Tis the season! Hallmark Channel is skipping right over the autumn season and getting fans into the holiday spirit with the announcement of its annual “Countdown to Christmas” lineup.
Hallmark Media is kicking off the holidays on Friday, October 21, with Noel Next Door starring Natalie Hall and Corey Sevier. The festive film, which will air on Hallmark Channel, is one of 40 new movies coming to both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries from the end of October through the end of December.
While the “Countdown to Christmas” event will be taking over Hallmark Channel over the next few months, the “Miracles of Christmas” programming will be anchoring Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.
This year’s lineup, which was first reported by Variety on Thursday, September 22, will include many firsts for the company. Fans of the network will be happy to learn that three of Hallmark’s leading men — Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell — will finally be costarring in a seasonal film called, Three Wise Men and a Baby.
In the movie, which debuts on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 19, the actors will portray brothers who “get the surprise of their lives” when they find themselves responsible for a taking care of a baby over the holidays, according to the official logline.
Stories about Chinese American culture — Christmas at the Golden Dragon and A Big Fat Family Christmas — will be in the spotlight this season. The first Kwanzaa-themed film, Holiday Heritage, featuring Lyndie Greenwood, Brooks Darnell and Holly Robinson Peete, will also premiere in December.
Hallmark is continuing to diversify its portfolio, bringing relationships of all kinds to the forefront. In fact, The Holiday Sitter, starring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa, will be the network’s first holiday feature with an LGBTQ+ couple as the lead characters.
Plus, the company’s new Mahogany banner is releasing its first Christmas-specific film called The Holiday Stocking. In an effort to expand its reach, Hallmark will launch its DaySpring banner with the premiere of The Gift of Peace.
Of course, the joy-filled lineup will also include a slew of other familiar faces such as Lacey Chabert, who will appear in her 12th Christmas movie for the company with Haul Out the Holly. Fan favorites Alison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane will costar in November’s A Magical Christmas Village while Ryan Paevey and Brooke D’Orsay will join together for December’s A Fabled Holiday.
Scroll down for Hallmark’s complete “Countdown to Christmas” and the “Miracles of Christmas” lineup:
Tis the season! Hallmark Channel is skipping right over the autumn season and getting fans into the holiday spirit with the announcement of its annual “Countdown to Christmas” lineup.
Hallmark Media is kicking off the holidays on Friday, October 21, with Noel Next Door starring Natalie Hall and Corey Sevier. The festive film, which will air on Hallmark Channel, is one of 40 new movies coming to both Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries from the end of October through the end of December.
While the “Countdown to Christmas” event will be taking over Hallmark Channel over the next few months, the “Miracles of Christmas” programming will be anchoring Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.
This year’s lineup, which was first reported by Variety on Thursday, September 22, will include many firsts for the company. Fans of the network will be happy to learn that three of Hallmark’s leading men — Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell — will finally be costarring in a seasonal film called, Three Wise Men and a Baby.
In the movie, which debuts on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 19, the actors will portray brothers who “get the surprise of their lives” when they find themselves responsible for a taking care of a baby over the holidays, according to the official logline.
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Stories about Chinese American culture — Christmas at the Golden Dragon and A Big Fat Family Christmas — will be in the spotlight this season. The first Kwanzaa-themed film, Holiday Heritage, featuring Lyndie Greenwood, Brooks Darnell and Holly Robinson Peete, will also premiere in December.
Hallmark is continuing to diversify its portfolio, bringing relationships of all kinds to the forefront. In fact, The Holiday Sitter, starring Jonathan Bennett and George Krissa, will be the network’s first holiday feature with an LGBTQ+ couple as the lead characters.
Plus, the company’s new Mahogany banner is releasing its first Christmas-specific film called The Holiday Stocking. In an effort to expand its reach, Hallmark will launch its DaySpring banner with the premiere of The Gift of Peace.
