Holiday movies truly nourish the soul, which is why we can’t resist them! With heartwarming stories, feel-good moments and a glimpse (or more!) of Santa, these films bring joy and cheer during the festive season.
This season is especially sweet on-screen, with Eddie Murphy again collaborating with director Reginald Hudlin, this time on the new holiday adventure Candy Cane Lane, and the magical pairing of Ludacris and Lil Rel Howery in Dashing Through the Snow.
Grab your cocoa and sit back for these five holiday movies you won’t want to miss this season.
Best. Christmas. Ever!
November 16 (NETFLIX)
Brandy Norwood stars as Jackie, whose life seems golden thanks to her annual, perfectly crafted holiday newsletter. It’s enough to drive any frenemy crazy. That’s exactly what has happened to her friend Charlotte, who arrives at Jackie’s home unexpectedly during the holiday season, ready to prove that Jackie’s life can’t be as picture-perfect as her Christmas card greeting. But Jackie soon reveals that friendship is the best gift in all its imperfections.
Dashing Through the Snow
November 17 (Disney+)
Eddie Garrick (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas, thanks to uncomfortable events of Christmases past. But when this Atlanta-based social worker and his adorable daughter meet a man claiming to be Santa (Lil Rel Howery), Eddie’s faith will be tested. He and his daughter go on a wild goose chase, helping save Santa from a bunch of thugs out to steal holiday joy.
Candy Cane Lane
December 1 (Prime Video)
Determined to win his block’s Christmas home decoration contest, Chris, played by Eddie Murphy, signs a dubious contract with a mischievous elf named Pepper. When Pepper brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, Chris has to complete seemingly impossible tasks to save himself from a shocking consequence. Luckily, his family, including his devoted wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), is right by his side to battle magical characters and save Christmas for the whole town.
Heaven Down Here
December 14 (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
Phylicia Rashad stars in this story of disparate people stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town. Playing an obstinate patient whose daughter is moving away, she questions her place in the world. The rest of the group includes a widowed mother who reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift with her Grinchy boss, a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners and Clara, Rashad’s hospice nurse. Through bickering and bonding, they ultimately provide each other with the answers to their respective prayers.
A Christmas Intern
December 16 (Lifetime)
After surprising her offspring with a visit during the holiday season, VP of marketing retiree Cecilia (Jackée Harry) discovers that her daughter’s online gift-giving business isn’t making a profit and may be at the mercy of a larger corporation run by Charlotte (Vivica A. Fox). To help her daughter save the company—and get back in the game of life—Cecilia becomes an intern at the company.
