Choosing a Title for Your Holiday-Themed Screenplay
You might already be aware that film titles cannot be copyrighted. From a copyright perspective, if you wanted to title your screenplay ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ you could, but (a) it would probably confuse anyone who read it, and (b) it would change anyway once the film is made and the title report returned. A title report is a 250+ page document, done by a specialized attorney, who undergoes the arduous task of finding all titles that are similar to yours. It’s expensive, for the producer who has to pay for it and required for delivery to a distributor. But as a screenwriter, none of that is really your problem.
As a writer who will shop your spec script, your concern should be coming up with a title that catches the reader’s attention and conveys that your holiday screenplay is, indeed, a holiday screenplay. You want your title to reflect the tone of the film. For example, ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ is clearly a horror film while ‘On the 12th Date of Christmas’ (which I wrote for Hallmark Network) is clearly a rom-com.
To put this into context, I’ve created a list of holiday-themed TV movie titles and their short summaries. Note that I used ‘short summaries’ instead of ‘loglines.’ I pulled these synopses directly from the website of the network that aired the movie, or in some cases IMDB, and they read differently than a logline in most cases. Most of the films are recent (released in the last five years), but I included a few older ones as well. I also included the year it was released and the network or streaming platform (HM&M stands for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which as of March 6th of this year, became ‘Hallmark Mystery’). Anything that comes after an asterisk is from me, noting something about the film I felt was important.
For more information about which networks and platforms buy holiday themed screenplays, check out my article ‘Hallmark, Netflix and Hulu: Here’s Who Buys Holiday-Themed Screenplays.’
List of Holiday-Themed Movies
Candy Cane Lane (Amazon Prime, 2023) - A man is determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win--and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.
Jolly Good Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across jolly old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.
Holiday Hotline (Hallmark, 2023) - After leaving London, Abby connects with an anonymous caller while working at a cooking hotline. The caller is single dad "John" who Abby unknowingly has become smitten with in real life.
Open by Christmas (Hallmark, 2021) – When Nicky finds an unopened Christmas card from a high school secret admirer, she and her best friend Simone search to find and thank the anonymous author.
The Holdovers (theatrical, Miramax, 2023) - A cranky history teacher at a remote prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go. A film by Alexander Payne.
The Nine Kittens of Christmas (Hallmark, 2021) - Cat lovers Zachary and Marilee are thrown back together at Christmas when they're tasked with finding homes for a litter of adorable kittens. *This is a sequel to The Nine Lives of Christmas.
The Nine Lives of Christmas (Hallmark, 2014) - Fireman Zachary Stone (Routh) is a confirmed bachelor who doesn’t believe in love or commitment. When a stray tabby cat named Ambrose shows up at his door, Zachary takes him in and slowly starts to see that a little companionship might not be so bad after all. Zachary’s commitment to solitude is further challenged when he meets Marilee (Sustad), an animal lover and veterinary student who teaches Zachary how to care for his new feline roommate. Chemistry immediately develops between the two, but will they find a way together despite themselves?
B&B Merry (GAC, 2022) - Renowned luxury travel blogger, Tracey Moore, is invited to a Christmastime getaway in exchange for a review of a smalltown B&B. Despite her initial reservations, she finds herself wanting to help the small business… and falling for the owner’s handsome son, Graham.
A Kismet Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.
Silent Night (theatrical, Lions Gate, 2023) - A grieving father enacts his long-awaited revenge against a ruthless gang on Christmas Eve. A film by John Woo.
A Chestnut Family Christmas (OWN, 2021) - When a talented pastry chef, currently working as a live-in cook/maid, accidentally commits to hosting her family for the holidays, she poses as the wealthy homeowner in order to impress them and to remove the “black sheep” burden she has been carrying her whole life. All seems to be going well, until everyone’s secrets are exposed.
Christmas CEO (Hallmark, 2021) - A small toy company CEO gets a once in a lifetime offer to merge with a mega toy company but will need her estranged ex-business partner's signature to seal the deal.
Thanksgiving (theatrical, TriStar, 2023) - An axe-wielding maniac terrorizes residents of Plymouth, Mass., after a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy. Picking off victims one by one, the seemingly random revenge killings soon become part of a larger, sinister plan.
Country Hearts Christmas (UPtv, 2023) - It’s days until Christmas and the Jameson Family are all chasing their dreams. Tori and June are in Nashville recording their first album while Bones is home on the farm getting things ready for the whole family to be together at Christmas. But when the sisters get a chance to be on a live Christmas Eve show, one that will supercharge their budding career, they are faced with a difficult decision.