Of course, the joy-filled lineup will also include a slew of other familiar faces such as Lacey Chabert, who will appear in her 12th Christmas movie for the company with Haul Out the Holly. Fan favorites Alison Sweeney and Luke Macfarlane will costar in November’s A Magical Christmas Village while Ryan Paevey and Brooke D’Orsay will join together for December’s A Fabled Holiday.
Scroll down for Hallmark’s complete “Countdown to Christmas” and the “Miracles of Christmas” lineup:
Credit: Hallmark Media/Photographer: Petr Maur
October on Hallmark Channel
‘Noel Next Door’
Premiere Date: Friday, October 21
Stars: Natalie Hall and Corey Sevier
Logline: “A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.”
‘We Wish You a Married Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 22
Stars: Marisol Nichols and Kristoffer Polaha
Logline: “Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.”
‘A Kismet Christmas’
Premiere Date: Sunday, October 23
Stars: Sarah Ramos, Carlo Marks and Marilu Henner
Logline: “Sarah is a children’s book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.”
‘A Cozy Christmas Inn’
Premiere Date: Friday, October 28
Stars: Jodie Sweetin and David O’Donnell
Logline: “Real estate exec, Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it’s owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.”
‘Jolly Good Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 29
Stars: Reshma Shetty and Will Kemp
Logline: “David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.”
‘Ghosts of Christmas Always’
Premiere Date: Sunday, October 30
Stars: Kim Matula, Ian Harding, Beth Leavel, Lori Tan Chinn and Reginald VelJohnson
Logline: “Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.”
Credit: Eric Zachanowich/Hallmark
October on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
‘We Need a Little Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 22
Stars: Erica Durance, Patrick Sabongui and Lynn Whitfield
Logline: “Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.”
‘Christmas Bedtime Stories’
Premiere Date: Saturday, October 29
Stars: Erin Cahill, Steve Lund and Charlie Weber
Logline: “When Danielle’s husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.”
Credit: ©2022 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
November on Hallmark Channel
‘A Magical Christmas Village’
Premiere Date: Friday, November 4
Stars: Alison Sweeney, Luke Macfarlane and Marlo Thomas
Logline: “When Summer’s mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom, miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.”
‘Lights, Camera, Christmas!’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 5
Stars: Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton
Logline: “When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film’s famous leading man.”
‘All Saints Christmas’
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 6
Stars: Ledisi and Roger Cross
Logline: “Lisette is a popular R&B singer who’s getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.”
‘In Merry Measure’
Premiere Date: Friday, November 11
Stars: Patti Murin, Brendan Penny and Jennifer Robertson
Logline: “When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her onetime rival, Adam.”
‘The Royal Nanny’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 12
Stars: Rachel Skarsten, Dan Jeannotte and Greta Scacchi
Logline: “Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.”
‘Christmas at the Golden Dragon’
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 13
Stars: Kara Wang, Osric Chau, Sara Canning, Antonio Cupo and Barbara Niven
Logline: “When Romy and Rick’s parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant’s loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.”
‘Inventing the Christmas Prince’
Premiere Date: Friday, November 18
Stars: Tamera Mowry-Housley and Ronnie Rowe Jr.
Logline: “Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.”
‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 19
Stars: Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker and Margaret Colin
Logline: “Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives … all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.”
‘When I Think of Christmas’
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 20
Stars: Shenae Grimes-Beech, Niall Matter and Beth Broderick
Logline: “Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.”
‘My Southern Family Christmas’
Premiere Date: Thursday, November 24
Stars: Jaicy Elliot, Bruce Campbell, Ryan Rottman, Moira Kelly and Brian McNamara
Logline: “Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time — without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town’s record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she’s going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father — a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.”
‘#Xmas’
Premiere Date: Friday, November 25
Stars: Clare Bowen and Brant Daugherty
Logline: “When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand’s design contest, she poses a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect ‘family’ or reveal the truth.”
