The Best 2020 Holiday Movies According to Sam Haskell

This year, there are dozens of excellent holiday movies waiting to premiere. The best thing about holiday movies is that they open viewers’ hearts to the possibilities of this special time of year. Many viewers look forward to these movies all year long and can’t wait to see the listings for this year’s offerings.

Sam Haskell, a film producer, has assembled this list of the top 13 holiday movies being released in 2020. No matter what your favorite type of holiday movie may be, you will find something heartwarming to watch on this list.

1. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (November 22, Netflix)

Dolly Parton executive produced this film along with Sam Haskell and Maria S. Schlatter who also serve as EPs. A wealthy but disaffected woman, Regina Fuller, owns the entire town of Fullerville. At Christmastime, she decides to sell the land to a mall developer, causing every family to be uprooted just in time for the holidays. Fortunately for the town, Regina meets a mysterious angel (Dolly Parton) who helps her see the meaning of family and community. Dolly Parton also wrote 14 original songs for this production.

2. On the 12th Date of Christmas (November 1, Hallmark Channel)

This movie stars Mallory Jansen and Tyler Hanes. They play game designers who believe they are completely incompatible. However, sparks begin to fly when they create a city-wide scavenger hunt themed by the “12 Days of Christmas.”

3. Holly & Ivy (November 1, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)

Nina is a mom who finds out that a serious illness has returned. She worries that her daughters, Holly and Ivy, will not be kept together if they are adopted after her passing. Her neighbor Melody (Janel Parrish) promises to keep the girls together. In order to keep them, she needs to renovate her fixer-upper. Contractor Adam (Jeremy Jordan) helps her with the house and becomes indispensable in other ways as well.

4. Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater (November 7, Hallmark Channel)

Ashley Williams plays single mom Maggie. She is facing Christmas alone. Lucas (Niall Matter) appears suddenly in her life and becomes an unexpected and unwanted houseguest. As the holiday season progresses, Maggie and Lucas find that they have more in common than they would have believed at first and enjoy spending Christmas together.

5. The Christmas Ring (November 7, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)

This mystery centers around a reporter played by Nazneen Contractor. The reporter is searching to discover the story of an antique engagement ring. Along the way, she befriends the grandson of the ring owner (David Alpay) and they learn about his grandparents’ legacy.

6. Christmas with the Darlings (November 8, Hallmark Channel)

As the holidays approach, young lawyer Jessica Lew (Katrina Law) is about to begin her high-powered career. She meets her boss’s handsome and charming younger brother (Carlo Marks) who is raising his orphaned nieces and nephew. Jessica and her boss’s brother bond over spending the holidays together.

7. The Christmas Bow (November 8, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries)

A classical violinist (Lucia Micarelli) is injured and cannot play. As she heals from her injuries, she reconnects with an old friend (Michael Rady) and their relationship turns romantic.

8. Cranberry Christmas (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, October 31)

A couple whose relationship has been on the rocks pretend to reunite and show off their marital happiness on national television. While they are doing this to help their town promote a successful Christmas festival, they are surprised to find that they still have feelings for each other.

9. Holidate (October 28, Netflix)

Sloane and Jackson have problems with Christmas. Not only is the celebration unbelievably cheesy, but everyone expects them to have a date for every holiday party. The two friends, played by Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, decide that they will be each other’s plus one for the entire season. As they spend more time together, they realize that their platonic relationship could be developed into romance.

10. One Royal Holiday (October 31, Hallmark Channel)

In the midst of a blizzard, Anna takes in a mother (Victoria Clark) and her son (Aaron Tvelt). As she gets to know her houseguests, she discovers that the mother and son are part of the Royal Family of Gatwick. Surprised, Anna helps the Prince to learn what it means to celebrate a small-town Christmas and to explore the possibility of a romantic relationship.

11. The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (November 25, Netflix)

This highly anticipated sequel sees the return of Kurt Russell as Santa Claus and Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus must help Kate, one of the children from the first movie who has grown into a cynical teen, restore her love of Christmas. A troublemaker also wants to interfere with the happy celebrations.

12. Chateau Christmas (October 25, Hallmark Channel)

In this music-filled movie, Merritt Patterson stars as Margot, a well-known classical pianist. She travels back to her home, Chateau Newhaus, to spend the holidays with her family. Together with her ex, played by Luke Macfarlane, Margot rediscovers her joy in music and the possibilities of Christmas.

13. The Princess Switch: Switched Again (November 19, Netflix)

The Princess Switch was hugely popular in 2018 when it was released. Fans have been looking forward to seeing Vanessa Hudgens’ next turn as Duchess Margaret and her commoner look-alike Stacy. Duchess Margaret has unexpectedly inherited the throne, and she needs Stacy’s help to meet her new responsibilities.

Everything would be going smoothly if it weren’t for a third look-alike, Fiona, who creates chaos and interrupts their plans.

Holiday Movies for Everyone

These 13 great movies will help viewers enjoy the holiday season. Spend some time checking out the holiday movie listings and find some new favorites to watch with your loved ones.