Holidays at Hallmark: My Top 5 Favorite Christmas Movies (As of 2022)

It’s after October 21st, which means it’s Christmas time! Well, at least at Hallmark. Each Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday, we are graced with new (and newly diverse) holiday originals on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, plus the channels play Christmas movies 24/7! With so many great choices, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I narrowed down my top 5.

Now, I will say, I am a newly devoted Hallmark fan (thanks, 2020), however, some of my most beloved films were released before then. Shoutout to 2017’s Magical Christmas Ornaments. Although it didn’t make the list, it was my very first favorite Hallmark movie. It’ll always have a place in my heart.

Curious about my selections? Here we go!

5. The Angel Tree (2020)

Starring Jill Wagner and Lucas Bryant

Although this is my 5th favorite, let me give you some context on how much I love it. New Year’s Eve, 2021, 10pm. That’s right, this film was bringing in the new year. What did I do? Lie in bed until 11:58pm before finally going downstairs to say “Happy New Year” with my, then, 99-year-old grandmother. I missed the final kiss and all! Hopefully, that gives some insight into how high the stakes were for this list!

The Angel Tree is one movie that always makes me laugh. “Oh, Angel Tree, oh, Angel Tree, maybe I’m superstitious, but, my coffee is…delicious!” I sing along every time. I love the best friends turned more story between Diner Guy and McBride. Cassie and Owen are also super adorable. The quest to find out who “Angel” was such a great plot line and I didn’t predict the outcome! Moreover, I love that no one gave up their job or randomly decided to move somewhere…random for a partner they just met 5 minutes ago. It felt organic. Also, I LOVE the scene where Matthew and Rebecca walk arm and arm for what I think (I read) was the longest continuous scene in the movie. Favorite. Oh, and can we talk about the puns? They’re PUNlimited! Okay, let me stop before I ramble further. The Angel Tree is great and wholeheartedly deserves a spot on my list!

4. Christmas Wonderland (2018)

Starring Emily Osment and Ryan Rottman

I’ve been a fan of Emily Osment since Young and Hungry on Freeform. Again, we have a story of two people who used to be friends/in love who end up rekindling their romance. I always seem to connect with the younger protagonists, and the first time I saw Christmas Wonderland, I was hooked and could see myself in Heidi. The kids were cute and normal (that’s important), and I feel like Heidi and Chris were believable as a couple NOW, not just back then. I appreciate that we learned how important her art was to her and saw her rediscovering that passion throughout the film. Yes, she quit her job in the end, but, it wasn’t for Chris, it was for her. He just helped her find what she truly loved and wanted.

Okay, on that note, my one criticism is: how on earth did she paint that entire mural overnight? That would have taken me months, but, granted, I have the painting ability of a second grader.

Anyways, every time Christmas Wonderland is on TV, I watch it, or at least I try to. Anything with Emily Osment, I will watch, for that matter. Shoutout to 2021’s A Very Merry Bridesmaid, which definitely would have made my top 10. Thankfully, the movie is now on DVD! Although it’s paired with two movies I’ve never seen and is $30 (really?) I’ll be buying it.

3. Christmas Tree Lane (2020)

Starring Alicia Witt and Andrew Walker

I‘ll go ahead and say this is probably the most sentimental film on the top 5 list. CTL (as it’s non-affectionately referred to in the film) has a warm, fuzzy Christmas romance aura. I mean, look at it! Look at the colors! The red and orange hues are everywhere, and I’m here for it. The movie is flat-out gorgeous and I have nothing but good things to say.

Let me be honest. I don’t fall for too many sappy movies and was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this one. I have a music background, so that aspect drew me in, but let’s chat about the actors for a second. I’d want Meg to be my music teacher. She’s so calming and optimistic. She doesn’t go down without a fight and will believe in you with all of her heart. I love that she graciously offered a record player to Nate (although he thought they sounded scratchy - we’ll get to him in a second) and wanted to teach him piano. And her song at the end was beautiful.

Andrew Walker. What else do I even need to say? He is one of those actors that can pull off any role with ease. His presence melts my heart. I can’t help but smile at him, and he’s the snack that smiles back (credit: Goldfish. Don’t sue me). I have so much respect for him as an actor and I will watch every one of his movies with joy. Nate knew how to communicate and wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right. His “wow” when he saw Meg before the concert was EVERYTHING. Their chemistry was off the charts. Also, I loved watching his father turn from corporate Scrooge to Mr. “Let’s Give it a Try.” It’s the magic of Christmas!

Rambling! Sorry! CTL isn’t out on DVD yet. Can we pair it with The Angel Tree? Talk about perfection. I’d be eternally grateful (shoutout Toy Story aliens).

