A festive feast: Hallmark’s holiday movie lineup
A season of joy and new beginnings
As the holiday season approaches, Hallmark Channel is gearing up to celebrate 15 years of its beloved “Countdown to Christmas” with an impressive lineup of 31 new movies. Meanwhile, Hallmark Mystery will air nine new films as part of its “Miracles of Christmas” series. The festivities kick off on October 18, promising a season filled with heartwarming stories, festive cheer, and a touch of magic.
Expanding beloved franchises
This year, Hallmark introduces two exciting new franchises. “Christmas on Cherry Lane” fans can look forward to three new movies that delve deeper into the lives of the beloved characters. Additionally, “Unwrapping Christmas” is a fresh, four-movie franchise that follows the holiday romances of four friends working at a store named All Wrapped Up.
Reunions and star-studded casts
The lineup features some exciting reunions and star-studded casts. “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” brings together “Office Space” co-stars Diedrich Bader and Richard Riehle. “Holiday Mismatch” reunites “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” stars Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick. Fans of “Pretty Little Liars” will be thrilled to see Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty in “Trivia at St. Nick’s”. Additionally, former “When Calls the Heart” couple Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing star in “Santa Tell Me”.
New series to watch out for
In addition to the movies, Hallmark is rolling out several new series. “Finding Mr. Christmas”, hosted by Jonathan Bennett and judged by Melissa Peterman, is an eight-episode reality competition series. It follows 10 promising Hallmark ‘hunks’ who compete for the lead role in an upcoming holiday movie. The winner will star opposite Jessica Lowndes in “Happy Howlidays”, premiering December 21 on Hallmark Channel.
Wes Brown will host “Ready, Set, Glow!”, a three-episode unscripted series showcasing holiday light shows across the country. The series debuts on December 12.
Limited series on Hallmark+
On the recently launched Hallmark+ app, two new limited series will premiere. “Mistletoe Murders”, led by Sarah Drew, is a six-episode show based on a popular Audible original. It follows a Christmas-themed gift shop owner whose friend is accused of murder. The series premieres on October 31.
“Holidazed” is an eight-episode series that follows six families from different backgrounds living on the same cul-de-sac. The series kicks off with its first two episodes on November 14 and stars Dennis Haysbert, John C. McGinley, Loretta Devine, and Virginia Madsen.
A closer look at the new movies
’Twas the Date Before Christmas
Premiere Date: Friday, October 18
Stars: Robert Buckley, Amy Groening
Synopsis: To prevent her family from canceling the “Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics,” Jessie lies and says she’s inviting a date to the long-standing holiday tradition. She meets Bryan on a dating app, and he agrees to spend the holiday with her and her family.
Holiday Crashers
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 19
Stars: Lyndsy Fonseca, Daniella Monet, Chris McNally, Jag Bal
Synopsis: Best friends who work at a card shop decide to shake up their humdrum world by creating new identities to crash the amazing Christmas parties from the shop’s confidential invitations. Soon, their lies catch up to them as they’re whisked away to a fancy corporate Christmas retreat in the snowy Vermont mountains.
Scouting for Christmas
Premiere Date: Sunday, October 20
Stars: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Carlo Marks, Marci T. House
Synopsis: Realtor Angela has been happily raising a 10-year-old daughter ever since her amicable divorce. Although she doesn’t have time for dating, her daughter asks the owner of her favorite bakery to help her mom cater her scout troop’s holiday event — and sparks fly!
This Time Each Year
Premiere Date: Thursday, October 24, Movies & Mysteries
Stars: Alison Sweeney, Niall Matter
Synopsis: Once happily married and thriving as a family, a couple in the midst of a trial separation are working hard to co-parent their young son.
Operation Nutcracker
Premiere Date: Friday, October 25
Stars: Ashley Newbrough, Christopher Russell
Synopsis: This marks the network premiere of “Operation Nutcracker,” which debuted on Hallmark Movies Now as part of “Christmas in July.”
The Christmas Charade
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 26
Stars: Rachel Skarsten, Corey Sevier
Synopsis: A cautious librarian raised by home security experts finds herself in a real-life adventure when a blind date mix-up leads her into an undercover FBI operation. Forced to pose as the girlfriend of Special Agent Josh, she helps him track down an art thief targeting the Saint Nicholas Ruby at a Christmas Eve charity ball.
