All Christmas Movies I Watched in 2025 & Reviews

1 – Haul out the Holly

Haul Out the Holly delivers everything a Christmas enthusiast could wish for; decorations, nutcrackers, festive music, and plenty of cookies. The story follows Emily (played by Hallmark favourite Lacey Chabert), who returns to her hometown for the holidays after a breakup. Expecting a cozy family Christmas, she’s surprised to discover that her parents are moving to Florida and leaving the very day she arrives to go house hunting.

They encourage Emily to stay in the family home and enjoy the holidays there.

Initially, she plans to spend her time relaxing with cookies and Christmas movies, but her quiet plans are soon interrupted by Jared, (played by the charming Wes Brown), the town’s HOA Christmas activities organizer. Since Emily’s parents previously held that role, she feels obliged to help Jared with the town’s festive events. Predictably, but pleasantly—the two grow close while spreading holiday cheer, and Emily ultimately receives the family home as a Christmas gift from her well-off parents.

Haul Out the Holly succeeds in capturing a truly festive atmosphere, ticking nearly every box for a feel-good Christmas movie. The film is light, colourful, and packed with cheer. The humour sprinkled throughout adds to its charm, with plenty of moments that will make viewers chuckle.

Lacey Chabert brings her trademark warmth to Emily, and Wes Brown adds a likable sense of humour to Jared. However, the chemistry between the two leads doesn’t quite spark as strongly as expected—they shine individually, but their connection feels somewhat flat.

Despite that minor shortcoming, the film is a delightful watch filled with Christmas fun, lightness, and spirit. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone who loves Hallmark-style holiday movies or simply wants to bask in the glow of Christmas cheer.

Watch - Netflix

99 Candy Cane Points

2 – Write before Christmas

After a recent breakup, Jessica (Torrey DeVitto) decides to send out five handwritten Christmas cards—cards she originally meant for her ex—to people who influenced her life in meaningful ways. Each recipient’s story unfolds as the letters reach them:

• Her old music teacher, who inspired her Cello playing.

  
  

• Her brother, a deployed serviceman, finds comfort and connection while far from home.

  
  

• Her childhood best friend, who runs an animal shelter, receives a boost just when she needs encouragement.

  
  

• A boy-band singer she admired as a teen reconnects with his passion for music.

  
  

• And her Aunty, who has been struggling since her husband died several years ago.

  
  

At the same time, the delivery of the cards brings Jessica into the orbit of Luke (Chad Michael Murray), the son of the music teacher. Luke becomes curious about the woman who sent his mother the card and begins spending more time with her.

As their paths continue to cross, Luke and Jessica form a gentle, heartfelt connection, discovering that sometimes the right person steps into your life because you reached out to others.

The film weaves together Jessica’s story and the ripple affect her letters create all culminating in a warm, hopeful Christmas romance.

As always, Chad Michael Murray delivers an enjoyable, light-hearted performance as Luke. I was also pleasantly surprised by Torrey DeVitto’s portrayal of Jessica. I’m so used to seeing her as the scheming Melissa on Pretty Little Liars—a role she plays exceptionally well—that watching her embody someone warm, sweet, and kind felt like a refreshing shift. She handled it convincingly, and the chemistry between her and Murray was both genuine and engaging.

The decorations in this movie were truly outstanding. Every location had its own distinct festive style—while the music shop glowed with traditional reds, greens, and golds, the boy band singer’s home featured whimsical white and purple décor. I also appreciated the additional side stories involving the brother and the aunt, which gave the film more emotional depth.

Although Christmas activities weren’t overwhelming in number, the ones included helped maintain the festive spirit—particularly the moment when Luke dressed as Santa to visit the charity home, with Jessica joining him as Mrs. Kringle to read a Christmas story. DeVitto’s cello playing was absolutely divine, and the supporting cast was strong and enjoyable throughout.

Between the beautiful decorations, the heartfelt performances, and the movie’s overall light-hearted warmth, this has become one of my favourite festive watches of the year so far.

Watch – Amazon Prime

98 – Candy Cane Points

3 – A Christmas Spark

A Christmas Spark follows Molly (Jane Seymour), a recently widowed woman who has lost her zest for life and given up on the idea of finding love again. To spend Christmas with her daughter, she travels to her daughter’s town for the holidays. While there, she reluctantly agrees to take on the job of directing the local Christmas pageant, despite her initial hesitation.

As Molly throws herself into the production, she meets Hank (Joe Lando), the charming leading man cast in the pageant. Despite her fears and past grief, a romance begins to blossom between them, bringing back joy and reminding her of the magic of the season. Along the way, Molly reconnects with her inner spirit, learns to embrace new beginnings, and even ends up stepping into the spotlight herself when the star of the pageant loses their voice just before showtime.

Ultimately, the film is about rediscovering love, hope, and purpose after loss, wrapped in warm holiday cheer.

I really appreciated that the central couple were in their 60s and 70s, with most of the supporting cast in a similar age range aside from the daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild. It was also a delight to see Jane Seymour and Joe Lando reunited, given their six years together as a couple on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Jane, as Molly, brings her signature blend of sophistication and warmth, while Joe Lando’s portrayal of the steady, down-to-earth Hank feels both charming and authentic. Their chemistry is fantastic—genuine, visible, and consistent throughout the film, not confined merely to the final scenes, which is exactly what a romance should deliver.

The depiction of older adults’ lives was particularly refreshing. Instead of clichés like knitting or napping, these characters are vibrant and active dancing, riding motorcycles, and performing in plays. The Christmas-themed production at the heart of the story adds a festive touch, and there are several heartfelt, poignant reflections on the meaning of Christmas. Although loss is mentioned, it appears only briefly and is not handled in an overly heavy way.

There is a noticeable shortage of Christmas activities, and the decorations are somewhat sparse, but the diverse and talented supporting cast, gentle humour, and uplifting tone more than make up for it. Thanks to the concert, the emphasis on family, and the central Christmas romance, the film still manages to feel wonderfully festive. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances, the light-heartedness, and the sincere focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Watch – 7Plus

Candy Cane Points – 95

4 – How to Fall in Love by Christmas

How to Fall in Love by Christmas follows Nora (Teri Hatcher), a successful lifestyle columnist who has built a career giving advice on relationships, happiness, and finding love. As Christmas approaches, her editor challenges her to do something she has never done before: put her own advice to the test by personally following her “how to fall in love” guidelines and documenting the experience for a holiday feature.

Reluctantly, Nora agrees and is paired with Jack (Dan Payne), a thoughtful photographer assigned to chronicle her journey. As they work together, Nora begins stepping outside her carefully controlled routine—attending festive events, reconnecting with people she’s pushed away, and opening herself up emotionally in ways she’s long avoided.

Throughout the process, Nora starts to realise that while she’s an expert at telling others how to live and love, she’s been guarding her own heart since a painful past relationship. As Christmas draws closer, her professional experiment turns personal, and the connection she’s been building with Jack becomes impossible to ignore.

Faced with the choice between maintaining her polished, self-protective life or taking a genuine emotional risk, Nora must decide whether she’s willing to truly follow her own advice. In embracing vulnerability, she discovers that love—and the magic of Christmas—can’t be planned or analysed but must be felt.

I really enjoyed this movie, which was packed with Christmas activities from start to finish—ice skating, cookie baking, visits to Christmas markets, snowman building, present wrapping, snowball fights, ornament making, trips to a Christmas tree farm, and multiple festive parties and get-togethers. Teri Hatcher is, as always, eminently watchable, and Dan Payne’s portrayal of Jack felt genuine and refreshingly down-to-earth.

The chemistry between the two leads developed naturally, although it could have been slightly stronger. That said, I enjoyed the banter between them and the authentic way their relationship unfolded. The Christmas decorations were plentiful, especially indoors, though a few more exterior decorations would have enhanced the festive atmosphere even further.

