Hallmark Christmas movies 2023: Schedule, photos, everything to know about the channel's 40 new holiday films
- The Hallmark Channel will release 40 new movies across its two networks this holiday season.
- Lacey Chabert and Bethany Joy Lenz's movies scored coveted Thanksgiving weekend spots.
Actors may be on strike, but Hallmark still has a full slate of 40 holiday movies ready for fans to enjoy this season on both of their beloved networks — Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
Here's everything we know about the lineup, from the casts and plots to what time you'll need to curl up on your couch with a cup of hot cocoa for some holiday feels.
October 20: "Checkin' It Twice"
Synopsis: A journeyman hockey player falls for a real estate agent in a career crisis when he's traded to her hometown and moves into the cottage in her hockey-loving family's backyard.
Starring: Kim Matula and Kevin McGarry
Premieres: October 20 at 8 pm. ET on Hallmark Channel
October 21: "Where Are You, Christmas?"
Synopsis: When Addy wishes for a year without Christmas, she wakes up in a world of black and white. She must work together with the town mechanic to restore Christmas.
Starring: Lyndsy Fonseca and Michael Rady
Premieres: October 21 at 8 p.m ET on Hallmark Channel
October 22: "Under the Christmas Sky"
Synopsis: Kat is an esteemed astrophysicist, who is scheduled for her first trip into space next year until an accident grounds her. While on leave, coming to terms with the reality that her dream of being an astronaut is over, she volunteers at the local planetarium. There, she is paired up with by-the-book David to work on an exhibit opening right before Christmas. Will the stars align to bring these two together at the holidays?
Starring: Jessica Parker Kennedy and Ryan Paevey
Premieres: October 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
October 26: "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town"
Synopsis: A shopping channel host known as Ms. Christmas receives a terminal diagnosis, which inspires a multi-city excursion set to spread Christmas cheer before her farewell broadcast.
Starring: Erica Durance, Brennan Elliot, and Barbara Niven
Premieres: October 26 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
October 27: "Christmas by Design"
Synopsis: A fashion designer gets accepted into a Christmas challenge to create a new holiday-themed collection and not only finds the inspiration for her next line, but decides to redesign her approach to what's most important in life.
Starring: Rebecca Dalton and Jonathan Keltz
Premieres: October 27 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
October 28: "Mystic Christmas"
Synopsis: Juniper travels to Mystic, Connecticut during the holidays to work at the rehabilitation center and aquarium. She reconnects with Sawyer, the owner of the pizza shop.
Starring: Jessy Schram, Chandler Massey, and "Mystic Pizza" star William R. Moses
Premieres: October 28 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
October 29: "Joyeux Noel"
Synopsis: When a romantic painting of a Christmas market captures the imagination of copy editor Lea, she is sent to France with pragmatic reporter Mark to uncover the mystery behind the artist.
Starring: Jaicy Elliot and Brant Daugherty
Premieres: October 29 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 2: "My Christmas Guide"
Synopsis: After losing his eyesight, a college professor adopts a seeing eye dog from a guide dog trainer. As they all begin to spend time together, his confidence returns and his heart begins to open.
Starring: Amber Marshall and Ben Mehl
Premieres: November 2 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
November 3: "Flipping for Christmas"
Synopsis: It's almost Christmas when busy realtor Abigail agrees to help her sister with the "simple flip" of a recently inherited home. Unfortunately, co-beneficiary Bo has other plans in mind.
Starring: Ashley Newbrough and Marcus Rosner
Premieres: November 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 4: "Never Been Chris'd"
Synopsis: Home for the holidays, BFFs Naomi and Liz reconnect with high school crush Chris Silver. A complex love triangle forms, forcing them to take stock of their lives and find the value of friendship.
Starring: Janel Parrish, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, and Tyler Hynes
Premieres: November 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 5: "The Santa Summit"
Synopsis: It's time for the annual Santa Summit, in which revelers put on Santa suits and hop around designated locations in town to eat, drink, and be merry.
Three best friends decide to go together: Jordin, a recently dumped art teacher looking to cut loose; Ava, a shy woman hoping to run into her crush; and Stella, a Christmas cynic with no interest in the Santa Summit whatsoever.
At the start of the night, Jordin meets and bonds with Liam, but doesn't get his name before getting separated and lost in a sea of Santas. As the night progresses and hijinks ensue, amidst the chaos, celebration, and a sea of Santas, they all find what they're looking for: Christmas spirit, potential romance, and a strengthened bond of friendship.
