Hollywood is busy rolling out festive programming reminiscent of Santa’s bustling workshop, with both network television and streaming platforms presenting a variety of seasonal specials. This year’s selection includes not just sequels to the Hallmark Channel’s hit “Christmas on Cherry Lane,” but also a captivating docuseries exploring the journey of letters mailed to Santa, alongside the beloved stop-motion classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Here are ten exciting titles to elevate your holiday spirit:
— Lindsay Lohan leads a delightful new holiday romantic comedy on Netflix titled “Our Little Secret,” set to premiere this Wednesday. In this film, Lohan pairs with Ian Harding of “Pretty Little Liars” fame as ex-partners who unexpectedly reunite during the holidays after realizing they are now dating siblings. Lohan remarked on the film’s charm, expressing that it brings much-needed humor and heart to today’s cinema. Kristin Chenoweth also makes an appearance in this festive tale.
— The heartwarming series “Dear Santa, The Series” returns for its second season, inviting viewers to experience the warm essence of Christmas akin to a soothing cup of cocoa. The series spotlights the USPS’s Operation Santa, where children send heartfelt letters to Santa, aided by a team of elves to fulfill their holiday dreams. This new season is set to stream on Hulu starting Friday.
— “Home Sweet Christmas” features Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison as childhood friends who reconcile after inheriting a family maple sugar farm from a deceased relative. Set to premiere Sunday on Great American Family, it promises nostalgic joy and holiday cheer.
— Remember the comedy classic “Brewster’s Millions” from 1985? It’s back with a festive twist. The new version, “Brewster’s Millions: Christmas,” introduces China Anne McClain as Morgan Brewster, a young heiress facing the possibility of losing her family fortune unless she successfully completes a series of Christmas-themed challenges. This film will debut on Dec. 5 via BET+ and features appearances from Romeo Miller as well as Richard Pryor’s children, Richard Pryor Jr. and Rain Pryor.
— Following its success earlier this year, Hallmark’s “Christmas on Cherry Lane” returns with three sequels, which will stream on Hallmark+, weaving together the stories of three families across different decades celebrating Christmas in the same house. The first sequel, “Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane,” arrives on Dec. 5 featuring stars Jonathan Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III. Following that, “Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane” will premiere on Dec. 12 with Catherine Bell and James Denton, while the final installment, “Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane,” will appear on Dec. 19 with Erin Cahill and Brooke D’Orsay.
— On Dec. 7, OWN will showcase “A Season to Remember,” an original holiday romance featuring Michele Weaver as a sports reporter who struggles to earn her place in a male-dominated field. As Christmas approaches, she faces mounting pressure to uncover a compelling story, eventually teaming up with a freelance photographer (Nathan Owens) who helps her embrace love, self-confidence, and direction.
— Freeform celebrates its “25 Days of Christmas” programming marathon throughout December, bringing holiday classics to audiences from dawn to dusk. A highlight on Dec. 8 features beloved titles including Tim Allen’s “The Santa Clause” series, along with the classic animated favorites “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman.”
— NBC is set to air “A Motown Christmas Special” on Dec. 11, hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey. This festive showcase will include iconic Motown artists singing a mix of their classic hits alongside Christmas favorites. Bailey will present a tribute performance to Diana Ross and the Supremes, while Jamie Foxx will lead a special segment honoring Stevie Wonder with performances from guests like Andra Day, Bebe Winans, and Jordin Sparks, all accompanied by a live band.
— Fans will also be treated to a holiday-themed double episode of “The Simpsons” titled “O C’mon All Ye Faithful” on Disney+, debuting Dec. 17. The episode follows a famous mentalist visit Springfield, using mind tricks that boost holiday spirits. Homer undergoes hypnosis that leads him to believe he is Santa Claus, prompting a town-wide reflection on their Christmas beliefs and the true meaning of miracles, enhanced with musical numbers from Patti LaBelle and Pentatonix.
— To round out the festivities, Netflix will be streaming two live NFL games on Christmas Day, beginning with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens going head to head with the Houston Texans. Adding to the holiday excitement, Beyoncé is set to perform during the halftime show for the Texans game, making this Christmas Day offering truly special. These games will also be broadcast on television in the corresponding team cities, bringing the holiday cheer to sports lovers everywhere.