The only element that detracted from the film was the sudden and unexpected argument between Nora and her sister later in the story. It felt unnecessary, disconnected from the rest of the narrative, and somewhat out of place. It seemed like an attempt to inject emotional depth, but it didn’t quite work and disrupted the otherwise light, uplifting tone of the movie.

I did appreciate how restrained the film was with heavier themes—death was mentioned only once, in passing, when Nora refers to “this was my mother’s tradition,” which was a refreshing change. Overall, with its abundance of Christmas activities, festive décor, and two engaging leads with natural chemistry, this movie delivered a fun, cheerful, and thoroughly festive viewing experience.

Watch – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points – 86

5 – If Only I had Christmas

In Hallmark’s “If I Only Had Christmas” (2020), Darcy Gale (Candace Cameron Bure) is a Kansas City publicist who adores Christmas—but after being passed over at work, she jumps at a career-making opportunity: a temporary assignment with the Emerald Educational Trust, a high-profile charity foundation that needs help pulling off a major Christmas fundraising push.

At Emerald, Darcy is paired with the trust’s buttoned-up, sceptical communications VP Glen Goodman (Warren Christie). Glen and his team are focused on reputation, efficiency, and caution, while Darcy brings warmth, big ideas, and a belief that the charity should feel genuinely human—not just “good PR.” As they plan events and try to rally donors in time for Christmas, Darcy and Glen start to click, and Darcy also realizes there’s more to Glen’s motivation than he initially lets on.

Their budding romance hits a wall at the big Christmas gala when Glen makes a surprise announcement: he’s been hiding a major truth about who he really is—revealing that he’s actually the elusive tech CEO William Austin, working under an alias. Feeling blindsided and used, Darcy walks away and heads home.

Of course, it’s a Hallmark Christmas: Glen follows, proves his intentions were real, and together they find a way to keep the charity’s mission on track—bringing the fundraising effort (and their relationship) to a heartfelt, festive finish.

Candace Cameron Bure brings her trademark joy and festive cheer to Darcy, while Warren Christie’s Glen strikes a nice balance—sceptical and a bit of a naysayer, yet still likable and quietly charming. Their chemistry is sweet, with light, good-humoured banter that keeps the movie buoyant, and the supporting cast is equally strong and easy to warm to.

There are plenty of Christmas decorations throughout, but the film is noticeably lighter on Christmas activities. The main build-up is to the Christmas concert and gala—plus a dance moment for Darcy—yet these set pieces feel a bit underwhelming.

Even so, I genuinely enjoyed the movie for its infectious lead performance, heartfelt message, and lovely festive styling, with bonus points for the adorable dog. Overall, it’s a fun and cheerful seasonal watch.

Watch – Youtube, Rent – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points - 85

6 – The Christmas Club

Based on the novel by Barbara Hinske, the movie follows Olivia Bennett (Elizabeth Mitchell), a talented dancer turned dance-studio teacher, and Edward Barnes (Cameron Mathison), a charming but focused businessman trying to secure a new job.

While out in the city during the Christmas season, Olivia and Edward both stop to help an elderly woman, Mrs. Wilcox (Gabrielle Rose), who has lost her Christmas savings. Their kindness toward her sparks an instant connection.

After helping Mrs. Wilcox, Olivia and Edward keep running into small, magical “Christmas miracles”—a mysterious appearance of money that seems to circle back to acts of kindness, sudden opportunities, and moments that draw the two closer.

Edward supports Olivia’s dream of reopening a dance studio, while Olivia encourages Edward to see beyond the practicality of business and embrace what truly matters. Their paths cross multiple times as they work to spread kindness in the community.

As they spend more time together, their feelings deepen. Meanwhile, they continue searching for Mrs. Wilcox so they can return the money and ensure she’s okay. The “Christmas Club” jar—a tradition of saving money to help others—becomes central to their connection.

On Christmas Eve, everything comes together:

• Edward secures his dream job.

• Olivia decides to pursue her passion for dance.

• They finally reconnect with Mrs. Wilcox.

• The money they found is revealed to have inspired a chain of kindness throughout the town.

• 
  

Olivia and Edward realise that their string of Christmas miracles wasn’t coincidence—it was a nudge toward each other.

Cameron Mathison is, as always, charming and endearing as Edward. Elizabeth Mitchell brings a gentle warmth to Olivia, though at times her sweetness feels a touch superficial. Their on-screen chemistry is pleasant, and the film delivers plenty of Christmas spirit—beautiful decorations, Santa, a dash of Christmas magic, heartfelt moments, and even a sleigh ride. The only drawback is that the characters talk about more holiday activities than they actually do, making parts of the film feel a little slow. Overall, however, it remains an enjoyable and festive watch.

Watch – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points – 84

7 – I’m Glad It’s Christmas

Holly Bose (Jessica Lowndes) works full-time in retail while spending her nights performing in the chorus, holding tightly to the dwindling number of chances she has left to make her dream of a Broadway career come true. During the busy Christmas season, she repeatedly crosses paths with Jason Murphy (Paul Greene), a songwriter who pens catchy jingles and moonlights as a Santa Claus at local events. Their encounters are warm but awkward—Holly is focused on her ambitions, and Jason is cautious about letting anyone new into the life of his young daughter. Despite their chemistry, Holly can’t shake the feeling that being with Jason comes with another invisible audition she never signed up for.

Just when it seems like romance might not blossom, the town’s influential property owner, Cora Ross (Gladys Knight), steps in with a bit of holiday magic. Sensing potential in both Holly and Jason, she becomes determined to pair Holly’s talent with Jason’s musical skills for the community’s annual Holiday Lane Christmas Concert. Cora sees Holly as the perfect lead for the show and Jason as the ideal composer to craft a memorable new Christmas song.

Under Cora’s guiding hand, the concert becomes more than a festive production—it becomes the place where Holly and Jason rediscover joy, possibility, and the spark that could change both their lives.

The Music in this movie was amazing, definitely the highlight. First, we get the wonderful voices of the two main characters and then as an added bonus we get to hear the the nostalgic Diva tones of Gladys Knight (from Gladys Knight & the Pips – Midnight train to Georgia and that’s what friends are for). The gorgeous singing of Christmas songs all throughout gives this film such a festive feel.

Jessica Lowndes as Holly is sweet and always has a big smile on her face and Paul Greene as Jason has an infectious enthusiasm. The chemistry between the two leads was pleasant though could have been played on a little more, The Christmas decorations were done well. There was not a whole lot of Christmas activities in the film except for the concert but because of the Christmas music throughout you didn’t really notice the lack of festive events.

What let this movie down however was the last twenty minutes of the show as it brought in elements of chauvinism and hypocrisy. Holly finally gets her big Broadway break, but her meeting is on the night of the concert so she explains to Jason she can’t go, he gets all weird, she asks if it’s because she is not going to the concert. Jason says no its that if she gets the part which he believes she will then she will become a big star and he and his daughter won’t be a priority. In the end Holly misses the audition to attend the concert to show Jason what he means to her. Jason is happy saying this shows how much she cares about him and his daughter. Then the Lady running the audition rings back and says she saw Jason and Hollys concert online and wants to hire Holly anyway and also wants to possibly hire Jason. When Jason hears about this, he is all for a Broadway career. This was really irritating as when she is going to be a star on her own then Jason does not think it’s the right life and won’t follow her into it but when he is included he is all for that life.

Despite this downturn at the end the rest of this movie with its amazing festive music was a fun watch.

Watch – Netflix

Candy Cane Points – 83

8 - A Shoe Addicts Christmas

A Shoe Addict’s Christmas stars Candace Cameron Bure as Noelle, a department store manager who loves Christmas and shoes. Noelle is disconnected from her life after her mother died and she broke up with her boyfriend. Since the she has focused on her work at the store instead of pursing her passion of photography. Her relationship with her father is loving but distant and she hasn’t dated since her last breakup.

