015)
This Christmas romantic comedy has all the ingredients for a fantastical holiday movie. Starring Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones, the film is about a hotel maid, Alison (Danica), who loses her job after failing to get a room ready. However, her stars turn for the better when the patron of the hotel offers her the job of being a governess to King Maximillian’s (Rupert) naughty daughter. Alison finds herself in a fairytale made of dreams. This movie has plenty of drama, and comedy, and is set in the joyful backdrop of Christmas.
5. The Christmas Train (2017)
Starring John Cusack, Danny Glover, and others, the festive film is directed by Ron Oliver and is based on a book by David Baldacci. Journalist Tom Langdon (Dermot Mulroney), has to get to Los Angeles from Washington D.C. in time for Christmas. As he decides to board a train, he meets many interesting passengers and has a bit of a reunion with a former lover. The movie is a feel-good movie full of bonhomie—just what one needs during Christmas.
6. Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (2018)
Starring Lacey Chabert and Brendan Penny, this romantic Christmas movie is about the ambitious and career-oriented Darcy (Chabert), who refuses to work for her father. When she arrives in her hometown for Christmas, she is forced to plan a charity event with her rival Luke (Penny). But as the season’s magic weaves through, she decides to give love a chance and over the course of the movie realizes the importance of relationships. The cozy movie is based on a book by Melissa de la Cruz.
7. Silent Night (2002)
A unique Hallmark Christmas movie, this one is based on true events and features Linda Hamilton. Set in 1944 during World War II, the movie is about the German Elisabeth (Linda), who led a tough life after her eldest son died in battle. When three American and German soldiers enter her cabin, she decides to spread the message of love and convinces the enemy soldiers to prepare and partake in a Christmas dinner. This is a movie with a beautiful and heartwarming message.
8. Three Wise Men and a Baby (2022)
Starring Andrew Walker, this Christmas caper is directed by Terry Ingram and follows the adventure firefighter Luke (Walker), finds himself in during Christmas. When a baby is mysteriously abandoned at Luke’s firehouse and a letter states that he must look after the baby, he finds himself in a tricky situation. But when he decides to take the help of his estranged brothers, the three begin to rediscover brotherly love this season. This one is a popular pick that you must-watch this holiday season.
9. Round and Round (2023)
Starring Vic Michaelis, Rick Hoffman, and Bryan Greenberg, this quirky movie has an interesting premise. Rachel (Vic) mysteriously gets stuck inside a time loop and relives her parents’ Hanukkah party repeatedly. But when Zach (Bryan) comes in to help Rachel, she must give the “nice boy” who her grandma adores, a chance. The movie is unique as it blends themes of time travel and comedy, with a heart-warming romance. A must-watch for the cheerful holiday season.
10. The Secret Ingredient (2020)
This one blends cooking, Christmas, and love. Kelly (Erin Cahill) and Andrew (Brendan Penny) were two sweethearts who got separated when Andrew found a high-flying job in Paris. While Kelly handles her own bakery, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she is selected for a prestigious cooking show. What she does not know is that Andrew is also participating. As the lovebirds meet in New York City and love blossoms again, the two must set aside their differences.
11. An Unexpected Christmas (2021)
Starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Tyler Hynes, this Christmas movie is about Jamie (Hynes), who bumps into his ex, Emily (Lenz), and decides to request her to become his pretend girlfriend. This is to be done so that he can evade awkward questions and celebrate Christmas with his family. Surrounded by love, Christmas cheer, family, and twinkling lights, the two lovebirds fall once more for each other. As their love grows, so does the Christmas magic in the film.
12. Switched for Christmas (2017)
Candace Cameron Bure plays the role of twin sisters Kate and Chris in this mischievous Christmas movie. When the two sisters have to prepare for fun-filled but hectic Christmas parties, they decide to swap places in hopes that the other’s party will be less tedious. But the two soon realize that there is no escaping the holiday madness. A sweet and fun movie, this one has lots of Christmas festivities and makes for an engaging watch during the season.
13. November Christmas (2010)
Sam Elliott and Sarah Paulson star in this Christmas drama that is based on a short story by Greg Coppa. The heartwarming movie is about a young Vanessa, who has a life-threatening illness. While the young girl is fascinated by a snow globe and wishes to see snow, her parents and community members decide to celebrate the holidays early for Vanessa’s benefit. A truly magical movie with a lot of life lessons. Keep the tissues ready for this one.
14. Mingle All the Way (2018)
The fun movie is about Molly (Jen Lilley), who creates a dating app for busy professionals who cannot commit to long-term romance. To prove to her family that her business plan will work, she hops onto the app herself and meets another professional, Jeff (Brant Daugherty). The two decide to date but are hesitant as they have had bad luck in love previously. Yet, the magic of Christmas works, and the two soon bond over holiday engagements.
15. The Holiday Stocking (2022)
Starring Nadine Ellis, Tamala Jones, and BJ Britt, this festive film adds a touch of magic and togetherness. RJ (Britt) is an angel who gets a chance to visit Earth again and mend his regret of not helping his sisters reconcile. As a stranger on Earth, he decides to use the magic of Christmas and bring his sisters together. He also revives his parents’ tradition of charity and is a lovely movie that has some touching lessons.
16. Christmas in Vienna (2020)
Starring Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott, this scenic movie will fill the viewers’ hearts with its festive backdrops in Austria and Romania. The film is for all those who are trying to find meaning and bring some sparkle back into their lives. Jess (Sarah), is a talented concert violinist, who goes to Vienna for a performance, even though, she does not feel like playing anymore. Among the festive Christmas markets, she finds a charming man (Brennan), who offers her love and the missing inspiration she needs.
17. Road to Christmas (2018)
Featuring a Hallmark regular and heartthrob, Chad Michael Murray, this fun movie is about a television producer Maggie (Jessy Schram), who has always organized her mother’s annual Christmas special. But when she falls for the show’s former producer, Danny (Chad), her Christmas begins to feel more festive. Maggie decides to reunite Danny, his brothers, and her mother for a live program but it soon goes out of hand. Now Maggie must find a way to save Christmas.
18. The Christmas Cottage (2017)
This movie has everything—a warm fireside, hot cocoa, and a cozy cabin. Starring Merritt Patterson and Steve Lund, this Christmas movie is about Lacey (Merritt), who is cynical about love and an interior designer. When her best friend Ava, makes Lacey her maid of honor, she must take on the task of decorating Ava’s family cottage for her honeymoon. But fate has other plans as Lacey gets stuck with Ava’s brother and she begins to fall in love.
19. Marry Me at Christmas (2020)
Starring Rachel Skarsten and Trevor Donovan, this romantic movie is about a movie star, Jonny (Trevor), who comes to a small town for his sister’s wedding. Even though he is apprehensive of love, he finds himself falling for Madeline (Rachel), who is a bridal boutique owner. As the two begin to organize the wedding of Jonny’s sister, Madeline, and Jonny find themselves having beautiful moments over candlelit dinners and walks by snow-covered streets. A beautiful movie, this one is the perfect holiday watch.
20. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
This movie is all about family and togetherness. Directed by Michael Scott, retired police officer, Ralph (Henry Winkler), decides to spend Christmas with his niece, Jennifer, in Illinois. Jennifer has shared a close bond with her uncle since childhood and is a businesswoman and single mother. When Ralph is helped by a chef, Morgan, at the airport and Morgan’s flight gets canceled, Ralph decides to invite Morgan to Jennifer’s—leading to the start of a beautiful romance between Jennifer and Morgan.