Hallmark gave us 32 Countdown to Christmas movies in 2024, and for some strange reason I felt compelled to watch them all! When these movies started hatching in mid-October, I was pumped, but as the season wore on and the duds piled up, my excitement waned. I imagine this is how each season goes, but never have I personally experienced every one of these beauties. With such variety, we definitely had some winners. So, lest you be made to watch them all as well, here are the Top Six Hallmark movies of 2024.
#1 Sugardplummed
Hallmark has done some new things this year that deserve applause, but nothing more so than this not-so-tongue-in-cheek movie about the rules of Hallmark movies. I actually laughed out loud–at the spot on rules and wild results–so many times that I lost count. Sugarplummed is well-crafted and sure to be a favorite of Hallmark movie aficionados.
Happily married mother of two, Emily (Maggie Lawson) wants a perfect Christmas, but things aren’t going according to her checklisted plan. Her family isn’t exactly onboard with her version of the holiday. They are busy and have more important things on their minds. Thankfully Emily makes a wish on a magical Christmas tree star, bringing Sugarplum (Janel Parrish) to life–straight out of a Hallmark-type movie franchise where everything is perfect and follows very defined Christmas movie rules.
#2 Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
There’s something about being a diehard sports fan that doesn’t always make sense to outsiders. Why do we care so much about that team? In the same way that those who adore Hallmark Christmas movies expect eye-rolls when they talk about their favorite cheesy holiday movies. Why do you care so much about the movies?
In this story, those worlds intersect in a way that no previous Hallmark movie has dared. Obviously the largest budgeted movie of the year, we get an inside look at the Chiefs non-sports staff and a few players, filmed on location in Kansas City. (No, not Canada for once.)
Read my full review of Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story
#3 ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas
When Jessie (Amy Groening) learns that her family is planning to cancel her favorite traditions this year, she is devastated. Hoping to save the tradition, she tells her mom that she’s got someone special to bring to the festivities. The trouble is, she doesn’t. Using a dating app (who among us hasn’t) she finds a guy, Bryan (Robert Buckley), willing to spend his Christmas Eve taking part in the Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics.
This movie doesn’t fall into the expected trappings of every “fake boyfriend” Christmas movie you’ve seen before. In fact, they play it pretty loose, which is refreshing and rather enjoyable. This was the first Hallmark movie out of the gate and it did not disappoint.
#4 A 90s Christmas
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of time travel. More specifically going back in time and changing decisions you made. Or possibly correcting mistakes or enjoying moments that you know you’ll never get again. In A ‘90s Christmas we get to see that scenario play out for successful lawyer Lucy (Eva Bourne). Bring your tissues, at least for the end.
In present day, Lucy earns a long-sought after partner position at her law firm, but has no one to celebrate with. Luckily Grace (Katherine Barrell) a magical time-travel angel/old time uber driver, shows up to transport her back 25 years when she made some critical decisions that shaped her life.
#5 The Santa Class
The Santa Class is a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which opens up the possibility for laughs in unexpected places. It’s a fun watch with the family and one I’d recommend you take. This one also includes what must be the best kiss of the year.
Kate (Kimberly Sustad) runs a Santa school, training the future santa’s of the mall world how to handle the demanding job of being the big guy and keeping the dream alive for young people. Kate’s school is an old campground. Dan (Benjamin Ayres) is the lead santa trainer at a rival santa school (why not), until he gets the boot and finds his way to Kate.
#6 Santa Tell Me
Olivia (Erin Krakow) gets her big break as a TV home designer for a holiday makeover on Christmas Eve, she’s stunned that the network hires Chris (Daniel Lissing) to oversee the TV and live reveal on Christmas Eve. Throw in a magic (and changing) letter from the real Santa that says her true love is named Nick and she has to find him by Christmas, well hijinks ensues.
This sounds a lot more complicated than it is. And to be honest, I had extremely low expectations for this one. The trailer and commercials were awful. But it surprised me and that goes a long way.
Big Sky Lake
If you’re looking for something to occupy your time until the next Hallmark Christmas movie season starts again, I’d be honored if you would check out my latest book series, Big Sky Lake. My latest novel Fire Canyon releases Jan. 20, 2025 on Amazon. In Big Sky Lake you’ll find clean small town romance stories, a bit of drama and a happy romantic ending you can count on. Buy it now on Amazon.