On Christmas Eve, Noelle who is looking for a file in the basement gets locked inside the department store during a snowstorm. Feeling isolated and defeated, she is visited by Charlie (Jean Smart), a mysterious Christmas angel who appears in different roles throughout the night.

Charlie guides Noelle through a series of magical experiences that reflect her past, present, and potential future, each symbolised by a different pair of shoes. These encounters help Noelle see how her priorities have strained her relationship with her family and left her emotionally disconnected.

Noelle is rescued from the store by Jake, a kind and grounded firefighter. She is then paired with Jake to set up the gala fundraiser which the store is throwing to raise money for the firefighters. During this time, they get closer and Charlie encourages Noelle to take risks explaining that every different choice alters the course of your life and that could be for the better. Charlie also shows some of the consequences of the choices she has made and the possibility of what the future could hold.

By Christmas morning, Noelle emerges transformed. She reconnects with her family, reevaluates her priorities, and opens herself to love.

The film offers a modern, light-hearted Christmas Carol–style story with romance, magic, and a festive message about what is truly important not only at Christmas but all year round, love, passion and family.

Candace Cameron Bure is very much the Queen of Christmas, effortlessly bringing warmth, lightness, and sweetness to any festive film. Luke Macfarlane adds humour and easy charm as Jake, and while both deliver strong individual performances, the romantic chemistry between them feels underdeveloped. Their relationship plays more like a friendship for much of the film, making the final kiss feel somewhat abrupt, with little emotional build-up.

Visually, the movie leans into the season beautifully, with well-done decorations and numerous Christmas trees elegantly dressed throughout. While the story briefly touches on the death of Noelle’s mother, it doesn’t linger excessively, allowing the overall tone to remain uplifting. Festive moments include a sleigh ride, snowball fights, cookie baking, and a Christmas party. Although the film doesn’t overflow with Christmas activities, there’s enough to keep the holiday spirit firmly front and centre.

The true standout is Jean Smart as Charlie, whose funny, joyful, and delightfully eccentric performance steals every scene she’s in. Bonus points also go to the adorable Dalmatian cameo and the abundance of stylish shoes featured throughout. While the romance may be light and the Christmas activities moderate, it’s hard to go wrong with Candace Cameron Bure at the helm—she knows exactly how to deliver an infectious Christmas vibe.

Watch – Youtube

Candy Cane Points - 82

9 – A Merry Christmas Wish

Janie (Jill Wagner), a marketing executive, returns to her hometown of Woodland Falls after inheriting her late great-uncle’s farm. In his will, he asks her for one final favour: to host one last Winter Wonderland, the three-day Christmas market long held on his property.

Her boyfriend, Charles, refuses to join her—choosing instead to head to Los Angeles without her and telling her to meet him once she “comes to her senses.”

When Janie arrives, she unexpectedly reconnects with Dylan (Cameron Mathison), the brother of her childhood best friend, who now works and lives on the farm. He encourages her to honour her uncle’s wish, and together they prepare the Christmas market. As they work side by side, Janie grows close to Dylan, rekindles her friendship with his sister, and becomes part of the community again.

Winter Wonderland begins successfully, but Charles suddenly shows up with an offer from condo developers to purchase the farm for far more than it’s worth. He pressures Janie to sell and return to their city life. Dylan, hurt by her possible departure, steps back and tells her to choose whatever life she wants.

Janie heads back to the city with Charles, but after opening a heartfelt gift from Dylan, she realises she wants the town—and him—far more than her old life. She returns just in time to halt the sale, reconcile with Dylan, and secure the happy ending viewers expect.

Jill Wagner is confident, warm, and engaging to watch as Janie, and Cameron Mathison is endearing and good-natured as Dylan. Their chemistry feels natural, making the central romance easy to invest in. The decorations and market setting are excellent, with festive touches, cute animals, Christmas trees, Santa, and elves adding to the atmosphere.

While the film offers fewer Christmas activities than some holiday titles—mainly the market, cookies, and tree decorating—the strong performances, appealing leads, and genuine festive tone make up for it. The supporting cast is solid, and the plot is firmly rooted in Christmas rather than using the holiday as mere window dressing.

Despite the limited activities, this movie kept me smiling. The combination of engaging leads, beautiful décor, and heartfelt moments made it a delightful and enjoyable Christmas watch.

Watch – Netflix

Candy Cane Points – 81

10 – Haul out the Holly: Lit Up

Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up is the sequel to the original Haul Out the Holly, which I reviewed earlier this year. This time, the story once again follows Emily—played by Hallmark favourite Lacey Chabert—who is now happily dating Jared (Wes Brown). Their charming small town of Evergreen welcomes new residents into a long-vacant house, and the community is thrilled to learn that the newcomers are none other than the Jolly Johnsons, a celebrity family known for their reality Christmas show.

While Jared is ecstatic—being a devoted fan of the Johnsons—Emily is indifferent, having never heard of them. But excitement quickly turns to frustration. The Johnsons attempt to outshine everyone with their extravagant Christmas antics, unintentionally upsetting the town and, most of all, Emily. As tensions rise, Evergreen’s cherished holiday spirit is put to the test.As expected in Hallmark fashion, conflicts eventually resolve, harmony returns to Evergreen, and the season’s joy is restored. As a romantic finale, Jared proposes to Emily, offering viewers a warm Christmas-movie payoff.

While the film is overflowing with festive decorations, Christmas trees, nutcrackers, and music, the magic feels thinner this time around. Many Christmas activities are talked about rather than shown, which is disappointing—especially for viewers who look forward to those scenes.

For me, the biggest issue was the humour. Unlike the first film, where the comedy felt subtle and genuinely charming, this sequel leans into loud, exaggerated humour that often feels forced and, at times, irritating. Jared—whom I found funny and endearing in the first movie—comes across as far less engaging here, and the chemistry between the leads doesn’t spark until the final scenes.

Despite these shortcomings, the movie does have highlights. The snowball fight is a standout moment, and Jennifer Aspen’s portrayal of Mrs Johnson is wonderfully entertaining. I also enjoyed seeing Emily show a fiercer, more protective side as she stands up for her town. The last half hour delivers stronger emotional beats, especially Emily’s heartfelt speech about coming together at Christmas, which brings more warmth than the original film offered.

Overall, I preferred the story and humour of the first movie, but fans who don’t mind broader, more in-your-face comedy—and who simply want plenty of festive atmosphere—may still find this sequel an enjoyable holiday watch.

Watch – Netflix

Candy Cane Points – 80

11 – Joy to the world

Joy to the World is a brand-new Christmas release, centred on Joy (Emmanuelle Chriqui), an author who has built her fame on a successful book series about her supposedly perfect family, perfect marriage, and perfect Christmases spent at her idyllic home, Goose Lane. The only problem: none of it is real. Joy has no husband, no children, and no family at all—she grew up in foster care.

Her closest relationship is with Max (Chad Michael Murray), her longtime best friend who is temporarily living in her guest house while repairs are done on his loft. Joy and Max once tried dating, but when that fizzled, they settled comfortably into friendship—so comfortably, in fact, that Joy even named her fictional husband “Max.”

Joy now appears on a lifestyle TV show, offering advice on achieving the “perfect life.” During a live segment, the producers surprise her—and the audience—by announcing that the Christmas Eve show will be broadcast live from Joy’s own home at Goose Lane. This forces Joy into a spiral as she realizes she must fabricate an entire family and picture-perfect Christmas before the cameras arrive.

Max volunteers to play her husband, her housekeeper agrees to pose as her mum, the postman steps in as her dad, and two neighbourhood kids become her children. Together they transform the house for Christmas and slowly begin to resemble a real, loving family.

When the TV crew arrives, things initially run smoothly. But during Christmas dinner the truth unravels, and Joy’s carefully constructed façade collapses. Amid the fallout, Max chooses this chaotic moment to confess that he’s in love with her. Overwhelmed, Joy tells him she cannot process this on top of everything else, prompting Max to walk away.

