Here's when every original holiday TV movie will air
It's never too early to start thinking about the holidays. Except on April 18. Or even July 29. You can probably even throw Sept. 13 in there, too. But we are well past those dates. Christmas now looms less than seven weeks away, and several cable networks will try to get you into the Yuletide spirit with a timeless tradition: The holiday TV movie. (Think less along the lines of It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, and more like Holiday in Handcuffs with Melissa Joan Hart and Mario Lopez.) Forty-plus new Christmas flicks (but, sadly, no Hanukkah- and Kwanzaa-themed films) are headed your way, so to keep your head above this avalanche of feel-good (microwave) popcorn movies, hang this handy schedule above your fireplace.
EVERY CHRISTMAS HAS A STORY
Premieres: Nov. 12, 8 p.m., (all times ET/PT), Hallmark Channel
Starring: Lori Loughlin (Fuller House), Colin Ferguson (Eureka), Willie Aames (Charles in Charge)
Official logline: "A TV personality (Loughlin) has an on-air snafu and admits she hates Christmas. Following the debacle, she is invited to the Most Christmas-y town in America to try and repair her image. Forced to work with her ex-boyfriend Jack (Ferguson), the show’s producer, the magic of Christmas and this special town will change the way she views Christmas and her life."
MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY!
Premieres: Nov. 13, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Malinda Williams (Soul Food), Karon Riley (Walking with Gods), GregAlan Williams (Greenleaf), Victoria Rowell (The Young and the Restless)
Official logline: "The Chandler family is back and bigger than ever in the fourth installment of the Marry Me for Christmas franchise. Determined to make her baby’s first Christmas a memorable one, Marci (Williams) throws herself into both planning the perfect Christmas and building her new event planning business. But when the business gets off to a rocky start and members of her family face their own hardships, Marci will discover that when your plans for a perfect Christmas start to fall apart, it just might be the miracle you need. "
CHRISTMAS COOKIES
Premieres: Nov. 13, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Jill Wagner (Wipeout), Wes Brown (True Blood)
Official logline: "Aunt Sally’s Christmas Cookie Company is sold to a large conglomerate and executive Hannah (Wagner) must seal the deal and shut down the factory, which is the small town of Cookie Jar’s lifeblood. What was supposed to be a simple assignment for Hannah becomes complicated when she meets Jake (Brown), the factory owner who’s determined to keep the factory in town. Despite not being a fan of the holiday, the Christmas spirit in this small town is infectious and she gets swept up in the joy of the season while also falling in love."
FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 13, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: Erin Krakow (When Calls the Heart), Niall Matter (Eureka), Wendy Mallick (Hot in Cleveland),
Official logline: "Christmas for Miranda (Krakow) is a painful reminder of the family she never had. Her mother died when she was young, never revealing the identity of her father. But, three days before Christmas, she unexpectedly receives a clue as to the whereabouts that takes her to a beautiful New England town where she meets Ian (Matter), a young man who helps with her search. As the clues lead to her father's identity and Miranda discovers the possibility of love in Ian, and she learns that her father lived in the small town and now she knows his family (her brother and her biological father's wife). She faces a terrible decision... Should she share the truth and risk losing the family she has just found, or leave and keep the secret forever? This Christmas promises to be life-changing for Miranda with a new chance at life and love."
MY CHRISTMAS DREAM
Premieres: Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Danica McKellar (Wonder Years), David Haydn-Jones (A Cookie Cutter Christmas), Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives)
Official logline: "Christina Masters (McKellar), the manager of McDougal’s flagship department store, is determined to land the manager position for their new Paris location. She sets out to impress Victoria (Hall), the store’s owner, by creating the best holiday display in McDougal’s history. Fresh out of inspiration despite assuring Victoria otherwise, Christina turns to a recently-fired store employee (Haydn-Jones) who also happens to be a talented artist and single dad to his young son. As they work side-by-side, the business relationship becomes personal and she finds herself falling in love. Will the allure of her dream be too strong or will she choose to follow her heart?"
A DECEMBER BRIDE
Premieres: Nov. 20, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Jessica Lowndes (90210), Daniel Lissing (When Calls the Heart)
Official logline: "Aspiring interior designer Layla O’Reilly (Lowndes) is dreading the Christmastime wedding of her cousin who’s marrying Layla’s ex-fiancé. Although Seth Murphy (Lissing) is the one responsible for introducing the bride and groom, she begrudgingly accepts his offer to be her date as she’s out of options. Seth gets carried away at the reception and announces they’re engaged, forcing a mortified Layla to keep up the pretense. But as the faux couple spends more time together they find themselves feeling something very real. Based on the book by best-selling author Denise Hunter."
