my 12 favorite hallmark christmas movies
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photos by Ban Avenue Photography
There’s no denying that I love Hallmark Christmas movies. It’s one of my favorite parts of the holiday season; I could cuddle up on the couch and watch a Hallmark Christmas movie all day every day. The boys don’t exactly let that happen, but I try to watch as many as I can! I originally started this list back in 2017 but decided to add to it since I’ve seen dozens of new Hallmark Christmas movies since then. I hope you find this helpful over the next couple of weeks! Set your DVR’s, get cozy, and be ready for the city girl to marry her hometown high school crush.
1. Crown for Christmas- Allie Foster, a struggling New York artist, is summoned to a faraway castle to act as a governess to a rebellious young princess weeks before Christmas. When Allie forms an unlikely bond with the princess, she attracts the attention of the nation’s handsome king, who’s facing an arranged marriage against his heart’s wishes. As Christmas Eve draws near and an undeniable chemistry develops between Allie and the king, the struggling New York artist finds herself a long way from home, swept up in romance, royalty and the spirit of the holidays.
2. Christmas in Rome- Just saw this one (debuted Saturday) and loved it! Angela, an American tour guide in Rome, agrees to teach a culture-shocked businessman named Oliver about the heart of Rome at Christmas. In the process, both may find that Rome is where the heart is.
3. The Christmas Train- A cynical journalist decides to take a train from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles for Christmas to get inspiration for a story in honor of his late father. He gets to know the other passengers and runs into an old flame while aboard. Stars Dermot Mulroney, a reason to watch in itself.
4. A Royal Christmas- Prince Leopold, heir to the throne of Cordinia, wishes to marry his young love Emily Taylor, a humble seamstress from Philadelphia. But Leopold's mother, Queen Isadora has other plans for her son. I love Gretchen Weiners in this one aka Lacey Chabert.
5. Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses- Another newbie that is really sweet. The synopsis reads: Weeks before Christmas, Abbey is hired to decorate the estate of businessman Nick. She must break down the wall between her and Nick, all while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
6. Hitched for the Holidays- Kind of a Christmas take on “The Wedding Date”. An attractive pair agrees to be each other's supposed significant other throughout the holidays to keep their meddling families at bay.
7. Let it Snow- An executive examines her company's new property and prepares a presentation to transform the rustic lodge into a new hot spot. I’m normally not a huge fan of Candace Cameron-Bure, but she has some definite chemistry with her co-star in this cute film.
8. Window Wonderland- One of the first Hallmark Christmas movies I ever remember watching and still one of my favorites. Two Manhattan department store employees vie for the same job during the busy Christmas season and end up in a captivating love-triangle.
9. The Mistletoe Promise- A chance meeting between two strangers who share a disdain for Christmas results in The Mistletoe Promise, a pact to help them navigate their holiday complications…together. But as they spend more time with each other and experience the magic of Christmas the phony couple discovers there may be more to their contract than business.
10. A Bride for Christmas- This might be my favorite Hallmark movie of all time. I’m not sure why- I just love both actors so much in this film. Andrew Walker is my favorite Hallmark leading man…anyone else? Anyway, about the movie: After Jessie Patterson calls off her third engagement - at the altar - she swears off serious relationships until she finds “the one.” That is, until charming but chronically single Aiden MacTiernan comes along.
11. Write Before Christmas- Calling all my fellow One Tree Hill fans- this one stars Chad Michael Murray and it’s goooooood. Jessica gets dumped before Christmas. She sends 5 Christmas cards, affecting her BFF, brother, aunt, pop star, and past music/cello teacher, meeting her single, photographer son.
12. Winter Love Story- When author Cassie’s first novel isn't selling, she is paired on a book tour with author Elliot to boost Cassie's sales - but along the way a romance starts to blossom.
If you are interested in watching any of these but don’t want to commit 2 hours of your life without being sure, I suggest googling the title and a trailer will pop up (or search here on the Hallmark website!). This is an easy way to watch a 2 minute clip that will help you decide if the film is a good fit for you. This is serious business, y’all. Haha! But really, they all end happily ever after and we all secretly love that.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Do you watch Hallmark Christmas movies or prefer something a little less predictable? Would love to hear!
xo, Britt