17 of the Best Hallmark Christmas Movies to Binge This Holiday Season

Brandon Routh—of Superman Returns fame—stars in this swoon-worthy Hallmark movie as Zachary Stone, a handsome fireman who has dedicated himself to living life as a bachelor. He talks a big game about not believing in love or commitment, but when a stray cat named Ambrose struts into his life, he finds some relationships aren’t so bad. Zachary adopts Ambrose—or is it the other way around?—but finds himself unsure of how to take care of his new fuzzy friend. Luckily, that’s where veterinary student Marilee comes in.

RELATED: 19 Holiday Romance Books to Light You Up This Holiday Season 

The animal-loving Marilee gives Zachary some pet pointers, and of course their chemistry flies off the charts. But how does that fit in with Zachary’s jealous girlfriend, or the state of crisis Marilee is in at work and at home? You can count on this movie warming even the coldest of hearts. With its focus on vulnerability and connection, it’s the purrfect way to start off the Christmas season.

This film begins in 1945 during Christmas time, as Hanna Norris deals with the loss of her military husband who died in World War II. In order to spend the holidays with her family, Hanna decides to make the drive—in the dead of winter! Unfortunately Hanna is involved in an accident during the storm, and is stranded. When she takes shelter in an abandoned barn, her life changes in a surprising way. Lightning strikes her, knocking Hanna unconscious. When Hanna finally awakes, she realizes that she has been transported 71 years into the future. A handsome police officer—Jake Stanton—offers to help the very-confused Hanna, by allowing her to stay at his parent’s farm house. With Christmas in the air and time spent with Jake, Hanna begins to develop feelings for her rescuer. Soon Hanna discovers that a Christmas miracle caused the time jump, and she must decide whether to stay in the present with Jake, or head back home to 1945. 

RELATED: The 24 Best Historical Romance Novels That Will Steal Your Heart 

Why do we love this movie? It is reminiscent of the 1985 movie Back To The Future. It provides nostalgia with the magic of the holidays. The movie has the same wonderful ingredients: wholesome townspeople, a cozy family farm, and budding romance. It stars Full House’s Candace Cameron Bure and Dawson’s Creek Oliver Hudson as they discover the meaning of kindness. Your heart will grow three times in size just by watching this one! 

We are throwing it back to 2006 for this whirlwind movie that will hit all the feels. U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cody Cullen is given a Christmas card from a fellow soldier, written by a woman named Faith Spelman. The card never leaves Cody’s side as he endures the hardships of war in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the soldier that gave Cody the Christmas card is killed. Cody decides to pay the soldier’s widow his respects and travels to Nevada City, California a few weeks before Christmas. Just as Cody is about to leave, Cody runs into Faith and ends up staying in the town. With her boyfriend in the way, Faith and Cody are unable to admit their feelings for each other. Will they end up together, or will they come to a dead end?

RELATED: 10 Romantic Holiday Movies to Light Your Yule Log

This movie ranked as the Hallmark Channel’s highest-ever-rated telecast on the date of its premiere. The ways Faith’s card affect Cody is heartwarming; Faith’s words move and inspire Cody, helping him survive in a dangerous setting. The ending of the movie beautifully conveys the meaning of Christmas. On Christmas morning Cody places his own Christmas card on the family tree that will direct them to a Christmas present he had been working on—a wooden bench with an inscription reading “Where the Magic Begins.” The bench stands in the family’s favorite spot at a nearby lake, which also happens to mark the spot where Faith and Cody first kiss. Cody’s thoughtfulness exemplifies the true meaning of the season of Christmas—it's not about materialistic things, but the love we share. The final scene is the perfect gift the movie could give—leaving you feeling satisfied and joyous!

Allie Evans is an American hotel maid who ends up getting fired from a high-end New York hotel. When Fergus—a hotel patron’s servant—overhears Allie being fired, he offers her a job as governess to a young girl who is part of a powerful European family. Allie accepts and arrives in the country of Winshire to discover that Fergus’ employer is Maximillion, King of Winshire, and the girl she is in charge of is Princess Theodora. After her mother’s death, Princess Theodora became mischievous, terrorizing authority figures. However, Allie and the Princess immediately hit it off, while sparks fly between Allie and Max. 