OPERATION CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 20, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Lisa Durupt (Murder She Baked)
Official logline: "As her new romance blossoms, a single mother, Olivia (Helfer), is dismayed when her boyfriend, Scott (Marc Blucas), a military sergeant, is deployed right before Christmas. Determined to not let it ruin the holidays for her and her children they decide to give back to the struggling military families on his base and, as their efforts go viral, they are rewarded in ways they never imagined."
A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS
Airs: Nov. 21, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel (Premiered Oct. 29)
Starring: Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls), Paul Greene (A Christmas Detour)
Official logline: "Sara Shaw (Chabert) is the type of woman who prefers to sit on the sidelines at work, but when her big idea for a Christmas initiative is stolen, she makes a wish to Santa that she’ll finally have the courage to stand up for herself. When Santa grants her wish and she gets a chance to make prove herself to her boss (Greene) but Santa’s wish only gives her 48 hours. As the clock ticks down, Sara will discover how to channel the Christmas magic and speak her mind all on her own."
LOVE ALWAYS, SANTA
Airs: Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (Premiered Nov. 6)
Starring: Marguerite Moreau (Wet Hot American Summer), Mike Faiola (Awkward)
Official logline: "After losing her husband Bradley three years ago on Christmas Day, Celia Banks (Moreau) never thought she’d fall in love again. Now, her entire world revolves around taking care of her daughter, Lilly (Isadora Swann). Lilly writes a letter to Santa with one wish – for her mommy to be happy and find love again."
BROADCASTING CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 23, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), Cynthia Gibb (Fame), Jackee Harry (227), Richard Kline (Three's Company)
Official logline: "Emily (Hart) is an ambitious television anchor, aimed at climbing the ranks. When the opportunity to co-host a talk show with the fabulous talk show diva Veronika (Harry) presents itself two weeks before Christmas, she thinks this is her big break. To her surprise, she discovers she has stiff competition with Charlie (Cain), the local TV anchor who is her near equal on another station. With such interest and support for both reporters, a contest is created: for the two weeks leading up to Christmas, who can cover the best and most meaningful Christmas stories on the local news? As they shoot their heartfelt Christmas stories, they realize the top prize is not as important as they once thought. They experience the true meaning of Christmas with the subjects in their news segments – and with each other."
NEXT: A puppy named Buster wreaks holiday havoc
CHRISTMAS IN HOMESTEAD
Premieres: Nov. 24, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Taylor Cole (The Originals), Michael Rady (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), Michael Nardelli (Revenge)
Official logline: "Jessica (Cole) is one of the most famous actresses in the world, leading a glamorous – if tabloid worthy – life. But all that is thrown for a loop when she goes on location to shoot a holiday themed film in the Christmas-obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa. While a romance brews between her and Matt (Rady), a local inn keeper who is a single dad, she also gets a taste of small-town life and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas."
MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS
Airs: Nov. 25, 5 p.m., UP (premiered Nov. 6)
Starring: Jes MaCallan (Mistresses), Coby Ryan McLaughlin (Parenthood), April Bowlby (Drop Dead Diva), James Eckhouse (Beverly Hills, 90210)
Official logline: "When it comes to her work, Carrie Tate (MaCallan) takes herself very seriously. She has dedicated her entire life to growing Emerson Foods, the high-end food distribution company founded by her father, and doesn’t have much time for a social life. Carrie’s sister Katie, on the other hand, is a gourmet food-to-table restaurateur and marrying her boyfriend on Christmas Eve. However, due to an outdated stipulation in their grandmother’s will, it’s discovered that ownership of the company will pass to whichever sister marries first. Now, Carrie must get married by Christmas or kiss her family business goodbye!"
A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 25, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Cindy Busby (Supernatural), Greyston Holt (Sanctuary), Christopher Russell (Flashpoint)
Official logline: "After her destructive puppy Buster causes Noelle to lose her boyfriend, her apartment and her job, Noelle is invited to spend the holidays on a farm with her rugged co-worker Liam. But when Noelle’s city past catches up with her, things get complicated. Noelle must choose between the safe, successful world she left behind, or an uncertain, unpredictable and exciting future with Buster and Liam."