Realizing what Max truly means to her, Joy seeks him out, admits that she loves him too, and the story closes with the classic Hallmark-style happy ending.

This movie is carried strongly by its leads. Chad Michael Murray brings his usual charisma and effortless screen presence, making Max instantly likeable and compelling. Emmanuelle Chriqui gives Joy warmth and authenticity, even as her character is built on a mountain of lies. Together, they elevate the film.

While the first half hour lacked both Christmas atmosphere and narrative spark, the movie improved significantly once the main plot began to unfold. Although the holiday decorations and festive activities were lighter than one might hope for in a Christmas feature, the story maintained a clear Christmas theme and delivered natural humour, heartfelt moments, and engaging performances.

Chad Michael Murray in particular shines—his portrayal of Max as a genuinely good-hearted, charming, slightly comedic everyman often steals the spotlight. His chemistry with Chriqui helps ground the film in sincerity, making it an enjoyable watch despite its modest festive flair.

Watch – Disney+

Cany Cane Points – 76

12 – Christmas at the Alpaca Farm

Christmas at the Alpaca Farm (also titled Christmas on the Alpaca Farm) is a 2023 holiday romance movie starring Kirsten Comerford (as Jess Hilliard) and Matt Wells (as Andrew Flannery).

Jess, a successful New York City fashion designer known as the “Queen of Christmas Sweaters,” has her sustainable alpaca-wool knitwear line rejected by her company. Determined to prove herself and win a big Christmas fashion competition with her own sustainable designs, she quits her job and heads to the alpaca farm run by Andrew Flannery, a struggling single dad. Her goal is to work with him to source pure alpaca fleece for her entry.

At first, Andrew is sceptical and reluctant to get involved, but Jess persuades him — and in the process she starts helping on the farm, bonds with his young daughter, and embraces the Christmas spirit. As they prepare for the competition and save the farm, a romance blossoms. Jess faces challenges when her fashion ambitions conflict with Andrew’s commitment to pure, sustainable fleece, but ultimately, they reconcile, and their partnership — both romantic and professional — brings Christmas joy to the farm.

At first, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the actors or their characters, but as the movie progressed, they grew on me more and more. The leads shared a sweet chemistry, with playful banter that helped lighten the mood of what was, at times, a rather slow-paced film. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast, particularly Christine (Samantha Espie), Andrew’s sister, who brought a warm, friendly energy that added charm to the story.

The Christmas decorations, however, were quite sparse overall, with most of the festive touches limited to the house, though there was no shortage of Christmas lights. One element I did appreciate was the focus on sustainable fashion, which is a central theme of the film and an interesting one for a Christmas romance.

While most of the movie was a pleasant and enjoyable watch, the final twenty minutes unfortunately let it down. Early in the film, Jess is established as a highly successful fashion designer at a prestigious fashion house who quits her job because the company refuses to embrace sustainable, ethical fashion. She then sets out to create her own sustainable line, enters a fashion competition, and wins—promising to share the prize money with Andrew so he can save the alpaca farm. After her win, however, the fashion house running the competition tells Jess that for the line to succeed on a large scale, she will need to blend the 100% pure, organic alpaca wool with synthetic fibres—something she had explicitly promised Andrew she would never do. Jess agrees to this, which makes little sense given her earlier convictions. Her unwavering commitment to sustainability was strong enough for her to walk away from a high-paying job, yet now she seems suddenly comfortable compromising those very principles.

Adding to the oddness of this final act, characters such as Christine and Andrew’s daughter encourage him to overlook the fact that Jess went back on her word and her morals, framing it as something that doesn’t matter in the face of “love” and a bigger picture. Andrew ultimately accepts this and attends Jess’s fashion show. While I understand the need for conflict between the romantic leads, this particular disagreement felt contrived and unconvincing. A more believable reason for their breakup—and subsequent reconciliation—would have strengthened the story considerably.

The film also completely lacked Christmas activities, which made it feel less festive than expected. That said, if you can look past the problematic final twenty minutes and the minimal holiday elements, and instead focus on the light-hearted romance and the undeniably adorable alpacas, Christmas at the Alpaca Farm is still a sweet and generally enjoyable Christmas watch.

Watch – 9Now

Candy Cane Points – 75.5

13– Renovation Romance

Despite the title, Renovation Romance is very much a Christmas movie. The story follows real-life couple and TV hosts Chelsea (Jessica Lowndes) and Jake (Adam Hurtig), who front a renovation-and-counselling reality show designed to help couples rebuild both their homes and relationships.

Just as Chelsea and Jake plan a much-needed Christmas break, their network boss Don informs them that a major investor is pulling out. To save the show, he insists they film a live Christmas special with a selected couple: Cooper (Daniel Lissing) and Janice (Samantha Kendrick), who are struggling because Cooper wants to live in his family’s country cabin while Janice prefers the city.

Chelsea initially resists working over Christmas, but Jake convinces her it will still feel like a holiday. When they arrive, Janice abruptly leaves for New York to “figure things out,” and Jake soon follows for a marketing meeting. He persuades Chelsea to split the counselling duties—he will talk to Janice in New York, while Chelsea works with Cooper during the renovation.

Left alone together, Chelsea and Cooper grow close while fixing up the cabin, enjoying snowy walks and local Christmas festivities. When Jake and Janice return, the live finale begins—but everything unravels. Chelsea breaks up with Jake moments before he plans to propose. On air, Janice and Cooper also realise their relationship is over.

Panicked that the show won’t deliver its usual happy ending, Jake proposes to Chelsea live, whispering it’s just to save the ratings. Chelsea refuses the charade and honestly tells viewers she and Jake have split, paving the way for a future romance between her and Cooper. The film ends on a hallmark-style hopeful note.

Daniel Lissing always comes across on screen as authentic and virtuous. He is very believable as the nice guy with the winning smile bringing his usual warmth and sincerity to Cooper. Jessica Lowndes also gives Chelsea grace and emotional depth, and their pairing feels natural, with sweet chemistry, gentle humour, and heartfelt conversations. Their slow-building connection is one of the movie’s highlights.

The supporting cast is effective as well. Jake and Janice initially seem set up as unlikeable obstacles, but both develop into sympathetic characters. A smaller subplot—featuring Chelsea’s producer friend and a local man who turns out to be a tabloid reporter—starts charmingly but disappointingly never lands a happy ending.

Visually, the film excels. The Christmas décor is abundant yet tastefully arranged, creating elegant, beautifully lit sets. However, despite its festive backdrop, the movie lacks traditional Christmas activities: no cookie baking, no tree-lighting, no gingerbread, and not even a Santa cameo. With more Christmas-themed moments or music, the film could have felt much more seasonal.

Overall, Renovation Romance is a pleasant and gentle watch with lovely performances and a sweet central pairing. If you don’t mind a Christmas movie light on actual Christmas activities, this one is worth trying for its warmth, charm, and beautiful décor.

Watch – Netflix

Candy Cane points – 75

14 – Abracadabra and a Christmas Miracle

Ally “the Disappearer” (Emilie Ullerup) is a rising Las Vegas illusionist who prides herself on logic and sleight-of-hand, not “real” magic. On her way to her big Vegas breakout, she stops in the tiny town of Miracle, Colorado, which famously claims to be a hotspot for Christmas magic. A freak storm and a mysterious, seemingly un-meltable block of ice/snow on the only bridge out of town trap her there just days before her debut.

While Ally insists everything has a rational explanation, Miracle keeps throwing weirdness at her—walking in straight lines somehow loops her back to where she started, she hears unexplained Christmas bells, and the townspeople calmly treat these odd events as normal “Miracle magic.” A charming local man, Tim (Harmon Walsh), (her eventual love interest) encourages her to go with it and hints that the town’s magic responds to people’s beliefs.

