Christmastime Is Here: Your 2023 Holiday Movie Preview

Stephanie Holland
·4 min read
Photo: Lifetime
Photo: Lifetime

It’s that time of year when TV networks and streaming services are taken over by holiday stories of exes reuniting, fake romances becoming real and families finding their way back to each other. Thies year fan favorites like Jackée Harry, Tia Mowry, Javicia Leslie, Tichina Arnold and Tracee Ellis Ross are leading the Christmas charge. To help you with your seasonal plans, we’ve gathered all the Black titles in one place. Relax, bundle up, grab some cocoa and check out our 2023 holiday movie preview.

Dec. 2: A Christmas Serenade - OWN

Cast: Skye Townsend, B.J. Britt

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Synopsis: For one woman, helping with her family’s Christmas carnival leads to romance.

First Impression: Does anyone find love as easily as they do in these movies when they go home for a visit?

Dec. 7: Never Alone for Christmas - BET+

Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images (Getty Images)
Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images (Getty Images)

Cast: Mignon Von, Allen Maldonado, Macy Gray

Synopsis: A couple who recently broke up run into each other at a Christmas singles retreat.

First Impression: I’m always wary of movies that make being alone at Christmas sound like a fate worse than death.

Dec. 9: Christmas of Yes - OWN

Cast: Michele Weaver, Jeff Pierre

Synopsis: After losing her job, Amy is challenged to say yes to everything at Christmastime. The craziness that follows leads her to new experiences, and of course, romance.

First Impression: This actually seems like it could be a lot fun and possibly inspire viewers to take on their own “Christmas of Yes” challenge.

Dec. 10: Yes, Chef! Christmas - Lifetime

Photo: Lifetime
Photo: Lifetime

Cast: Tia Mowry, Buddy Valastro, Luke Humphrey

Synopsis: Alicia Gellar enters the Kringle Cook Off to prove that she can become a successful chef.

First Impression: As a foodie, I’m excited anytime the culinary world becomes the focus of a Christmas movie.

Dec. 14: Christmas Rescue - BET+

Photo: Mike Coppola (Getty Images)
Photo: Mike Coppola (Getty Images)

Cast: Robin Givens, Raven Goodwin, Donny Carrington, Catfish Jean, Mario Van Peebles, Cameron Bailey, Samantha Neyland Trumbo

Synopsis: “A man abducts the love of his life from her holiday-themed wedding in a desperate last attempt to win her back.”

First Impression: Nothing says true love like kidnapping. With Robin Givens and Mario Van Peebles, this one is for the grown folks.

Dec. 14: Heaven Down Here - Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Cast: Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford, Juan Riedinger, Richard Harmon, Phylicia Rashad

Synopsis: Inspired by the Mickey Guyton hit, this story follows four strangers stuck in a diner as they try to reckon with and understand the troubles they’ve faced.

First Impression: I love the stories where people from different walks of life have to help one another understand how to deal with the obstacles they’re facing.

Dec. 14: Favorite Son Christmas - BET+

Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy (Getty Images)
Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy (Getty Images)

Cast: Tank, Darrel Walls, Loren Lott, Serayah, Lisa Arrindell, MC Lyte, Jekalyn Carr, Anthony Evans, directed by Robin Givens

Synopsis: The family must put their differences aside to reunite their singing group and save the church.

First Impression: We know the music is gonna be uplifting.

Dec. 16: The Christmas Detective - OWN

Cast: Javicia Leslie, Brad James

Synopsis: When a private investigator vows to find a missing portrait by Christmas Eve, she unexpectedly finds herself partnered with a police detective who also happens to be her ex.

First Impression: Honestly, a mystery/romance/Christmas comedy sounds like some old school fun. And Javicia Leslie and Brad James definitely have Moonlighting-style chemistry.

Dec. 16: The Holiday Proposal Plan - Lifetime

Photo: Lifetime
Photo: Lifetime

Cast: Tatyana Ali, Jesse Kove

Synopsis: While helping plan their friends’ Christmas engagement, exes feel a romantic spark.

First Impression: If this movie doesn’t end with a double wedding, what are we doing here?

Dec. 16: A Christmas Intern - Lifetime

Photo: Lifetime
Photo: Lifetime

Cast: Jackée Harry, Ciarra Carter and Vivica A. Fox

Synopsis: Cecilia (Jackée) is bored with retirement, so she visits her daughter and helps with her start-up, becoming an intern. There’s also an original song from Jackée.

First Impression: I can see it now, mom is helping out and making things better, which threatens the daughter’s independence. Of course, they make up at the end.

Dec. 21: Whatever It Takes - BET+

Photo: Aurora Rose/Variety via Getty Images (Getty Images)
Photo: Aurora Rose/Variety via Getty Images (Getty Images)

Cast: Tami Roman, Kandi Burruss, Brely Evans, AJ Johnson, Rayan Lawrence, Kendrick Cross, Stevie Baggs Jr, Zuri James

Synopsis: Over Thanksgiving weekend five friends decided what they really want from the holiday season and their lives.

First Impression: This sounds like a deep life exploration that could be a tearjerker.

Dec. 23: Christmas Revisited - OWN

Cast: Tanyell Waivers, Jaime Callica, Andrea Lewis, Golden Madison

Synopsis: Old friends reunite at Christmas and things get messy when old grudges, secrets and romances are brought up.

First Impression: Frankly, I feel like I’ve seen roughly 3 million versions of this story. I don’t think setting it at Christmas makes it feel any different.

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