During the holidays, my wife and I fell into a familiar empty-nester routine: watching Christmas movies as a way to ease into the season when the house is quiet and the shopping spirit feels optional. This year, my wife was—by her own admission—a bit of a grinch, so we decided that festive films might do the heavy lifting for us.
We started with Hot Chocolate Holiday (2021), starring Aubrey Reynolds and Jonny Swenson, a sweet, low-stakes story about a coffee shop owner and a dessert shop owner who discover they share more than a love of cocoa. It didn’t need to make sense—it just needed to be pleasant, and it was.
The next night, Netflix nudged us toward A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025), with Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, about former partners forced back into each other’s orbit when holiday plans collide. Enjoyable, provided you leave realism at the door.
My Secret Santa (2025), starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Ryan Eggold, surprised me with its humor; Breckenridge’s comedic timing carries a story about an unexpected holiday gig and workplace romance.
An older entry, No Sleep 'Til Christmas (2018), featuring Dave Annable and Odette Annable, became a quick favorite thanks to its simple, charming premise.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Jingle Bell Heist (2025) with Olivia Holt and Conner Swindells, but its mix of action, humor, and a sharp twist made it one of the most entertaining watches.
We closed out New Year’s Eve with Champagne Problems (2025), starring Minka Kelly and Tom Woznicakz, which ended up being our favorite. Set against the pursuit of a storied French champagne house, the real draw was the chemistry between the leads—balanced, believable, and just romantic enough to earn its ending.
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