There’s nothing like a feel good holiday movie. They are perfect on a cozy snow day or to melt away stress after work. They can bring out the holiday spirit in the biggest Scrooge, or will just make you fall in love with this time of year all over again. And we’re happy to report that while the world may be dealing with port delays and supply shortages this holiday season, there’s absolutely no shortage of new holiday content to watch. The only problem is, how to watch all the new content plus the classic content that’s become tradition? That’s where we come in!
With over 100 new holiday titles dropping before the end of the year, here are the ten to watch.
#10
A CASTLE FOR CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: To escape a scandal, a bestselling author (Brooke Shields) journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle — and faces off with the grumpy duke (Cary Elwes) who owns it.
Reasons To Watch: To be honest, this film had me at Cary Elwes. But then the film adds a modern Beauty and the Beast story line, a Scottish castle setting, and a Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe tie-in to really seal the deal. That’s right, blink and you may miss Frank and Mrs. Donatelli from The Princess Switch movies appearance in A Castle for Christmas.
Psst, if you haven’t heard of the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe, welcome. In years past, you’d often see characters in various Netflix films watching another Netflix holiday film on their TV. However, the true birth of the NCCU occurred when The Princess Switch 2 took it to the next level by having characters from A Christmas Prince cameo in the film. A Castle for Christmas is the latest connection to the building universe.
Where to watch: Now streaming on Netflix
#9
8-BIT CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: In 1980s Chicago, a 10-year-old embarks on a quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
Reasons To Watch: 8-Bit Christmas is full of nostalgia for those who spent any time in the 1980s. It’s a hilarious trip down memory lane, and also a solid example of life back then for those not yet born. Neil Patrick Harris narrates the story as he tells his daughter the story of his ultimate Christmas quest, but David Cross is the best surprise of the film. Plus the ending will grab you in the feels.
Where To Watch: Now streaming on HBO Max
#8
HOLIDAY IN SANTA FE
Synopsis: Sparks fly when a greeting card executive arrives in Santa Fe to acquire a tight-knit family company, Casa de Milagro, that creates ornaments inspired by Mexican Christmas traditions.
Reasons To Watch: Lucifans pay attention, Aimee Garcia (aka Ella Lopez on Lucifer) shines in this Lifetime original movie. However, it’s all about Hank Chen and his performance as Kevin making this film one to watch. Holiday in Santa Fe captures the spirit of family, the magic of mom-and-pop shops, and the spirit of the season in one heartfelt story. Don’t be surprised if it inspires you to embrace or create your own family traditions. It may also be Mario Lopez’ best performance, ever.
Where To Watch: Premieres on Lifetime Friday, December 10th at 8/7c.
#7
THE WALTONS’ HOMECOMING
Synopsis: The Walton family is excited to learn that John Sr. will be coming home for Christmas during the winter of 1933. However, when a storm threatens his arrival and he’s nowhere to be found, John Boy embarks on a life-changing journey to find him.
Reasons To Watch: You do not have to know anything about the original series or even the original television movie that started it all to enjoy The Waltons’ Homecoming. Narrated by the original John Boy (Richard Thomas), this remake transports you to 1933 for a wholesome Christmas story. The wardrobe and setting alone is worth the couch time and a cup of hot cocoa. Plus it’s the first ever original movie for The CW!
Where To Watch: Premieres on The CW, Sunday, November 28th at 8p.
#6
A CHRISTMAS DANCE REUNION
Synopsis: Sparks fly between Lucy (Monique Coleman), a successful attorney, and her childhood dancing partner Barrett (Corbin Bleu) as she leads the charge to recreate a beloved Christmas tradition at Winterleigh Resort.
Reasons To Watch: The chemistry between High School Musical alums Monique and Corbin is, dare I say, “soaring, flying,” which makes everything happening at the Winterleigh Resort extra magical. Especially the dancing! There’s even some HSM easter eggs (ahem, photos) in the film. It’s *almost* like A Christmas Dance Reunion could be a continuation of Taylor and Chad’s story.
Where To Watch: Premieres on Lifetime Friday, December 3rd at 8/7c.
#5
LOVE HARD
Synopsis: After meeting her perfect match on a dating app, an L.A. writer learns she’s been catfished when she flies 3,000 miles to surprise him for Christmas.
Reasons To Watch: Netflix just knows how to make solid holiday movies, and this is a film for anyone who has ever tried online dating. You’ll relate to the shenanigans, the highs and the lows, and then also walk away from the film with a classic dose of Christmas hope. Not to mention, three cheers for the updated lyrics to ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside.’
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Netflix
#4
CANDY COATED CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: A young woman returns to her mother’s hometown of Peppermint Hollow after her plans to launch a business are derailed by circumstance.
Reasons To Watch: This is the Food Network’s first ever scripted movie starring Molly McCook, who you may know from Last Man Standing. It’s everything you want from a holiday movie and more. Move over Stars Hollow, Peppermint Hollow is the new place to be. Plus Ree Drummond plays the town baker, and her own recipes appear in the movie.
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Discovery+
#3
THE PRINCESS SWITCH 3: ROMANCING THE STAR
Synopsis: When a priceless Christmas relic is stolen, royal look-alikes Margaret and Stacy turn to audacious doppelgänger Fiona — and her dashing ex — for help.
Reasons To Watch: One important thing to know is that The Princess Switch 3: Romancing The Star is basically a heist movie. A very unique angle for a feel-good holiday movie, and it works so well it’s actually much better than the second film in The Princess Switch franchise. It also continues to connect the Netflix Christmas Cinematic Universe with more cameos from various A Christmas Prince characters.
Where To Watch: Now Streaming on Netflix
WE HAVE A TIE FOR NUMBER ONE
These next two films are just too good. If you only have time to fit one or two new films into your holiday movie marathon, let it be these two. For the sake of this guide, we’ve decided to split them up by genre.
The number one feel-good romantic comedy of this year’s holiday season is…
SINGLE ALL THE WAY
Synopsis: Desperate to avoid his family’s judgment about being single, Peter persuades best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend on a trip home for the holidays.
Reasons To Watch: This film has everything you want to see in a holiday rom-com! From cheesy holiday crafts to a banging holiday soundtrack, a fun family scheme to a fun family dance routine (that needs to become a new TikTok dance trend), Kathy Najimy to Jennifer Coolidge. You won’t be able to take your eyes of Michael Urie and let’s just say Single All The Way can #FarmOnMyFace anytime. Add this to your holiday watchlist asap.
Where To Watch: Premieres on Netflix, Thursday, December 2nd.
And the number one fantasy film of this year’s holiday season goes to…
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny.
Reasons To Watch: A Boy Called Christmas is an instant holiday classic. Based on the book written by Matt Haig, this film has magic, mythical creatures and wonder. It will make you rethink the story of how Christmas came to be. There’s even subtle animated story elements bringing extra enchantment to the already breathtaking visual landscape. Plus you can’t go wrong with Dame Maggie Smith (and she’s not the only Harry Potter alum you’ll spot in this delightful story)!
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Netflix