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 the aftermath of a six month long entertainment industry strike, there’s absolutely no shortage of new holiday content to watch this year. The only problem is, how to watch all the new content plus the classic content that’s become tradition? That’s where the High Voltage yearly guide comes in!
With over 100 new holiday titles dropping before the end of the year, here are the ten to watch.
#10
A BILTMORE CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: A magical hourglass sends modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) to the set of the 1947 holiday movie classic `His Merry Wife!’ However, before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.
Reasons To Watch: We love a story that showcases the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking. The nod to Central Casting was especially delightful. Plus the Biltmore, aka America’s Largest Home, in Asheville, NC is a prime location to set this type of magical holiday tale in. Simply put, it’s a time travel Christmas love story. What’s not to like about that?!
Where to watch: Coming to Hallmark Channel, Sunday, November 26th at 8/7c, stream it the next day on Peacock
#9
HANNAH WADDINGHAM: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: Join Hannah Waddingham as she rings in the season with musical performances of beloved Christmas classics and and memories of her holiday experiences. Joining Hannah on stage are Phil Dunster, Luke Evans, Leslie Odom Jr., Sam Ryder, and more special guests.
Reasons To Watch: Having trouble finding your holiday spirit? Hannah’s special is the cure for even the biggest Scrooge in your family. There’s something nostalgic and familiar about this modern day holiday special. It’s as if you’re sitting around the piano at your best friend’s house ringing in the holiday season. Our only complaint is that it’s far too short!
Where To Watch: Now streaming on AppleTV+
#8
CANDY CANE LANE
Synopsis: A local neighborhood hosts an annual contest over who has the best decorated home for Christmas; desperate to win, Chris Carver (Eddie Murphy) makes a deal with a mischievous elf, Pepper (Jillian Bell), who casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life.
Reasons To Watch: This is a comedic Christmas movie with a semi spooky, eerie twist. It only makes sense that even Santa was bound to have disgruntled employees, and that they’d be magical themselves. There’s some solid laugh out loud moments and while the film drags in places, the blend of live action and animation really made this movie stand out. Psst, keep your eyes peeled for the Hanukkah decorated house in the neighborhood.
Where To Watch: Coming to Prime Video on Friday, December 1st
#7
THE SANTA SUMMIT
Synopsis: At a Santa-themed holiday event, three teachers/best friends get their groove back, strengthen their friendship and unexpectedly find love along the way.
Reasons To Watch: The Santa Summit is like a bar crawl but with a new Christmas related activity at each location (like decorating gingerbread houses, or holiday karaoke). Besides the incredibly sweet storyline, we just want The Santa Summit to exist in Los Angeles.
Where To Watch: Now playing on Hallmark Channel and streaming on Peacock
#6
GLISTEN AND THE MERRY MISSION
Synopsis: When a toy shortage hits Santa’s Workshop before Christmas, young elfling Marzipan (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss) must go on an adventure to find Glisten (Leona Lewis), a magical snow deer.
Reasons To Watch: File under our biggest holiday surprise of the year, Glisten and the Merry Mission is the perfect family-friendly adventure and an absolute delight. It’s reminiscent of the Rainbow Brite and Care Bears movies of the 80s in both style and tone. The voice cast impressively includes names like Julia Michaels, Billy Ray Cyrus, Freddie Prinze Jr and Chevy Chase. And while it may be Build-A-Bear’s (yes, that Build-A-Bear) first animated title in the theatrical space, but we hope it’s not the last.
Where To Watch: Available on digital and in select Cinemark locations December 1st
#5
THE SANTA CLAUSES – SEASON TWO
Synopsis: The Calvin family is back at the North Pole, as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) continues his role as Santa Claus after his retirement plans were thwarted when he failed to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus toward training his son Cal (Austin Kane) to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
Reasons To Watch: The Santa Clause still ranks amongst the top of our all-time favorite holiday films and getting more antics from Scott Calvin is welcome any day. However, season two really shines a light on the talents of Austin Kane & Elizabeth Allen-Dick as budding actors. Besides Santa training chaos and problems with chatty animals, season two brings us another fantastical musical number: “Dancing with My Elf.”
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Disney+
#4
A MERRY SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS
Synopsis: When estranged siblings Lindsay (Lacey Chabert) and Brad Morgan (Scott Wolf) travel to Scotland at Christmas to reunite with their mother Jo, a big family secret is revealed.
Reasons To Watch: Between Mac’s (James Robinson) dreamy accent, the Party of Five reunion, and the *noble* family secret, we can’t find anything not to love about this Hallmark original. Seriously, the pacing is perfect. The filming locations, stunning. It’s the perfect feel-good holiday movie recipe.
Where To Watch: Now playing on Hallmark Channel and streaming on Peacock
#3
EXMAS
Synopsis: Graham (Robbie Amell) returns home to celebrate Christmas and is surprised to discover his family already celebrating with Ali (Leighton Meester), his ex.
Reasons To Watch: There’s a fine line between love and hate, and EXmas knows all about it. Expertly written, EXmas allows the audience a birds eye view into a real-time untethering of this family gathering. The pranks, the insults, the fights, and the tension make this film irresistible, while underneath it all lays real love. Would love to see Meester and Amell pair up again in the future.
Where To Watch: Now Streaming on Amazon Freevee
#2
GENIE
Synopsis: From Oscar-nominated screenwriter Richard Curtis comes a holiday fairy-tale comedy about a genie, a man, and landing one last chance to fix the mess you’ve made of your life.
Reasons To Watch: Imagine if Aladdin had unlimited wishes and was set modern day at Christmas. Complete with a magic carpet ride, Genie is not groundbreaking by any means. However for a holiday film, the nonstop laughs that result from the clumsy use of two words, “I wish,” is just want Santa ordered. While Melissa McCarthy’s filmography can be very hit or miss, Genie hits the comedy bullseye.
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Peacock
#1
THE NAUGHTY NINE
Synopsis: When Andy (Winslow Fegley) finds out he’s on Santa’s naughty list, he assembles a group of naughty list kids to break into Santa’s Village in the North Pole taking the presents they believe they deserve.
Reasons To Watch: Make no mistake, this is a heist movie. A Christmas heist movie. A very fun kid-friendly Christmas heist movie where Danny Glover is Santa Claus. Now that’s Disney magic! And between the film hijinx, the elf party, the set design of Santa’s village, and overarching emphasis on the importance of family (both chosen and genetic), The Naughty Nine has the potential to become the Home Alone of Gen Z. Gather the family and watch this one next.
Where To Watch: Now streaming on Disney+