The 5-Year Christmas Party
Premiere Date: Sunday, October 27
Stars: Katie Findlay, Jordan Fisher
Synopsis: Each holiday season for five years, former high school theater rivals Alice and Max reunite in Chicago to work at a catering company’s Christmas parties. While their undeniable chemistry grows, the timing is never right for romance – until the company’s final season pushes them to confront their true feelings. As they say goodbye to the job that brought them together, they might finally find love in the most unexpected way.
My Sweet Austrian Holiday
Premiere Date: Thursday, October 31, Movies & Mysteries
Stars: Brittany Bristow, Will Kemp
Synopsis: Charlotte, who moved to Vienna to run her grandparent’s chocolate shop, is selected as a finalist for chocolatier of the year.
A Carol for Two
Premiere Date: Friday, November 1
Stars: TBA
Synopsis: Details to be announced.
Embrace the holiday spirit
This year’s Hallmark holiday lineup promises to be a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and festive cheer. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Hallmark holiday tradition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the season.# A festive lineup of holiday movies to warm your heart
A season of dreams and surprises
‘Our Holiday Story’ – A tale of love and fate
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 2
Stars: Nikki DeLoach, Warren Christie
In “Our Holiday Story,” Dave and Nell recount their love story to their daughter’s boyfriend, Chris. Their journey through one special Christmas is filled with moments where fate brings them together and pulls them apart. As they navigate their relationship, they remain unaware that they are work rivals tasked with organizing a Christmas festival for their town. Meanwhile, Chris faces his own relationship challenges, trying to muster the courage to say “I love you” for the first time to his girlfriend, Jo. This heartwarming narrative intertwines two couples’ stories, teaching valuable lessons about communication, honesty, and the potential for change in ourselves and others.
‘Holiday Mismatch’ – Unexpected friendships
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 3
Stars: Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick
Best known for their roles as the aunts on “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” Rhea and Broderick star in “Holiday Mismatch.” The story follows two women who clash at a Christmas committee meeting, only to discover they’ve accidentally set up their adult children via a dating app. As their kids fall for each other, the mothers find an unexpected friendship blossoming between them.
‘Five Gold Rings’ – A quest for love
Premiere Date: Thursday, November 7
Stars: Holland Roden, Nolan Gerard Funk
In “Five Gold Rings,” New York City painter Audrey Moss returns to her small hometown in Minnesota for the holidays. She embarks on an unexpected quest from her late grandmother: to find the owners of five mysterious gold rings and return them to their rightful homes before Christmas morning, only nine days away. This journey leads Audrey to rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season.
Unwrapping Christmas – A series of festive tales
Four new movies, airing on November 7, 14, 21, and 28, follow four friends who work together at Tina’s shop, All Wrapped Up. The ensemble cast includes Natalie Hall, Alec Santos, Kathryn Davis, Nathan Witte, Ashley Newbrough, Torrance Coombs, Cindy Busby, and Jake Epstein.
‘Trivia at St. Nick’s’ – A holiday scavenger hunt
Premiere Date: Friday, November 8
Stars: Tammin Sursok, Brant Daugherty
“Trivia at St. Nick’s” takes place at an elite university in Vermont, where locals and faculty hunker down for their favorite time of year—the annual Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament. Due to a last-minute change, an astronomy professor and a football coach must endure the ultimate holiday scavenger hunt on campus.
‘Santa Tell Me’ – A letter from Santa
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 9
Stars: Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Benjamin Ayres, Christopher Russell, Kurt Szarka
In “Santa Tell Me,” Olivia, a successful interior designer, finds an old letter from Santa promising she’ll meet the love of her life by Christmas Eve—and that his name will be Nick. To her surprise, she meets not one, but three guys named Nick. As she navigates three holiday romances, she finds herself drawn to a co-worker.
‘Tis the Season to Be Irish’ – A journey to Ireland
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 10
Stars: Fiona Gubelmann, Eoin Macken
A house flipper heads to Ireland to renovate and sell a cottage in “‘Tis the Season to Be Irish.” Her plans change when she meets a local realtor determined to preserve his town’s heritage, leading to unexpected romance and a deeper appreciation for the holiday spirit.
A reason for the season – Granting Christmas wishes
Premiere Date: Thursday, November 14
Stars: Taylor Cole, Kevin McGarry
In “A Reason for the Season,” Evie must grant Christmas wishes to the people who saved her life on the night of her birth to earn her trust fund. She enlists Kyle, a handsome local attorney, to help track down those who helped her and attempts to secretly learn what they might want while maintaining her anonymity.
