Christmas is just around the corner, and there's nothing like a heartfelt movie to get you in the holiday spirit. While the holiday classics are always great to fall back on, sometimes you need to shake things up and watch something different. Whether it's a cheesy romance or dramatic comedy, Lifetime just knows how to get holiday movies right.
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Our list is compiled of all of the top Christmas movies on Lifetime starring the biggest stars of the '90s, early 2000s and today. Fall in love alongside Danica McKellar of the Wonder Years, run a ski lodge with Melissa Joan Hart of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, make a child's dreams come true with Barry Watson of 7th Heaven, and reunite with the cast of One Tree Hill. Choose among movies starring celebrities including Reba McEntire, Kelly Rowland, Toni Braxton and Marie Osmond.
No matter which movie you choose to watch, all of the twinkling lights, professionally made snowmen, steaming hot chocolates, questionable mall Santas and perfectly trimmed Christmas trees will have you ready to head into the holiday season in no time. So grab the family or some friends, make some eggnog, and cozy up on the couch with your favorite blanket while you enjoy one of these Lifetime favorites!
Love at the Christmas Table (2012)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Dustin Milligan, Danica McKellar, Lea Thompson
Before he portrayed Ted Mullens on Schitt's Creek, Dustin Milligan starred in the 2012 holiday romance Love at the Christmas Table. He stars alongside Danica McKellar, best known for playing Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years (and previously being a shining star of the Hallmark Channel). This star-studded TV movie also features appearances by Lea Thompson (Back to the Future), Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls) and Brian Huskey (Veep).
Milligan and McKellar play childhood friends who have spent every Christmas together at the kid's table. As adults, their relationship changes, and problems ensue when one of them catches feelings.
The Magical Christmas Shoes (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Erin Karpluk, Damon Runyan, Genelle Williams
Despite being named Noelle, the main character in The Magical Christmas Shoes needs a magical pair of shoes to get her into the holiday spirit. In addition to getting excited about the festivities, Noelle's new shoes help her find love.
This 2019 Lifetime movie stars Canadian actress Erin Karpluk, best known for her role in Holly Hobbie. She stars alongside Damon Runyan, who portrayed Coach Carson on Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Holiday High School Reunion (2012)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Jonathan Bennett, Rachel Boston, Marilu Henner
If you loved Mean Girls, then Lifetime's 2012 Holiday High School Reunion is a must-see! Not only does it star Jonathan Bennett, best known for his role as Aaron Samuels outside of his many Hallmark Christmas movies, but several references to the iconic movie also are sprinkled throughout.
Bennett plays Georgia's high school sweetheart, played by Hallmark regular Rachel Boston. After Georgia learns of her upcoming high school reunion, she becomes determined to win back her ex, convinced he's the one who got away.
Christmas Pen Pals (2018)
LIfetime
Who's in it: Sarah Drew, Niall Matter, Michael Gross
Former Grey's Anatomy actress Sarah Drew stars in this 2018 must-see holiday movie, Christmas Pen Pals. Starring alongside Niall Matter (Watchman), Drew plays Hannah, a techie responsible for creating the latest dating app. After getting dumped, Hannah returns to her hometown for the holidays, where she runs into her high school boyfriend, played by Matter.
While at home, her dad (played by Michael Gross) convinces her to sign up for their town's annual holiday event. The Christmas Cupid event enables participants to send anonymous letters to each other in hopes of finding love.
The Santa Con (2014)
Image via IMDB
Who's in it: Melissa Joan Hart, Jaleel White, Wendy Williams, Barry Watson
If you were ever a fan of '90s sitcoms, then Lifetime's The Santa Con is a must-see! The 2014 holiday film is full of familiar faces including Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), Jaleel White (Family Matters) and Barry Watson (7th Heaven). When a con man, played by Watson, is ordered by his parole officer to work as a department store Santa during the holidays, he makes a promise he can't keep.
He promises to fulfill a boy's Christmas wish for his parents to get back together; and after realizing his mistake, he does his best to make this wish come true. Other familiar faces in the movie include Wendy Williams (Think Like a Man) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers).
Random Acts of Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Erin Cahill, Kevin McGarry, Patrick Duffy
When two rival journalists go after the same story, they compete to learn who is performing random acts of kindness around town. However, their investigation gets sidetracked by the growing tension between them.
Starring Erin Cahill and Kevin McGarry, this 2019 Lifetime movie tells the unlikely story of competitors who find love. Other familiar faces include Patrick Duffy from Step by Step and Jaclyn Smith from the original Charlie's Angels.
You Light Up My Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Kim Fields, Adrian Holmes, Parveen Dosanjh
You Light Up My Christmas is inspired by true events about a family-owned Christmas light factory. Kim Fields, best known for her role as Tootie on The Facts of Life, stars as Emma, who returns to her hometown two weeks before Christmas.
When the lights go out in the once-festive town in this 2019 hit, Emma must help her family get things up and running again. While at home, she runs into an ex, Ben, played by Adrian Holmes.
