Wrap-Up Of 2023 Hallmark Channel Countdown To Christmas Movies. As the 2023 Countdown to Christmas wraps up for the season, I’d like to take a look back at them. Beginning back on October 20th, Hallmark started airing their 24-hour airings of all things Christmas movies.
Between the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, there were 40 new movies. And yes, I have watched each and every one of them. I am here to tell you which ones are worth watching or rewatching and which I’d probably skip next year.
Let’s take a look at the 9 Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Miracle Of Christmas movies. ‘Ms Christmas Comes To Town’ kicked it off and ended with ‘Miracle In Bethlehem, PA.’ I truly enjoyed these movies. I would recommend 8 of these on repeat. I feel like I need a rating system. Maybe Candy Canes for the holidays.
Related: Honest Review – Hallmark’s ‘Heaven Down Here’ Brings The Holiday Feels
‘Ms Christmas Comes To Town’ – A shopping channel host known as Ms. Christmas receives a terminal diagnosis, which inspires a multi-city excursion set to spread Christmas cheer before her farewell broadcast. This movie stars beloved Hallmark regulars Erica Durance (Amanda/Ms. Holiday), Brennan Elliott (Travis/Mr. Winters), and Barbara Niven (Gale/Ms. Christmas.) I found this to be charming. I’d give this 3.5 Candy Canes out of 5.
‘My Christmas Guide’ – A single dad who suddenly loses his sight bonds with the trainer of his new guide dog. Starring Amber Marshall (Peyton Lewis), Ben Mehl (Trevor Donovan), and Ava Weiss (Annie Donovan). This movie was worth a watch but I probably wouldn’t revisit it. 2 out of 5 Candy Canes.
‘Mystery On Mistletoe Lane’ – New to town, Heidi Wicks and her kids discover a Christmas mystery in their historic home. Local handyman and historian David helps along the way, finding his own surprising connection. This stars Erica Cerra (Heidi Wicks), Victor Webster (David), Fred Henderson (Wallace), Juliette Hawk (Annie), and Logan Pierce (Garrett). I loved this one and will be rewatching it for a long time. 5 out of 5 Candy Canes.
‘A World Record Christmas’ – At Christmastime, an autistic teen who attempts to set the Guinness World Record for stacking Jenga blocks brings his community and family together for a holiday they’ll never forget. Starring fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (Marissa Parson), Lucas Bryant (Eric Parsons), and Aias Dalman (Charlie Parsons). This is another personal favorite of mine. We are an Autism family and I appreciated this one. Another 5 out of 5 Candy Canes from me.
‘A Season For Family’ – Maddy’s adopted son Wesley has just one Christmas wish: to meet his brother Cody, who was adopted into a different family. Cody’s father Paul is a widower who is not ready to have this conversation with his son, so he turns down a meeting. However, circumstances bring the two brothers unknowingly together and they become fast friends, while sparks fly between Maddy and Paul. Starring Brendan Penny (Paul), Stacey Farber (Maddy), Benjamin Jacobson (Wesley), and Azriel Dalman (Cody). This was a feel-good movie that I really enjoyed. I’d give this a 4 out of 5 Candy Canes.
‘Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas’ – Facing her first Christmas without her mother and looking to avoid loneliness, Carly accepts a short-term job to lead a small-town church choir’s Christmas program. She stumbles across clues that suggest she may have been brought here for a life-changing reason.
As the mystery unravels one thing is clear, this journey will teach Carly about true love, learning to trust, and that forgiveness is needed to finally heal. This is another venture into the Time For series by executive producer Blake Shelton. Starring Shenae Grimes (Carly Bridges) and Chris Carmack (Matthew Wheeler). This was good but there were better in the Time For Series. I’d give it a 3.5 out or 5 Candy Canes.
‘To All A Good Night’ – A small-town photographer saves the life of a mysterious man who may just be in town to buy her family’s parkland – which is also the location of the annual Christmas celebration. Starring one of my favorites, Kimberley Sustad (Ceci) and Mark Ghanimé (Sam). This was very uplifting and one that I would revisit. 4 out of 5 Candy Canes.
‘Heaven Down Here’ – A Christmas Eve snowstorm strands four disparate people in a diner overnight. While no one planned to be away from their loved ones, it turns out each of them was exactly where they needed to be. Starring Krystal Joy Brown (Imani), Tina Lifford (Clara), Phylicia Rashad (Nancy), Ruan Riedinger (Felix), and Richard Harmon (Dan). This was a definite watch for me. 4.5 out of 5 Candy Canes.
‘Miracle In Bethlehem, PA’ – When newly adoptive mother Mary Ann and her newborn daughter are stranded in Bethlehem, PA, due to a storm, they’re given shelter by Joe, a local whose sister runs the inn. They start out as strangers but turn out to be the unexpected answers to each other’s prayers. Starring Laura Vandervoort (Mary Ann) and Benjamin Ayres (Joe). This one is sure to give you all the Christmas feels. 4.5 out of 5 Candy Canes.
With that, we wrap up Hallmark Movies & Mysteries new movies for this year’s Miracle of Christmas. I have to say overall these were mostly hits for me. Furthermore, be sure to check back on The FUNatics Blog for our wrap-up of the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown To Christmas Movies 2023.