Starring: Hunter King and Benjamin Hollingsworth
Premieres: November 5 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 9: "Mystery on Mistletoe Lane"
Synopsis: New to town, Heidi Wicks and her kids discover a Christmas mystery in their historic home. Local handyman and historian David helps along the way, finding his own surprising connection.
Starring: Erica Cerra and Victor Webster
Premieres: November 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
November 10: "Everything Christmas"
Synopsis: Lori Jo's love for Christmas takes her on a road trip with her roommate Tori to Yuletide Springs, where Christmas is celebrated year-round, to participate in a longstanding town tradition to honor her late grandmother.
Along the way, the friends meet Carl and Jason, and the foursome make stops during their journey to enjoy more small-town Christmas attractions. But when a series of events puts a damper on their plans, a little Christmas magic may put this trip back on the right path.
Starring: Katherine Barrell, Cindy Busby, Corey Sevier, and Matt Wells
Premieres: November 10 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 11: "Christmas Island"
Synopsis: When a snowstorm diverts Kate's first private flight en route to Switzerland to Christmas Island, she must team up with an air traffic controller to secure her dream job as the family's pilot.
Starring: Rachel Skarsten and Andrew Walker
Premieres: November 11 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 12: "A Heidelberg Holiday"
Synopsis: Heidi Heidelberg receives the dream opportunity to sell her beautiful, handmade glass ornaments at the prestigious Heidelberg Christmas Market in Germany. While there, she meets Lukas, a local artisan who helps her reconnect with her lost heritage.
Starring: Ginna Claire Mason and Frédéric Brossier
Premieres: November 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 16: "A World Record Christmas"
Synopsis: Charlie is an autistic boy determined to set a Guinness World Record by stacking 1400 Jenga blocks. His mother Marissa and stepfather Eric encourage him to reach for his dream and they all celebrate when he gets the good news that he'll have get his chance on Christmas Eve.
In the spirit of the holiday, they organize a fundraiser giving the townspeople an opportunity to donate and decorate a Jenga block, with the proceeds going to benefit kids with autism. Charlie's journey to setting the Jenga world record gives them all the chance to learn more not just about themselves, but about what family really means.
Starring: Nikki DeLoach, Lucas Bryant, and Aias Dalman
Premieres: November 16 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
November 17: "Navigating Christmas"
Synopsis: Recently divorced Melanie and her son Jason visit a remote island for Christmas, only to find themselves running a real working lighthouse where she connects with the curt but cute owner.
Starring: Chelsea Hobbs and Stephen Huszar
Premieres: November 17 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 18: "A Merry Scottish Christmas"
Synopsis: When estranged siblings Lindsay and Brad Morgan travel to Scotland at Christmas to reunite with their mother Jo, a big family secret is revealed.
Starring: Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf
Premieres: November 18 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 19: "Holiday Hotline"
Synopsis: After leaving London, Abby connects with an anonymous caller while working at a cooking hotline. The caller is single dad "John" who Abby unknowingly has become smitten with in real life.
Starring: Emily Tennant and Niall Matter
Premieres: November 19 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 22: "A Season for Family"
Synopsis: Maddy's adopted son Wesley has just one Christmas wish — to meet his brother Cody, who was adopted into a different family. Cody's father Paul is a widower who is not ready to have this conversation with his son, so he turns down a meeting. However, circumstances bring the two brothers unknowingly together and they become fast friends, while sparks fly between Maddy and Paul.
Starring: Brendan Penny, Stacey Farber, Benjamin Jacobson, and Azriel Dalman
Premieres: November 22 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
November 23: "Catch Me If You Claus"
Synopsis: Avery Quinn is an aspiring news anchor who's finally getting her big break on her station's Christmas morning newscast. But that's put in jeopardy when she captures an intruder in her home wearing a red suit claiming to be Chris, Santa's son, who is on his first mission.
A night of adventure ensues as they find themselves being pursued by the police as well as some shady characters. Along the way, they connect over living in the shadow of their parents and inspire each other to go after their dreams.
Starring: Italia Ricci and Luke Macfarlane
Premieres: November 23 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 24: "Letters to Santa"
Synopsis: When young siblings receive a magic pen from Santa that appears to be granting wishes, they request a Christmas gift they want more than anything – for their separated parents to reunite.
