35 Best Hallmark Christmas Movies of All Time, Ranked
Over the years, I’ve watched more Hallmark Christmas movies than I care to admit — and I know I’m not alone. There’s just something magical about immersing myself into a feel-good world where the biggest drama typically revolves around gingerbread houses, Christmas pageants or, my favorite, a hunky heartthrob shaking up a small town. While some love to hate the predictable plots — ya know, the woman who ditches her career in the big city to find out the true meaning of life — millions of viewers agree that nothing compares to the comfort and joy that these festive films bring.
Each year, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries surprise and delight us all by expanding their movie lineups (we’re getting 41 new movies in 2021), increasing their diversity efforts and doubling up on the holiday cheer. But even with all the newness, I still find myself wanting to revisit “Countdown to Christmas” and “Miracles of Christmas” movies from Christmases past. That said, here’s my highly subjective ranking of the best Hallmark Christmas movies of all time, dating all the way back to 2006. Sure, there are a few obvious choices (anything starring Candace Cameron Bure and Lacey Chabert), but this list also includes tons of hidden gems that tugged at my heartstrings, like the 2020 release, Holly & Ivy with Janel Parrish and Jeremy Jordan.
Whether they’re new to you or an old favorite, all of these Christmas movies will make you laugh, cry and see the holiday in a whole new way. So, you might as well claim your spot on the couch now because at this rate, it doesn’t look like you’re going anywhere anytime soon.
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35
Chateau Christmas
Sometimes, we need a friendly nudge from our past to remind us that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. In Chateau Christmas, Margot (played by Merritt Patterson) returns home to Chateau Neuhaus to rediscover her passion for music — and along the way, she revisits an old love (played by Luke Macfarlane).
34
Deliver by Christmas
Molly (played by Alvina August) finds herself in a love triangle — or so she thinks. While she’s falling for Josh (played by Eion Bailey) IRL, she’s also pouring her heart out to a mystery man via text. The best part: She doesn’t realize they’re the same guy.
33
Christmas Everlasting
More of a tear-jerker than Hallmark’s other offerings, Christmas Everlasting offers a poignant reminder to face life head-on even if it means owning up to your secrets and insecurities along the way. Tatyana Ali steals the show as Lucy, a hotshot lawyer who is forced to confront her past after her sister passes away.
32
A Christmas Melody
Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliot’s relationship is a gift to us all. Months after they warmed our hearts in the inaugural All of My Heart movie, the pair stunned in this Christmas favorite, directed by the one and only Mariah Carey. And if you can look beyond Lacey and Brennan’s on-camera chemistry, you’ll catch a special appearance by the Queen of Christmas herself.
31
The Christmas Secret
This is raw and real as it gets for Hallmark. A true rags to riches story, The Christmas Secret introduces us to Christine (played by Bethany Joy Lenz), a single mother who is facing one obstacle after the next — unemployment, eviction, legal disputes with her ex-husband and so on. But when she lands a new job at a local bakery, she gets a new lease on life … and maybe just maybe, a new lover too.
30
It’s Christmas, Eve
Clever name aside, this music-filled movie marks LeAnn Rimes’ Hallmark debut. She plays an interim school superintendent, aptly named Eve, who plans to cut the school’s music program until she meets the head of the music department, who is conveniently single.
29
Christmas in Evergreen
Take a trip to one of the merriest towns in America in this series, which is airing its fourth movie this holiday season. Each movie takes place in Evergreen — makes sense — and highlights a new budding romance among stars like Jill Wagner, Mark Deklin, Paul Greene, Holly Robinson Peete, Barbara Niven and Ashley Williams.
28
Christmas at the Plaza
This one may not have big-time star appeal like other movies on this list, but it has an old-timey feel that seems especially appropriate around the holidays. Jessica (played by Elizabeth Henstridge) takes a job at The Plaza in New York City only to find that she has to work with— and maybe, ya know, fall in love with — the hotel’s longtime decorator, Nick.
27
Christmas at Graceland
There’s just something about seeing Elvis Presley’s beloved Graceland estate decked out in red and green that gets me in the holiday spirit. When Laurel (played by Kellie Pickler) returns to Memphis, she’s met with two surprises: her ex-flame (played by Wes Brown) and a renewed love for this simpler way of life.
