As the holiday season unfolds, audiences across the U.S. are cozying up for a wave of fresh festive films. From rom-coms to musical comedies and heartwarming tales, the upcoming new Christmas movies 2025 lineup is packed. Here’s a curated look at the standout releases streaming and airing now — perfect for your holiday watch list.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for 2025 Holiday Viewing
A Merry Little Ex-Mas
This rom-com from Netflix made its debut on November 12, 2025. It follows a divorcing couple who attempt to give their children one final “normal” Christmas together. But when the husband’s new girlfriend arrives, chaos and comedy ensue. The film delivers holiday charm tinged with real-life family complications and the risk of new romance.
Jingle Bell Heist
Released November 26 on Netflix, this Christmas romantic-comedy spin gives the season a playful caper twist. The film stars Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells as two unlikely partners forced to team up in a luxury department-store heist. Expect romance, wit, and holiday hijinks, all wrapped up in festive vibes.
My Secret Santa
Coming to Netflix on December 3, 2025, this film offers a heartwarming — and slightly unconventional — holiday narrative. The central character, a single mother, disguises herself as an elderly man to land a job as a mall Santa, hoping to provide Christmas for her daughter. As you might expect, things get complicated when romance enters the scene.
Unexpected Christmas
For those who like their holiday watches with a dose of comedy and chaos, Unexpected Christmas hit theaters November 7, 2025. The film blends humor and family drama as surprise guests threaten to derail a holiday reunion — making it a festive choice if you want laughs mixed with heartfelt moments.
More Holiday Films Lighting Up Screens in 2025
This season’s surge includes offerings from major networks and streaming platforms beyond Netflix. The likes of Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and others have rolled out dozens of festive titles. The 2025 slate includes romantic comedies, family dramas, musicals, and lighthearted comedies — ensuring there’s something for every holiday mood.
Notably, the streaming surge and network scheduling make this one of the most robust seasons in recent years for holiday movies in the U.S., offering more variety than typical single-network lineups.
Why 2025 Is a Standout Year for Holiday Films
- Diverse genres: From heist-comedies and unconventional rom-coms to musical laughter and heartfelt family stories, this season isn’t limited to the “typical” Christmas formula.
- Big names and familiar brands: The return of popular actors and bands — along with major distribution through Netflix, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and other platforms — boosts visibility and variety.
- Streaming meets tradition: While streaming dominates, classic holiday-film channels continue to premiere new titles almost nightly, offering a blend of digital convenience and nostalgic holiday vibes.
How to Plan Your Holiday Watching
- Start with the streaming-exclusive releases like A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Jingle Bell Heist, My Secret Santa, and Unexpected Christmas.
- Check network guides (Hallmark, Lifetime, etc.) for weekly premieres — especially if you enjoy more traditional holiday romance or family-friendly tales.
- Mix genres — a romantic comedy one night, a feel-good family film the next — to keep your holiday watchlist fresh and fun.
Take advantage of the holiday cheer and enjoy these fresh festive films with friends or family. And if you discover a hidden gem worth sharing, drop a comment — I’d love to hear your favorites!