Every fall, many viewers mark their calendars with the premiere dates of holiday movies. Holiday movies have something for everyone, from comedy to romance. They have positive, uplifting messages, and they provide a warm and comforting alternative to other genres of entertainment.
This year, there is an impressive number of holiday movies premiering on streaming services and TV networks. Some viewers were concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic would cut down on the number of holiday movies that would be available to watch in 2020, but there are still a respectable number of movies premiering this fall. Holiday movie lovers will have plenty to choose from when looking for their cozy new favorites.
Here are 10 of the best holiday movies that will be premiering in 2020.
1. Christmas on the Square (Netflix)
Sam Haskell, Dolly Parton, and Maria Schlatter have produced Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, a heartfelt Netflix movie that will bring a smile everywhere.
The movie is about an embittered Scrooge played by Christine Baranski. Her character, Regina Fuller, owns the town of Fullerville. Just before Christmas, she decides to sell the town to a mall developer. The townsfolk are understandably upset and look for help wherever they can find it.
Help comes in the form of an angel, played by Dolly Parton, who shows Regina the error of her ways and helps her find her own happiness along the way. The movie also features 14 original songs by Parton herself.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square will premiere on November 22.
2. Holidate (Netflix)
Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) are committed to being each other’s friendly date for the holiday festivities. They are not looking for romance, just fun. They often make fun of the cheesiness of the holidays, but as time goes by, they realize what their lives are missing: each other. The movie also stars Jessica Capshaw as Abby, Kristin Chenoweth as Aunt Susan, and Alex Moffat as Peter.
Holidate premieres on Netflix on October 28.
3. One Royal Holiday (Hallmark Channel)
During a blizzard, a mother played by Victoria Clark and her son played by Aaron Tvelt are looking for shelter. They find a place to stay with Anna (Laura Osnes) and her family. It is revealed that her visitors are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna helps the Prince enjoy a small-town American Christmas and opens his heart to romantic possibilities.
One Royal Holiday will premiere on October 31 on Hallmark Channel.
4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)
This family musical features Forest Whitaker as a toymaker who creates a magical invention that may shake up Christmas and everyday life forever. Produced by John Legend, this musical romp is sure to appeal to young and old alike.
Jingle Jangle will be available on Netflix starting on November 13.
5. The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (Netflix)
Netflix follows up the success of its 2019 film The Christmas Chronicles with this family-friendly adventure. Kurt Russell plays Santa Claus while his real-life partner Goldie Hawn plays Mrs. Claus. Kate, one of the young siblings from The Christmas Chronicles, is now a cynical teenager. Santa and Mrs. Claus must help to restore her enjoyment of Christmas while fighting off a troublemaker who wants to disrupt the
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two will drop on November 25.
6. Chateau Christmas (Hallmark Channel)
Chateau Christmas stars Merritt Patterson as classical pianist Margot. Margot travels home to Chateau Newhaus to spend time with her family for Christmas. When she comes home, she meets her ex (Luke Macfarlane) who helps her reconnect with her passion for music.
Chateau Christmas will premiere on October 25 on Hallmark Channel.
7. The Princess Switch: Switched Again (Netflix)
Another follow-up to a successful Netflix film comes this season, with Vanessa Hudgens playing Duchess Margaret and her look-alike Stacy. Duchess Margaret has recently inherited the throne of Montenaro. She needs Stacy to help her with relationship problems and meeting her new responsibilities. The twist comes in the form of a third “double”, also played by Vanessa Hudgens: a troublemaker and party girl named Fiona.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again will debut on Netflix this fall. Its release date is still TBD.
8. Jingle Bell Bride (Hallmark Channel)
This movie follows the adventures of wedding planner Jessica Perez (Julie Gonzalo), who travels to a remote Alaska town to find a special flower for one of her celebrity clients. Jessica is charmed by the town’s Christmas festivities and drawn to the handsome local resident (Ronnie Rowe Jr.) who is helping her find the flower.
Jingle Bell Bride makes its debut on October 24.
9. Christmas Tree Lane (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
Alicia Witt plays music store owner Meg, who is trying to save her town’s Christmas Tree Lane shopping district from redevelopment. She falls for Nate (Andrew Walker) but is later shocked to learn about his ties to the developer who wants to change her town forever.
Christmas Tree Lane will be on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries starting October 24.
10. Deliver by Christmas (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
Alvina August stars as Molly, a bakery owner in a small town. She meets Josh (Elon Bailey), a widower who has just moved to town with his son. She is unaware that her mysterious client whom she’s never met and her new friend Josh are the same man.
Deliver by Christmas will be on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries starting on October 25.
Cozy Up with a Holiday Movie
Sam Haskell presents this top 10 list of this year’s best holiday movies. Whether you are interested in royalty, glamour, or simple homespun fun, you will find something satisfying to watch in 2020.