‘A Royal Corgi Christmas’ (working title)
Premiere Date: Friday, November 25
Stars: Hunter King and Jordan Renzo
Logline: “Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with ‘Mistletoe,’ a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help — but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.”
‘A Tale of Two Christmases’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 26
Stars: Kat Barrell, Chandler Massey and Evan Roderick
Logline: “Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family … and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma’s double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.”
‘Haul Out the Holly’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 26
Stars: Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Ellen Travolta, Peter Jacobson, Melissa Peterman and Stephen Tobolowsky
Logline: “Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood’s many Christmas festivities.”
‘A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe’
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 27
Stars: Rachel Boston and Victor Webster
Logline: “Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother’s small-town cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother’s secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.”
‘A Holiday Spectacular’
Premiere Date: Sunday, November 27
Stars: Ginna Claire Mason, Derek Klena, Eve Plumb and Ann-Margret — featuring the Radio City Rockettes
Logline: “In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the ‘Christmas Spectacular’ at Radio City Music Hall.”
Credit: Hallmark Media/Photographer: Luka Cyprian
November on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
‘A Maple Valley Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 5
Stars: Peyton List and Andrew Walker
Logline: “Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.”
‘Our Italian Christmas Memories’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 12
Stars: Sarah Power and Beau Bridges
Logline: “The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother’s legendary pasta sauce.”
‘Long Lost Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 19
Stars: Taylor Cole and Benjamin Ayres
Logline: “Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.”
‘Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, November 26
Stars: Holland Roden, Tyler Hynes and Tenille Townes — with executive producer Blake Shelton
Logline: “Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn’t recognize. On the message, a man she doesn’t know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. The fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Shelton’s song ‘Time for Me to Come Home.’”
Credit: Allister Foster
December on Hallmark Channel
‘A Big Fat Family Christmas’
Premiere Date: Friday, December 2
Stars: Shannon Chan-Kent, Shannon Kook, Tia Carrere and Jack Wagner
Logline: “Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family’s annual holiday party for a cover story — she doesn’t reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn’t want to jeopardize her big break.”
‘A Fabled Holiday’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 3
Stars: Brooke D’Orsay and Ryan Paevey
Logline: “Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.”
‘Undercover Holiday’
Premiere Date: Sunday, December 4
Stars: Noemi Gonzalez and Stephen Huszar
Logline: “When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he’s her overzealous security guard.”
‘The Most Colorful Time of the Year’
Premiere Date: Friday, December 9
Stars: Katrina Bowden and Christopher Russell
Logline: “Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.”
‘Christmas Class Reunion’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 10
Stars: Aimee Teegarden and Tanner Novlan
Logline: “High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the ‘cursed class,’ reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are and who they want to be.”
‘The Holiday Sitter’
Premiere Date: Sunday, December 11
Stars: Jonathan Bennett, George Krissa and Chelsea Hobbs
Logline: “Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.”
‘Holiday Heritage’
Premiere Date: Friday, December 16
Stars: Lyndie Greenwood, Brooks Darnell and Holly Robinson Peete
Logline: “Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it’s too late.”
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 17
Stars: Torrey DeVitto and Zane Holtz
Logline: “A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town’s annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem ‘A Visit from St. Nick’ is debated.”
‘Hanukkah on Rye’
Premiere Date: Sunday, December 18
Stars: Jeremy Jordan, Yael Grobglas and Lisa Loeb
Logline: “A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?”
Credit: Alexx Henry/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
December on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
‘The Holiday Stocking’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 3
Stars: Nadine Ellis, B.J. Britt, Karon Riley, Tamala Jones and Mykelti Williamson
Logline: “In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn’t help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent’s old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.”
‘The Gift of Peace’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 10
Stars: Nikki Deloach and Brennan Elliott
Logline: “Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.”
‘Five More Minutes: Moments Like These’
Premiere Date: Saturday, December 17
Stars: Ashley Williams and Lucas Bryant
Logline: “The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery’s song ‘Five More Minutes,’ a young widow’s Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.”