Now, for our top two…

2. Next Stop, Christmas (2021)

Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Chandler Massey

The newest film on my list. Recently released and purchased on DVD, this movie stole the “actually released during the holidays” 2021 season. Hands down. I mean, what’s NOT to like about this movie? We have another bestie story with this one and I’m here for it. Angie and Ben have that playful, undeniable (to us and everyone but Angie) chemistry that sucked me in. They’re fun! And her friend zoning him when he is so obviously in love with her makes it so much better. Poor Tyler, he didn’t stand a chance. It’s okay. He has his sports to keep him warm. Lyndsy Fonseca and Chandler Massey were incredible. She has been in a movie since then, but he hasn’t. Here’s my plea to Hallmark: use them!! They’re amazing, and I will watch!

I loved that the movie wasn’t just about Angie’s love life. The storyline with her sister was so sweet, as was the one with her parents. Angie cares on the inside, but doesn’t always know how to show it on the outside (or, she thinks she is when she isn’t enough). I love that she realized she had to make an effort with her sister, Kristen. She couldn’t just claim she was close to her and the type to do each other’s hair and talk about boys. I enjoyed Kristen’s storyline as she and her husband struggled to conceive. Down the road, they chose adoption and were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. In a movie that was ultimately about family, I love that different types of families were displayed, including the affectionately titled “Aunt Myrt.” We saw so many aspects of Angie’s life. She felt REAL. All of them did. I would love to be Angie and Ben’s friend. Also, present-day Ben with glasses? Yes.

The train conductor! Priceless! He NAILED that role. And Chloe! It wouldn’t have been the same without our bubbly pal Chloeeeee! Say it in her voice!

My question about the film always was: what happened once Angie went back on the train? Did 2011 Angie take over after she found Ben? I’m assuming so. Ben’s love was no longer just between him and Frosty, and it was beautiful watching their story unfold.

I could go on and on about this movie, which easily could have been tied for first.

Speaking of first….

1. Crashing Through The Snow (2021)

Starring Amy Acker and Warren Christie

Alright, I’ll admit it. I was skeptical when Hallmark announced a new movie would be released during Christmas in July. What? Why? I just wanted to watch movies #3-5 and a few other favorites! I watched the premiere, and…well, you see how I ranked it.

This movie is HILARIOUS. First, I never knew there was a Spice Girls Christmas song. Granted, I was four when it was released. But Maggie and Mia singing in the car was a fun way to kick off the movie! Then we met Jeff and Sophie and Kate and saw Maggie fall. A quick little glimpse into her super caring, slightly clumsy self. “She falls allll the time.”

Enter Sam. Sam the Man! The chemistry between him and Maggie. Whew! At first glance! Their playfulness, the way he sees her and helps her feel included, the way he looks at her. Her willingness to help him, the way she sees HIM. 100% here for it. And, since we’re on the subject of chemistry, that kiss at the end on the spiral stairs was EVERYTHING. And the music to go along with it? Please release this movie on DVD so I can rewatch and rewind to my heart’s content. Thanks in advance. Okay, where were we?

Since we’re talking about chemistry, let’s talk about the spa. The spa scene where it LITERALLY started snowing during the shoot (shoutout to wherever I learned that from). Holy gorgeousness. As soon as I can afford to go to Banff, I wanna go. Hallmark should get some royalties cause I want to go to that exact location, which is the Fairmont Banff, if you’re interested. One of the most beautiful scenes I’ve seen in a Hallmark movie. Bravo to the cinematography team! And that kiss. I LOVE that he asked about her and Jeff’s relationship before asking to kiss her. What a sweet moment. Too bad the moment was interrupted by Mia’s call.

Speaking of Jeff, we had a different type of bestie love in this one. What DOES sometimes happen when you marry your best friend? Sometimes it works, but, in their case, sometimes, romantically, it doesn’t. They made the best of their situation, and I loved seeing a glimpse of their still “very much a family” dynamic. It was realistic: they questioned each other sometimes and made mistakes, but, at the end of the day, they had love for each other and certainly love for their kids. Families come in all shapes and sizes. This movie did a wonderful job of displaying just that.

Lastly, Jeff was wrong for taking Mia to get her ears pierced without asking. But SHOUTOUT to the Gilmore Girls reference!! That was the cherry on top for me!

I can talk about my top 5 favorite Christmas movies all day, but, I’m sure you’ve had enough of me, at least for now. These movies have my heart and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about how much I love them. Now, I’d love to hear about some of your favorites! Feel free to comment below and share! Like I said, I’m still relatively new to the Hallmark game. Maybe I’ll find some new loves as well!

Thank you so much for checking out my post! Have an amazing day, and I hope to connect with you soon! Happy Countdown to Christmas to you and your loved ones!