The thrilling holiday drama Mistletoe Murders is back, blending festive charm with dark suspense in a way no other holiday series dares. With its second season now underway, the show continues to captivate audiences across the U.S., proving that even under the twinkling lights of Christmas, danger can lurk in the shadows.
Table of Contents
Mistletoe Murders Returns – Latest Updates
The second season of Mistletoe Murders officially premiered on November 7, 2025, on the Hallmark Channel, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Viewers can also catch the episodes the following day on Hallmark+. The return of Sarah Drew as Emily Lane and Peter Mooney as Detective Sam Wilner has reignited excitement among fans who waited almost a year for answers after the shocking Season 1 finale.
Season 2 picks up months after the events of the first season, opening with the mysterious disappearance of a beloved teacher just before the town’s annual Christmas festival. What begins as a missing-person case quickly turns deadly, drawing Emily and Sam back into a web of secrets that threaten to destroy the peace of Fletcher’s Grove.
A Perfect Blend of Holiday Spirit and Mystery
- Mistletoe Murders* sets itself apart by fusing holiday warmth with a suspenseful murder-mystery format. The picturesque town of Fletcher’s Grove, with its snow-covered streets and glowing lights, serves as both a cozy backdrop and a setting full of dark secrets.
In this season, the writers take the duality of the show even further—mixing family dinners, Christmas carols, and winter festivals with shocking revelations, hidden motives, and emotional confrontations.
Emily’s Christmas shop, “Under the Mistletoe,” remains the heart of the story. It’s not just a retail space—it’s where clues are uncovered, alliances are tested, and relationships are pushed to the brink.
Meet the Main Characters of Mistletoe Murders
Emily Lane – The Mystery Beneath the Mistletoe
Sarah Drew returns as Emily Lane, the charming and secretive Christmas-shop owner whose past continues to haunt her. Season 2 digs deeper into her backstory, revealing why she fled her former life and what dangerous truth she’s hiding. The series explores how her desire for a peaceful new beginning constantly clashes with her instinct for solving crimes.
Detective Sam Wilner – Torn Between Duty and Emotion
Peter Mooney’s portrayal of Detective Sam Wilner adds emotional depth and realism. His professional drive often collides with his complicated feelings for Emily. In Season 2, he must decide whether to trust her again or follow the trail of evidence that seems to lead back to her.
Violet Wilner – The Voice of Innocence
Sam’s teenage daughter, Violet, becomes more involved this season. Her curiosity and bravery make her both an asset and a liability in the growing chaos of Fletcher’s Grove. Her evolving friendship with Emily adds warmth to the tension-filled story.
Season 2: Three Cases, One Terrifying Secret
This season of Mistletoe Murders unfolds through three major murder mysteries that all intertwine into a single chilling revelation.
Case 1: The Disappearance of the Chess Coach
The season opens with the sudden disappearance of a high-school chess coach. When his body is found buried in newly poured concrete at a construction site, it sends shockwaves through the community. As Emily helps uncover key clues, she realizes the murder may tie to her hidden past.
Case 2: The Christmas Gala Tragedy
A high-profile town event turns tragic when a guest collapses after drinking a poisoned glass of eggnog. Emily pieces together subtle clues—a misplaced ornament, a missing ring, and a suspicious donation—to reveal a motive steeped in greed and betrayal.
Case 3: The Shadow of CH1M3RA
The most dangerous plotline revolves around a mysterious organization called CH1M3RA. Their connection to Emily’s secret identity becomes the driving force of the season’s climax. As the group closes in, Emily must confront the truth she’s been running from and decide whether to sacrifice her safety for justice.
Themes That Keep Audiences Hooked
1. Trust and Redemption
Season 2 revolves around forgiveness, loyalty, and the cost of second chances. Emily and Sam’s fractured relationship mirrors the tension between personal integrity and hidden truths.
2. The Darkness Beneath the Holidays
While the town celebrates with carols and gift exchanges, the series reminds viewers that every light casts a shadow. The show masterfully contrasts the joy of Christmas with the haunting nature of unsolved crimes.
3. Secrets, Identity, and the Past
Emily’s past identity—hinted at through flashbacks—is now the centerpiece of the mystery. Her struggle to protect herself and those she loves forms the emotional core of the show.
Behind the Scenes: How the Magic Comes Together
Season 2 was filmed primarily in Ontario, using authentic winter landscapes and intricate set designs to capture the holiday atmosphere. Each location, from the cozy interiors of Emily’s shop to the frozen lakes of Fletcher’s Grove, was chosen to evoke both comfort and suspense.
The creative team emphasized a cinematic look this season, using richer lighting contrasts—warm candlelight against cold night scenes—to highlight the emotional tension between love and danger. The show’s costume design also mirrors this duality: characters are often dressed in festive reds and greens even in moments of despair, symbolizing hope amid fear.
Why U.S. Audiences Are Loving Mistletoe Murders
- A Unique Holiday Spin: Unlike most Christmas programs, Mistletoe Murders embraces the darker side of the season, giving viewers mystery without losing the magic of the holidays.
- Strong Characters: Emily and Sam’s complex chemistry drives the emotional momentum. Their partnership feels real—equal parts trust, tension, and unspoken connection.
- Beautiful Production: With snow-covered sets, holiday lights, and small-town warmth, it feels like a Christmas card hiding a secret.
- Smart Writing: The clues are clever but fair. The audience gets to solve the mystery alongside the characters without feeling lost or cheated.
- Weekly Suspense: The series format allows viewers to stay engaged throughout November, building anticipation week by week.
Timeline of the Series
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | Season 1 debuts on Hallmark’s streaming platform. |
| March 2025 | Season 2 officially announced and enters production. |
| November 7, 2025 | Season 2 premieres on Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET/PT. |
| November 2025 | New episodes air weekly through the holiday season. |
What Lies Ahead for Emily Lane
As the second season unfolds, several burning questions remain:
- Will Emily finally reveal her real name and past life?
- Can Sam protect her from the forces threatening to expose her secret?
- Will CH1M3RA’s reach extend beyond Fletcher’s Grove?
- And most importantly, can Emily truly find peace under the mistletoe—or will her past catch up with her once more?
While the answers are still to come, one thing is certain: Mistletoe Murders has become one of the most talked-about holiday series of the year. Its blend of heart, danger, and Christmas nostalgia continues to resonate with U.S. audiences who crave something more layered than the typical seasonal romance.
A Fresh Take on the Holiday Mystery Genre
The success of Mistletoe Murders lies in its balance—viewers get the warm glow of holiday television and the gripping satisfaction of a well-constructed mystery. It’s not just about who committed the crime—it’s about why, and what it means for the people left behind.
This season, the writing leans into emotion and moral dilemmas, asking viewers to consider how far one should go to protect a secret or save someone they love. Combined with its stunning winter cinematography and carefully placed clues, it’s a show designed to keep hearts racing long after the credits roll.
The quiet streets of Fletcher’s Grove may be covered in snow, but under the mistletoe, danger still lingers. What’s your theory—who’s really behind the latest murder? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more twists from Mistletoe Murders!