‘Christmas with the Singhs’ – A magical holiday
Premiere Date: Friday, November 15
Stars: Anuja Joshi, Ben Hollingsworth
For Asha Singh, Christmas is the most important time of the year. In “Christmas with the Singhs,” she finds herself working at the hospital during the holidays and wishes for some much-needed Christmas magic. Enter Jake, her former high school classmate, who reappears in her life. After a magical year together, Jake proposes, but their first Christmas as an engaged couple isn’t the fairytale they imagined.
‘Jingle Bell Run’ – A reality competition
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 16
Stars: Ashley Williams, Andrew Walker
An unadventurous school teacher gets signed up for a Christmas-themed reality competition show in “Jingle Bell Run.” She’s paired with former hockey player Wes, and together they navigate the challenges and surprises of the competition.
‘Confessions of a Christmas Letter’ – A holiday mix-up
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 17
Stars: Angela Kinsey, Alec Santos, cameo by Brian Baumgartner
In “Confessions of a Christmas Letter,” quirky family matriarch Settie Rose enlists struggling novelist Juan to help her in the town’s annual holiday letter-writing contest. A mix-up leads to the rumor that Juan is engaged to Settie’s daughter, Lily, resulting in a series of humorous and heartwarming events.
‘A Novel Noel’ – A bookstore adventure
Premiere Date: Thursday, November 21
Stars: Julie Gonzalo, Brendan Penny
A successful New York book editor is chosen to run a bookstore in the small town of Saint Ives for the month of December in “A Novel Noel.” This charming story explores the magic of books and the holiday season.
‘Christmas on Call’ – Balancing love and work
Premiere Date: Friday, November 22
Stars: Sara Canning, Ser’Darius Blain, cameo by Donna Kelce
ER doctor Hannah Michaels and EMT Wes Sullivan work on balancing their relationship and demanding jobs ahead of the holidays in Philadelphia in “Christmas on Call.” This touching narrative highlights the challenges and rewards of love and dedication.
‘Three Wiser Men and a Boy’ – A family reunion
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 23
Stars: Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker, Margaret Colin
“The story begins five years later with the Brenner brothers preparing for another memorable Christmas in “Three Wiser Men and a Boy.” In a crazy turn of events, possibly brought on accidentally by the brothers themselves, the director of Luke’s son Thomas’ school holiday musical steps down. Luke is desperate to make his son’s stage dreams come true, so he enlists the help of his brothers Taylor and Stephan. Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s new boyfriend.
‘To Have and To Holiday’ – A pre-wedding boot camp
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 24
Stars: Madeleine Arthur, Robert Bazzocchi, Eric Close
In “To Have and To Holiday,” Celeste gets engaged to Jason after just a few months of dating. Her father and the couple’s would-be officiant, Pastor Mark, insist on putting them through a pre-wedding “boot camp” filled with Christmas-themed challenges. This delightful story explores the importance of preparation and understanding in relationships.
These festive films promise to bring joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments to your holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of romance, comedy, or heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone in this lineup. So grab some hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy these holiday movies that are sure to become new favorites.# Holiday movie magic: A festive lineup to warm your heart
As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a heartwarming movie. This year’s lineup promises a delightful mix of romance, family drama, and a touch of magic. Let’s dive into some of the most anticipated holiday films that are sure to bring joy and cheer to your festive celebrations.
Christmas under the lights
Stars: Heather Hemmens, Marco Grazzini
Synopsis: Emily, who has always been hesitant to return to her family’s animal rescue ranch, finds herself back home after her mother’s passing. Her brother Nick needs her help organizing the annual Christmas Carnival. Upon arrival, she meets Luke, a former successful artist who now works with light. As they work together, Emily begins to see the magic of the season in a new light.
Trailer: Christmas Under the Lights
Debbie Macomber’s joyful Mrs. Miracle
Stars: Rachel Boston, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Tanner Novlan, Matthew James Dowden, Max Lloyd-Jones
Synopsis: Three adult siblings return to their childhood home for Christmas to honor their late grandmother’s wishes and decide on new leadership for the family business. Enter Annie Merkel, also known as Mrs. Miracle, who uses her special brand of Christmas magic to help the family find common ground and rekindle their bonds.