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (HM&M) – Successful and fiercely independent, Mary Ann Brubeck adopts a baby girl to raise on her own just before Christmas. Due to weather, she and the baby get stuck in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the holidays. When there is no room at the inn, her only option is to stay with the innkeeper’s brother Joe, a quintessential bachelor who lives in a house that he treats like a barn. As Mary Ann learns the value of community by spending time with Joe’s family and participating in the local church’s Christmas events, Joe starts getting his act together with new motivation… and the two begin to see each other in new light. This is one of the DaySpring movies.
Christmas Down Under (ION, 2021) - Tightly-wound Ellie flies to Australia and enlists the help of an Aboriginal Tour Guide and a YouTube-famous Uber driver to find her husband and his eclectic family, and find her true self along the way, all before Christmas.
Santa’s Got Style (UPtv, 2022) – Madison is a department store executive who takes the idea to hire a young Santa with fashionable style instead of a classic one, but she can't find the right model, until her best friend Ethan decides to be the Santa of her dreams.
Mistletoe Connection (UPtv, 2023) - It's Christmas and Kate Snow runs a nostalgic gift store shop in a neighborhood that has just been slated for redevelopment. A chance encounter on the bus with Mark sets off sparks for them both.
Noel Next Door (Hallmark, 2022)- A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.
The Holiday Fix-Up (Lifetime, 2021) – When Sam, the designer behind a popular home renovation show, returns to hometown during the holidays to help renovate the Bell Harbor Inn, she gets paired with Coop as the lead contractor – the guy who broke her heart.
A Season for Family (HM&M, 2023) - Maddy's adopted son Wesley has just one Christmas wish: to meet his brother Cody, who was adopted into a different family. Cody’s father Paul is a widower who is not ready to have this conversation with his son, so he turns down a meeting. However, circumstances bring the two brothers unknowingly together and they become fast friends, while sparks fly between Maddy and Paul.
A Timeless Christmas (HM&M, 2020) - Charles Whitley travels from 1903 to 2020 where he meets Megan Turner and experiences a 21st Century Christmas.
A Kiss before Christmas (Hallmark, 2021) - Ethan is a married father with two teens. He wakes up one morning and is shocked to find he isn't married, he doesn't have kids, and he's CEO of his company. His wife is the key to be able to reclaim his original life and family.
Ghosts of Christmas Always (Hallmark, 2022) - Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.
Christmas on Candy Cane Lane (GAC, 2022)- Based on the novel by Sheila Roberts, Andrea Barber stars as Ivy Donaldson, who is going through a transition in her life. Separated from husband, Rob (Dan Payne), and putting on a brave face for her daughter, Ivy also struggles with the long shadow cast by her late mother, Muriel, the darling of Icicle Falls; head of the Candy Cane Lane Lights Extravaganza, owner of The Christmas Haus, and a former TV star known adoringly as the “Christmas Maven.” The shoes seem too big to fill. When obstacles reach a crescendo for Ivy, a series of comical and mysterious events bring neighbors of Icicle Falls, including Ivy’s entire family, together in a masterstroke of perfection only the “Christmas Maven” herself could appreciate.
Who is Christmas Eve? (Bounce, 2021) - Eve Simmons was left with nothing but questions and a locket when she was abandoned as an infant on the church steps on Christmas Eve. Now in her thirties and struggling to move forward in her life, she embarks on a search for her birth parents with the help of famed investigative genealogist Pam Slaton.
Christmas on the Rocks (UPtv, 2022) - A ski-lodge event manager’s task of hosting a corporate Christmas party goes awry when the resort is cut off by a snowstorm and the hard-to-please CEO turns out to be an old flame.
About Our Christmas Journey (Hallmark, 2021) - As a single mom and her teenaged son with autism come to a crossroad during Christmas, she must learn to let go so he can flourish as she finds her own heart healing in unexpected ways.
First Christmas (OWN, 2020) - Given up for adoption as a child, a woman gets the gift of a lifetime when she's invited to spend Christmas with the biological family she never knew she had.
A Little Christmas Charm (HM&M, 2020) - When Holly finds a lost charm bracelet, she teams up with an investigative reporter to return it to the rightful owner by Christmas Eve.
Magic in Mistletoe (Hallmark, 2023) - Harrington is the author of a popular book series, but commercial success has left him a bitter recluse. As he returns to his hometown for an annual Christmas festival celebrating his books, he’s joined by April, a publicist for the major publishing house he works with. April is there for damage control after Harrington’s recent comments on social media have ruffled some feathers. But as she gets to know him better, hope springs that April can unlock Harrington’s guarded heart and help him rediscover the spirit of the holiday.
On the 12th Date of Christmas (Hallmark, 2020) - Two co-workers vying for the same promotion are tasked to create a 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt to promote the launch of a new hotel.
Operation Christmas Drop (Netflix, 2020) - Congressional aide Erica Miller lands at a beachside Air Force base, where she clashes with Capt. Andrew Jantz over his pet project -- Operation: Christmas Drop.
Christmas on my Mind (Hallmark, 2019) - Lucy Lovett wakes up holding a wedding dress, assuming she's about to marry the love her life Zach Callahan, only to discover they broke up two years ago, and her fiancé… isn't Zach.
Planes, Trains and Christmas Trees (Lifetime, 2023) - When a storm hits, a sports agent and an event planner get stuck in a small town. On their journey to get home to New York City before Christmas, will it stay strictly business? Watch Kathryn Davis and Olivier Renaud find holiday magic along the way.
A Christmas Fumble (OWN, 2022) - Nicole Barnes is the “queen of crisis management,” so when she’s tasked with handling a breaking scandal for former pro footballer-turned-TV-commentator Jordan Davies, it should be a breeze, right? Not so fast. Turns out, Jordan’s network contract isn’t going to be renewed due to a violation from his college days. Even worse, Nicole and Jordan were once a couple, which could jeopardize her chances of becoming partner at her firm.
Good Morning Christmas! (Hallmark, 2019) - Two squabbling TV hosts are sent to a festive small town over Christmas. While pretending to get along for the sake of appearance, they discover that there's more to each other than they thought.
Christmas at the Drive-In (GAC, 2022) - A property lawyer works to prove that her town’s Drive-In Theater, a local institution, is not closed down at the holidays, finding romance with the very person who is trying to sell the property.
Christmas Time Capsule (UPtv, 2023) - When Tiffany’s best friend James arrives at her house looking for the family heirloom engagement ring he left in her care, she quickly realizes that he wants to use it to propose to another woman. Now Tiffany has 3 days, a road trip and some Christmas magic to make James realize that the woman he really wants has been in front of him the whole time.
A Cozy Christmas Inn (Hallmark, 2022) - A real estate executive, Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.
Merry Little Batman (Amazon Prime, 2023) – Animated. Damian Wayne must defend his home from the supervillains intent on destroying the holidays.
Heaven Down Here (Hallmark, 2023) - Inspired by Mickey Guyton’s song of the same name, “Heaven Down Here” tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town. Imami is a widowed mother of two who’s having trouble making ends meet and reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift, where she clashes with her boss Dan, who doesn’t exactly embody the Christmas spirit. Felix is a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners while his faith is challenged by his son's alienation. Clara is a hospice nurse with an obstinate patient and whose daughter is moving away, causing her to question her place in this world. Throughout the evening, these four bicker, bond and unwittingly provide each other with the answer to their respective prayers.
We Wish You a Married Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Lifetime, 2019) - When a New England Christmas decorating competition searches for the town with the most Christmas spirit, the Mayors of East and West Riverton go all out to get their towns to the top of the holiday heap.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (Lifetime, 2022) - In the middle of preparing for her business' biggest season, Diana Hart learns she inherited an old house from her beloved aunt. Matt, the estate attorney and her former flame, insists she stick around and sort out the details over Christmas break, as he tries to rekindle their old romance. But the longer Diana stays the more she finds clues that suggest her aunt was murdered, and that the culprit might be her handsome companion. Yet the bigger question is--will she survive Christmas?
A Magical Christmas Village (Hallmark, 2022) - When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom, miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.
A New Orleans Noel (Lifetime, 2022) - When Grace and Anthony are both hired to work together on the home of Loretta Brown (played by Patti LaBelle) the two find themselves stuck working together at Christmas.
Lights, Camera, Christmas! (Hallmark, 2022) - When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.
All Saints Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistakes a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.
In Merry Measure (Hallmark, 2022) - When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her onetime rival, Adam.
Laughing All the Way (Lifetime, 2023) - It's make-or-break when aspiring comedian Aubri gets a gig hosting a Christmas variety show. Pursuing a perfect headliner, she just might find a perfect man, when famous Hollywood comedian Mike Baxter returns to the club that launched his career. In preparing for the show, will laughs turn to love?
The Royal Nanny (Hallmark, 2022) - Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.
The Case of the Christmas Diamond (ION, 2022) - Blue collar Andy is a little nervous but thrilled when she is invited to her rich friend's estate for Christmas. But when the family matriarch's multi-milliondollar gem suddenly goes missing, she finds herself accused of the theft and at the center of the investigation led by Detective Billings. With the help of a famous mystery writer, Andy must find the real culprit amid all the wealthy guests all of whom have it out for her.
Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays (ION, 2022) - When an egotistical social media influencer's dog is kidnapped, her long-suffering assistant Emily teams with charming local vet Jonathan to find the puppy before Christmas. As the two investigate suspects, including a rival influencer and a crazed fan, they form a romantic bond along the way - until she suspects her charming vet isn't all he seems to be.
The Search for Secret Santa (ION, 2022) - Cub reporter Sophia thinks she's found a Christmas story that will make her career when she discovers a long-lost, undelivered Secret Santa gift from "Tony to Abigail." But the mystery gets even juicier when she learns that the item - a priceless nutcracker - was in fact stolen years ago. With the help of a handsome and shady art dealer Jackson she sets off on a dangerous, romantic quest to match the Secret Santas and catch the thieves.
Christmas at the Golden Dragon (Hallmark, 2022) - When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.
Inventing the Christmas Prince (Hallmark, 2022) - Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.
Three Wise Men and a Baby (Hallmark, 2022) - Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives... all while rediscovering their love of Christmas. *This was the most watched cable TV movie in 2022 with 3.6M viewers.
The Holiday Swap (UPtv, 2022) - When two strangers mistakenly pick up the wrong piece of luggage at the airport, each must use the intriguing contents within to track down the other’s whereabouts in time for Christmas.
When I Think of Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.
Radio Christmas (Lifetime, 2019) - When her Philadelphia radio station is closed for repairs during the holidays, DJ Kara Porter (Keshia Knight Pulliam) is forced to broadcast from the small town of Bethlehem. Desperate to increase her numbers and get promoted outside of Radio Christmas – a yearround Christmas station, Kara seeks to uncover the identity of the town’s Secret Santa, an anonymous benefactor that saved all of Bethlehem’s Christmas festivities. Along the way, she discovers the true meaning of family, community, love and of course, Christmas.
My Southern Family Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.
Christmas Plus One (Lifetime, 2023) - Two sisters decide being single at Christmas isn't an option this year. While Amy gets her wish in a winter wonderland wedding, Cara must scramble to find a date. After she loses a suitor's number, she won't lose hope. Will it be mistletoe kisses or unrequited wishes?
Navigating Christmas (Hallmark, 2023) - Recently divorced Melanie and her son Jason visit a remote island for Christmas, only to find themselves running a real working lighthouse where she connects with the curt but cute owner.
#Xmas (Hallmark, 2022) - When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.
A Royal Corgi Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe," a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help – but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.
A Tale of Two Christmases (Hallmark, 2022) - Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family... and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.
Christmas with a Kiss (Hallmark, 2023) - A woman (Morgan) returns home to help with her family’s Christmas Carnival and romance ignites. A photo journalist (Rowe) curates a surprise reunion.
Haul Out the Holly (Hallmark, 2022) - Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.
A Prince and Pauper Christmas (ION, 2022) - When her down-on-his luck confidential informant in a criminal investigation suddenly goes missing, a desperate young federal agent, recruits his doppelgänger to play his role. But her job gets even harder when she falls for the criminal's stand-in, who just happens to be a European prince visiting the states for Christmas.
A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe (Hallmark, 2022) - Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's small-town cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit, she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.
A Holiday Spectacular (Hallmark, 2022) - In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. *This film featured the Radio City Rockettes.
A Big Fat Family Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.
Holiday Road (Hallmark, 2023) - Nine strangers, stranded at an airport during the holidays, unite for a Christmas road trip to Denver. Misadventures lead to unexpected bonds and heartfelt conversations.
A Fabled Holiday (Hallmark, 2022) - Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.
Undercover Holiday (Hallmark, 2022) - When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.
The Great Holiday Bake War (OWN, 2022) - Starring original Destiny’s Child member LeToya Luckett and former Saturday Night Live star Finesse Mitchell, The Great Holiday Bake War tells a sweet, pun intended, story of former pastry school rivals Julian (Mitchell) and Brianna (Luckett). As they face off in a TV baking competition, each has their heart set on the winning prize money, but they soon realize they're better off working together as sparks fly! Beneath the surface, Brianna is struggling to support her daughter, and Julian is determined to step outside his mother’s shadow.
The Most Colorful Time of the Year (Hallmark, 2022) - Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.
Yes, Chef! Christmas (Lifetime, 2023) - Alicia Gellar is a culinary school instructor who has put both her true career aspirations and personal life on the back burner. But this holiday season, fate is on her side. She is invited to compete in the city's annual Kringle Cook-Off and learns a family secret that could change everything and be the big break she needs to become a respected chef like her former boss Bobby (Buddy Valastro). There to mentor her through the competition is the fiery chef and Kringle protégé, Logan (Luke Humphrey), whom Alicia builds a real connection with, despite their rocky start. But can Alicia win the cook-off and prove to herself that she is the capable head chef that Logan believes her to be? And will she be accepted by the Kringles if she shares the truth with them? She will have to put it all on the line to find out.
Merry Swissmas (Lifetime, 2022) - Alex has wonderful memories of Christmas with her best friend Beth until Beth started dating Alex’s ex, Jesse. Because she has missed the last few Christmases with family due to her demanding job as an architect, Alex is excited to spend the holidays with her mother Caroline, who is opening an inn in Switzerland. Much to her dismay, she learns that Jesse and Beth are also visiting for the Inns’ opening. When Alex meets Liam, a single father and the manager of her mother’s inn, Liam attempts to show her all the Christmas traditions and culture of Switzerland and helps Alex open herself up to love and forgiveness this holiday season.
Our Christmas Mural (Hallmark, 2023) - Olivia, a single mom, returns home for Christmas. Her mom secretly enters her into a mural contest; she wins but partners with teacher Will to create a Christmas masterpiece.
Christmas Class Reunion (Hallmark, 2022) - High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
The Holiday Sitter (Hallmark, 2022) - Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance. *This is Hallmark’s first holiday movie to feature a LGBTQ couple.
Holiday Heritage (Hallmark, 2022) - Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late. *This is Hallmark’s first Kwanzaa movie.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Hallmark, 2022) - A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.
A Not So Royal Christmas (Hallmark, 2023) - Tabloid journalist Charlotte (D’Orsay) attempts to land an interview with a reclusive Count. In response, the royal family has a groundskeeper (Kemp) pose as the Count since the real one fled years ago.
Hanukkah on Rye (Hallmark, 2022) - A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together? *This is one of Hallmark’s Hanukkah movies.
We Need a Little Christmas (HM&M, 2022) - Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.
Christmas Bedtime Stories (HM&M, 2022) - When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.
A Maple Valley Christmas (HM&M, 2022) - Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.
The Dog Days of Christmas (Lifetime, 2022) - Annie Blake is an aid worker who has just finished an international mission and is heading home to Vermont for the holidays. Upon arriving home Annie learns that the local animal shelter is closing. With the help of Dylan, the local vet and high school nemesis, the two take steps to save their furry friends.
Our Italian Christmas Memories (HM&M, 2022) - The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.
Godmothered (Disney+, 2023) - Set at Christmas time, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor, a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training (Jillian Bell), who upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “happily ever after,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
Long Lost Christmas (HM&M, 2022) - Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.
We’re Scrooged (UPtv, 2023) - Two ex-high school sweethearts are warned that they’re going to be visited by three Christmas ghosts over the next three days. While dreaming each night, they have shared experiences reliving their past and present Christmases, helping them see what they gave up. Will they reunite…or lose their love forever?
Six Degrees of Santa (Lifetime, 2022) - Christmas enthusiast and single mom Harper has created a program, Six Degrees of Santa, in which anonymous "Santas" give a gift and set of instructions to be passed along, temporarily enjoyed, and re-gifted, indefinitely. Her goal is to create a Christmas experience that’s real-life, magical, and unexpected. When Harper's own gift lands in the hands of a leading internet entrepreneur, Jason, he’s convinced that the original Santa might be his soulmate. He seeks out Harper, as the architect of the program, to help him track down this mystery woman.
Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas (HM&M, 2022) - Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. On the message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. The fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."
