The Top 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movies

As Told by a Non-Romantic

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Dec 23, 2024

Another year of Hallmark Christmas movies has come and gone, telling heartwarming stories and wrapping viewers with the love of Christmas. Kicking off the season in October, Hallmark released it’s massive slate of 41 Christmas movies between its two networks (with even more if you are dedicated enough to subscribe and watch the additional releases on Hallmark+, Hallmark’s new streaming service).

I have only been watching Hallmark Christmas movies for 6 years, and as a non-romantic, I think I bring a unique perspective to the table. While some criticize these types of movies as predictable or cheesy, it is evident that Hallmark’s content resonates with viewers and provides them the escapism that they crave.

For many of us, the love of Hallmark goes beyond the movies. One of my favorite parts about being in the Hallmark family is simply the community. I can literally say that it changed my life. I’ve met and spoken with fans, actors, writers, and directors and so many of these people radiate an abundance of warmth and joy - much like the movies. And in a world that seeks to tear people apart, Hallmark truly has made it’s mark as the network that brings people together.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 Christmas movies from Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery in 2024:

10. Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle

Rachel Boston was the most perfectly cast character in Debbie Macomber’s Joyful Mrs. Miracle. She lit up the screen and truly was Joyful Mrs. Miracle. From her bottomless purse to sprinkles of wisdom, she was such a fun all-around character.

Probably a hot take, but I do not think this movie even needed the romance. I enjoyed the dynamic of the family drama will all the siblings and think we could have continued to peel back the layers and dive into their family history.

And of course, as an equestrian, it was nice to see equine therapy get a mention!

9. ‘Tis the Season to be Irish

‘Tis the Season to be Irish was a complete surprise for me! I came in not expecting to enjoy it at all. I’m a hard sell on the movies that take place in other countries, as I often feel there is so much focus in trying to culturally immerse us that other parts of the story end up lacking.

Although this was an imperfect movie, it hit all the right notes for me. The storyline itself didn’t always make sense, but Fiona Gubelmann and Eion Macken had such fantastic chemistry. I was totally invested in their relationship. Their characters had a youthful playfulness with each other that I found particularly endearing. Ireland was a lot of fun.

Also bonus points for Lamb Chop the QUEEN.

8. This Time Each Year

It is incredibly hard to rank Miracles of Christmas movies alongside of Countdown to Christmas movies. They have very different purposes and feels to them. But my Top 10 list did not feel complete without This Time Each Year and the story of Lauren and Kevin finding their way back to each other again. This one was a movie that held lot of depth and really made me think and get emotional.

I loved the incorporation of the Kintsugi and themes of mending what’s broken, dealing with perfectionism, & healing.

7. The Christmas Charade

Spy thriller meets Hallmark Christmas? Yes, please! The Christmas Charade was easily my most anticipated movie of the year. And thankfully it lived up to the hype that I gave it.

I have been a long-time fan of Corey Sevier, and Rachel Skarsten is quickly becoming a favorite of mine as well. Just a super fun movie all around with great chemistry and humor.

And can we talk about the Kristin Booth and Jefferson Brown cameo? First of all, #POstables loved seeing our Boothie! And two, when do I get to watch THAT movie?

6. Following Yonder Star

Brooke D'Orsay and John Brotherton are a stellar pairing that had very little chance of not being a success. My reservation with Following Yonder Star coming in was that it was the Dayspring movie and Hallmark has a bad habit of watering down their faith-based movies (in my opinion). And while this one did not pack the spiritual punch that it could have, it was still a stand out movie.

I really enjoyed the characters in this one as well as the overall themes of not judging others and giving people a fair chance. The reminder that real life is far from perfect and oftentimes messy is a message that many of us needed to hear. I loved how she adopted a mothering role with his daughter without feeling like she trying to take her place.

The ending was a little heavy on the sap for this non-romantic, but overall this movie is definitely worth the watch.

