Our 5 Hallmark Christmas rom-coms to watch this holiday season
It’s that time of the year when an abundance of Christmas romantic comedies have hit the various streaming platforms. But many of the movies this year have fallen flat, despite plots that sound fun and ridiculous (I’m looking at you, Netflix). Below are five of my favorite movies so far this holiday rom-com season that made me laugh, gave me cozy holiday feels, and yes, even made me tear up just a little bit.
“A Keller Christmas Vacation”
What’s better than one Christmas romance? How about three? This movie sees siblings Dylan (Jonathan Bennett), Cal (Brandon Routh) and Emory (Eden Sher) sorting out their love lives while reluctantly on a Christmas river cruise in Europe that their parents dragged them to. Dylan is struggling with a proposal gone wrong and his boyfriend William’s strange behavior in recent weeks, Cal is getting over his divorce and his longtime crush who got away, while Em is in search of someone who just makes her feel special. Hijinks ensue (of course, the boat leaves them behind at one point), but there’s also some heartwarming family bonding. You can tell that this family loves each other deeply, despite driving each other crazy. Available on Hallmark.
“We Met in December”
Annie (Autumn Reeser) and Dave (Niall Matter) make the most out of a travel delay, spending a romantic evening together talking about their hopes and dreams, and sharing one perfect kiss. But after failing to exchange contact information and missing each other on the flight back to Chicago the next day, they try everything they can to find each other. From going to their favorite local spots to putting out a message on the radio, they’re determined to find their missed connection who just might be the one. Available on Hallmark.
“She’s Making a List”
Isabel (Lacey Chabert) is an inspector for a company that puts together the Christmas naughty or nice list. She’s up for a promotion if she can just close out this holiday season. But things get complicated when she’s undercover evaluating 11-year-old Charlie’s case and runs into her subject’s dad, Jason (Andrew Walker). She ends up going on a date with Jason, and as they spend more time together, she sees how there’s more behind some of Charlie’s not-so-nice behavior — she’s struggling with the death of her mom. Isabel has to balance her growing attraction for Jason and her increasing care for Charlie with the strict rules of her job. Available on Hallmark.
“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas”
It wouldn’t be Christmas without some time travel. Here, Christmas magic combines with the magic of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, sending Gentry (Nikki DeLoach) back in time to 1995. Her father, a country music star, is still alive. This trip to the past reignites Gentry’s dream of being a songwriter and gives her a chance to work with her dad on a song. Of course, Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac (Kristoffer Polaha), who has long harbored feelings for her, is thrown back in time too. For those who want a little country flair in their Christmas movies. Plus, there are a handful of cameo appearances from real country stars, including Brad Paisley. Available on Hallmark.
“Christmas at the Catnip Café”
Olivia (Erin Cahill) finds the condo of her dreams, but doesn’t quite have enough money to afford the down payment. So when she learns that her late great-aunt left her a cat cafe and that a developer is looking to purchase the building, she thinks it’s her Christmas dreams coming true. All she has to do is convince the cafe’s co-owner, veterinarian Ben (Paul Campbell), to sell the place. She ends up offering to help him plan all of the cafe’s Christmas events, and slowly starts to fall in love with the cute cats and the cute vet. Available on Hallmark.
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