Sip, Sleigh, and Smile: The Best Hallmark Christmas Movies of 2017
Alright, guys, buckle up! We're about to dive into the warm, fuzzy world of Hallmark Christmas movies, and we're starting with a blast from the past – the best Hallmark Christmas movies of 2017. So grab your hot cocoa, get comfy, and let's get this sleigh ride started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and hallmark christmas movies 2017.
The Magic of 2017
2017 was a magical year for Hallmark Christmas movies, with a whopping 33 new films added to their already extensive collection. With so many to choose from, we've done the hard work for you and picked out the crème de la crème. So, let's get right into it!
#1 A Royal Christmas** – The Princess Diaries Meets Christmas
If you're a sucker for royal romances, then A Royal Christmas is the perfect stocking stuffer for you. This enchanting tale follows Emilie, a humble seamstress, who finds herself in a whirlwind romance with Prince Richard. But as the snow begins to fall, so do the secrets, and Emilie must decide if she's ready to trade her cozy life for a crown.
#2 The Sweetest Christmas** – Baking Up a Storm
If you've got a sweet tooth, you're gonna love The Sweetest Christmas. This heartwarming flick follows Kylie, a talented pastry chef who moves back home to compete in a prestigious baking competition. But as she whips up delicious treats and reconnects with her family, she also finds herself stirring up some old feelings for her high school sweetheart, *Sam.
#3 Finding Santa** – A Christmas Caper
Get ready for a Christmas caper with Finding Santa. When Samantha, a hardworking event planner, is tasked with finding a last-minute Santa for a children's Christmas party, she ends up on a wild goose chase that leads her straight to *Nick, a handsome stranger with a mysterious past. Together, they must unwrap the truth and save Christmas – one hilarious misadventure at a time.
#4 Christmas at Pemberley Manor** – Pride and Prejudice Meets Christmas
If you're a fan of Jane Austen, you're gonna adore Christmas at Pemberley Manor. This charming tale is a modern-day twist on Pride and Prejudice, following Elizabeth, a talented event planner, as she travels to the picturesque Pemberley Manor to organize a Christmas festival. But as she works alongside the handsome and aloof *William Darcy, she begins to see that there's more to him – and to Christmas – than meets the eye.
#5 The Christmas Cottage** – Painting a Picture of Love
Get ready to be charmed by The Christmas Cottage. This enchanting story follows Lizzie, a talented painter who returns to her quaint hometown to find inspiration. As she sets up her easel in the cozy little cottage next door, she finds herself drawn to her handsome neighbor, Jack. But as the snow begins to fall, so do the secrets, and Lizzie must decide if she's ready to paint a future with Jack.
The Hallmark Christmas Movie Formula: A Secret Recipe
So, what's the secret to a perfect Hallmark Christmas movie? Is it the cozy small towns, the handsome strangers, or the heartwarming holiday spirit? The truth is, it's all of the above – and so much more! Hallmark has a special recipe for creating the perfect Christmas confection, and we're about to spill the beans.
The Ingredients
*1. A Strong Female Lead – Every Hallmark Christmas movie needs a heroine who's smart, kind, and just a little bit flawed. She's the glue that holds the story together, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand – or a listening ear.
*2. A Handsome Stranger – What's a Christmas movie without a little romance? Hallmark's leading men are always charming, kind, and just a little bit mysterious. They're the perfect embodiment of the Christmas spirit – and the perfect leading man for our heroine.
*3. A Cozy Small Town – There's nothing quite like the charm of a small town at Christmas. From twinkling lights to snow-covered streets, Hallmark's Christmas movies always transport us to a world where the holidays are magical – and the townsfolk are always welcoming.
*4. A Holiday Crisis – Every Hallmark Christmas movie needs a crisis that threatens to ruin the holidays – and our hero's happiness. But don't worry, our heroine and her leading man always find a way to overcome the odds and save the day.