CHRISTMAS LIST
Premieres: Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Alicia Witt (Nashville), Gabriel Hogan (Heartland)
Official logline: "Isobel Gray (Witt) plans a storybook Christmas with her boyfriend, including a snow-covered cottage in the Northwest, and a carefully composed bucket list of classic holiday traditions. But when the boyfriend goes AWOL, the list proves challenging and a tempting new romance turns her life upside down. Will Isobel have a White Christmas ending under the mistletoe?"
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
Airs: Nov. 25, 6 p.m., Hallmark Channel (Premiered Nov. 6)
Starring: Jaime King (Hart of Dixie), Luke Macfarlane (Brothers and Sisters)
Official logline: "A chance meeting between two strangers who share a disdain for Christmas results in The Mistletoe Promise, a pact to help them navigate their holiday complications – together. But as they spend more time with each other and experience the magic of Christmas the phony couple discovers there may be more to their contract than business. Based on the best-selling novel by Richard Paul Evans."
FALLING FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 26, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Leah Renee (Satisfaction), Niall Matter (Eureka), Michael Tiegen (Supernatural), Lisa Whelchel (The Facts of Life)
Official logline: "When champion figure skater Claire becomes injured, she is sent to a rehabilitation center in the snowy mountains where she meets and falls for a ruggedly handsome local man who shows her there is more to life than competition."
A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 26, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Kristin Davis (Sex and the City), Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Shirley McLaine (Terms of Endearment)
Official logline: "Upon her untimely death, Eve Morgan (Davis), a workaholic finds herself tethered to her guardian angel (MacLaine) learning to become a Christmas angel in Heaven. Despite being the worst recruit in the history of Christmas, Eve is assigned the difficult task of helping a struggling singer Max (McCormack) use his musical gifts to heal old family wounds. As Max begins to overcome his issues, Eve begins to embrace the meaning of Christmas, heal wounds of her own, and perhaps find love along the way."
THE ROOFTOP CHRISTMAS TREE
Premieres: Nov. 27, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Michelle Morgan (Heartland), Tim Reid (Sister, Sister)
Official logline: "Every Christmas for 15 years, Dale Landis fastens a tree to his roof and decorates it for the season; and every year he’s arrested for it. Determined to keep Dale out of jail this year, a judge orders idealistic attorney Sarah Wright and aggressive prosecutor John Riviera to work together to defend Dale and figure out the mystery behind the rooftop Christmas tree. Inspired by a true story."
JOURNEY BACK TO CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 27, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Candace Cameron Bure (Fuller House), Oliver Hudson (Nashville), Tom Skerritt (Picket Fences)
Official logline: "Hannah (Cameron Bure), a WWII-era nurse, is transported in time to 2016 and meets Jake (Hudson), a man who helps her discover the bonds of family and that the true meaning of Christmas is timeless."
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 27, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: James Brolin (Life In Pieces), Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Giselle Eisenberg (Life in Pieces)
Official logline: "Jackie Foster (Suvari), a dynamic Assistant District Attorney and single mom, is looking forward to wrapping up her latest case and spending Christmas with Gracie (Eisenberg), her adorable and precocious, eight-year old daughter. But when Jackie’s estranged dad, Jack (Brolin), a gruff retired police officer, unexpectedly shows up at her door, they will be forced to confront old wounds. Tensions rise when Jack brings Nose, a mischievous former police dog, into Jackie’s orderly home. Though Jack had planned on quickly passing through, Gracie convinces him to stay until Christmas. Despite the baggage he brings, Jack and Jackie begin to work through their issues and she finds the possibility of an unlikely romance with a detective friend of Jack’s. As they experience the magic of Christmas together, they attempt to let go of their past and celebrate this loving holiday the way Jackie always dreamed."
A VERMONT CHRISTMAS VACATION
Premieres: Nov. 27, 9 p.m. Ion
Starring: Abigail Hawk (Blue Bloods), Chevy Chase (Vacation), Howard Hesseman (WKRP in Cincinnati), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest)
Official logline: "Riley Thomas is sent by her profit-obsessed boss to shut down one of the company’s holdings, a small outerwear company in Vermont, for missing profit targets. Riley finds that the company is the lifeblood of a town and, instead of closing down the iconic firm, she unexpectedly falls in love and learns valuable lessons beyond the bottom line."
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Nov. 28, 8 p.m., Lifetime
Starring: Melissa Sagemiller (Law & Order: SVU), Brad Rowe (General Hospital), Tom Arnold (True Lies)
Official logline: "When no-nonsense executive Elizabeth receives feedback from her boss that she must learn to listen to others, she’s at a loss on just what to do. Elizabeth encounters one of Santa’s helpers who gives her magic pin, allowing to hear everyone’s thoughts. With her new-found power, she attempts to be a better person, turning an office rivalry into romance while learning the true meaning of Christmas."
HEAVEN SENT
Premieres: Dec. 3, 8 p.m., Lifetime
Starring: Christian Kane (Leverage), Marley Shelton (The Lottery), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Ryan McPartlin (Chuck)
Official logline: "As Christmas approaches, the end is near on Billy and Marie’s nine-year marriage until an eight-year-old runaway angel from Heaven takes it upon herself to rekindle the love they once shared."
A DREAM OF CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 3, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Nikki DeLoach (CSI), Andrew Walker (When Calls The Heart)
Official logline: "Penny (DeLoach), an ambitious but discontented young married woman, gets more than she bargained for when she is granted a wish to be single again. She awakens one morning to discover she has everything she thinks she wanted: Her dream home, a great car, and a dream job where she's the boss. But the tradeoff is not all wine and roses. Her husband Stuart (Walker) is gone — their marriage doesn't exist because in this world they never even met. Penny eventually adjusts to life in this new 'wish world'. In spite of her professional successes and romantic advances from a handsome, bachelor client of hers (Christopher Russell), Penny soon discovers the most important thing is missing in her life — her husband Stuart. She resolves to find and meet Stuart — for a second time — and get to know him all over again in the hope they’ll fall in love and rekindle the romance that was lacking in the 'real world.'"
A FIREHOUSE CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 3, 9 p.m., Ion
Starring: Anna Hutchison (Anger Management), Marcus Rosner (When Calls the Heart), Anita Brown (Supernatural)
Official Logline: "With Christmas approaching, life appears to be good for Tom, an ex-Olympic hockey star, and his girlfriend, Jenny, a firefighter -- at least until Mary, a former Olympic figure skater, Tom’s soon-to-be ex-wife and the author of a book of tips on relationships, is convinced that appearing to be still happy with Tom will help sell her book. Tom’s strong desire to spend the holidays with his and Mary’s daughter provides a test of true love and, ultimately, reveals who the true heroes are."
GIRLFRIENDS OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Premieres: Dec. 4, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars), Lindsey McKeon (Supernatural), John Brotherton (Fuller House), Meagan Holder (Pitch)
Official logline: "When three strong-willed women join forces to seek the ultimate revenge on their cheating ex at his upcoming holiday retreat, lovestruck event planner Livvy meets Carter, the property manager organizing it all, leaving Livvy to question if she can leave off their revenge scheme long enough to finally forgive her ex and let a real holiday romance blossom."
NEXT: Mira Sorvino gets amnesia
LOOKS LIKE CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 4, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Anne Heche (Hung) and Dylan Neal (Dawson's Creek)
Official logline: "Carol (Heche) is an over-involved mother but nothing compares to the holiday season when she goes over-the-top spearheading her kid’s school’s Christmas Spectacular each year, which earned her the nickname Christmas Carol by the parents and faculty. All that changes the day Terry (Neal) moves to town with his teenage daughter. Also single, he is very fond of the holiday himself, having volunteered to mount the Christmas play each year at his daughter’s former school. Carol tries to politely tell the single dad his help won’t be needed but he has no intention of stepping aside. The tug-of-war turns into something of a rumble and it becomes clear neither of these parents is willing to work with the other. With the competition lines clearly drawn in the sand, the dueling duo sets out to outdo each other to create the most memorable Christmas spectacular ever. The pressure is ON to make this the best Christmas ever as it’s anybody’s guess if 'Christmas Carol' will live up to her moniker or if newly titled 'Terry Christmas' will become the new holiday hero. The two will ultimately learn the error of their ways and put aside their differences while learning they have a lot more in common as an unexpected romance begins to bloom."