The Christmas Contract (2018)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Hilarie Burton, Robert Buckley, Danneel Ackles
One Tree Hill fans go nuts over this 2018 Lifetime movie, as it's practically a cast reunion. In addition to Hilarie Burton, The Christmas Contract also features One Tree Hill stars Danneel Ackles, Robert Buckley, Antwon Tanner and Tyler Hilton. Burton plays Jolie, a recently single workaholic who leaves the city to visit her hometown.
When she finds out her ex is also in town, she creates a contract for a fake relationship to rub in her ex's face. Things don't go to plan, however, when Jolie's fake relationship with her friend's brother, played by Buckley, turns into something more.
Always and Forever Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Lexi Lawson, Beth Broderick, Mark Ghanimé
After inheriting her grandfather's Christmas store in Vermont, Lexi heads back to her hometown intending to sell the shop. Taking the advice of some locals, including a handsome diner owner, she considers another business idea for the location that will make it Christmas every day in this small town.
Lifetime's 2019 holiday movie, Always and Forever Christmas, stars Lexi Lawson and Mark Ghanimé. Other familiar faces include Beth Broderick from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Adam Hurtig from Cult of Chucky, and Daina Leitold from The Exorcism of Molly Hartley.
It Takes a Christmas Village (2021)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Brooke Nevin, Corey Sevier, Alli Chung
It Takes a Christmas Village is a 2021 Lifetime fan favorite starring Brooke Nevin and Corey Sevier. After construction forces the town shops to close just before the holiday rush, the mayor offers a Christmas market to help business owners get through the season.
Alexandra, played by Nevin, is tasked with organizing the market at a local mill. She runs into a problem when Darcy, a recluse played by Sevier, struggles with the idea of hosting the market at his family's mill.
The Holiday Fix Up (2021)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Jana Kramer, Ryan McPartlin, Steve Vinovich, Maria Menounos
Sam, an interior designer, travels to her hometown for the holidays and gets hired to renovate a local inn. She's confronted by her past when she has to team up with Coop, a contractor working at the inn and the man who broke her heart.
The Holiday Fix Up stars Jana Kramer, best known for her roles in One Tree Hill and Friday Night Lights. Kramer plays opposite Ryan McPartlin, best known for his roles in Chuck and L.A.'s Finest.
A Storybook Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Ali Liebert, Jake Epstein, Victoria Maria
Lifetime's 2019 holiday movie A Storybook Christmas tells the story of Celeste, an event planner who goes through an agency to hire a nanny for her niece. When a male nanny shows up, Celeste is surprised but quickly realizes he's the perfect nanny for her niece and possibly the perfect partner for her.
Ali Liebert stars as Celeste opposite Jake Epstein, best known for his roles in Degrassi: The Next Generation and Suits. This holiday hit also features appearances by Victoria Maria, Samantha De Benedet, Bradley Hamilton and Stephanie Moore.
A Christmas Wish (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Hilarie Burton, Tyler Hilton, Lee Norris
Hilarie Burton stars in the 2019 Lifetime movie A Christmas Wish, which might as well be another One Tree Hill cast reunion. This time, she plays Faith, a woman from a small town in Louisiana, uninterested in finding a relationship. After Faith's sister encourages her wish for true love at the town's Christmas wish box, Santa brings her a present the very next day.
When Faith meets Andrew, played by Tyler Hilton, she starts to change her mind about dating. Other One Tree Hill alumni who appear in the movie include Lee Norris, Colin Fickes, Antwon Tanner, Rhoda Griffis and Barbara Alyn Woods. Other familiar faces include Ryan Broussard from Only Murders in the Building, the late Willie Garson from Sex and the City and pop singer Ryan Cabrera.
Christmas Reservations (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Melissa Joan Hart, Ricardo Chavira, Michael Gross
In this 2019 Lifetime hit, Melissa Joan Hart plays Holly, an event coordinator at her family's ski lodge. Doomed to spend another Christmas alone, she's shocked when her college boyfriend walks in the door. A recently widowed Kevin, played by Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives), checks into the lodge with his two kids.
Watch as several love stories unfold in the beloved holiday film Christmas Reservations. Some faces you may recognize include Michael Gross (Tremors), Ted McGinley (Married With Children) and Nida Khurshid (The Winchesters).
Radio Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Keshia Knight Pulliam, Michael Xavier, Tim Reid
When the radio station Kara works at gets shut down, she starts working for a year-round Christmas radio station in the small town of Bethlehem. To create hype for her show, Kara sets out to expose the town's anonymous benefactor who saved the town's holiday festivities. However, her investigation leads her to meet a handsome divorced man, and she learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Lifetime movie regular Keshia Knight Pulliam portrays Kara opposite Canadian actor Michael Xavier. This 2019 holiday movie also features some familiar faces such as Tim Reid (Sister, Sister) and Belinda Montgomery (Doogie Howser, M.D.).
The Spirit of Christmas (2015)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Jen Lilley, Thomas Beaudoin, Kati Salowsky
The Spirit of Christmas tells the story of a lawyer who meets a ghost haunting the historic inn she's working with owners to sell. Daniel has been dead for over a century when he asks Kate to help him uncover the mystery surrounding his death. This fan favorite shares an unlikely love story sprinkled with drama and holiday festivities.