Starring: Katie Leclerc and Rafael de la Fuente
Premieres: November 24 at 6 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 24: "Holiday Road"
Synopsis: When bad weather leaves each of them stranded at the airport for the holidays, a tech entrepreneur, a travel writer, a devoted mother and her son, a stubborn senior, an enigmatic woman with a hint of mystery a couple traveling from Hong Kong and a social media influencer all agree to rent a shared van to embark on a road trip to Denver.
When their unexpected journey brings them into uncharted territory, they navigate a series of misadventures together and form a deeper bond that just might change the trajectories of each of their lives. Inspired by true events.
Starring: Sara Canning and Warren Christie
Premieres: November 24 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 25: "Christmas in Notting Hill"
Synopsis: Famous soccer star Graham Savoy has always been too busy for love, but when he comes home to Notting Hill for Christmas, he changes his mind after meeting Georgia – a visiting American and the one person who has no idea who he is.
Starring: Sarah Ramos and William Moseley
Premieres: November 25 at 6 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 25: "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up"
Synopsis: As the holidays approach, Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating together again, this time as a couple. Emily, now embracing Evergreen Lane's uniquely festive spirit, is ready to work with Jared, Ned, Mary Louise and Pamela to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet — even if being the HOA president's girlfriend doesn't stop those dreaded decorating citations.
When a house on the block goes up for sale, it causes quite a stir with residents. When the soon-to-be neighbors turn out to be holiday royalty, it looks like this year's competition is about to heat up. As the welcoming committee prepares for the new arrivals, only one thing is certain — this Christmas, Evergreen Lane is going to sleigh!
Starring: Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Melissa Peterman, Ellen Travolta, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen
Premieres: November 25 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 26: "Our Christmas Mural"
Synopsis: Olivia is a single mom who returns home for Christmas. Her mom secretly enters her into a mural contest; she wins but partners with teacher Will to create a Christmas masterpiece.
Starring: Alex Paxton-Beesley and Dan Jeannotte
Premieres: November 26 at 6 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 26: "A Biltmore Christmas"
Synopsis: Lucy Hardgrove is a screenwriter who lands the job of a lifetime when she's hired to pen the script for a remake of the beloved holiday movie classic "His Merry Wife!" which was filmed in 1947 at beautiful, historic Biltmore House. When the head of the studio isn't satisfied with the ending Lucy wrote because it deviates from the original's feel-good conclusion, he sends Lucy to Biltmore Estate for research and inspiration.
While there, she unwittingly discovers the ability to travel to the 1947 set of "His Merry Wife!" through the help of an hourglass. On set, she and Jack Huston, one of the film's stars, spend time together and become close. But her sudden appearance has set off a chain of events that put the production in jeopardy. Before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.
Starring: Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha
Premieres: November 26 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
November 30: "Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas"
Synopsis: Facing her first Christmas without her mother and looking to avoid loneliness, Carly heads to a quaint town to lead the church choir at Christmas. Once there, Carly meets Matthew, a man back in town after serving in the army.
As she gets to know Matthew, the choir and, townspeople, she stumbles across clues that suggest she may have been brought here for a life-changing reason. As the mystery unravels one thing is clear, this journey will teach Carly about true love, learning to trust, and that forgiveness is needed to finally heal.
Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech, Chris Carmack, Grace Leer
Premieres: November 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
December 1: "My Norwegian Holiday"
Synopsis: JJ, grieving the loss of her grandmother and seeking dissertation inspiration, stumbles upon an unexpected holiday destiny. Meeting Henrik, a Norwegian from Bergen, their connection deepens when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown.
To explore the troll's history and her grandmother's ties, JJ agrees to join Henrik on a journey to Norway. In Bergen, they're drawn into Henrik's family Christmas and wedding traditions, with his sister's wedding the day before Christmas Eve. JJ embarks on a holiday adventure, uncovering the troll's origins and finding her own path to healing, love and, family.
Starring: Rhiannon Fish and David Elsendoorn
Premieres: December 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 2: "A Not So Royal Christmas"
Synopsis: Tabloid journalist Charlotte attempts to land an interview with a reclusive count. In response, the royal family has a groundskeeper pose as the count since the real one fled years ago.
Starring: Brooke D'Orsay and Will Kemp
Premieres: December 2 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 3: "Christmas with a Kiss" (working title)
Synopsis: A woman returns home to help with her family's Christmas Carnival and romance ignites. A photo journalist curates a surprise reunion.