Love Hard (Netflix, 2021) - Hopeless romantic but eternally single LA journalist Natalie thinks things are beginning to look up when she swipes right on a dreamy guy from the East Coast, Tag. Taking a leap of faith, she jumps on a flight to surprise her crush for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished by Tag's childhood friend who is equally unlucky in love, Josh. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
The Holiday Stocking (HM&M, 2022) - RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas. *This is airing under the Mahagony banner.
The Gift of Peace (HM&M, 2022) - Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort. *This was the first holiday movie produced under Hallmark’s faith-based brand DaySpring.
My Norwegian Holiday (Hallmark, 2023) - JJ, grieving the loss of her grandmother and seeking dissertation inspiration, stumbles upon an unexpected holiday destiny. Meeting Henrik, a Norwegian from Bergen, their connection deepens when he discovers she has a troll figurine from his hometown. To explore the troll’s history and her grandmother’s ties, JJ agrees to join Henrik on a journey to Norway. In Bergen, they’re drawn into Henrik’s family Christmas and wedding traditions, with his sister’s wedding the day before Christmas Eve. JJ embarks on a holiday adventure, uncovering the troll’s origins and finding her own path to healing, love and family.
Five More Minutes: Moments Like These (HM&M, 2022) - The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.
Holiday Date (Hallmark, 2019) - Joel poses as Brooke's former boyfriend when she goes home for the holidays. Joel is Jewish, so Brooke's family celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah in this very merry ruse.
A Christmas Spark (Lifetime, 2022) - Recently widowed Molly has lost her zest for life and given up on ever finding love again. But when she decides to visit her daughter for Christmas, she has no idea what holiday magic is in store for her. A former drama teacher, Molly reluctantly takes on the job of directing the town's Christmas pageant and soon finds herself falling for her leading man, Hank, the town's most eligible bachelor. As Molly and the irrepressible Hank fall in love, she rediscovers her inner free spirit and finds a new lease on life. And when the star of the pageant loses her voice moments before the show, it will be up to Molly to step into the spotlight and shine brightly for the first time in her life.
A Country Christmas Harmony (Lifetime, 2022) - Before Chrissy Kessler's meteoric rise to fame, the country music superstar was just a small-town girl with dreams of the big time. Now, with her record sales on a rapid decline, Chrissy is strong-armed by an unrelenting record executive to return to the hometown she left behind to perform a live Christmas concert. Accompanying her on this journey is her longtime supportive assistant Eugene. Luke Covington's quiet life is suddenly disrupted when he runs into Chrissy, his ex-girlfriend and former country music duo partner, who disappeared on him to pursue her solo career, all those years ago. After a tempestuous rainstorm forces the ex-sweethearts to seek shelter in Luke’s ranch home, the two realize that the only way they’ll survive the holidays is with the other one’s help.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker (Disney +, 2022) - RUN DMC’s Rev Run brings us along for a hip-hop reimagining of The Nutcracker ballet set in New York City. It’s the night of the annual New Year’s Eve Block Party, and Maria-Clara’s Mom and Pop aren’t getting along — and it’s bringing her down. Maria-Clara embarks on a holiday adventure to bring her parents back together, finding help along the way from the magical toymaker, Drosselmeyer, and the Nutcracker, who she brings to life. Inspired by the live stage phenomenon created by Jennifer Weber, touring America this holiday season.
Greyson Family Christmas (Bounce, 2019) - Activist liberal progressive law student Maya brings her new boyfriend home for the holidays-- neglecting to tell her family that he's - well - white. Guess who's coming to Christmas dinner?
Faith Heist: A Christmas Caper (Bounce, 2022) - This sequel to the popular Bounce Original movie "Faith Heist" finds Pastor Benjamin (Jonathan Langdon, "No Tomorrow") and his motley crew of congregants locked in the local mall on Christmas Eve. A fearsome team of armed thieves break-in to rob the mall and all the money raised by the church for a Christmas charity. Unable to flee or signal for help, the pastor and his friends realize it's up to them to battle the crooks and save the mall - all before Christmas morning.
A Christmas Love Story (HM&M, 2019) - NYC youth choir director, Katherine, must write the title song for the Christmas Eve show but becomes distracted when a gifted boy joins her choir unbeknownst to his widowed father Greg.
Christmas Matchmakers (ION, 2019) - Jen and Jon are executive assistants under pressure. In order to have more free time during the holidays, they decide to build a strategy so that their respective bosses, Kate and Owen, fall madly in love with each other.