When the enchanted ice block refuses to budge, Ally becomes convinced that the only way out is to put on a special second magic show for the town, using her skills to help “unlock” the miracle and clear the road. As she prepares the show and grows closer to the community (and to him), Ally’s scepticism slowly softens. She ends up rediscovering wonder, embracing the idea that there is more to life than tricks and control, and learning that the real Christmas miracle is the love, generosity, and unexpected new beginning she finds in Miracle.

I appreciated the unique premise of The Illusionist and the creative decision to incorporate Christmas-themed magic shows. The magic itself was enchanting, and I enjoyed watching the unusual events unfold around Ally. Emilie Ullerup truly shone in this film—her performance was captivating, and she effortlessly carried the movie. Unfortunately, I found Harmon Walsh's portrayal of Tim to be somewhat underwhelming. The chemistry between the two leads seemed to be one-sided, with Ally's character doing most of the emotional heavy lifting to create any sense of connection.

While the Inn was beautifully decorated for the season, the town itself felt surprisingly sparse in terms of holiday decorations, and there was a notable absence of Christmas activities. However, I did enjoy the character of Hilda (played by Mary Long), whose humour and warmth brought a delightful energy to the film. Emilie Ullerup, as always, brings a sense of lightness and charm to her roles, and even though the film lacked the usual festive flair, her performance made it an enjoyable watch.

Watch – Paramount Plus

Candy Cane Points – 74

15 – A 90’s Christmas

Lucy Miller is a driven, workaholic lawyer who’s just made partner at her firm. Instead of celebrating with loved ones on Christmas Eve, she stays late at the office and plans to keep working through the holidays. On her way home, she takes a mysterious rideshare—and the driver somehow transports her back to Christmas 1999, the last Christmas she spent at home.

Lucy suddenly finds herself a teenager again, living with her mum and sister, reconnecting with her best friend, and facing her old high-school crush, Matt. As she navigates Y2K-era life, she realizes how her choices and emotional distance over the years pushed away the people who mattered most. Given this second chance, Lucy tries to repair her relationships: she supports her sister in being honest about who she is, encourages Matt to follow his dreams instead of settling, and makes amends with the friends she drifted away from.

Through this magical do-over Christmas, Lucy learns that success means little without real connections. When she’s finally returned to the present, her changed actions in 1999 have reshaped everyone’s future—including her own—leaving her with a warmer family life, renewed friendships, and a real shot at love with Matt, all while still pursuing her career on healthier terms.

Eva Bourne (Clara from When Calls the Heart and Hanna from Garage Sale Mysteries) does a commendable job as Lucy, effectively carrying much of the film on her shoulders. The love interest, Matt (played by Chandler Massey), delivers an acceptable performance when he appears, though his screen time is quite limited. In truth, the story feels less focused on romance and more centred on Lucy’s personal transformation, which works in the film’s favour.

I appreciated the inclusion of LGBTQ representation—something that is too often overlooked in holiday movies—and enjoyed the brief cameo from Katherine Barrell (Joy from Good Witch) as Grace, the time-travelling elf. The decorations were fairly standard, and while there were a few Christmas activities sprinkled throughout, they were not especially prominent.

The film does dampen the festive spirit at times by revisiting themes of loss, particularly the family’s first Christmas without their father, which casts a slightly sombre tone. Still, the nostalgic 90s nods to Dawson’s Creek and Friends were a fun touch.

Overall, this is a middle-of-the-road Christmas offering that succeeds largely thanks to Eva Bourne’s strong performance.

Watch – Paramount+

Candy Cane Points – 73.5

16 – All I need for Christmas

All I Need for Christmas follows Maggie (Mallory Jansen), a talented musician whose career is faltering because she refuses to embrace modern music apps and digital platforms. Believing that authenticity and hard work should be enough, Maggie finds herself frustrated when her agent admits he can no longer secure her steady work. Seeking comfort and clarity, she returns to her parents’ Christmas tree farm for the holidays.

Meanwhile, Archer (Dan Jeannotte), a tech developer known for creating the very apps Maggie rejects, arrives in town to stay in a cabin near the farm. The cabin holds fond memories of his only happy childhood Christmas. Archer is also processing the recent death of his father, whose final act was to pit Archer and his sister against each other—promising a board seat in the family tech business to whichever sibling earned the most by Christmas.

Archer visits the tree farm for a Christmas tree, where he and Maggie meet. Their early connection quickly turns sour when Maggie discovers Archer’s identity and blames him for the industry’s shift toward technology. Her father gently encourages her to reconsider, reminding her that Archer is simply doing his job. Maggie apologizes, and the two begin to grow closer as they help one another—Maggie assists Archer with decorating his cabin, while Archer helps Maggie understand how music apps can actually support her career.

Just as things begin to progress, Maggie’s former agent reappears, sowing doubt and convincing her that Archer has been using her. Eventually, Maggie realises her agent—not Archer—is the one manipulating her. The story concludes with Archer reconciling with his sister, and of course, Maggie and Archer finding love.

Dan Jeannotte brings warmth and charm to Archer, and Mallory Jansen gives Maggie a sincerity that makes her easy to root for. While there aren’t many overt romantic moments, the chemistry between the leads is sweet when it does surface.

However, as a Christmas movie, the film felt lacking. There were very few festive activities, minimal Christmas clothing, and not a single reindeer in sight. Decorations were largely limited to Christmas trees, with little variety and almost no effort to dress up the town—no decorated shop windows, no lights, no sense of Christmas abundance. For viewers who love their holiday films overflowing with decorations, activities, and festive spirit, this one may fall short.

What does shine is the music. The abundance of Christmas songs adds warmth, and Maggie’s performance at the end is a genuine highlight. There are also a few heartfelt Hallmark-style moments that work well.

Overall, All I Need for Christmas is a sweet film with pleasant performances, but its holiday setting feels thin. With so little emphasis on festive atmosphere, it’s a movie that could easily have been set at any time of year. The heart is there—but the Christmas magic is only lightly sprinkled.

Watch - Netflix

Candy Cane Points – 73

17 – Our Holiday Story

In Our Holiday Story, Joanna (“Jo”), (Sydney Scotia),  is bringing her boyfriend Chris, (Gavin Langelo), home for Christmas to meet her family for the first time—except her trip goes sideways, and Chris ends up arriving without her, stuck making awkward small talk with her parents while they wait for Jo to finally get there.

To pass the time (and to calm Chris’s nerves), Jo’s parents—Dave and Nell (played by Warren Christie and Nikki DeLoach)—start telling Chris their own holiday love story: a series of near-misses and “wrong place, wrong time” moments one Christmas when fate kept throwing them together…and then immediately pulling them apart again.

As the story unfolds, Dave and Nell reveal that while they were trying to find each other in their personal lives, they were also unknowingly becoming work rivals, forced to team up on a town Christmas festival—turning their connection into a messy mix of sparks, misunderstandings, and reluctant cooperation.

Back in the present, Chris—already wrestling with his own relationship hurdle (working up the courage to say “I love you” to Jo) who is afraid to say I love you back—both young people start to see the situation differently as the two timelines overlap, and the parents’ story quietly nudges them toward honesty, better communication, and a little holiday bravery.

The decorations in this movie were beautifully done, and I genuinely loved the ugly Christmas sweater train. The tinsel, the fruitcake buying, and all the little festive touches helped create a warm holiday atmosphere.

I usually enjoy watching Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christie—I’ve seen them in other films and they’re consistently likeable—but this one didn’t give them quite enough room to deliver that full Christmas joy. When they were on screen together, their chemistry felt sweet and genuine. The issue was that they spent so much of the movie apart, which made it harder for the romance to build naturally.

I also really liked the supporting cast—Sydney and Gavin in particular—and the younger couple had a nice spark when they finally came together at the end. That said, the film could have included more Christmas activities. We only got a few, and most were shown very briefly. Considering the plot revolves around setting up a Christmas festival, there was a real opportunity to lean into that setting and amplify the festive energy.

