Five Lifetime holiday movies you should watch: From 'Christmas Ever After' to 'The Christmas Setup'
The holiday season is here, and while we know that Christmas favorites such as 'A Christmas Story' and 'Home Alone' will be on your list to binge-watch (again) with family — we're here to give you some more options. Lifetime movies are well known for their sinister content, as well as their holiday content, and this year, they've added quite a lot. We're going to give you a sneak peek at the top 5, among the many others lined up in store for you throughout the jolly month.
'Let's Meet Again on Christmas Eve'
This lifetime movie is directed by Jeff Beesley with Carley Smale serving as writer. It stars Kyla Pratt as Corinne and Brooks Darnell as Rob — both are the leads. Howard Braunstein serves as executive producer and Juliette Hagopian serves as producer. The movie seems to a love story, without surprise, but one that has a few hurdles when the two main characters at first part ways only to find that might be destined for each other when they meet years later to help with a wedding on Christmas Eve.
The official synopsis reads, "When college sweethearts, Corinne and Rob, get opportunities on opposite sides of the world, they decide to part ways and meet again in two years on Christmas Eve to see if they are really meant to be. However, when one shows up and the other doesn’t, the fate of their romance seems to have reached the end. Many years later the two end up bumping into one another when they are both hired to help bring together a Christmas Eve wedding. With many questions left unanswered, they are about to embark on a journey filled with romance and magic, just in time for Christmas Eve."
'Let's Meet Again on Christmas Eve' releases on December 5, 2020, at 8/7c.
'Christmas Ever After'
This movie brings in the sweet romance that is first found in novel writing and then a muse strikes to create a real-life romance. The movie is directed by Pat Kiely with Tanner Bean and Katrina Mathewson as writers. Executive producers include Suzanne L. Berger, Larry Grimaldi, Julianna Hays, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew, and Arnie Zipursky. It stars Daniel di Tomasso as Matt and Tony winner Ali Stroker as romance novelist Izzi Simmons.
The official synopsis reads, "Popular romance novelist Izzi Simmons spends every Christmas at her favorite snowy bed & breakfast, but this year, she’s faced with an impending deadline and a severe case of writer’s block. Luckily, inspiration strikes in the unlikely form of the B&B’s new owner Matt, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the handsome hero from Izzi’s novels. As both partake in the lodge’s annual itinerary of Christmas activities, Izzi’s writer’s block is cured and the first pages of her and Matt’s own love story may just be beginning."
'Christmas Ever After' releases on December 6, 2020, at 8/7c
'The Santa Squad'
This movie brings in a bit of magic when a former art teacher sets out to help young kids with their Christmas spirit, only to be walking headfirst into a real possible love story for her. The film is directed by John Bradshaw with Mark Valenti serving as a writer. Suzanne Chapman and Barbara Fisher serve as executive producers. It stars Rebecca Dalton as Allie and Aaron Ashmore as Gordon.
The official synopsis reads, "Allie, an out of work art teacher, has to accept a job with the Santa Squad to help wealthy widower Gordon and his two precious daughters rediscover the magic of Christmas. As Allie is lifting the holiday spirits of the family with Christmas decorations, cookies, and shopping, her kindness is rewarded with the most unexpected of gifts: love!"
'The Santa Squad' releases on December 7, 2020, at 8/7c
'Inn Love by Christmas'
This movie seems to be a holiday cliche that we all know and love — a young woman leaves the city life for a holiday visit back home to a small town, where she finds more than just Christmas cheer, she finds love. Of course, there a business side to it, because a working girl has to maintain her job but her high school enemy is her competition in that endeavor.
It stars Jonna Walsh as Mandy Leeds, Jesse Hutch as Lucas Menzino and Jayne Eastwood as Gram. The film is directed by Jesse D. Ikeman with Courtney McAllister and Margot Mallinson serving as writer. Ikeman and Justin Rebelo serve as executive producers.
The official synopsis reads, "Mandy Leeds, a successful young woman living in Miami, is climbing her way up the corporate ladder in the hotel industry. Though she doesn’t get back to her small northern hometown much, this year her Gram is able to finally convince her to come home for Christmas. Mandy has another reason too – the quaint local inn is for sale, and she wants to acquire it for her company. With her eyes on the prize, Mandy travels back home but on her way there, she runs into Lucas Menzino — her high school rival — who also has his eye on the inn as well."
'Inn Love by Christmas' releases on December 11, 2020, at 8/7c
'The Christmas Setup'
This movie is another feel-good one — what holiday movie isn't — where the themes of matchmaking, family, career, and love life mix together to make for a beautiful story. The movie stars Ben Lewis as Hugo, Ellen Wong as Madelyn, Chad Connell as Aiden, Fran Drescher as Kate and Blake Lee as Patrick.
The film is directed by Pat Mills, with Michael J Murray serving as a writer. Executive producers include Suzanne L. Berger, Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew, Danielle von Zerneck, and Arnie Zipursky.
The official synopsis reads, "'The Christmas Setup' follows the story of New York lawyer Hugo who heads to Milwaukee with his best friend Madely to spend the holidays with his brother Aiden, and his mom Kate, who is also in charge of the local Christmas celebrations. Ever the matchmaker, Kate arranges for Hugo to run into Patrick, Hugo’s high school friend and secret crush, who has recently returned after a successful stint in Silicon Valley. As they enjoy the local holiday festivities together, Hugo and Patrick’s attraction to each other is undeniable and it looks as though Kate’s Santa-style matchmaking is a success. But as Hugo receives word of a big promotion requiring a move to London, he must decide what is most important to him."
'The Christmas Setup' releases on December 12, 2020, at 8/7c
Other Lifetime Christmas movies coming up in December include, 'A Sugar & Spice Holiday', 'Lonestar Christmas', 'Christmas on the Menu', 'A Christmas Exchange', 'A Christmas Break', 'Spotlight on Christmas', 'The Christmas High Note', 'Christmas at the Castle' and 'My Sweet Holiday'.