Trailer: Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle
A ’90s Christmas
Stars: Eva Bourne, Chandler Massey, Katherine Barrell
Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, a workaholic lawyer celebrating her promotion alone is mysteriously transported back to 1999 via a rideshare experience. This nostalgic journey helps her rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Trailer: A ’90s Christmas
Deck the walls
Stars: Ashley Greene, Wes Brown, Danny Pellegrino
Synopsis: Chicago interior designer Rose returns to her hometown to help her brother with a charity house flip. As she decorates and renovates, she reconnects with her roots and finds unexpected love.
Trailer: Deck the Walls
Believe in Christmas
Stars: Meghan Ory, John Reardon
Synopsis: Beatrice, skeptical of holiday magic, reluctantly joins her best friend on a trip to Christmasland. There, she meets a charming stranger named Ethan and begins to question what’s real and what’s part of the experience.
Trailer: Believe in Christmas
Holiday touchdown: A Chiefs love story
Stars: Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Ed Begley Jr., Richard Riehle, Diedrich Bader, Christine Ebersole, Megyn Price; cameos by Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hager, Coach Andy Reid; and players Trey Smith, Mecole Hardman Jr., Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and George Karlaftis
Synopsis: Alana Higman, a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs superfan, believes her family is a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick, the Director of Fan Engagement, evaluates their chances, and sparks fly between him and Alana. However, when her grandfather’s vintage Chiefs good-luck hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate and destiny.
Trailer: Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
The Finnish line
Stars: Kim Matula, Beau Mirchoff, Nichole Sakura
Synopsis: Inspired by her father’s legacy in dog sled racing, Anya heads to Finland after his death to participate in the 40th annual Joulurauha race. This journey not only tests her skills but also her resilience and determination.
Trailer: The Finnish Line
The Christmas quest
Stars: Lacey Chabert, Kristoffer Polaha
Synopsis: An archeologist and her ex-husband, an expert in ancient Norse languages, are sent to Iceland at Christmastime to search for the legendary treasure of the Yule Lads. As others join the hunt, they find themselves in a thrilling adventure to keep the treasure from falling into the wrong hands.
Trailer: The Christmas Quest
Season’s greetings from Cherry Lane
Stars: Jonathan Bennett, Annabelle Bourke, Corey Cott, Sarah Dugdale, Shannon Kook, Vincent Rodriguez III
Synopsis: Spanning three different time periods, this film follows a doctor in 1951 trying to make the holiday special for his wife before being shipped out to Korea, a newly married couple in 2003 hosting their in-laws for the first time, and a couple in 2024 trying to arrange special Christmas surprises for each other.
Trailer: Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane
A dance in the snow
Stars: Erica Cerra, Mark Ghanimé, Vanessa Burghardt, Dorian Giordano
Synopsis: Melanie’s 17-year-old autistic daughter Jenny is looking forward to college but is not interested in attending her final Christmas dance. Melanie decides to surprise Jenny by getting involved in the school’s planning committee to create a welcoming dance for all students.
Trailer: A Dance in the Snow
Private princess Christmas
Stars: Ali Skovbye, Derek Klena, Erica Durance
Synopsis: Princess Violet of Wingravia loves the privileges of being a royal but none of the responsibilities. After disappointing her mother one too many times, the Queen sends her to a leadership boot camp in Colorado. There, Vi must prove her mettle under the supervision of Captain Ryan Douglas.
Trailer: Private Princess Christmas
Sugarplummed
Stars: Maggie Lawson, Janel Parrish
Synopsis: Emily dreams of creating the perfect Christmas she’s seen on TV. Her wish comes true when Sugarplum, a TV movie’s optimistic main character, magically steps off the screen.
Trailer: Sugarplummed
Leah’s perfect gift
Stars: Emily Arlook, Evan Roderick, Barbara Niven
Synopsis: Leah, a Christmas lover who has always admired the holiday from afar because she’s Jewish, gets a chance to experience a traditional Christmas when her boyfriend invites her to spend the holidays with his family. However, fitting in with his uptight family proves to be more challenging than she expected.
Trailer: Leah’s Perfect Gift
This festive lineup offers something for everyone, from nostalgic trips to the ’90s to thrilling treasure hunts in Iceland. Each film promises to deliver the magic and warmth that make the holiday season so special. So grab your favorite blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to be enchanted by these heartwarming stories.# Holiday magic on Cherry Lane: A festive journey through time
A nostalgic holiday tale
Stars: Benjamin Ayres, Catherine Bell, James Denton, Erica Durance, Julie Gonzalo, Ryan Rottman
Synopsis: In 1960, Eli and Penny welcome Eli’s grumpy father, Walter, into their home, navigating family dynamics while working on a Christmas-themed time capsule for their son Alex’s school project. Fast forward to 1998, where Regina and Nelson meet for the first time, stranded together during a blizzard on Christmas Eve. In 2015, Jessie faces the challenge of planning her sister’s last-minute Christmas Eve wedding, only to find the officiant is Tim, her high school sweetheart whom she hasn’t seen in nearly 20 years.