RELATED: The Best (and Worst) Romantic Comedy Boyfriends to Bring Home for the Holidays

The characters are very believable, and the relationship that forms between Allie and Theodora is truly special. Their growth and unconditional love for one another really makes the movie stand out—nothing makes the holidays more memorable than spending them with family. It is a magical movie for an audience of any age, with a dream-like Cinderella ending. At the core is the importance of family, but the movie still provides the trademark Hallmark romance between Allie and King Maximillion. You can check that off of Santa’s list!

This movie stars another Hallmark movie regular—Alicia Witt—who plays an antique store owner on her way to meet her in-laws for Christmas. The tension runs high, since it is her first time meeting her fiancé’s family and she must go on her own—he is set to meet her there. Her trip ends up being a total disaster due to lost luggage and a broken phone. Lucky for Alice, she meets Matt, who graciously offers to help and even give her a ride. She accepts, but quickly realizes that he is her future brother-in-law and that she is falling in love...and it’s not with her fiancé.

We find this movie absolutely adorable but we do have one concern...It is a bit strange that Alice falls for the man she believes to be her brother-in-law. Although it turns out to be a misunderstanding, Alice’s ability to fall for her husband’s supposed brother is frightening. Aside from that, the chemistry between Alice and Matt is through the roof! Who needs hot cocoa when there’s these two? The confusion makes for some great comedic moments, while allowing our leads a chance at love. This movie could’ve ended differently, but luckily for them it seems Santa’s elves were working an extra shift.

The holidays can be hard enough when you’re single, but adding a wedding into the mix is pouring salt in the wound. For Layla, matters are only made worse by the fact that her cousin is marrying the man who left her at the altar. Seth—the man who’s responsible for the match made in Layla’s worst nightmares—offers to be her date to the wedding to take some of the heat off of her, but things quickly spin out of control. Seth announces at the reception that he and Layla are engaged, and rather than own up to the embarrassing truth, Layla goes along with the sham.

The “fake relationship” trope is popular in the romance genre for a reason, and A December Bride does it right! The relationship between Seth and Layla is full of humor and tension, which melts away into a genuine and sweet love story throughout the course of the movie. The romantic leads are two relatable people that it’s easy for viewers to really care for, and the twists in this journey will have you glued to the screen, waiting for this fake couple to become real.

Based on a novel of the same name, the rom-com follows Lizzie Richfield as she lands a job as house manager for the Ashford estate in the Virginia countryside. When Lizzie discovers that the estate is being sold, she decides to plan one final Christmas Eve gala for the Marley family, the owners of the estate. However, Lizzie is caught up in the lives of the family. As she finds herself tangled in the chaotic lives of the Marleys, Lizzie is herself drawn to the handsome Robert Marley ... if only she could shake the advances of his younger brother Kip. 

We love a Christmas miracle, and this film delivers just that. When Lizzie gets laid off at an insurance agency, she magically finds a new career. There’s romantic fulfillment when Lizzie and Robert finally get together. The black-tie event has the best Christmas decorations and provides a glamorous air; you can live out your rich fantasies through Lizzie. Even more important is the portrayal of family during the holidays. The Marleys are dysfunctional and disconnected—in this day and age what family isn’t?—and yet through the power of Christmas and Lizzie’s tenacious nature, they are able to come together as a family to celebrate the season. There’s nothing like a wholesome family moment!

RELATED: Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now  

When a Manhattan department store opens up a job as a window dresser for the Christmas season, Sloan Van Doren (Chyler Leigh) and Jake Dooley (Paul Campbell) battle it out head to head for the slot. Sloan is a by-the-books professional looking to uphold a century’s worth of tradition, while Jake is a carefree guy looking to shake things up. As the two business rivals flex their decorating talents, an unspoken mutual attraction begins to kindle. But can their affections survive the vie for the same job?

Who doesn’t love to watch rivals become lovers? The added tension with Sloan’s upper-crust boyfriend gives a dramatic boost to a story that is otherwise warm and fun. Terrence Kelly and Naomi Judd appear in this film as supporting characters with their own unexplored romance, so for viewers who want to see some love in the air, this is a perfect pick!

RELATED: 7 Super-Satisfying Enemies to Lovers Books

Candace Cameron Bure is quickly becoming a queen of the Hallmark Christmas movies; she's starred in 18 Hallmark movies and counting. This movie follows an ambitious doctor, Dr. Lauren Brunell, who has planned out her whole life to avoid any surprises. She is totally unprepared for the curveball life throws at her: she loses her dream job and boyfriend on the same day. Lauren reluctantly decides to accept a residency in Alaska, where she learns to embrace a simple life. Lauren also ends up finding company in hot handyman Andy Holliday, who helps her give love another chance. Just when she is getting used to life in Alaska, Lauren’s dream job becomes available and she is forced to decide between love and ambition.

RELATED: The Best Teenage Romance Movies Ever Made

This movie became the highest-rated premiere in Hallmark history, and with good reason. Many of us can relate to a character who is obsessed with controlling her life, but has to learn how to finally let go. The fact that a handsome guy is the one who teaches her to live in the moment really doesn’t hurt. Plus, wintry Alaska is the ideal Christmas location. What says Christmas more than snow? 

Jaime King plays a divorcee in her 30s who isn’t a fan of Christmas. She meets a fellow Grinch—single attorney, Nick— and the two end up bonding over their dislike of the holidays. So they decide to make a pact to pretend to be a couple over the holidays to avoid annoying questions from family and friends. As they attend holiday parties together, they begin to spend a lot more time in each other’s company, until they discover that there might be a spark between them. They eventually let love and Christmas get the better of them.

RELATED: 10 Romance Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Many might not enjoy the perspective of the characters—both of whom completely hate the holidays—but it is very refreshing. The characters aren’t being obnoxious about their distaste of the holiday season. They simply have terrible memories of Christmas time and prefer not to engage in the festivities. It is important for movies to tell stories from the perspective of people who don’t have the jolly Christmas experience, because the holidays can actually be a very isolating time for many of us. Hallmark does a great job of integrating diverse stories while still appealing to their fanbase. At the beginning, the characters are completely anti-Christmas, but by the end they give in. Why? Because just like the Grinch, we all want to spend the holidays with someone else. Turns out that all along they just needed each other...and mistletoe! 

The wheels of romance are set in motion when Chicago’s official tree finder, Holly Khun—otherwise known as “Miss Christmas”—starts her search for an impeccable tree for the illustrious Redcliffe Tree lighting. Holly receives a letter from a young boy named Joey claiming he has the perfect tree for her, sending her on a journey to the small town to retrieve it. However, when Holly arrives she finds that Joey’s hunky dad, Sam, isn’t looking to part ways with his tree. Attraction bubbles between Holly and Sam, and Holly finds that she might have found something even better than a tree this Christmas.

Miss Christmas is a heart-warming and sincere romance you won’t want to miss. Who’s a better matchmaker than a little kid? And as Holly scrambles over the ten days before Christmas to find the right tree for the lighting, the ticking clock adds a layer of anxious excitement to an adorable love story.

RELATED: 7 Single Dad Romance Books to Fall for All Year Round 

For those of you that love a Cinderella story, this one's for you! Emily is a Philly girl that is very proud of being part of the working class—she works hard for everything that she has, and she loves her life. Her world is turned upside down when she falls in love with her gorgeous European boyfriend. As luck would have it, Leo is revealed to be Prince Leopold, the heir to the throne of the small country of Cordinia. The prince decides to take Emily to Cordinia for the holidays where she can meet his mother Isadora, Queen of Cordinia. The Queen isn’t fond of Emily—wanting him to marry the Duchess Natasha—and goes out of her way to make Emily feel unwelcome. Attempting to fit into her boyfriend’s royal lifestyle becomes more complicated than Emily ever imagined. 

RELATED: 7 Royal Romance Books That Will Make You Believe in Fairy Tales

Highly recommended for fans of The Princess Diaries, this movie fulfills all your royal needs, including the requisite scene about etiquette school. This movie adds a little something extra to that perfect formula: a beautiful Christmas setting. This classic rags-to-riches tale includes a super-likable cast. There is a subplot that involves a young orphan girl named Poppy, and, like all happy ending Hallmark movies, she finds a family in the end. At the end, despite Queen Isadora’s attempt to ruin Christmas through her ice queen antics, love and Christmas prevail!

Corporate businesswoman Hannah Harper heads to a Christmas-themed town to shut down the Aunt Sally’s Christmas Cookie Company factory. However, what she thought would be a cut and dry assignment gets messy when she meets the charming factory owner, Jake Carter. As Jake fights to keep his factory in the town of Cookie Jar, Hannah fights the developing feelings between them. The cheer of the holiday town is too much too resist, and Hannah finds herself falling for Christmas and the handsome cookie confectionist.

You’ve got to love a novelty town devoted to Christmas and cookies. Plus, this movie does a wonderful role reversal from the typical corporate vs. small town rom-coms we usually see. Seeing a woman play the part of the corporate curmudgeon is a fun shake up, and the handsome small town underdog Jake is hard for anyone to resist.

All aboard! This movie is like Orient Express, but without the murder. Based on a novel by David Baldacci, the film follows a journalist as he travels by train across the country to get home for the holidays. The train travels from D.C. to Los Angeles as Tom Langdon—the angsty journalist played by Dermot Mulroney—searches for inspiration for a story about his late father. Tom begins to chronicle some of the surprises he experiences along the way. He meets some unexpected characters: the wise and caring Agnes, movie producer Max, and long-lost love interest Eleanor. A snowstorm threatens the trip and the holidays...can Christmas be saved?

The Hallmark Channel spent big bucks on this retro set, and the cast includes Joan Cusack and Danny Glover. A train ride during the holidays meeting exceptional people really pulls some heartstrings. The promise of romance as the flame between Tom and Eleanor reignites will also keep you glued to the screen. As two old flames that might just get things right this time around, Tom and Eleanor provide the movie's requisite Christmas miracle. With snow and love in the air, The Christmas Train will leave you looking for mistletoe!

The home of Santa and Mrs. Claus, Northpole has grown into a city powered by the universal magic of holiday happiness. However, the city is in trouble as people around the world become too preoccupied to enjoy the festivities. In order to save Christmas and protect the city of Northpole, Clementine—a determined elf—must team up with Kevin. It would be a lot easier if Kevin’s protective mom, Chelsea, could rediscover the magic of the holiday season. Nevertheless, Kevin enlists the help of his caring teacher, Ryan, and a gospel singer named Josephine. Kevin and Clementine make a great team as they embark on an magical adventure to prove that anything is possible when you just believe.

RELATED: 16 Single Mom Romance Books to Sweep You Off Your Feet 

Nothing says the holidays like a collaboration between an elf and a child. Both hold tightly onto the magic of the holidays, and they embody the Christmas spirit all year ‘round: awe, excitement, and happiness. This movie is as sweet as the cookies left out for Santa. It serves warmth by focusing on happiness and toy-making and coming together to keep the holiday alive. There’s also possible romance between Chelsea and Ryan, so add some spice to the eggnog. There’s love, there’s family, there’s Santa ... what more could you ask for? 

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...” Cynthia heads back to her hometown a few days before Christmas to enjoy the holidays with her family and attend her sister’s wedding. It will be anything but a walk in the park! With Cynthia’s recently-widowed father spending the first Christmas without his wife, and Cynthia still recuperating from a difficult breakup, it seems the jolly season will be put on pause. Well, think again, because the weekend is filled with surprises. Meredith—a hopeless romantic at heart—receives anonymous gifts inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas,” and now must figure out who her secret admirer is.

Honestly, this is the ideal Christmas problem to have! Cute, festive, and romantic, what more could you want?The mystery adds a slight edge to the movie as Meredith coincidentally bumps into a few exes. Also, can we please talk about how attractive Meredith’s exes are—um, where is this town again? The surprise revelation will definitely keep you on your feet and have you rooting for the pair.

Nicky is an unemployed single mother who grows desperate as the holidays approach. Hoping to get enough money to finally give her daughter the Christmas she deserves, Nicky decides to apply for the position of Santa at a department store. However, Nicky’s application is rejected by Senior VP Fiona Aldrich because she considers Nicky a threat to her pursuit of winning over the handsome store manager, Bill. Finding help in Harry Osbourne, a consultant, Nicky is encouraged to dress up and begin working as Santa. Nicky ends up earning enough money to give her daughter the amazing Christmas she deserves. She might not have time to buy herself a gift, but Santa’s got her covered. What’s Nicky's gift? The super sexy and nice Bill!

This movie is a guaranteed good time especially with all the antics Nicky has to deal with as Santa. Also, props to Nicky for breaking down the patriarchy by becoming the new department store Santa. Granted it is kept a secret for much of the movie, but eventually everyone realizes how great of a Santa a woman can be! The beautiful relationship between Nicky and her daughter Becky drives the movie. Even though Nicky ends up having a love interest it’s touching that she is focused on her familial relationship first. Lucky Nicky gets the best of both worlds, a wonderful daughter and a hunky man. Who would’ve thought that dressing up as Santa could get you ... paid! 

RELATED: 16 Single Mom Romance Books to Sweep You off Your Feet