Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas: Your Guide to the 2024 Holiday Movie Extravaganza

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Hallmark is here to get us into the festive spirit with its annual "Countdown to Christmas" movie event. This year, viewers can look forward to an impressive lineup of 41 brand-new movies, airing on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery, from October through December. From beloved actors reuniting on screen to heartwarming stories of love and holiday cheer, the 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie season promises to be one of the most magical yet.

Unwrapping the Hallmark Holiday Movie Magic

Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas"

The Hallmark Channel's "Countdown to Christmas" event will kick off on Friday, October 18, with a slate of 32 brand-new movies airing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Viewers can look forward to a diverse array of stories, from a woman who brings a date to her family's annual holiday tradition ("'Twas the Date Before Christmas") to a pair of best friends who decide to crash holiday parties ("Holiday Crashers"). The lineup also features the reunion of "When Calls the Heart" stars Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing in "Santa Tell Me," as well as the return of fan-favorite actors like Lacey Chabert, Chris McNally, and Kevin McGarry.

Hallmark Mystery's "Miracles of Christmas"

Hallmark Mystery is also getting in on the holiday cheer with its "Miracles of Christmas" marathon, which will air nine new movies every Thursday starting on October 24. These mystery-themed films promise to infuse the season with a touch of suspense and intrigue, with stories ranging from a former couple who must pretend to still be married ("This Time Each Year") to a painter who embarks on a quest to return five mysterious gold rings to their rightful owners ("Five Gold Rings").

A Stellar Cast of Hallmark Favorites

One of the most exciting aspects of the 2024 Hallmark holiday movie lineup is the impressive roster of well-loved actors taking part in the festivities. Lacey Chabert, who has starred in a remarkable 40 Hallmark movies, will headline "The Christmas Quest," while "When Calls the Heart" stars Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing will reunite for the first time since Lissing's departure from the show in "Santa Tell Me." Additionally, Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry, who have both become Hallmark staples in recent years, will each lead their own holiday films.

Heartwarming Stories and Holiday Hijinks

The 2024 Hallmark holiday movie lineup promises to deliver a diverse range of heartwarming stories and holiday-themed hijinks. Viewers can look forward to tales of second chances at love ("Our Holiday Story"), unexpected friendships ("Holiday Mismatch"), and the magic of Christmas bringing people together ("Believe in Christmas"). There's also a healthy dose of holiday-themed competition, with movies like "Jingle Bell Run" and "The Santa Class" exploring the joys and challenges of holiday-themed reality shows and Santa schools.

Exploring the Traditions and Cultures of the Season

In addition to the classic Hallmark holiday fare, the 2024 lineup also features stories that delve into the diverse traditions and cultures of the season. "Hanukkah on the Rocks" follows a corporate lawyer who finds herself unexpectedly celebrating the Festival of Lights, while "'Tis the Season to Be Irish" takes viewers on a journey to Ireland, where a house flipper discovers the joys of embracing local holiday customs.

A Magical Journey of Self-Discovery

Hallmark's holiday movies have a knack for weaving in themes of self-discovery and personal growth, and the 2024 lineup is no exception. In "A '90s Christmas," a lawyer finds herself transported back to 1999, where she's given the chance to reconnect with her loved ones and rediscover what truly matters. Similarly, "Following Yonder Star" follows a former TV actress who finds refuge in a Vermont resort, only to be drawn into a local church's Christmas pageant and discover a new sense of purpose.

Spreading the Holiday Cheer

At the heart of Hallmark's holiday movie magic is the desire to spread joy and bring people together. Whether it's a family coming together to save a beloved Christmas tradition ("Three Wiser Men and a Boy") or a group of strangers finding unexpected connections ("Christmas Under the Lights"), the 2024 lineup is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired and filled with the spirit of the season.