All I need for Christmas
Stars: Mallory Jansen, Dan Jeannotte
Synopsis: Maggie, a struggling singer/songwriter, feels out of place in a tech-savvy world. Returning home to help her parents on their farm, she meets Archer, an entrepreneur spending the holidays alone. Their encounter sparks a journey of self-discovery and rekindled dreams.
Hanukkah on the rocks
Stars: Stacey Farber, Daren Kagasoff, Marc Summers
Synopsis: Just a week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory finds herself unemployed and uncertain about her future. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles, leading to unexpected encounters and self-discovery.
The Santa class
Stars: Kimberley Sustad, Benjamin Ayres
Synopsis: Kate North reluctantly takes over her father’s struggling Santa School ahead of the holidays. She and her new co-worker Dan discover a man they believe to be the real Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled crashes near the school.
Following yonder star
Stars: Brooke D’Orsay, John Brotherton
Synopsis: A famous TV mother’s life is upended by a scandal just before the holidays. Seeking refuge, she heads to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas, only to find herself at a quaint B&B owned by an astronomy teacher due to a booking error.
Deck the halls on Cherry Lane
Stars: John Brotherton, Erin Cahill, Brooke D’Orsay, Chelsea Hobbs, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sam Page, Matt Dusk
Synopsis: In 1966, David’s simple Christmas plans are disrupted when his neighbor Stephanie wins a contest to have Tommy Saunders’ Christmas Eve TV special broadcast live from her house, using David’s address. In 1981, John and Lizzie face their last Christmas on Cherry Lane after John receives a job offer in Michigan and Lizzie discovers she’s pregnant. In 2000, best friends Matt and Rebecca uncover unexpected feelings as they investigate a series of Christmas-themed random acts of kindness.
Trading up Christmas
Stars: Italia Ricci, Michael Xavier
Synopsis: Michelle, the dreamer of her family, devises a plan to help her sister find a new home. Starting with just a Christmas stocking, she aims to trade her way up to a house for Keri. While Keri dismisses it as a far-fetched idea, local reporter Dan is intrigued.
Happy Howlidays
Stars: Jessica Lowndes, opposite the to-be-announced winner of “Finding Mr. Christmas”
Synopsis: A webpage editor spending the holidays alone is drawn into an unusual encounter when she meets a stray dog, leading to unexpected adventures and heartwarming moments.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts
The holiday season is a time for heartwarming stories and nostalgic journeys. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the magic of the holidays, from rekindling old flames to discovering new beginnings. The blend of past and present in “Holiday Magic on Cherry Lane” provides a rich tapestry of family dynamics and personal growth, making it a must-watch for those who cherish multi-generational stories.
For those who enjoy a mix of romance and self-discovery, “All I Need for Christmas” and “Hanukkah on the Rocks” offer relatable characters and heartfelt journeys. The former explores the challenges of staying true to oneself in a rapidly changing world, while the latter delves into the importance of tradition and family.
“The Santa Class” and “Following Yonder Star” bring a touch of whimsy and magic, perfect for viewers who enjoy a bit of fantasy with their holiday cheer. The idea of discovering the real Santa Claus or finding solace in an unexpected place adds a layer of enchantment to the festive season.
“Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane” and “Trading Up Christmas” highlight the power of community and the spirit of giving. These films remind us that the holidays are not just about receiving but also about the joy of helping others and making meaningful connections.
“Happy Howlidays” offers a charming and lighthearted story that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The inclusion of a stray dog adds an element of surprise and warmth, making it a delightful watch for animal lovers and holiday enthusiasts alike.
For more information and to watch the trailers, visit the following links:
- Holiday Magic on Cherry Lane
- All I Need for Christmas
- Hanukkah on the Rocks
- The Santa Class
- Following Yonder Star
- Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane
- Trading Up Christmas
- Happy Howlidays
Embrace the holiday spirit with these captivating stories, each offering a unique blend of nostalgia, romance, and festive cheer.