Uncover the Magic of Hallmark Christmas Movies and Wilmington's Holiday Ties
1. "The Holiday Sitter"
Sam, a workaholic bachelor, finds himself babysitting his niece and nephew during the holidays. Out of his comfort zone, he seeks help from a handsome neighbor and discovers an unexpected romance. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes praised the movie, stating, "Hallmark actually put some time and effort into this movie and it shows. A great story with strong actors really helped — even the supporting cast were terrific." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla, and can be purchased via on-demand services like Apple TV and Amazon Prime for just $5.It's a heartwarming tale that shows the transformation of a workaholic into a loving caregiver. The chemistry between the lead actors is palpable, making this movie a must-watch for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies.
The holiday setting adds to the charm of the story, making it a perfect addition to your holiday movie lineup.
2. "Christmas with Holly"
The owner of a toy store falls in love with a man who takes care of his orphaned niece. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes shared, "I must have cried three times with this movie." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla.The story of love and family is at the heart of this movie. It shows the power of love to heal and bring people together.
The holiday atmosphere in the movie is beautifully captured, making it a feel-good watch during the holiday season.
3. "My Christmas Family Tree"
A woman discovers her family tree during the holidays and meets her long-lost relatives for the first time. One reviewer on IMDb said, "This one is one of the best. What I liked about it the most is it’s not all about the romance, that’s more the secondary story and it actually has a story." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+. It will also play on the Hallmark Channel at 4:01 a.m. on Dec. 22.The exploration of family and heritage in this movie is truly touching. It shows the importance of family and the connections we have with our relatives.
The holiday setting provides the perfect backdrop for this story, making it a memorable watch.
4. "The Holiday Stocking"
A new angel gets the chance to address his one regret — not helping his sisters reconcile while he was alive. He returns to Earth as a stranger and helps each of them revive their parents' old tradition of encouraging charity. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said, "One of my favorites this past….The characters seemed very real to me, and it was such a heartfelt story line." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla.The message of forgiveness and reconciliation in this movie is powerful. It shows that it's never too late to make things right.
The holiday spirit is evident throughout the movie, making it a heartwarming watch.
5. "A Royal Christmas"
A queen schemes to break up her son's romance with a seamstress from Philadelphia. One reviewer on IMDb praised the movie, stating, "This is the perfect Christmas movie that is well written, well acted, and the soundtrack is perfect." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla. It will also play on the Hallmark Channel at 10 p.m. on Dec. 19.The royal setting adds a touch of glamour to the movie, making it a unique holiday watch.
The story of love and family is at the core of this movie, with a twist that keeps viewers engaged.
6. "Christmas Under Wraps"
After moving to Alaska unexpectedly, an ambitious doctor starts a new romance and discovers a holiday secret in her small town. One reviewer on IMDb said, "Really nice and unpretentious Christmas romance. No convoluted “problems” with the love interests, for a change." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla. It can also be purchased on-demand for $5. It will play on the Hallmark Channel at 10 p.m. on Dec. 18.The setting of Alaska adds a unique flavor to the movie, making it a refreshing take on the holiday romance genre.
The story is simple and heartwarming, with a focus on the holiday spirit and new beginnings.
7. "A Christmas Love Story"
A youth choir director must write the title song for the Christmas Eve show but gets distracted when a gifted boy joins her choir without his widowed father's knowledge. One reviewer on IMDb said, "I enjoyed this movie. The story had many well used elements, but I liked the way it was put together. I probably should have seen it coming, but I didn’t anticipate the ‘twist’ until the last minute." This movie is free to stream on Peacock, Tubi (which is free with ads), Fubo, Hallmark+, and Pluto (which is also free with ads).The story of music and love is beautifully intertwined in this movie. It shows the power of music to bring people together.
The holiday setting enhances the emotional impact of the story, making it a touching watch.
8. "Take Me Back for Christmas"
A Christmas wish grants Renée the successful life she's always dreamed of, but she finds herself no longer married to her beloved husband. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said, "The acting was better than most in this genre. More importantly, the story was sweet and showcased the importance of cherishing every moment we have with those we love." This movie is available to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla.The story of lost love and the importance of cherishing memories is at the center of this movie. It makes viewers reflect on their own lives and relationships.
The holiday setting adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the story, making it a memorable watch.
9. "Three Wise Men and a Baby"
Three brothers are forced to work together and care for a baby during the holidays and discover the joys of family. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said, "I loved it! I’m not usually a Hallmark movies watching kind of person, but I could see this becoming a regular Xmas tradition. These guys are fabulous together." This movie is free to stream on Hallmark+ and Hoopla. It can also be purchased on some on-demand services for $5. It will play on the Hallmark Channel at noon on Dec. 14, midnight on Dec. 17, 10 p.m. on Dec. 23, noon on Christmas Day, and the extended cut at 8 p.m. on Dec. 22.The story of brotherhood and the magic of the holiday season is beautifully captured in this movie. It shows that family is everything.
The humor and heart in this movie make it a fun and enjoyable watch during the holidays.
10. "A Biltmore Christmas"
A magical hourglass sends a modern-day screenwriter to the set of a 1947 holiday movie classic. Before she can return to the present, she must make things right or risk altering the future forever. One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes said, "If you love rom coms and Christmas, this is a must watch. I was so surprised at how touching and magical it was. It’s also a little silly and perfectly cheesy." This movie is available to stream on Netflix, Fubo, and Hallmark+. It will play on the Hallmark Channel at 8 a.m. on Dec. 17.The combination of romance and Christmas magic in this movie is truly captivating. It takes viewers on a journey through time and emotions.
The setting of the Biltmore Estate adds a touch of grandeur to the story, making it a visually stunning watch.
Hallmark Christmas Movies Filmed in Wilmington
"Christmas in Conway": A grouchy man tries to recreate a special moment for his ailing wife by building a Ferris wheel in their backyard. The movie features big name actors like Andy Garcia, Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore, and Cheri Oteri. Wilmington residents may recognize the Ferris wheel built in the Forest Hills neighborhood. "Christmas in Conway" is available on Peacock or several other services."USS Christmas": Shot in Wilmington in September 2020, the movie follows a young journalist who falls in love with a Navy pilot during the ship's traditional Christmas cruise. It features scenes filmed on the Battleship North Carolina and other Port City locations such as the Hanna Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, the Wilmington Railroad Museum, and the former StarNews office in downtown Wilmington. The film is available on Amazon Prime and other streaming services."Christmas in Harmony": Shot in Wilmington over the summer, the movie features a nearly all-Black cast. It stars Ashleigh Murray as Harmony, who comes home for Christmas and is tricked into joining a holiday choir directed by her ex (Luke James). You can watch it on Hallmark+ and other streaming services.How to Sign Up for Hallmark+
If you want to watch all the Hallmark Christmas movies whenever you want, signing up for the Hallmark+ streaming service is your best bet. There is a one-week free trial, a monthly plan for about $8 per month, and an annual plan for about $80 per year.In addition to the movie/TV show library, subscribers get a $5 monthly Gold Crown coupon which can be used at participating stores and online, unlimited eCards, a free custom greeting card every month, and more perks.