HEARTS OF CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 4, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: Emillie Ullerup (Sanctuary), Kristoffer Polaha (Ringer), Sharon Lawrence (NYPD Blue)
Official logline: "When Alice (Lawrence), a beloved neonatal intensive care unit supervisor, is forced to take early retirement, her young colleague Jenny (Ullerup) decides to turn the upcoming staff Christmas party into a surprise celebration for her. The plan is complicated by Matt (Polaha), the hospital’s new CFO, who’s been tasked to cut costs. Initially at loggerheads, Jenny and Matt get to know and understand each other —a sweet Christmas gift neither saw coming."
A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 4, 9 p.m., Ion
Starring: Emma Rigby (Hollyoaks), Peter Porte (Baby Daddy), Sarah Stouffer (Switched At Birth), Mindy Cohn (The Facts of Life)
Official logline: "At a holiday masquerade ball, fledgling event planner Angie Wells and wealthy playboy Nicholas Karmichael, who needs to marry to retain his inheritance, meet and fall for each other anonymously. While Nicholas tries to locate the girl of his dreams, Angie must choose between pursuing her lifelong dream of running a business or following her heart."
A CHRISTMAS WEDDING DATE
Premieres: Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Lifetime
Starring: Marla Sokoloff (The Practice), Chris Carmack (Nashville), George Wendt (Cheers)
Official logline: "After being fired from her high-powered job, Rebecca heads back home to see her mom and attend her friend’s wedding on Christmas Eve. Initially convinced that the trip is a terrible mistake, Rebecca soon learns that you can go home again, until you get it right."
A NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 10, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Amy Acker (Person of Interest), Sascha Radetsky (Flesh and Bone), Sophia Lucia (Dance Moms)
Official logline: "Rising star Lilly James (Acker) lives and breathes ballet. Her sister, Beth, is not only her biggest fan but often forgoes her own needs to make sure Lilly has every opportunity possible. Lilly’s devotion pays off when she is accepted into the New York City Ballet. Her biggest dream comes true when she lands the lead role of Clara in The Nutcracker and will make her debut on Christmas Eve. As she prepares for her big night, she receives the tragic news that her sister has died. She is removed from the show by none other than Mark (Sascha), her boyfriend and dance partner. Betrayed and heartbroken, she vows never to dance again. Years later, Lilly’s niece (Lucia) receives the same Christmas wish, the role of Clara in the prestigious Philadelphia Nutcracker Ballet, only to find that the Ballet Director is Mark, who betrayed Lilly years ago. Will Lilly see the truth about her past, and allow herself a second chance to dance and another chance to find love?"
CHRISTMAS WITH THE ANDERSONS
Premieres: Dec. 10, 9 p.m., Ion
Starring: George Stults (7th Heaven), Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible), Ion Overman (Ghost Whisperer), Dale Godboldo (The People v. O.J. Simpson)
Official logline: "Drowning in tinsel and lights every Christmas, Michael and Caroline Anderson throw the year’s biggest party at their house. But this year, with Michael jobless and Caroline’s store struggling, that tradition may end. The Andersons decide to host a very different kind of party and, in the process, rediscover what’s most important about the holiday."
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Premieres: Dec. 11, 7 p.m., UP
Starring: Laura Bell Bundy (Scream Queens)
Official logline: "Darcy Blake (Bundy) has the perfect job — she works for Harrington House, a successful greeting card company, in the editorial department. Writing heart-felt, meaningful copy for cards is very important to Darcy, especially at Christmas, which was important to her as a young girl. She realizes that she is a bit out of step with her fellow millennials, but that is fine with Darcy. Everything is about to change when Andrew Harrington arrives at the company to take over from his grandfather, and he has a very different view of the business and of the holidays."
MEANT TO BE
Premieres: Dec. 11, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Brennan Elliott (Strong Medicine), Bonnie Somerville (Code Black)
Official logline: "Maddie (Somerville), a high-powered marketing executive, is on her way to a client’s wedding but her plans are derailed by car trouble. When a fork in the road leads her to Christmas Valley, a town in love with Christmas, an unexpected encounter and a group of strangers that start to feel like family will have her questioning what she’s really been missing in life."
THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 11, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: Lindy Booth (The Librarians), Robin Dunne (Sanctuary)
Official logline: "Lizzie (Booth) is a young piano teacher working at a music school while trying to save enough money for a Steinway piano. The school is gearing up for their major Christmas fundraiser and she has committed much of her time to plan the event. One afternoon, she meets Brad who takes an interest in her playing and asks if she will teach his uninterested teenage daughter. She begins to break through to the young girl, and sparks begin to fly with Brad (Dunne), but she is shocked to find out that his interest is not solely in her playing, but in the property that houses the music school. She sets out to save the school and the event, but can she work things out with Brad?"