Overall, thanks to the lovely decorations and strong performances across the board, it was still an enjoyable holiday watch.

Watch – Netflix

Candy Cane Points – 72

18 – Christmas in my Heart

Christmas in My Heart follows Beth (Heather Hemmens), a talented and compassionate violin teacher still grieving the loss of her mother. As Christmas approaches, Beth is hired to tutor Katie (Maria Nash), a gifted but insecure young violinist preparing for a major audition. Katie’s father, Sean (Luke Macfarlane), is a celebrated country music star who hasn’t performed publicly since his wife—Katie’s mother—passed away.

Beth quickly sees that Katie’s struggles go deeper than technique: she misses her mother, feels disconnected from her father, and is afraid to open her heart again. Beth gently encourages her, blending music lessons with emotional support, but Sean is initially guarded and resistant. He’s protective of Katie, uncertain about letting someone new into their closely held world—and he’s carrying his own guilt and grief.

As Beth spends more time with Katie, she also begins forming a connection with Sean. Their shared love of music and understanding of loss allows them to slowly trust each other. Meanwhile, Katies Grandmother Ruthie (Sheryl Lee Ralph), urges Beth to embrace new opportunities and not hide behind her work.

When Katie’s confidence falters before her audition, Beth and Sean work together to support her, rediscovering music’s power to heal. Sean is inspired to perform again, while Katie finally finds the courage to step forward on stage. Beth, too, realises that opening her heart doesn’t mean diminishing her past—it means honouring it.

In the warmth of the Christmas season, the three form a new sense of family, bound together by music, healing, and the promise of hope.

Beginning a Christmas movie with a focus on death never sets the most festive tone, and while a brief acknowledgement might have been manageable, the repeated emphasis on the loss of Beth’s and Katie’s mothers cast a noticeably sombre mood over the film. That said, I appreciated the refreshing choice to centre the story on a mixed-race couple, something still too rare in Christmas movies, and I also liked the inclusion of Hanukkah.

Heather’s portrayal of Beth was warm and sincere, but it didn’t quite mesh with Luke’s grumpier, more withdrawn interpretation of Sean. As a result, I found Sean difficult to connect with, and the chemistry between the leads felt underdeveloped until the final kiss. Sheryl Lee Ralph was easily the standout, bringing joy, charm, and genuine warmth to every scene she was in.

The Christmas décor was lovely, though the film was notably light on festive activities. The true highlight was the music—particularly the beautiful violin performances. With fewer heavy emotional moments, the movie might have felt more balanced, but if you enjoy heartfelt music and don’t mind a quieter, less activity-filled Christmas atmosphere, this one may still resonate.

Watch – 7plus

Candy Cane Points – 70

19 – Christmas at the Plaza

Jess (Elizabeth Henstridge) is a PhD student in archival history with an unusual specialty: Christmas. As part of her thesis, she takes a placement at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, where she’s tasked with creating a historical display that celebrates Christmas through the decades. To bring it to life, she’s paired with the Plaza’s head Christmas decorator, Nick (Ryan Paevey).

Jess is quickly told by her boss, Amanda (Julia Duffy), that the exhibition can’t be a simple “Christmas through the years” montage—it needs a clear, unifying thread. While combing through the Plaza’s archives, Jess notices a tradition: every year, the lobby’s main tree features a unique tree topper. She chooses the toppers as the exhibit’s central theme, tracking them down alongside photographs and records. But her research reveals a problem—one topper from 1969 is missing. When Amanda learns this, she panics; a gap like that makes the Plaza look careless. Suddenly, Jess and Nick aren’t just building an exhibit—they’re chasing a mystery and working closely together to solve it.

In the background, Jess is also stuck in a long-term relationship with a thoroughly unpleasant boyfriend—one she remains loyal to far longer than she should. Predictably, as the investigation and installation progress, she begins to realise Nick has feelings for her… and that she might feel the same.

Visually, the film delivers a feast of beautifully decorated Christmas trees inside the Plaza, and the indoor décor is generally charming. That said, considering Nick’s role as chief Christmas decorator, I expected the hotel to feel more lavishly dressed overall. Outside the Plaza, the decorations are surprisingly sparse—though there are plenty of Christmas lights

.

Ryan Paevey’s Nick is the film’s strongest asset: warm, genuine, and likeable in a grounded “guy-next-door” way. Elizabeth Henstridge plays Jess with a sweet sincerity, but the character herself feels underwritten—more like a pleasant outline than a fully formed personality.

The movie also crams most of its “Christmas activities” into a single short sequence at Nick’s parents’ house—cookie baking, present wrapping, and Christmas karaoke all packed into about ten minutes.

Where the film really falters is the romance. There’s very little chemistry between the leads, and the story doesn’t commit to Jess ending her relationship with her boyfriend until roughly the last twenty minutes. After that, the movie tries to manufacture emotional stakes—an argument, misunderstandings, hurt feelings—as if we’ve been watching a deep romance unfold, when we really haven’t. The reconciliation comes only minutes before the end, followed by a brief rush of romance in the final moments.

Overall, aside from the gorgeous trees and the scene at Nick’s parents’ house, the film lacks a consistent festive atmosphere. However, if you enjoy history and a light mystery, those elements add some genuine interest—especially the question of what happened to the missing 1969 tree topper.

The highlight is easily Ryan Paevey’s performance and the unfolding of the topper mystery. If you’re in the mood for pretty Christmas trees, a likeable leading man, and a holiday-themed whodunit, this one may still be worth a watch—even if it’s short on romance and full festive magic.

Watch – Amazon Prime

 Candy Cane Points – 68.5

20– Christmas by the Book

Christmas by the Book follows Holly, an author known for her novel Christmas on Gingerbread Lane, a heartfelt story about the perfect childhood Christmases she imagined but never actually lived. Her sister Ivy—who is also her editor—warns her that her book sales are slipping and she needs a new bestseller. Confidently, Holly hands Ivy the manuscript for Christmas on Gingerbread Lane, insisting that the last page, which reveals the truth about her imagined childhood, must remain in the book.

Although Ivy initially agrees, she later stains the last page around Easter and chooses to remove it entirely without Holly’s knowledge.

Months later, it’s Christmas again. The book has been released—minus the final page—and has become a bestseller. Ivy is even named Editor of the Year. A popular morning show invites Holly and Ivy on air to discuss the success. Holly, not having reread the published version, believes everyone understands the childhood described in the book was imaginary. But because the last page is gone, the public assumes every detail is true.

During the live broadcast, the host surprises Holly, Ivy, and Holly’s teenage children with an elaborate plan: they will recreate Holly’s supposed childhood Christmas in a real-life town with its own Gingerbread Lane, staying in a rented house there while being filmed live for holiday specials. Only then does Holly realise the last page is missing.

During a commercial break, Holly confronts Ivy, who pretends the omission was a mistake. Holly wants to tell the truth, but Ivy insists they’ll both lose their jobs. Reluctantly, Holly agrees to go along with the charade.

Upon arrival, the perfect-looking Gingerbread Lane house turns out to be a disaster inside—cold, dirty, and poorly maintained. The family is expected to transform it with homemade decorations for the televised special. Holly’s teenagers, increasingly unhappy, eventually leave to spend Christmas with their father, breaking the agreement Holly and Ivy had with the producer to include them in the festivities. Holly is devastated and wants to come clean, but Ivy convinces her to keep going.

On the day of the Christmas special, the host asks for the children to join them, and Holly and Ivy admit off camera that the kids are gone. The host is furious, but when filming resumes, a sleigh suddenly pulls up outside—Holly’s children have returned just in time.

The festivities go smoothly, but the producer overhears Holly later saying they “pulled the rest off,” which makes him realise the entire book—and therefore the show—was based on a fabrication. Hurt, he walks away. Holly also discovers Ivy purposely removed the last page, and the sisters argue before ultimately reconciling. Holly and the producer, Josh, share the trademark Hallmark kiss in the final moments.