5. Sugarplummed

Janel Parrish 100% without a doubt stole the show. Every moment she was on screen as the larger-than-life Sugarplum, or rather, Sue Garplum (wink), was actual Christmas magic. A perfectly meta winter wonderland that every long time Hallmark fan will appreciate. The rule book was hysterical and the incorporation of all the tropes was so much fun.

My only wish is that they would have made Maggie Lawson’s character more likeable as we got shortchanged on her transformation. I wanted more happy family time! If this had been done differently, it may have come very close to #1.

And let’s not forget the cameos - Victor Webster, Fiona Gubelmann, and Carlo Marks!

This one will go down as one of the greats.

4. The Santa Class

The premise of this one is definitely a bit out there and I wouldn’t even call it the most compelling storyline on paper. However, it still really came together and was a lot of fun.

Kimberley and Ben definitely know how to elevate a script! From the physical humor to the witty dialogue to their chemistry, they really nailed it and turned this movie into a strong contender.

Paul's cameo might be one of the greatest things this year and the Wise Men references were just the icing on the cake.

3. Santa Tell Me

Shout out to Ryan Landels who wrote and directed both this movie and Sugarplummed. I beg of you to continue writing and directing for Hallmark!

Santa Tell Me was another one that was sure to deliver. I may not be an avid watcher of When Calls the Heart, but even I cannot deny that Erin and Dan are some of the most skilled actors within Hallmark.

This one hits us with another dose of Christmas magic with a letter to Santa that puts Erin’s character on a quest to find her true love - Nick!

The hijinks with the three Nick’s were comedy gold, especially the scene with them going at each other with the inflatable lawn ornaments.

Erin and Dan shine in this overall stellar movie.

2. Three Wiser Men and a Boy

Tyler Hynes, Paul Campbell, and Andrew Walker…do I even need to say more? Sequels are always a tricky thing, but this one is just as great as the first. It really held its own with enough call backs to pay homage to the original. I enjoyed the brotherly comedy and love that we got the dance again and festive Christmas clothes.

One thing I really appreciate is how well Kimberley & Paul are able to weave such impactful moments in these movies that present as lighthearted comedy. For example, when Paul’s anxiety-ridden character hits a breaking point at the end, he shares how he “wanted so desperately to fix [himself]” and Susie responds back, “Well you don’t have to fix anything because there was nothing broken in the first place.” As someone with crippling anxiety who has often felt this way, this became an incredibly emotional moment for me.

Kimberley and Paul, you are truly a dynamic writing duo. Don’t stop!

AND THE WINNER IS…

1. A Dance in the Snow

How was this movie not on my radar coming into the Christmas season? It was easily the best movie in the Miracles of Christmas lineup and, for me personally, was an easy overall #1 pick against the Countdown to Christmas movies as well.

The most amazing thing about this movie is that, at its core, it is a party planning movie. I cannot tell you how often the party planning movies are painstakingly boring. But when I say that I was invested in this move, I was INVESTED IN THIS MOVIE. Literally riveted to the screen.

I am so appreciative of Hallmark for starting to include neurodivergent storylines. While I have never pursued any type of official diagnosis, I would not be surprised to find out that I am part of the ND family. This movie made me feel seen and really just touched me to my core.

The relationship of Jenny and Will was incredibly sweet, especially when he helps her face her fears and shows her that the snow is safe. The complicated mother-daughter relationship also felt very relatable and realistic.

I cannot talk about this movie without also giving major props to Mark Ghanimé and Erica Cerra. Their chemistry was absolute fire. Mark’s character was so upbeat and happy I think it would be impossible not to fall in love with him. They really sold it!

And the ending at the dance?! With her speech and then his poem? It was simple yet deep and impactful all at the same time.

This is one that will stay with me for a while.

And that’s it! My top 10 movies from this season. How does your list compare?

Also if you’ve been following the friendly Christmas competition we’ve had on Deliver Me a Podcast, be sure to tune in this week to hear how our brackets stacked up against each other!

A guest post by

Deliver Me a Podcast

We are Kaycee, Jess and Kami, the hosts of Deliver Me a Podcast!

Just Jess

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