A HUSBAND FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 11, 9 p.m., Ion
Starring: Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day), Ricco Ross (Aliens), Dominique Swain (Lolita), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Jackée Harry (227)
Official logline: Brooke and Roger, two graphic designers in a soon-to-be-merged company, help one another by agreeing to a loveless marriage of convenience, suggested by their new boss. In the process, Brooke gets to upstage the sister who just announced her engagement to Brooke's ex-boyfriend during the holidays. But, with their 'marriage' in question, will Brooke and Roger find a spark they didn’t know existed?
MY CHRISTMAS LOVE
Premieres: Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Meredith Hagner (Veep), Bobby Campo (Scream: The TV Series), Gregory Harrison (Rizzoli & Isles)
Official logline: "Christmas Expectations is about a hopeless romantic who can’t ever seem to give a guy a real chance, that is until she starts receiving each of the '12 Days of Christmas' as gifts anonymously at her door (yes, from the song… a partridge, leaping lords, milking maids… 5 golden rings!!). It’s a fun mystery that she tries to solve with her core group (including her sister who’s about to have a Christmas wedding) to see if there’s a suitor on the other end to finally live up to her expectations."
SLEIGH BELLS RING
Premieres: Dec. 18, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Erin Cahill (Power Rangers Time Force), David Alpay (The Vampire Diaries)
Official logline: "Laurel (Cahill) is in charge of her hometown’s Christmas parade, and with budget cuts, she’s having trouble making it a special event this year and, after a recent divorce, getting into the holiday spirit. When she and her daughter Scarlett cross paths with a lone farmer who has a sleigh that he claims came from Santa crash-landing on his property years ago, they are both skeptical. But the sleigh would make a great addition to the parade if it could be restored. When the farmer gives Laurel the sleigh for the parade, her 'luck' slowly changes. It’s almost as if the sleigh is leading her to all the right pieces she needs to make the parade a success, including meeting a handsome man from town who has the loving touch to restore the relic. Laurel is converted into a true believer and rekindles that holiday spirit with her daughter, especially when she realizes the real Santa is riding his lost sleigh in the Christmas parade."
A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
Premieres: Dec. 18, 9 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Starring: Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite), Cameron Mathison (All My Children)
Official logline: "A harsh TV personality, Jennifer (Sorvino), needs a break from her own life, so she hops into a car and drives to a small town mountain retreat. On her way there a blizzard veers off the road and she crashes. When she comes to she has complete amnesia and a friendly passerby (Mathison) takes her in. As time passes she still doesn’t remember who she is and the friendly passerby, a widower himself with three kids, assimilates her into his family. But as she slowly starts remembering who she is, she prefers the new life she’s built in the small town."
WHEN CALLS THE HEART CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Dec. 25, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Erin Krakow (Army Wives), Daniel Lissing (Last Resort), Jack Wagner (Melrose Place) and Lori Loughlin (Fuller House)
Official logline: "An intriguing peddler comes to Hope Valley selling the townspeople his wears and teaching them valuable lessons about joy and giving. And when the townspeople realize that the recently displaced settlers in the area will not have a proper Christmas, they come together to create a special holiday celebration – including a Nativity presentation from the schoolchildren — that will infuse everyone with the true spirit of Christmas."
A ROSE FOR CHRISTMAS
Premieres: Jan. 1, 8 p.m., Hallmark Channel
Starring: Rachel Boston (In Plain Sight), Marc Bendavid (Dark Matter)
Official logline: "Andy (Boston) is a passionate and talented artist whose Pasadena family has been building Rose Parade floats for generations. But when her Dad gets sick and can't lead this year’s efforts as usual, Andy has no choice but to take the helm and supervise the construction and decoration of their client’s float over Christmas with only a few weeks to go. And to make matters worse, she’s saddled with the extra challenge of dealing with Cliff (Bendavid), a demanding businessman whose company commissioned the float. Forced to work together, these two can’t help but clash – she’s a creative type who knows this flower-strewn process inside out, while he’s all business with no time for art. But working side-by-side over Christmas, they each learn the other is not who they seem. And together, with a ragtag team of volunteers, they might just have what it takes to create a magnificent Rose Parade float… if they can pull it together by New Year’s."
(Note: Titles, airdates, casts, and loglines of movies have been updated throughout post.)