Jen Lilley, a favorite among Hallmark fans, stars in this 2015 film opposite Canadian actor Thomas Beaudoin. Other cast members include Kati Salowsky, Steven A. Miller, Robert Walsh and Joanna Herrington.
A Christmas in Tennessee (2018)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Rachel Boston, Andrew W. Walker, Patricia Richardson
Rachel Boston, best known as Ingrid on Witches of East End, plays Allison, the owner of a small-town bakery. Her life gets turned upside down when Matthew, a real estate developer, tries to convince her to sell the business. Boston appears in the 2018 opposite Hallmark movie regular Andrew W. Walker.
A Christmas in Tennessee also features some familiar faces including Patricia Richardson from Home Improvement, Caroline Rhea from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Marina Stephenson Kerr from Cult of Chucky.
The Road Home for Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Marla Sokoloff, Marie Osmond, Rob Mayes
Lifetime's 2019 holiday film The Road Home for Christmas tells the story of rival musicians Lindsey and Wes. When neither of them has a gig on Christmas Eve, they decide to travel together to their neighboring hometowns, during which their rivalry turns to friendship.
Marla Sokoloff, best known for playing Gia on Full House, stars in this fan favorite alongside Rob Mayes from Mistresses. You may also recognize the legendary Marie Osmond, Jacob Young from All My Children and Jan Broberg from Everwood.
Christmas in Tune (2021)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Reba McEntire, John Schneider and Candice King
Christmas in Tune tells the story of Georgia and Joe years after they ended their personal and professional relationship. The former musical duet reunites when their daughter asks them to perform at a Christmas charity event, and their connection extends beyond the stage.
Country superstar Reba appears in this 2021 movie opposite The Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider. Fans love this music-filled film with familiar faces like Candice King (The Vampire Diaries) and John James (All My Children).
Heaven Sent (2016)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Christian Kane, Marley Shelton, Ryan McPartlin
Heaven Sent is one of the highest-rated Lifetime Christmas movies, starring Christian Kane (Just Married) and Marley Shelton (1923). The 2016 film tells the story of a couple on the brink of divorce who pray for opposite outcomes for their relationship.
A child from heaven answers their prayers, using her charm to help the couple rekindle their romance. Some familiar faces include Ryan McPartlin from Chuck and Ernie Hudson from Ghostbusters.
Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever (2014)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Megan Charpentier, Daniel Roebuck, David James Lewis
Remember Grumpy Cat, the internet sensation with a permanent scowl? Funnily enough, Lifetime made a movie based on the popular meme in 2014 titled Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever. In the film, the famous cat plays a lonely pet store cat who is bitter about repeatedly being passed over by shoppers.
Things are looking up when an equally lonely 12-year-old girl walks into the store and learns she can communicate with Grumpy Cat. This unique comedy stars Megan Charpentier (It), Daniel Roebuck (The Munsters) and David James Lewis (Cruel Summer). Aubrey Plaza also makes an appearance as herself.
Every Day is Christmas (2018)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Toni Braxton, Gloria Reuben, Andrew Airlie, Mike Dopud
Toni Braxton stars as a ruthless businesswoman in this modern-day interpretation of A Christmas Carol. After giving up on love, Alexis is visited by her mother's ghost, who takes her down memory lane.
She learns how important it is to let love into her life after visiting her romantic past, present and future. This 2018 film features appearances by Gloria Reuben (Mr. Robot), Andrew Airlie (Fifty Shades of Grey) and Mike Dopud (The Predator).
A Gift Wrapped Christmas (2015)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Meredith Hagner, Travis Milne, Beverley Mitchell
Lifetime's fan favorite A Gift Wrapped Christmas is another highly rated network Christmas movie. The film tells the story of a personal shopper who makes it her mission to seduce her new client, a single dad and recent widower.
Search Party actress Meredith Hagner stars in this film alongside Travis Milne, best known for his role in Rookie Blue. Some other familiar faces include Elfina Luk (The Good Doctor) and Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven).
Merry Liddle Christmas (2019)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Kelly Rowland, Thomas Cadrot, Jaime M. Callica
Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland plays Jacquie, an entrepreneur who tries to get her dysfunctional family to appear picture-perfect for an upcoming photoshoot. Amid the chaos, Jacquie discovers her Christmas spirit when she starts having feelings for a neighbor.
Merry Liddle Christmas is inspired by Rowland's life and features some of her original music. The 2019 film also features appearances by Thomas Cadrot (Scream VI), Jaime M. Callica (Ruthless) and Debbi Morgan (All My Children).
Snowed-Inn Christmas (2017)
Lifetime
Who's in it: Bethany Joy Lenz, Andrew Walker, Belinda Montgomery, John B. Lowe
One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz stars alongside Andrew Walker in the 2017 hit movie Snowed-Inn Christmas. When a snowstorm forces their plane to land in Santa Claus, Indiana, two rival journalists must learn to get along.
After learning a local historic inn is on the brink of bankruptcy, their attention shifts to helping the owners save it. The movie includes some familiar faces such as Belinda Montgomery (Doogie Howser, M.D.) and Tasha Smith (Survival of the Thickest).
