The 26 best Hallmark Christmas movies, ranked for your comfort-viewing pleasure
- - The 26 best Hallmark Christmas movies, ranked for your comfort-viewing pleasure
Staff Author, Janey Tracey and Kevin JacobsenDecember 20, 2025 at 9:00 PM
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David Scott Holloway/Hallmark Media; Allister Foster/Hallmark Media (2)
Kristoffer Polaha as Jack Huston and Bethany Joy Lenz as Lucy Collins in 'A Biltmore Christmas'; Tamera Mowry-Housley as Shelby, Isabel Birch as Grace, and Ronnie Rowe Jr. as Evan in 'Inventing the Christmas Prince'; Markian Tarasiuk as Blake and Kara Wang as Romy in 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon'
'Tis the season for a good old-fashioned Hallmark marathon.
Christmas is like the Super Bowl for the channel, a season-long extravaganza where the plots tend to be rather interchangeable, but that's part of their appeal. No matter how many times we watch a city woman return to her idyllic country hometown and strike up a connection with a handsome stranger — or childhood sweetheart — we simply can't resist their charms.
But with numerous new Christmas movies produced by Hallmark every year, it can be dizzying figuring out which ones to prioritize. We've sorted through the hundreds of the channel's output over the past few decades to single out our favorites, from classics like The Christmas Card (2006) to newer discoveries like A Biltmore Christmas (2023).
Ahead, read our ranking of the 26 best Hallmark Christmas movies that bring us the most comfort and joy.
26. The Holiday Sitter (2022)
Hallmark Channel George Krissa as Jason DeVito, Jonathan Bennett as Sam Dalton, and Mila Morgan as Dania Walker in 'The Holiday Sitter'
Hallmark’s first Christmas movie with a central LGBTQ+ romance, The Holiday Sitter stars Jonathan Bennett (of Mean Girls fame) as Sam, a work-obsessed bachelor who unexpectedly ends up babysitting his niece and nephew over the holidays. Struggling with the chaos, he enlists help from his handsome neighbor, Jason (George Krissa), sparking a charming romance.
The Holiday Sitter balances slapstick humor with heartfelt moments, going deeper than your average Hallmark movie to explore the experiences of gay men. As a bonus, Bennett even slips in a cheeky nod to his most iconic film, specifically the line, “Stop trying to make fetch happen.” —Janey Tracey
Where to watch The Holiday Sitter: Hallmark+
25. Snow Bride (2013)
Hallmark Channel
Susie Abromeit as Claire Sinclaire, Patricia Richardson as Maggie Tannenhill, Katrina Law as Greta Kaine, Bobby Campo as Jared Tannehill, and Jordan Belfi as Ben Tannenhill in 'Snow Bride'
There are two vibes for Hallmark movies: sweet and heartwarming or completely bonkers. This one leans into the latter. A gossip reporter (Katrina Law) goes undercover to expose the less wholesome side of a Kennedy-esque political family. Due to hijinks involving a snowstorm and a wedding dress, she’s mistaken for a runaway bride and gets roped into an elaborate relationship ruse.
Snow Bride has it all: two reporters competing for one juicy story, fake relationships, a brother swap, and more twists than you thought possible in a Christmas movie. It’s a warm-and-fuzzy throwback to screwball rom-coms from Hollywood’s classic era. —J.T.
Where to watch Snow Bride: Hallmark+
24. Holiday Heritage (2022)
Albert Camicioli Lyndie Greenwood as Ella, Holly Robinson Peete as Micah, and Brooks Darnell as Griffin in 'Holiday Heritage'
The first (and only) Hallmark movie to center around Kwanzaa, Holiday Heritage goes beyond the typical holiday romance to focus on family relationships. Ella (Lyndie Greenwood) returns home and discovers her mother and grandmother have had a falling out while grieving Ella’s grandpa, who united the family through Kwanzaa traditions.
After reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend, Griffin (Brooks Darnell) — now the town mayor — she encourages her family to heal by celebrating both Christmas and Kwanzaa. In addition to the performances, the movie shines thanks to its authentic representation of generational (and familial) dynamics. —J.T.