The cast—Lindy Booth (Holly), AnnaMaria Demara (Ivy), and Jamaal Grant (Josh)—deliver acceptable performances, as do the young actors playing Holly’s children. However, the tone of the film often feels sombre. The teenagers spend much of the movie being frustrated or upset, and Holly appears unhappy for long stretches, which dampens the festive atmosphere.

While there are Christmas decorations, they are not nearly as abundant as one might expect from a Hallmark-style film, and most of the holiday activities are squeezed into the last twenty minutes. The romance between Holly and Josh also falls flat: they share only a handful of scenes, and there is little chemistry even when they are together.

There are some bright spots—the spectacular Christmas lights, the book-centric storyline (a fun concept), and the beautifully decorated home that Holly leaves behind at the start of the film. But overall, despite a few charming elements, the movie struggles to deliver the joyful, cozy Christmas spirit viewers expect.

For these reasons, Christmas by the Book ultimately feels like a festive flop.

Watch – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points – 66

21 – A Sprinkle of Christmas

Libby (Hayley Sales), head baker and owner of the newly opened Empire Bakery, accidentally offends movie star Peter Holloway (Marshall Williams) when her staff mix up table orders and she unknowingly instructs them to be firm with the “picky customer”—which turns out to be Peter. Frustrated, Peter posts a negative review under the alias “Theo.”

Libby responds online as “Winter,” sparking a back-and-forth that shifts from irritation to flirtation. Meanwhile, Peter hires Libby—unaware she is the bakery owner—to cater his brother’s engagement party through her separate catering business.

As the anonymous online rivalry grows, their real-life interactions become increasingly complicated until both identities are revealed: Libby is Winter and the baker behind the complaint, and Peter is Theo. Hurt feelings follow, but the pair eventually reconcile and share a Christmas-season kiss.

The premise has charm, but the execution falls short. Both leads deliver unusually flat performances, with limited chemistry throughout most of the film. Despite being a Christmas movie, it features only modest decorations and very few festive activities, relying mostly on food, baked goods, and hot chocolate for seasonal atmosphere.

The final heartfelt scene between Libby and Peter is the standout—Hayley Sales shines here—but unfortunately, it’s the only moment that truly connects. Overall, the movie feels slow and underwhelming, and I found myself waiting for it to end.

Watch – Paramount+

Candy Cane Points – 59

22 – Falling Like Snowflakes

This film begins in an art gallery with gorgeous pictures of individual snowflakes hanging on the wall. The gallery is getting ready for an exhibition and an auction to help raise money for the community centre. The snowflake work is by professional photographer Teagan (Rebbecca Dalton), who also teaches a photography class for children. The gallery is owned and run by Teagen’s friend Charlotte.

One day after class, she gives one of her students, Julie, a ride home and is surprised to reconnect with Julie’s dad, Noah—an old high-school friend who now runs her father’s snow-plough business.

A well-known wealthy collector, Calvin Garrett, comes into the gallery offers to buy her full collection which will help with the repairs need at the centre if she can capture a rare twelve-branched snowflake—the “stellar dendrite”—before Christmas. Another photographer, Suzanne, soon appears, quietly gathering information on Teagan’s work.

When a perfect storm approaches, Teagan convinces a reluctant Noah to drive her up to Crescent Pass in the plough truck, agreeing to turn back if the weather becomes dangerous. Meanwhile, Charlotte watches Julie, decorates the gallery, and notices Suzanne’s growing interest in Calvin and snowflake photography.

On the mountain, Teagan sets up her portable weather gear. She admits this is her third year trying to find the legendary snowflake, and Noah encourages her. That night the weather turns nasty, so they take shelter in a nearby Inn. They talk about their past, their shared memories, and share a tender moment.

The next morning, Charlotte warns that Suzanne may have her own snowflake shot. Teagan and Noah soon hit black ice, leaving them stranded. Luckily, they see smoke and follow it to a house. This house happens to be the home of the Inn owner who helps them with their car. The car is fixed and conditions finally become ideal, but dangerous winds send Teagan chasing after a blown cloth. Noah finds her just as a branch falls nearby, and they realise her camera is still out in the storm.

Back in town, Suzanne’s attempts result in blurry, lifeless photos. Noah surprises Teagan by returning with her recovered camera—he retrieved it once the storm passed. Inside is the perfect shot of the rare snowflake.

With the image she needed, Teagan secures the funding to help her community and gets a second chance at happiness with Noah.

The two leads delivered solid performances, and their chemistry felt genuinely warm. While the snowflake photography was a true standout and the premise offered a refreshing twist on the usual Christmas formula, the film fell short in festive spirit. With almost no Christmas activities and only minimal decorations, it struggled to feel like a Christmas movie at all. In truth, it would have worked far better if marketed simply as a winter tale rather than a holiday one.

Watch – Amazon Prime  

Candy Cane Points – 58

23 - Christmas in Scotland

Christmas in Scotland (2023) follows Emma McKenzie (Jill Winternitz), a New York installation/storefront designer who travels to Scotland with her father, Mike. Emma notices there are no decoration on the buildings when she gets there. She finds out that this at the insistence of the Laird, the head of the town. The Laird of Glenrothie believes the town did not decorate earlier in history so says it would be thumbing their nose at those who have gone before to do so.  The villagers get Emma to help convince the Laird and help them prepare a show-stopping holiday light display for a “Best Christmas Village” competition—something the community is counting on to lift spirits (and attention) during the season.

Her plans hit resistance when she’s forced to collaborate with Alex Glenrothie (Dom Watters), a wealthy local heir, the son of the Laird, who sees Christmas as an inconvenience and wants to keep things practical and low-key. As deadlines loom, Emma and Alex have to combine her big-hearted creativity with his resources and influence—slowly finding common ground, drawing the town together, and warming Alex to the meaning of the season. Meanwhile, Emma starts questioning the relationship she left back home in the U.S.

By the time the festival arrives, their partnership has turned into something more: the village feels renewed, the display brings real Christmas magic to the community, and Emma and Alex admit they don’t want this to be just a holiday fling—they want future Christmases together.

Jill Winternitz’s Emma almost lands the right mix of joy and lightness, but the performance needed the happiness dialled up a notch or two. By contrast, Dom Watters’ Alex comes across as very flat and deadpan—except in the moments where he’s allowed to laugh or lean into the romance, when he suddenly brightens and feels much more engaging.

Mike, Emma’s father, is also portrayed in a strangely overworked way, as if he’s trying too hard, which makes some scenes feel awkward rather than charming. Alex’s father, the Laird, is written and played as far too grumpy and angry, even in moments where it doesn’t seem warranted.

The lack of decorations is understandable at the beginning given the premise, but once the town gets the green light to decorate, you’d expect things to become spectacular. Unfortunately, the festive styling remains fairly minimal. There’s also a distinct shortage of Christmas activities, which further dulls the holiday atmosphere. The chemistry between the leads is pleasant when it shows up, but those scenes are few and far between.

On the plus side, the Scottish setting is a real highlight—complete with a nod to Celtic heritage, mince pies, and a castle. Overall, though, the film lacks festive feel and ends up being a disappointing watch.

Watch – Amazon prime.

Candy Cane Points - 56

24 – The Christmas Bookshop

Adie, (Melissa Melotty), is a meticulous Christmas expert and bestselling author whose holiday book tour has gone a bit flat. On her final stop, she ends up in a small town where she clashes with Garth Bowman, (Chris Connell), the laid-back owner of a local bookshop (and a single dad). Their personalities—and their entire approaches to Christmas—couldn’t be more different: Adie believes in planning every detail, while Garth thrives on spontaneous, relaxed festive charm.

After their initial friction, a playful bet/competition sparks between them: each tries to prove their “version” of Christmas is better. Determined not to lose (and to prove her methods work), Adie decides to stay in town longer than planned. As the rivalry unfolds, the contest pulls them into each other’s lives—and the bookshop’s orbit—where the lines between competition and connection start to blur.