26
Christmas at Dollywood
Two words: Dolly Parton! Even though the country music icon only appears onscreen for a minute tops, it’s well worth it. The rest of the movie showcases the best of Dollywood as Rachel (played by Danica McKellar) finalizes the details for the theme park’s 30th Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.
25
A Grandpa for Christmas
Because love stories come in all shapes and sizes. This time, it’s about the unconditional love between a grandfather (played by Ernest Borgnine) and his granddaughter (played by Juliette Goglia). At first, the two are mere strangers, but her school’s Christmas pageant bonds them forever.
24
A Heavenly Christmas
Serving as a reminder to embrace life’s most precious moments, this movie follows Eve Morgan (played by Kristin Davis), a chronic workaholic, as she navigates life after her sudden death. She’s called on to be a Christmas angel in Heaven with the guidance of her guardian angel, played by none other than Shirley MacLaine.
23
The Christmas Card
One of Hallmark’s oldest efforts remains one of their best: After Cody Cullen (played by John Newton) receives an anonymous Christmas card while serving overseas, he tracks down the sender (played by Alice Evans). Upon meeting her, he learns that she might just be the person he needs and vice versa.
22
Christmas Town
Call a place “Christmastown,” and I’m sold. Candace Cameron Bure plays Lauren, who gets stuck in Grandon Falls on her way home from Boston. While there, she’s reminded of a long-lost family heirloom, and recruits the town’s handyman and his foster son for help. (Psst, this is totally a shameless plug since I was an extra in this movie — that’s me in the red coat!)
21
A December Bride
Nothing tops a winter wedding! After Layla (played by Jessica Lowndes) begrudgingly agrees to attend her ex-fiancé’s wedding with Seth (played by Daniel Lissing), he “accidentally” tells the other wedding guests that they’re engaged … and well, he’s onto something.
20
A Gingerbread Romance
Some consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home — and this sugary-sweet movie is proof. Before architect Taylor Scott (played by Tia Mowry-Hadrict) ships off to Paris, her boss tasks her with creating a life-size gingerbread house. She leans on a local pastry chef (played by Duane Henry) for help, and learns the secret ingredient to a happy life along the way.
19
The Mistletoe Promise
Sometimes, just sometimes, revenge is the best gift of all — at least in Elise (played by Jamie King) and Nick’s (played by Luke Macfarlane) case. The two share a mutual hatred for the holidays, but make a “mistletoe promise” to trick their exes into believing that they’re a real couple. You can guess the rest.
18
Coming Home for Christmas
This movie checks all the boxes: As the house manager at the Ashford Estate, Lizzie (played by Danica McKellar) is in charge of planning the Marley family’s final Christmas gala. There is a ton of family drama, though: Some want to sell the estate, others are opposed, and one family member has his eyes on Lizzie.
17
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Life is practically perfect for Jackie (played by Susie Belzberg) until her troubled dad (played by James Brolin) hijacks her holiday plans. She won’t let his baggage ruin her Christmas, and instead uses it as opportunity to forge ahead and leave their complicated past behind. What’s sweeter: Barbara Streisand’s music is woven throughout, and she just so happens to be Brolin’s wife of more than 20 years.
16
Christmas at the Palace
This love story gives Harry and Meghan’s royal romance a run for its money. Katie (played by Merritt Patterson) unknowingly befriends a king (played by Andrew Cooper) while visiting San Senova for work. Things get complicated once she discovers the truth about her new flame, but Hallmark finds a solution — as unrealistic as it may be.
15
Christmas at Pemberly Manor
Think Pride and Prejudice, but with a holiday twist. It takes an event planner (played by Jessica Lowndes) to get billionaire William Darcy (played by Michael Rady) into the Christmas spirit. While he brings her along to throw one last holiday bash at his family estate before he sells it, he gets way more than he bargained for: true love and holiday cheer.
14
Memories of Christmas
Let this movie be a warning to be wary about mixing business with pleasure. Noelle (played by Christina Milian) returns home to sort out her late mother’s home. To fulfill her mother’s wish, she attends the lodge’s annual Christmas Charity Gala, where she meets Dave (played by Mark Taylor). But there, she learns that the beloved lodge is being sold and it hits a little too close to home.