A Christmas Story Christmas (HBO Max, 2022) - Ralphie returns to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child. Long-awaited follow-up to holiday classic A Christmas Story starring Peter Billingsley. *Sequel to A Christmas Story.
Sweet Navidad (Lifetime, 2022) - Lovable pastry chef Carmen dreams of opening her own Puerto Ricaninfluenced bakery—like the one her family owned on the island. In the meantime, she showcases her treats at a local coffee shop. When hotel owner Victor Flores discovers Carmen’s talents, he invites her to apply for a position as pastry chef for his hotel’s holiday gala. Knowing other applicants will have culinary-school backgrounds, as opposed to her homegrown skills, Carmen reluctantly applies. When she is accepted, she’s paired with chef Jax to curate the perfect holiday menu. But the two do not mix well. Carmen is messy and cooks from the heart; Jax is a perfectionist fixated on technique. As they race against the clock to assemble their intricate holiday menu, sparks fly, and they realize they might have more to learn from one another than they initially thought.
Violent Night (theatrical, 2022) - An elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.
Bad Santa (theatrical, 2003) - A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.
The Christmas Secret (theatrical, 2000) - In this magical story, a scientist sets out to prove that reindeer can fly and along the way discovers the true meaning of faith, family and Christmas.
And of course, one of my all-time favorites…
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (theatrical, 1987) - A Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower curtain ring salesman as his only companion.
My Analysis
There are some clear commonalites amongst these titles. You’ll see that they tend to fall into one or more of the following categories:
Alliterative Titles. Holiday Heritage, A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe, Haul Out the Holly, Christmas CEO, Holiday Hotline, Magic in Mistletoe.
Spins on the Titles of Popular Movies and Literature. A Prince and Pauper Christmas (from The Prince and the Pauper), A Tale of Two Christmases (from A Tale of Two Cities), Three Wise Men and a Baby (from the popular ‘80s television show Three Men and a Baby), Love Hard (from Die Hard— Love Hard actually includes the age-old debate about whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not), A Big Fat Family Christmas (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Planes, Trains and Christmas Trees (from Planes, Trains, and Automobiles), The Hip Hop Nutcracker (from the famed holiday ballet The Nutcracker).
Spins on Lyrics or Titles from Christmas Songs. Laughing All the Way (from Jingle Bells), We Wish You a Married Christmas (from We Wish You a Merry Christmas), The Most Colorful Time of theYear (from The Most Wonderful time of the Year).
Takes on Christmas Classics— Songs or Literature (Content as well as Title). We’re Scrooged (a take on A Christmas Carol including a visit by three ghosts), Ghosts of Christmas Always (a take on A Christmas Carol from the perspective of one of the ghosts), On the 12th Date of Christmas (a take on The Twelve Days of Christmas including a scavenger hunt that must include the items from the song lyrics).
References to the Nativity Story in the Bible (to Suggest the Presence of Non Secular Elements). Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (reference to Bethlehem), The Gift of Peace (not as overt, but still a reference to the angelic declaration at the announcement of Jesus’ birth “Glory to God in the highest and peace on Earth!”)
References to Christmas in Specific Locations. Merry Swissmas, My Norwegian Holiday, Christmas Down Under, New Orleans Noel.
Spins on Common Sayings/Cliches. Lights, Camera, Christmas!, Christmas Plus One, Six Degrees of Santa.
References to Cute Animals. The Nine Lives of Christmas, The Nine Kittens of Christmas, Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays, The Dog Days of Christmas, A Royal Corgi Christmas.
References to Cultural Elements Integral to the Story. Hanukkah on Rye, Sweet Navidad.
References to Mysteries (If the Story Includes a Mystery Component): Faith Heist: A Christmas Caper, The Case of the Christmas Diamond.
Double Entendres. A Little Christmas Charm (‘charm’ refers to charming and a charm bracelet), A Christmas Fumble (‘fumble’ refers to the football theme and a faux pas).
Based on Current Songs (You Would Need the Rights to the Song). Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas, Five More Minutes: Moments Like These.
There are also some generic titles that aren’t particularly memorable (which I don’t advise you giving your script if you can come up with something that is).
It’s no coincidence that I came up with twelve categories of titles to coincide with twelve days of Christmas. The more nods to a holiday you can include in your holiday-themed screenplay (or in my case, this holiday-themed article), the more layered your story will be.
Happy writing!