Listen, I did not grow up in a Hallmark household. Nor did I take the initiative to spend more than a brief glance over the channel as I grew up. Then I got married and learned the error of my ways. You see, I married the mayor of the Hallmark universe who has introduced me to some of my newest favorite “must watch” holiday movies. Don’t worry, no major spoilers.
Set on the actual Biltmore estate (visited, loved, highly recommend everyone seeing), A Biltmore Christmas came out just this year and we’ve already watched it 3 times. It is actually on right now as I am writing this post. This movie genuinely surprised me with how amazing the storyline was, and I really didn’t expect the film’s ending. It is very romantic and I genuinely had to choke back a few tears. The majority of the film takes place in the 1940s and the actors and actresses did an excellent job taking you back to that era of cinema. The costumes, lingo, props…everything really added to this being a great quality film. Our expectations were definitely exceeded with this movie.
So there are four films (so far, please make a 5th!) in the series but you must start with the first and you have to watch in order. It takes place in the town of Evergreen that really is the most picturesque small town that you just wished was real. Speaking of wishes, there is a little magical snow globe that helps grant Christmas wishes and is the focus of the first film. I love this movie so much that K.C. got me my own “Christmas in Evergreen” snow globe that I refuse to put up with the Christmas decorations. Plus, these movies have fueled my obsession with peppermint hot chocolate, which of course is not a bad thing at all.
Of course I am going to love a movie with a cute cat involved. This one surprised me because the plot felt pretty progressive in a few scenes that I simply cannot give away-must watch! The film involves a classic example of when you need a cat in your life…one will show up. There is a second film, The Nine Kittens of Christmas, that has a small time jump where you get to see where the main characters ended up. Both are fantastic and we look forward to seeing these back to back.
I will admit, I did not love this movie the first time I watched it. I felt so bad for Lacey Chabert’s character…you’ll see. But, I gave it a second watch this year and if you are looking for a movie to really get you laughing, Haul Out The Holly is there to get the job done. It is a nice parody of how insane the holidays can make people with all of the decorating, cookie baking, and the parties. But, in the end, you still love doing it so you keep the traditions going.
This is another new one that came out this year and we have watched a handful of times already. The biggest reason why I loved this movie was because the plot was very different from the usual Hallmark holiday film. It’s really cute with a little bit of suspense. Plus, the romance part of the story line gets lined up very quickly and really takes a step back for the rest of the movie.
This was the first Hallmark movie that K.C. had me watch back in 2019. If you want a classic and traditional Hallmark movie, The Christmas Card will be what you should throw on. The story line is so precious and Ed Asner really adds to some great one liners that we quote for the rest of the year. We haven’t watched this one just yet this year, but I anticipate us setting aside some time this weekend to give this one a proper watch.
The absolute banger of a song that you get to hear in the last 10 minutes is worth the watch alone. This plot is pretty textbook Hallmark (single mom comes back to hometown and bumps into an old classmate who had a crush on her in highschool) but trust me, this one checks off a ton of boxes. Plus Mariah Carey and Kathy Najimy are in the movie and play exactly the roles you’d expect. Great cast, great plot, and we got a great song to add to our holiday playlist.
During the holidays, I crave that comfort that tradition and predictability bring me. So with Hallmark movies, I get that comfort of knowing the movie will not be super scary, it won’t be utterly gut wrenching, and the movie will end with a nicely concluded storyline. If you are wanting to add in a few extra movies this weekend, let me know if you get any of these a try!