Where to watch Holiday Heritage: Hallmark+
23. Write Before Christmas (2019)
Allister Foster/Crown Media Torrey DeVitto as Jessica Winthrop and Chad Michael Murray as Luke in 'Write Before Christmas'
Starring Torrey DeVitto and Chad Michael Murray, this is the One Tree Hill reunion we never knew we needed. Write Before Christmas follows the recently single Jessica (DeVitto), who sends Christmas cards — that’s right, Hallmark Christmas cards — to five people who have influenced her life: her best friend, her younger brother, the aunt who raised her, her music teacher, and a pop star who provided the soundtrack to her life. Her cards help frame a clever Love Actually-esque narrative, with interweaving storylines you might actually need to pay attention to. —J.T.
Where to watch Write Before Christmas: Hallmark+
22. The Christmas Train (2017)
Hallmark
Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Eleanor Carter and Dermot Mulroney as Tom Langdon in 'The Christmas Train'
Based on a novel by your dad’s favorite author, David Baldacci, The Christmas Train follows cynical journalist Tom Langdon (Dermot Mulroney), who embarks on a cross-country train ride during the holidays and reconnects with his ex-girlfriend and editor, Eleanor (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). With a wildly star-studded cast, including Joan Cusack and Danny Glover, and an even more insane twist ending, The Christmas Train is a worthy entry in the Hallmark Hall of Fame. —J.T.
Where to watch The Christmas Train: Pluto TV
21. Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
Candace Cameron Bure as Lauren Brunell in 'Christmas Under Wraps'
Christmas Under Wraps is the prototypical Hallmark Christmas movie, right down to the presence of Candace Cameron Bure. Dr. Lauren Brunell (Bure), an ambitious surgeon, is forced to take an unexpected career detour when her dream job falls through. She relocates to a remote Alaska town, where she discovers a close-knit community, quirky locals, and Andy (David O’Donnell), a charming pilot who helps her embrace the slower pace of small-town life.
Like many Hallmark movies before and since, this one plays out exactly like you expect it to — but that’s the point, and why it’s such a comforting watch. —J.T.
Where to watch Christmas Under Wraps: Hallmark+
20. A Bramble House Christmas (2017)
Ricardo Hubbs/Hallmark
Andrew Airlie as Ken and Autumn Reeser as Willa in 'A Bramble House Christmas'
A Bramble House Christmas delivers unexpectedly affecting drama alongside its romance, anchored by a knockout performance by The O.C.'s Autumn Reeser. The story follows single mother Willa (Reeser), who inherits money from her late employer, whom she cared for as a nurse. His estranged children are convinced she manipulated him in his final days, so his son Finn (David Haydn-Jones) goes undercover at the Bramble House Inn to investigate her.
The slow-burn romance is surprisingly mature; the leads actually take their time to get to know each other, lending surprising weight to the big emotional moments. —J.T.
Where to watch A Bramble House Christmas: Hallmark+
19. Christmas in Vienna (2020)
Petro Domenigg/Crown Media United States LLC Brennan Elliott as Mark Olson and Sarah Drew as Jess Waters in 'Christmas in Vienna'
Christmas in Vienna is a quintessential “location Hallmark” movie, serving as a love letter to the city of Vienna and its magical Christmas markets. Jess (Sarah Drew) is a concert violinist questioning her future as she travels to Vienna for a special Christmas performance. While there, she meets Mark (Brennan Elliott), a diplomat and single father whose structured life is in direct contrast with her artistic spirit.
Beautifully filmed on location, the movie captures the authentic charm of Vienna during the holidays, with exquisitely shot scenes of its iconic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace. —J.T.
Where to watch Christmas in Vienna: Hallmark+
18. Take Me Back for Christmas (2023)
Hallmark Channel
Vanessa Lengies as Renée in 'Take Me Back for Christmas'
Glee alum Vanessa Lengies stars in this emotional fantasy drama as Renée, a gift shop clerk who is given the opportunity to experience an alternate version of her life. This new reality finds her becoming the highly successful CEO she always dreamed of being, and her mother is still alive. The problem is, she's no longer married to her husband, and she proceeds to hatch an elaborate plan to woo him all over again. Lengies delivers one of her best performances to date, particularly when Renée reconnects with her mother and gets the chance to say the things she always wanted to say. —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watch Take Me Back for Christmas: Hallmark+
17. Inventing the Christmas Prince (2022)
Hallmark Media/Photographer: Allister Foster
Tamera Mowry-Housley as Shelby, Isabel Birch as Grace, and Ronnie Rowe Jr. as Evan in 'Inventing the Christmas Prince'
Shelby (Tamera Mowry-Housley) is a widowed single mother who invents a fantasy story about a Christmas Prince to cheer up her daughter. When the young girl becomes convinced her mom’s strict, Scrooge-like boss, Evan (Ronnie Rowe), is the very prince from her story, Shelby strikes a deal: She will stay on at her job if Evan agrees to play along and “be” the Christmas Prince.
The sweet premise is enough of a selling point, but the climactic grand gestures and performances — including that of child actress Isabel Birch — are what really inspire tears by the end. —J.T.
Where to watch Inventing the Christmas Prince: Hallmark+
16. An Unexpected Christmas (2021)
Allister Foster/Crown Media United States
Tyler Hynes as Jamie and Bethany Joy Lenz as Emily in 'An Unexpected Christmas'
A sharp, witty take on the “fake dating” genre, An Unexpected Christmas follows Jamie (Tyler Hynes), who convinces his ex-girlfriend Emily (Bethany Joy Lenz) to pretend they’re still dating during his family’s holiday festivities. While the fake courtship/second chance tropes are familiar, the quippy script by Hallmark actor Paul Campbell and the natural chemistry between Hynes and Lenz elevate the romance. —J.T.
Where to watch An Unexpected Christmas: Hallmark+
15. A Wish for Christmas (2016)
Bettina Strauss/Crown Media United States
Lacey Chabert as Sara Thomas in 'A Wish for Christmas'
The first entry on our list featuring Hallmark queen Lacey Chabert — but certainly not the last — A Wish for Christmas is the perfect movie for pushovers this holiday season. Chabert stars as Sara, a classic doormat who spends her days fetching coffee, doing her colleagues’ work, and letting her boss take credit for her ideas. When she makes a Christmas wish for courage, she begins to take charge of her career and falls for her boss’ boss, played by perennial Hallmark leading man Paul Greene. —J.T.
Where to watch A Wish for Christmas: Hallmark+
14. Double Holiday (2019)
Ceyon Crossfield as Kirby, Kristoffer Polaha as Chris Coulter, and Carly Pope as Rebecca Hoffman in 'Double Holiday'
In this delightful Hanukkah-meets-Christmas-meets-cubicle romance, rival co-workers, Rebecca (Carly Pope) and Chris (Kristoffer Polaha), are forced to work together to plan their office Christmas party. Rebecca celebrates Hanukkah and is already busy planning events for her family, so she and Chris learn more about the other’s traditions while begrudgingly collaborating.
As one of Hallmark's first Hanukkah-themed movies, Double Holiday cozily celebrates the holiday’s traditions, from lighting the menorah to making latkes, alongside the usual Christmas spirit. —J.T.
Where to watch Double Holiday: Hallmark+
13. Christmas at the Plaza (2019)
Hallmark Channel
Ryan Paevey as Nick Perrelli, Elizabeth Henstridge as Jessica Cooper, and Tom Young as Nick Sr. in 'Christmas at the Plaza'
No place is more festive than New York City around the holidays, and Christmas at the Plaza perfectly captures the magic of the season against the backdrop of the Plaza Hotel. The movie revolves around Jessica (Elizabeth Henstridge), a historian and Yuletide skeptic tasked with curating a Christmas exhibit celebrating the hotel’s rich holiday traditions. Enter Nick (Ryan Paevey), the charismatic decorator and Christmas enthusiast who helps her bring the exhibit to life.
The leads are endlessly charming, and the script rises above the typical Hallmark movie with references to classic films set at the Plaza, including Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. —J.T.
Where to watch Christmas at the Plaza: Hallmark+
12. Crown for Christmas (2015)
Gabriel Hennessey/Crown Media United States
Danica McKellar as Allie Foster (center) in 'Crown for Christmas'
Crown for Christmas is basically Maid in Manhattan with a royal holiday twist. The film follows Allie (Danica McKellar), a down-on-her-luck New York hotel maid who lands an unexpected job taking care of a young European princess. Allie’s warmth and charm quickly win over the monarchs — especially the widowed King Maximillian (Rupert Penry-Jones). Anchored by sparkling turns from McKellar and Penry-Jones, this charming romance genuinely feels like a modern fairy tale. —J.T.
