While 2020 has dangled many uncertainties over our heads the past few months, there’s one thing we know for sure from this crazy year: Christmas could not come soon enough. Luckily for us, our favourite streaming platforms and Hollywood favourites have heard those cries, delivering a full and epic lineup of movies to help ring in the holiday season early this year.
And just like we put on our wishlist this year, the range features diverse, inclusive and representative films, from a lesbian rom-com featuring none other than Kristin Stewart to a musical masterpiece with Forest Whitaker as its titular character. Basically, Santa is filling us up to the stocking brim with choices this Christmas season.
Below, we’ve curated a few titles to keep your eye on ahead of their release later this year.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
Dolly Parton knows better than anyone that Christmas needs to come a little early this year, which is why the country crooner released not only an album of holiday music but a movie musical to go along with it. The Netflix feature follows Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski), a wealthy and unpleasant woman, who returns to her hometown following her father’s death to evict everyone right before the holiday season. She encounters an angel (Parton, obviously) who attempts to change her mind with romance, her charming holiday spirit and the magic of music. Grey’s Anatomy fans will love this too, with Debbie Allen—who plays Dr Catherine Fox—directing the musical. Sign us up for this sing-a-long!
Where and when to watch: Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Squarepremiere on November 22.
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two
We love when reality heads to the big screen! This follow up to the 2018 Netflix film features longtime real-life couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in the roles of Mrs Clause and Santa. The sequel will again centre on Kate Pierce (Darcy Camp), who was once deemed a “true believer” but has grown into a cynical teenager. Again, Kate is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a “mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy Christmas forever.” Don’t expect the Russel-Hawn family involvement to include just the couple either, rumour has it Oliver Hudson (Goldie’s son) will also make an appearance.
Where and when to watch: The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two will premiere on Netflix on November 25.
Holidate
Thankfully, the holiday season is coming early this year thanks to Emma Roberts bringing us some light-hearted Christmas romance—and not a moment too soon. The actress, who is currently expecting her first child with boyfriend Garrett Hedlund, is starring in Netflix’s newest rom-com Holidate, alongside Australian actor Luke Bracey. The film follows Sloane (Roberts) and Jackson (Bracey), two strangers who meet one particularly bad Christmas, making a pact to be each other’s ‘holidate’ for every festive occasion. As far as rom-coms go, this one looks like its the perfect feel-good formula.
Where and when to watch: Holidate will premiere on Netflix on October 28.
Happiest Season
Kristin Stewart and Mackenzie Davis join forces for a festive rom-com following a lesbian couple that returns home for the holidays. Stewart plays Abby, a woman who is set to propose to her girlfriend at Christmas, and Davis plays Stewart’s love interest, Harper, a woman with conservative parents who is yet to come out to her family. Directed by actress, director, and writer, Clea DuVall, the movie also stars Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Burl Moseley, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Alison Brie, and co-writer Mary Holland.
Where and when to watch: Happiest Season is out in theatres on November 25, 2020.
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special
We all know Mariah Carey loves the holiday season, so it’s unsurprising that for 2020 the Queen of Christmas is releasing an “innovative special” that will combine music, dancing and animation “driven by a universally heartwarming story that brings the world together.” Of course, the event will feature the legend herself and an abundance of celebrity guests. It also coincides with the 26th anniversary of her iconic carol ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You.’
Where and when to watch: Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special will premiere on AppleTV+.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again
Vanessa Hudgens is making a Christmas role her new yearly habit, it seems. The actress has signed on to the sequel of her 2019 holiday film The Princess Switch, this time bringing us The Princess Switch: Switched Again. In part two of the royal Prince and the Pauper remake, Stacy, a baker-turned-princess from Chicago, and Lady Margaret, the heiress to the Montenaro throne (both played by Hudgens), pull another life swap. But, yet another lookalike, Fiona, could ruin everything. Honestly, it may be cheesy but its the perfect holiday distraction.
When and where to watch: The Princess Switch: Switched Again will premiere on Netflix on November 19.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
A fantastical musical is always welcome come Christmas, and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is here to fill that void. This Netflix original follows an eclectic toymaker, Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) after his former apprentice steals his most prized possession and is forced to uncover old inventions to restore the magic in the town of Cobbleton. His granddaughter, played by Madalen Mills, must help him fix things before its too late.
Where and when to watch: The film premieres on Netflix on November 13.
Dear Christmas
Starring Melissa Joan Hart (of Sabrina the Teenage Witch fame) Dear Christmas tells the story of a woman who hosts a podcast about “holiday romances,” but hasn’t had one of her own. Until she heads back to her hometown and falls for a firefighter (Jason Priestly). Really, what more could you want from a Christmas rom-com?
Where and when to watch: The film will premiere on November 27.