Starring: Mishael Morgan, Ronnie Rowe Jr., and Jaime M. Callica
Premieres: December 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 7: "To All a Good Night"
Synopsis: A small-town photographer saves the life of a mysterious man, who may just be in town to buy her family's parkland – which is also the location of the annual Christmas celebration.
Starring: Kimberley Sustad and Mark Ghanimé
Premieres: December 7 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
December 8: "Magic in Mistletoe"
Synopsis: Harrington is the author of a popular book series but commercial success has left him a bitter recluse. As he returns to his hometown for an annual Christmas festival celebrating his books, he's joined by April, a publicist for the major publishing house he works with. April is there for damage control after Harrington's recent comments on social media have ruffled some feathers. But as she gets to know him better, hope springs that April can unlock Harrington's guarded heart and help him rediscover the spirit of the holiday.
Starring: Lyndie Greenwood and Paul Campbell
Premieres: December 8 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 9: "Christmas on Cherry Lane"
Synopsis: A young couple preparing to welcome their first child; an empty-nester and her fiancé ready to start a new chapter; and a couple who unexpectedly have the chance to expand their family on Christmas Eve celebrate the holiday as they navigate these turning points in their lives.
Starring: Catherine Bell, Jonathan Bennett, John Brotherton, Erin Cahill, James Denton, and Vincent Rodriguez III
Premieres: December 9 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 10: "Round and Round"
Synopsis: Rachel's stuck in a time loop, reliving the night of her parents' Hanukkah party. Can Zach the "nice boy" Grandma's trying to set her up with, help her make it to tomorrow?
Starring: Vic Michaelis, Bryan Greenberg, and Rick Hoffman
Premieres: December 10 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 14: "Heaven Down Here"
Synopsis: Inspired by Mickey Guyton's song of the same name, "Heaven Down Here" tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town.
Imami is a widowed mother of two who's having trouble making ends meet and reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift, where she clashes with her boss Dan, who doesn't exactly embody the Christmas spirit. Felix is a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners while his faith is challenged by his son's alienation. Clara is a hospice nurse with an obstinate patient and whose daughter is moving away, causing her to question her place in this world. Throughout the evening, these four bicker, bond, and unwittingly provide each other with the answer to their respective prayers.
Starring: Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford, Juan Riedinger, Richard Harmon, and Phylicia Rashad.
Premieres: December 14 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
December 15: "The Secret Gift of Christmas" (working title)
Synopsis: Bonnie is a personal shopper who helps her new, widowed client Patrick reconnect with his young daughter. Though Bonnie and Patrick's ideas of shopping couldn't be more different, she is determined to get Patrick and his daughter everything on their wish list.
Starring: Meghan Ory and Christopher Russel
Premieres: December 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 16: "Sealed with a List"
Synopsis: This holiday season, festive Carley sets out to conquer her list of abandoned resolutions from last year. Aided by coworker Wyatt, she finds love and the confidence to chase her dreams.
Starring: Katie Findlay and Evan Roderick
Premieres: December 16 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 17: "Friends & Family Christmas"
Synopsis: Daniella has recently moved to New York to pursue an art career and decides to stay in town to share the holidays with her circle of artist friends, instead of going home to see her sweet, if overbearing, parents. Amelia is a talented entertainment lawyer trying to stay focused on her work after a broken engagement.
When Daniella and Amelia are set up by their parents, they agree to pretend that they are dating to appease them for the holidays. However, as they spend time in each other's worlds, they soon build a connection that is deeper than either of them could have hoped for.
Starring: Humberly Gonzalez and Ali Liebert
Premieres: December 17 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel
December 21: "Miracle in Bethlehem, PA"
Synopsis: Successful and fiercely independent, Mary Ann Brubeck adopts a baby girl to raise on her own just before Christmas. Due to the weather, she and the baby get stuck in Bethlehem, PA for the holidays.
When there is no room at the inn, her only option is to stay with the innkeeper's brother Joe, a quintessential bachelor who lives in a house that he treats like a barn. As Mary Ann learns the value of community by spending time with Joe's family and participating in the local church's Christmas events, Joe starts getting his act together with new motivation... and the two begin to see each other in a new light.
Starring: Laura Vandervoort and Benjamin Ayres
Premieres: December 21 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries