by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: December 23, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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Christmas is just around the corner, and Hallmark is bringing the holiday magic like no one else. Their annual “Countdown to Christmas” is in full swing, with their new holiday movies gracing the screens and spreading seasonal joy.
As Hallmark gears up for its usual TV ratings domination, fans can also look forward to seeing a star-studded lineup. Here’s a list of the big names taking center stage in this year’s heartwarming holiday films.
Lacey Chabert, Hallmark’s reigning holiday queen with a record 16 Christmas films, is back in The Christmas Quest . This year, she stars in just one festive adventure, but it’s sure to be unforgettable alongside Kristoffer Polaha.
She plays an archaeologist teaming up with her ex-husband, a Norse expert, on a thrilling Icelandic treasure hunt. With romance, action, and holiday magic, this race to beat the bad guys is pure Hallmark gold.
Sarah Drew is bringing the holiday drama this year with a twist of mystery. The Grey’s Anatomy alum is back on Hallmark, leading the six-episode detective series Mistletoe Murders.
She stars as a Christmas gift shop owner who hides a shocking secret. When a string of local murders rocks her small town, she dives into the investigation, mixing holiday cheer with a thrilling whodunit.
Mama Kelce isn’t your typical Hallmark star, but she’s making waves this holiday season. She’s taking on two festive roles that cleverly nod to her sons, Travis and Jason Kelce.
In Christmas on Call, she plays the cashier at Wes’ favorite Philly cheesesteak shop, sporting Jason’s #62 Eagles jersey. Meanwhile, in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, she is the manager of a local barbeque restaurant, blending family, football, and festive cheer.
Erin Krakow is back with a heartwarming holiday reunion. The When Calls the Heart star teams up with former co-star Daniel Lissing in Santa Tell Me.
She plays a woman who gets a letter from Santa predicting she’ll meet “the one” by Christmas Eve. Krakow called the reunion “fun,” crediting Hallmark for bringing them together in a modern love story.
Jonathan Bennett has been non-stop with Hallmark this year. After wrapping up the first male-led trilogy, The Groomsmen, he took on a new challenge as the host and executive producer of Finding Mr. Christmas, Hallmark’s first reality competition.
The show brings 10 regular guys together, all competing for the title of the next “Hallmark hunk.” Plus, Bennett is back in Season’s Greetings From Cherry Lane, reprising his role from last year’s Christmas on Cherry Lane.
Wes Brown has been a Hallmark staple since 2011, with a remarkable 20 credits under his belt. This year, he stars as a contractor reunited with his childhood rival in Deck the Walls, plus a quick cameo in Holiday Touchdown.
Not stopping there, Brown flexes his hosting skills in the three-episode unscripted series Ready, Set, Glow! showcasing the country’s most stunning holiday light displays.
The 38-year-old actor is having a jam-packed holiday season. He headlines two major Hallmark films: Three Wiser Men and a Boy, the much-anticipated sequel to 2022’s top cable movie.
He stars as one of the Brenner brothers, who are putting on a holiday pageant for young Thomas and juggling family dynamics, including dealing with their mom’s new boyfriend.
Meanwhile, in Holiday Touchdown, he plays the Kansas City Chiefs’ director of fan engagement. He teams up with Coach Andy Reid and players to find the Fan of the Year, making this festive film a touchdown for holiday fun.
Kim Matula, known for The Bold and the Beautiful, is back with Hallmark in The Finnish Line. This holiday film takes you to Finland for a thrilling adventure filled with heart and tradition.
Matula plays Anya, a rising musher determined to avenge her late father’s defeat in a dangerous dog-sledding race. The race not only ended his career but also set the stage for the story of how he met her mother.
Like fellow Hallmark stars Chabert and Hynes, Walker is a familiar face on the network, especially during their signature “Countdown to Christmas” event. The Canadian actor is a true Hallmark all-star, always ready to spread some holiday cheer.
This season, you’ll catch him in two festive films. In Three Wiser Men and a Boy, he reprises his role as a firefighter-turned-dad. Then, in Jingle Bell Run, he plays an ex-hockey player in a reality TV-inspired competition.
Meghan Ory is bringing the holiday magic to Hallmark’s Believe in Christmas . She plays Beatrice, a journalist who joins her bestie Em on a trip to Christmasland, a town that’s all about celebrating the season.
As Beatrice gets the grand tour from Ethan, the charming inn owner’s son, Em can’t help but point out all the holiday movie clichés. Both women start to wonder: are these romantic sparks for real, or just part of the town’s festive charm?
Eva Bourne and Chandler Massey shine in Hallmark’s A 90s Christmas, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt story. A magical journey full of love and second chances awaits.
Bourne plays Lucy, a Chicago lawyer who, after a big promotion, finds herself magically transported to 1999 Milwaukee. There, she relives the first Christmas after her father’s death and the beginning of her emotional distance from Matty (Massey), her best friend and crush.
Rachel Boston, a Hallmark favorite known for her memorable roles in Christmas movies, stars in Joyful Mrs. Miracle this holiday season. She plays Annie Merkel, also known as Mrs. Miracle, who uses her magical touch to help a family reconnect during Christmas.
In the film, three adult siblings return to their childhood home to honor their late grandmother’s wishes and sort out the future of the family business. With Mrs. Miracle’s guidance, they rediscover their bonds, while Charlotte (Lamothe-Kipnes) also reconnects with Austin (Novlan), her first love.
Cindy Busby, a Hallmark Channel favorite, has appeared in multiple network movies, including Unleashing Mr. Darcy and A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love . This holiday season, she stars in Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia’s Reunion , where she plays Olivia, a woman delivering presents to a remote cabin.
When a snowstorm traps her with her ex, Ben, they’re forced to confront the past and reconnect. As they wait out the storm, old emotions resurface, leading to a heartwarming reunion and a second chance at love.
Heather Hemmens is back on Hallmark this year in Christmas Under the Lights, playing Emily, an L.A.-based event planner. She returns home to help her brother organize their late mother’s Christmas Carnival on the family farm, sparking a journey of healing.
While facing her past, Emily reconnects with Nick’s old friend, Luke, a divorced artist played by Marco Grazzini. As they team up to move forward, a special Hallmark favorite makes a surprise cameo.
To get into the holiday spirit, don’t miss our guide to the 10 Essential Country Christmas Songs perfect for creating your festive playlist.
Hallmark’s Christmas movie lineup is bringing in major ratings this year. Since its big debut on Oct. 18, the network’s numbers have been skyrocketing, landing at third place among all cable networks by Nov. 18-24, just behind Fox News and ESPN.
Thanks to those festive films, Hallmark became the No. 1 entertainment cable network for women during the debut weekend, as per Nielson. It’s safe to say their holiday magic is working wonders.
Feeling festive? Spot the Easter Eggs in Christmas Classics and see if you can catch them all.
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Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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