Where to watch Crown for Christmas: Hallmark+
11. Switched for Christmas (2017)
Jeremy Lee/Crown Media Mark Deklin as Greg and Candace Cameron Bure as Chris in 'Switched for Christmas'
The twin hijinks trope with a side of “be careful what you wish for,” Switched for Christmas stars Candace Cameron Bure as both Kate, a career-driven single mom, and Chris, a laid-back suburbanite, who are secretly jealous of the other’s life. When they impulsively decide to switch places for the holidays, they get a crash course in each other’s challenges — and find love, of course.
While Hallmark movies often see sparks fly between their romantic leads, this one stands out thanks to Bure’s ability to develop chemistry with two different love interests in dual roles. —J.T.
Where to watch Switched for Christmas: Hallmark+
10. Christmas at the Golden Dragon (2022)
Hallmark Media/Photographer: Allister Foster
Markian Tarasiuk as Blake and Kara Wang as Romy in 'Christmas at the Golden Dragon'
Set around a Chinese American family’s beloved restaurant, Christmas at the Golden Dragon follows siblings Romy (Kara Wang) and Rick (Osric Chau), who learn that their parents are closing the Golden Dragon just before Christmas. Breaking from the typical Hallmark formula, the movie has an ensemble cast and intersecting storylines, featuring the lives of customers, staff, and family members.
Christmas at the Golden Dragon also stands out for its representation of Chinese American traditions, celebrating both cultural heritage and the universal joys of the season. —J.T.
Where to watch Christmas at the Golden Dragon: Hallmark+
9. The Christmas Card (2006)
Jamie Trueblood/Hallmark Channel
Alice Evans as Faith Spelman and John Newton as Cody Cullen in 'The Christmas Card'
One of Hallmark’s most enduring classics, The Christmas Card bypasses the typical meet-cute setup, instead beginning with a Christmas card sent to a soldier (John Newton) overseas. After the death of a close friend in action, the card gives him the strength to carry on — and inspires him to track down its sender, Faith (Alice Evans), in her idyllic small town.
With the great Ed Asner as Faith’s warm, welcoming father and a slow-burn romance that feels truly earned, The Christmas Card is the rare Hallmark movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. —J.T.
Where to watch The Christmas Card: PixL
8. The Holiday Stocking (2022)
Brandon Cruz/Hallmark Media
B.J. Britt as RJ, Sariah Gerald as Gia, Tamala Jones as Marlow, and Nadine Ellis as Dani Holiday in 'The Holiday Stocking'
The Holiday Stocking sidesteps romance for a different kind of love: the bond between siblings. An angel-in-training, Robert (Mykelti Williamson), has unfinished business. To mend the fractured relationship between his sisters, Dani (Nadine Ellis) and Marlow (Tamala Jones), he returns to Earth in the guise of a stranger, RJ (B.J. Britt). RJ says he knew Robert, and that his dying wish was for the girls to play their favorite childhood game again.
This movie highlights the simple things that connect one person to another, seeing the sisters work together and emotionally reunite in the process. —J.T.
Where to watch The Holiday Stocking: Hallmark+
7. Christmas in Evergreen (2017)
Hallmark Channel
Ashley Williams as Allie and Teddy Sears as Ryan in 'Christmas in Evergreen'
Welcome to Evergreen, a small town where Christmas wishes magically come true — and the setting of one of Hallmark’s most beloved holiday series. Veterinarian Allie (Ashley Williams) is about to leave for a new life in D.C., when a chance encounter with a stranded stranger, Ryan (Teddy Sears), changes her plans and sends her to Evergreen.
With its heartwarming story and a setting like a holiday postcard, the movie was such a success that it launched three sequels, each exploring new romances and stories in the enchanting town. —J.T.
Where to watch Christmas in Evergreen: Hallmark+
6. The Christmas House (2020)
Hallmark Channel
Ana Ayora as Andi Cruz and Robert Buckley as Mike Mitchell in 'The Christmas House'
The first Hallmark movie to include an LGBTQ+ couple, this groundbreaking gem follows the Mitchell siblings as they reunite to recreate the intricately decorated “Christmas House” from their upbringing. The story follows Brandon (Jonathan Bennett) and his husband, Jake (Brad Harder), who are navigating the emotional ups and downs of their adoption journey, as well as Brandon’s brother, Mike (Robert Buckley), a TV star reconnecting with a childhood love.
Co-written by Buckley and loosely based on his experiences, The Christmas House is an unusually personal Hallmark movie and a step forward for the network. —J.T.
Where to watch The Christmas House: Hallmark+
5. Three Wise Men and a Baby (2022)
Bettina Strauss Paul Campbell as Stephan, Andrew Walker as Luke, and Tyler Hynes as Taylor in 'Three Wise Men and a Baby'
Another movie that successfully subverts the channel’s holiday formula, Three Wise Men and a Baby stars three Hallmark regulars — Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell — who find effortless chemistry as estranged brothers unexpectedly tasked with caring for an abandoned infant during the holiday season.
Written by Campbell and fellow Hallmark favorite Kimberley Sustad, the script shines with wit and heart. The actors are clearly having fun together, and the results are genuinely amusing, especially the showstopping dance number to “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” —J.T.
Where to watch Three Wise Men and a Baby: Hallmark+
4. Round and Round (2023)
Craig Minielly/Hallmark Media
Bryan Greenberg as Zach and Vic Michaelis as Rachel in 'Round and Round'
What if Groundhog Day was a Hallmark movie? That’s the hook of Round and Round. In this conceptual romance, Rachel (Vic Michaelis) gets stuck in a time loop, reliving the seventh night of Hanukkah. Luckily for her, there’s Zach (Bryan Greenberg), a D&D aficionado who knows a thing or two about time-warp movies. If anybody can figure out how to get Rachel out of the cycle, it’s him. Will she realize her life is on the wrong path and that this convenient hot nerd is the answer she didn’t know she needed? We dare not tell. —J.T.
Where to watch Round and Round: Hallmark+
3. A Royal Christmas (2014)
Gabriel Hennessey/Hallmark
Lacey Chabert as Emily in 'A Royal Christmas'
Hallmark queen Lacey Chabert becomes actual royalty in A Royal Christmas, a delightful romance that proves why the “commoner gets a crown” trope is a tried-and-true formula. Chabert stars as Emily, a humble seamstress who discovers that her boyfriend, Leo (Stephen Hagan), is secretly a prince when he invites her to spend Christmas with his royal family.
Fans of Netflix’s A Christmas Prince series will find plenty to love here. A Royal Christmas hits all the right fairy-tale notes: a relatable heroine, sparkling holiday setting, and plenty of fish-out-of-water humor. —J.T.
Where to watch A Royal Christmas: Hallmark+
2. The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014)
Katie Yu/Crown Media United States
Brandon Routh as Zachary Stone and Kimberley Sustad as Marilee White in 'The Nine Lives of Christmas'
You know how some couples get a pet as a test run before having kids? That’s sort of like what happens in The Nine Lives of Christmas. Handsome firefighter Zachary (Brandon Routh) is a committed bachelor — until he inadvertently adopts a cat and realizes he can handle companionship after all. Thankfully, there’s an attractive veterinarian (Kimberley Sustad) nearby.
With undeniable heat between the leads and a character-driven script, Nine Lives is a standout. It has everything a rom-com needs: forced proximity, a mistletoe kiss, a You’ve Got Mail-style montage, and two adorable, extremely well-behaved kitties. —J.T.
Where to watch The Nine Lives of Christmas: Hallmark+
1. A Biltmore Christmas (2023)
David Scott Holloway/Hallmark Media
Kristoffer Polaha as Jack Huston and Bethany Joy Lenz as Lucy Collins in 'A Biltmore Christmas'
A Biltmore Christmas is the gold standard for Hallmark movies, blending time travel, romance, and old Hollywood glamour. Lucy (Bethany Joy Lenz) is hired to write the script for a remake of a classic Christmas movie and arrives at the majestic Biltmore Estate for inspiration. After turning an antique hourglass, she’s sent back in time to 1946, where she meets charming actor Jack (Kristoffer Polaha).
The setting, period details, and off-the-charts chemistry between Lenz and Polaha elevates A Biltmore Christmas — filmed at the real Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. — to nothing short of magical. —J.T.
Where to watch A Biltmore Christmas: Hallmark+
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