Everyone who knows me, knows how much I adore Christmas. And anyone who reads this blog should also be aware of how much I love movies. I have a whole list of Christmas films which I enjoy and watch every year, many of them classics. Since I already made a list of classic holiday films for The Silver Petticoat Review, today I decided to focus on my favorite made for television movies.
While Hallmark and its’ sister channel Hallmark Movies and Mysteries are renowned for their holiday offerings, Lifetime also has some special Christmas movies. Thankfully, the quality of television films, particularly those featuring Christmas themes, continues to improve. So, my list continues to grow each year. And I’ve already added to it for 2017 even though there are still many new movies yet to air. I have found that many times a Christmas movie appeals to me because of the actors and not necessarily the story. Because as all Hallmark aficionados know, we don’t watch these movies for their predictable story lines.
As most lists are, this is subjective and in no particular order.
Snow Bride (2013) -Tabloid reporter Greta Kaine goes undercover in the wealthy and political Tannenhill household. But her growing affection for the family and oldest son Ben, has her rethinking her assignment.
Heaven Sent (2016) -Estranged spouses Billy and Maire have their world and divorce proceedings upended by the arrival of a pint sized angelic gift. Starring: Marly Shelton. Read my review. Lifetime
A Bramble House Christmas (2017) -Finn Conrad becomes suspicious as to why his father left a nurse, named Willa $100,000, and goes undercover to investigate. When she discovers his true identity, will it keep her from ever trusting him again?
The Christmas Card (2006)-US soldier visits the town from where an inspirational Christmas card was sent to him by a church group that mails cards out to servicemen as a goodwill effort.
Christmas with Holly (2012) -Traumatized by her mother’s death, a 6-year-old girl stops talking but is cared for by her three uncles. She is also helped by her friendship with the owner of a local toy store. This one has major Three Men and a Little Lady vibes and is my personal favorite.
Miss Christmas (2017)- The tree finder for Chicago’s renowned Radcliff Tree lighting is left desperate to find the perfect tree. A letter from a boy promising his tree is perfect for the ceremony sends her to a small town where she learns that his dad is not willing to part with the tree. Fans of Royal Pains will recognize lead actress Brooke D’Orsay.
Christmas on the Bayou (2013) -A divorced workaholic executive goes back to her home town to spend Christmas with her son and mother. Through a rekindled romance and a small miracle, she discovers where her heart truly belongs. Stars Hilarie Burton and Tyler Hilton of One Tree Hill fame. Lifetime
Window Wonderland (2013) -A department-store window decorator learns there is a vacancy for her dream job in the run-up to Christmas, only to find a professional rival has his eye on it too. Stars familiar television faces Chyler Leigh (Grey’s Anatomy), Paul Campbell (Reba) and Naomi Judd.
Love at the Thanksgiving Parade (2012) -An eager Thanksgiving parade coordinator is shocked when a wealthy consultant is hired to analyze its finances. Faced with teaching him that the parade means so much more to her than money, she finds herself reluctantly falling for him.
The Spirit of Christmas (2015) -Kate, a workaholic lawyer, has three weeks to get a haunted bed and breakfast appraised and sold. The uncooperative manager claims a spirit who lives there will not approve. With Kate’s possible promotion resting on accomplishing this task, she checks in and haggles with the aforesaid Christmas spirit, who suspiciously seems awfully solid for a ghost. Lifetime movie currently available on Netflix.
Love at the Christmas Table (2012) -Over the years Kat and Sam come together at the Christmas Table. Eventually they realize they love each other, but the timing is never quite right. Gilmore Girls fans will appreciate seeing Scott Patterson in a different role. Lifetime
A Gift Wrapped Christmas (2015) -Personal shopper Gwen’s newest client, Charlie, is a high-rolling, workaholic, single father. When Gwen meets his 8-year-old son, Owen, during a package drop, she is saddened to see just how little time Charlie spends with him. Determined to get Charlie to appreciate his family, Gwen makes it her Christmas mission to get him into festive spirit. As she gets closer to Charlie and Owen, she also discovers what she wants for the holidays. Another Royal Pains alum Meredith Hagner stars along with Beverly Mitchell from Seventh Heaven. Lifetime.
Hearts of Christmas (2016) -When Jenny plans a Christmas retirement party for her beloved hospital supervisor, she butts heads with Matt, a new manager determined to cut costs.
My Christmas Love (2016) -A woman receives presents from an anonymous suitor who’s inspired by the “12 Days of Christmas”.
Trading Christmas (2011) -A holiday house swap leads to love and inspiration for a pair of brothers and a pair of friends. Stars familiar television faces Faith Ford, Gil Bellows and Tom Cavanaugh.
A Bride for Christmas (2012) -A single man tries to win a bet by getting a woman recovering from a broken engagement to marry him by Christmas.
What are some of your favorite television Christmas films?
Love at the Christmas Table is one of my favorites too! I’m also rather fond of Trading Christmas (I’ll watch Tom Cavanagh in any Christmas movie). I need to add A Bride for Christmas and Hearts of Christmas to my to-watch list. They sound just like something I’d enjoy too.
I love Tom Cavanagh too. Did you see him in the recent Hallmark movie Darrow & Darrow with Kimberly Williams-Paisley? He was charming as usual.
TOM CAVANAUGH IS VERY TALENTED, HOWEVER I.M SECRETLY IN LOVE WITH GIL BELLOWS FROM TRADING CHRISTMAS, WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE OF FAITH FORD SHE IS SUCH A NATURAL.
I agree. Faith Ford is always a welcome presence. She has popped up in a few Lifetime Christmas movies in recent years.