*5. A Heartwarming Message – At the heart of every Hallmark Christmas movie is a message about the true meaning of the holidays. Whether it's the importance of family, the power of forgiveness, or the joy of giving, these movies always leave us feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The Method
Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to mix them together and create the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie. And here's the secret – it's all about the storytelling. Hallmark's writers are masters of the art, weaving together heartwarming tales that are equal parts romance, comedy, and drama. They know just how to balance the sweet with the savory, creating a Christmas confection that's both satisfying and satisfyingly predictable.
The Hallmark Christmas Movie Marathon: A Guide
So, you've got your list of must-watch Hallmark Christmas movies, and you're ready to dive in. But where do you start? And how do you make sure you've got everything you need for the ultimate movie marathon? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
The Essentials
*1. Comfortable Couch – This is your command center for the next few hours, so make sure it's cozy and inviting. Pillows, blankets, and maybe even a throw rug will help you get into the Christmas spirit – and keep you warm while you watch.
*2. Snacks – No movie marathon is complete without snacks, and a Hallmark Christmas movie marathon is no exception. Think classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and hot cocoa – or, you know, a whole bucket of popcorn if that's more your style.
*3. Cozy Clothes – Dress the part with your favorite holiday PJs, a cozy sweater, or a festive onesie. Whatever you choose, make sure it's comfortable and ready for a marathon.
*4. Christmas Music – Set the mood with some classic Christmas tunes. From Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, there's a soundtrack for every taste – and every Hallmark movie marathon.
*5. A Warm Blanket – When the snow starts falling on screen, you'll want to wrap yourself up in a warm blanket. It's the perfect way to stay cozy – and keep the Christmas spirit alive.
The Schedule
Now that you've got everything you need, it's time to plan your movie marathon schedule. Here's a suggested lineup to get you started:
1. 12:00 PM – Start with a Classic – Kick things off with a Hallmark Christmas movie classic, like A Royal Christmas or The Christmas Cottage*. These movies are perfect for setting the tone and getting you in the holiday spirit.
*2. 2:00 PM – Lunch Break – Take a break for lunch and refuel with some holiday-inspired eats. Think turkey and cranberry sandwiches, mini quiches, or a festive charcuterie board.
3. 3:00 PM – Something Sweet – After lunch, it's time for something sweet – both on and off screen. Movies like The Sweetest Christmas and Romance at Reindeer Lodge* are the perfect picks for this slot.
*4. 5:00 PM – Snack Break – Time for another snack break! This is the perfect opportunity to whip up some holiday-inspired appetizers, like mini meatballs, spinach and artichoke dip, or a festive cheese platter.
5. 6:00 PM – Dinner and a Movie – It's dinnertime, and what better way to enjoy your meal than with a Hallmark Christmas movie? Try Finding Santa or Christmas at Pemberley Manor* for a fun and festive dinner companion.
6. 8:00 PM – Dessert and a Movie – After dinner, it's time for dessert – and another Hallmark movie, of course. Christmas in Evergreen and Christmas in the Air* are both sweet and satisfying choices.
7. 10:00 PM – Wrap it Up – As the night winds down, it's time to watch the final movie in your marathon. Christmas Homecoming and Christmas Next Door* are both heartwarming choices that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The Hallmark Christmas Movie Effect: A Phenomenon
So, why are Hallmark Christmas movies so popular? And why do we keep coming back year after year? The truth is, there's something magical about these movies – something that speaks to our hearts and our souls.
The Comfort of Tradition
Hallmark Christmas movies are a tradition – one that we look forward to every year. They're a reminder of the holidays past, and a promise of the holidays to come. They're the warm hug we all need during the coldest time of the year.
The Power of Escape
These movies transport us to a world where the snow is always falling, the trees are always trimmed, and the hot cocoa is always hot. They're a welcome escape from the stresses of everyday life – a chance to pause, breathe, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.
The Joy of Predictability
Hallmark Christmas movies are predictable – and that's part of their charm. We know that the handsome stranger will turn out to be the perfect match, and that the holiday crisis will be resolved in time for the big Christmas party. And that's okay – because it's not about the surprise, it's about the journey.
The Magic of Christmas
At their heart, Hallmark Christmas movies are about the magic of Christmas – the joy, the hope, the love. They remind us of the true meaning of the holidays, and they inspire us to spread that magic to those around us.