By getting to know Garth (and seeing Christmas through his more flexible, heartfelt lens), Adie begins to re-evaluate what she’s been chasing and what “holiday magic” actually means. The story builds toward the classic holiday-romance landing: less about winning, more about compromise, self-discovery, and a romance that grows out of meeting each other halfway.

The best thing I can say about this movie is that Melissa Melotty’s portrayal of Adie is pleasant and sweet—though even she can’t fully bring the joy and lightness the story needs. Chris Connell, on the other hand, delivers one of the weakest leading-man performances I’ve seen in a long time. I understand he’s meant to be laid-back, but that shouldn’t translate to having no personality at all.

The decorations inside the bookshop are moderate, but outside they’re noticeably lacking. And while the premise of the bet creates plenty of opportunity for a rich lineup of Christmas activities, that potential never really pays off. The only festive moments we get are ice-skating, wrapping presents, and watching Christmas movies in pyjamas.

Overall, the film lacks a strong holiday atmosphere, and with the poor acting from the leading man and virtually no chemistry between the leads, I can’t honestly recommend this Christmas movie.

Watch – Youtube or Tubi

Candy Cane Points – 55.5

25 – Cooking Up Christmas

Chloe (Meagan Holder), a talented and upbeat private chef, finds her world shaken when she loses her job just days before Christmas. Hoping for a fresh start, she accepts a temporary position cooking for Donovan Jackson (Lamman Rucker), a widowed professional baseball player who is raising three children. Donovan is determined to keep his family grounded and connected during the off-season, but he struggles to balance his demanding career with being an attentive single dad.

Chloe quickly becomes part of the household, winning over Donovan’s kids with her warmth, charm, and festive cooking. As she helps them prepare for the holidays—and supports Donovan’s efforts to strengthen his relationship with his children—she finds herself growing unexpectedly attached to the family.

Meanwhile, Donovan begins to appreciate Chloe’s positive influence and realises how much joy she brings into their home. As Christmas approaches, their connection deepens, but Chloe must decide whether this new chapter is temporary or the beginning of a life she never expected. Together, Chloe and Donovan discover that love, like a good recipe, sometimes requires the right ingredients and perfect timing.

It was refreshing to see an all African American cast, the food in the film was excellent and there was some nice music but that is pretty much all the good things I can say about this movie. The acting on all sides was decent but didn’t have the lightness and joy of other Christmas performances. There were very few Christmas decorations and even less Christmas activities. Quite frankly this movie had very little Christmas in it all besides a few mentions, some presents and the son singing a Christmas solo in church. The movie was slow and plodding and there was not much Chemistry between the leads. It also dwelt too much on depressing issues. I found this very disappointing and this might as well have been an any time of year movie and even then, I think I would have found it boring. Not one for me.

Watch – 7 plus

Candy Cane Points - 41

26 – A jar full of Christmas

After her mother dies, Rose McCreedie (Brooke Burfitt) inherits her mum’s house in Lake Placid, New York, and returns to the snowy town with her daughter, Lily (Casie Maghran) to sort out the property and her mother’s affairs. Back home, she reconnects with her childhood friend Summer (Cara Maria Sobello) and crosses paths with Everett Waters (Jason Fredrick), an old friend with whom there’s clearly unfinished emotional business.

Rose soon learns that the local church – a key part of her mother’s life and the town’s Christmas traditions – is in serious financial trouble and at risk of closing. To help, Rose, Summer and Everett decide to revive her late mother’s famous Christmas jam recipe, cooking and selling jars of the jam as part of holiday events and fundraisers to raise the money needed to save the church.

As they work together, Rose begins to process her grief, reconnect with the community she left behind, and rediscover what Christmas means to her. The fundraiser brings the town closer, the church’s future grows brighter, and the shared project deepens the bond between Rose, Summer and Everett—opening the door to new love, renewed friendship, and a stronger sense of home.

This movie was overwhelmingly bleak. It begins with Rose’s employers refusing to give her time off to attend her mother’s wake and quickly moves into Rose breaking down while telling her daughter about the loss. We then watch her unravel again at the actual wake. On top of that, we’re introduced to Rose’s ex-husband—Lily’s father—who is portrayed as genuinely unpleasant, adding yet another layer of heaviness to the story.

The acting was generally weak, with the exception of Summer, who was the standout of the film. She brought genuine emotion and personality to her role, and her nose ring, dyed hair, and tattoos gave her a refreshingly modern edge.

As for the Christmas elements, they were nearly non-existent. Decorations were minimal, and there were hardly any Christmas activities. Even during scenes meant to be uplifting, the characters seemed unable to muster more than faint smiles—again, aside from Summer.

Overall, this is the most depressing Christmas movie I’ve ever watched. If it weren’t for Summer’s performance and the fact that I’m writing this review, it would have been a “did not finish” for me. I could easily have spent the time doing something more enjoyable. However, if you don’t mind a holiday film filled with tears and gloom, this one might be worth a look.

Watch – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points – 36 Candy Cane Points

27 – Christmas at the Chateau

Brooke Phipps and her two sisters are fighting to keep their beloved family property—the Shakespeare Chateau (now operating as a bed-and-breakfast)—from being foreclosed on Christmas Day by a bank that’s determined to take it.

As the deadline closes in, the sisters scramble to raise money, rally support, and keep the business running through the holiday rush. In the middle of the chaos, Brooke crosses paths with Grant Ogden, a polished banker tied to the foreclosure. What starts as an unexpected connection quickly turns complicated when Brooke realises the man she’s beginning to trust (and fall for) may be working for the very institution threatening to take her home.

With Christmas traditions, family pressure, and the fate of the chateau all colliding, Brooke and her sisters must decide how far they’re willing to go to save the place that holds their history—while Brooke wrestles with whether Grant is part of the problem… or the one person who might help them find a way through.

For a Christmas movie, there was barely a decoration in sight. Aside from a tree here and a small red bauble there—in the bank, the château, and the library where Brooke works—the town itself was completely undecorated. The film also severely lacked Christmas activities, limited almost entirely to tree decorating and a single Christmas party, which made the festive setting feel more like an afterthought than a central theme.

One of the few elements I did enjoy was the frequent presence of books in the library, along with literary quotes sprinkled throughout the film. Extra points were definitely earned for referencing my favourite author, Shakespeare. Kinsey Leigh Redmond delivered a warm and believable performance as Brooke; she felt like someone you could genuinely be friends with in real life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with Grant as a character. Even in moments where he was meant to be kind or charming, he came across as unpleasant and difficult to warm to.

The lack of chemistry between the two leads was particularly striking. For most of the film, Brooke and Grant are either arguing or at odds. When Grant finally suggests he might try to help her, the story fails to develop their relationship any further. Instead, the film abruptly jumps to a confrontation where they argue over “what they had”—which is confusing, because nothing meaningful was ever shown on screen. Even more oddly, this moment ends with a hug rather than a kiss. Shortly afterward, we skip ahead to their wedding, where they share nothing more than a half-peck on the lips. That brief moment is essentially the entirety of the romance.

Adding to the film’s strangeness is the handling of Brooke’s father. The movie opens with him joyfully dancing with his three daughters at a Christmas party. Two years later, the sisters are running the château, and the father is seen walking with a cane. Near the end of the film, it’s revealed that he actually died on the night of that Christmas party and that what we’ve been seeing is his ghost. This is made even more confusing by a flashback showing his death—at a time when he had no cane and showed no signs of physical impairment. If he never needed a cane in life, why does his ghost have one? And why is the cane such a focal point in the daughters’ conversations about him?

Overall, this was a very strange film with barely any Christmas atmosphere and virtually no romance to speak of. Christmas at the Chateau ultimately feels like a festive promise unfulfilled—a definite Christmas movie flop.

Watch – Amazon Prime

Candy Cane Points – 35