13
Northpole: Open for Christmas
Before Hallmark pumped out dozens of Christmas movies a year, they splurged on big-budget projects like this one. Mackenzie (played by Lori Laughlin) inherits a hotel and asks elves — it’s Christmas, after all — to help restore it to its natural, North Pole-inspired state.
12
Five Star Christmas
Gather the family ’round for a hearty holiday laugh. When a travel writer shows up at the Wisden family’s B&B, all the kids play pretend, tricking the writer into thinking that they’re also guests to help score a good review. Of course, a few family members crack under pressure and hilarity ensues.
11
A Bramble House Christmas
What starts out as a misunderstanding turns into a romance to remember. Sold? Thought so. After learning that his dad left $50,000 to Willa (played by Autumn Reeser), the nurse that cared for him, Finn (played by David Haydn-Jones) goes on a mission to reclaim his family’s money. That is, until he meets Willa and realizes that his father had a plan all along.
10
Holiday for Heroes
Hallmark is known (and loved) for the cutesy cliches, but this newer release goes deep. Pen pals Audrey (played by Melissa Claire Egan) and First Sergeant Matt (played by Marc Blucas) finally meet up after a year of writing back and forth, and there are instant sparks. The question: Can they take their love beyond the letters once small town drama kicks in?
9
Holly & Ivy
A heartbreaking revelation changes Melody’s (played by Janel Parrish) life for the better. When Melody’s neighbor Nina reveals that her illness has returned, Melody knows there’s only one thing she can do: adopt Nina’s two children. To do so, she has to make her fixer-upper fit for a family, leading her to a charming — and totally single — contractor, Adam (played by Jeremy Jordan).
8
A Shoe Addict’s Christmas
Don’t let the name fool you — this movie is packed with heart, faith, and memories of Christmases past. A guardian angel (played by Jean Smart) gives Noelle (played by Candace Cameron Bure) a pair of magical shoes — like Cinderella, but with a touch of Hallmark magic — that take her back in time to reignite her faith in Christmas.
7
Crown for Christmas
If you want to let your royal fantasies run wild, look no further than this Danica McKellar-led classic. Allie’s (played by McKellar) entire life changes when she takes on a new job — she moves to a castle and gets swept up with the King of Winshire. Casual.
6
Christmas Waltz
Hallmark really pulled out all the stops for this one: There’s top-notch dancing (even a Dancing With the Stars pro makes an appearance), breathtaking scenery and plenty of romance to go around. The waltzing caught my eye, but it’s the story behind the dance that moved me: Avery (played by Lacey Chabert) must learn to trust her partner — on and off the dance floor — to move forward with her life.
5
The Christmas House
Three stories, one happily ever after: The Christmas House tells the story of the Mitchell family as they navigate their individual obstacles — Brandon (played by Johnathan Bennett) and Jake (played by Brad Harder) are awaiting exciting adoption news; Mike (played by Robert Buckley) is exploring love again; and Phylis (played by Sharon Lawrence) and Bill (played by Treat Williams) are longing for the good ol’ days.
4
The Christmas Ornament
For newly widowed Kathy (played by Kellie Martin), the holidays are simply a reminder of what she’s lost. That is, until the local Christmas tree shop owner (played by Cameron Mathison) gives her an ornament as a symbol of hope — or in Kathy’s case, a sign that she’s ready for love again.
3
The Christmas Train
It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey, at least that’s true for for journalist Tom Langdon (played by Dermot Mulroney). While on a cross-country train ride home, Tom meets interesting characters, including Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s Eleanor, who open his eyes to the true meaning of Christmas — and life, for that matter.
2
Let It Snow
Stephanie (played by Candace Cameron Bure) is best described as a scrooge — she hates winter and everything that comes from it. Everything changes when her father sends her to his brand-new ski lodge for business, and she starts to see the magic of Christmas in action.
1
A Royal Christmas
Picture this: You’re preparing to spend the holidays with your boyfriend, who just told you that he’s heir to the throne of Cordinia. That’s this movie in a nutshell — just throw in a disapproving potential mother-in-law, a meddling ex-girlfriend and a glittery ball gown. It’s truly Hallmark at its finest, especially since Lacey Chabert takes the lead.
Associate Lifestyle Editor
As the Associate Lifestyle Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, Amanda oversees gift guides and covers home, holidays, food, and other lifestyle news.
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