As the holidays roll around, the celebrations ramp up. Cozy recipes come out of hibernation, the decorations go up and everything feels a little more magical. And nothing is more magical, perhaps, than the annual Hallmark Countdown to Christmas. Every year, Hallmark treats us to a full schedule of brand new movies that are full of Christmas spirit.
This year, I wanted to add to that spirit of celebration. So, I looked through our archives and found a Taste of Home recipe collection that corresponds to each of the new movies. Hopefully, you can find a fun recipe to try as you settle in for each film. Whether you watch the movies live or save them up for a cozy day of binge-watching, it’s time to gather your family and celebrate.
Without further ado, here is your Hallmark Christmas movie food pairing. I’ve listed them in order of premiere date so you can plan ahead. Wine is optional, but blankets and candles are not. Enjoy!
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TASTE OF HOME
Saturday, 10/25: Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!
An optimistic weatherman reconnects with his high school sweetheart and wants to send a little extra Christmas cheer her way. It sounds like Ted Cooper is one to embrace the coziness of a rainy day, even during the holidays.
I hope you finished all your chores so you can tuck in for not one but three movies today: Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane, Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane and Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane are all playing. It goes without saying that you will need a slice of cherry pie for this lineup!
Two soldiers have been bitter rivals ever since basic training. Years later, they’re assigned to work on Christmas together. Can they set aside their differences? Was there something else hidden under all that competitive spirit? Would they enjoy a meal fit for a Civil War soldier? Okay, the last one will not be addressed in the movie, but you can tell me that.
A woman from the past finds herself in 2025 and meets a handsome young man who will help her go back to her time. But will their connection be able to handle the strain of a 100-year difference in their lives? As a big fan of time travel romance, this is the movie I’m looking forward to the most!
Ah, the classic holiday movie problem: This busy business executive is just too busy for friends, family and holidays! She decides to skip the whole thing with a vacation…until she’s visited by some people who want to change her mind. If you’re as busy as she is, then you will love a quick meal that won’t delay your movie viewing.
Sometimes the holidays have family tensions running pretty high. So, what else is there to do than book a river cruise in Germany and Austria? That’s what the Keller family does in this movie, and now you can eat vicariously through them.
When family members start drifting off and starting their own lives, it becomes a little bit harder to get into the Christmas spirit. That’s why the Brenner brothers decide they need to pull off an impressive Christmas celebration to help everyone reconnect. A little champagne might be in order too.
When a news anchor promises to deliver good news on Christmas Day, he knows he has his work cut out for him. Just like anyone who has ever been expected to make a big meal that “wows” your guests, there’s a lot on the line. No pressure, though—the recipe collection below will yield some seriously good bites. (Note: my mom made the zucchini cupcakes from this collection once, and they are now one of my all-time favorite desserts!)
Saturday, 11/22: Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story
Shoutout to the Bills Mafia for getting their very own Hallmark movie—complete with cameos from some actual Bills players. Two lifelong Bills fans find love in Buffalo during Christmas. Do you think they’ll serve wings at the wedding? (Blue cheese ONLY, no Ranch!)
This has one of my favorite premises for a movie, which is Mean Guy blocks Nice Woman from following her dreams. This time, it’s about the Nice Woman showcasing her glass-blown art at the local fair, which Mean Guy oversees. I am anticipating a romantic glass-blowing scene.
After the turkey nap wears off, you can tune in for this fun film. Think of missed connections, Christmas style. Two strangers share a perfect evening together and try to track each other down again.
Theater nerds, this movie is for you. A former Broadway star directs his niece’s Christmas Play, hoping to catch the eye of a producer in the audience. Judging from the title alone, I anticipate some snowy hijinks to ensue. But if you’re looking to impress your loved ones, look no further than this collection of showstoppers.
A blizzard hits on Christmas Eve, forcing an ER doctor and a cardiologist to work together and deliver four babies! It sounds exactly like the heartwarming film you’ll be craving after spending time with family for Thanksgiving. Bonus points if you have any “first” Thanksgivings this year!
Estranged sisters reunite for a Christmassy trip to the French Alps where they make good on their grandma’s last wish. Take yourself on a French food tour with a cozy coq au vin and homemade macarons (they’re easier than they look!).
A woman grieving the death of her father, a country music career on hold, Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry…it all sounds like not just the main character, but also us viewers need a big plate of comfort food. What’s a better way to do that than to dish up a Southern dinner?
For those of you with a competitive edge and a weakness for firemen, I have a feeling this might be at the top of your holiday watch list. A police sergeant agrees to organize her hometown’s team for the cup, but ends up having to put more than just her pride on the line to win.
If there was one movie on this list that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce would watch, I bet it’s this one about the owner of a cat cafe. Nothing could be cozier, so snuggle up with your loved ones, a warm drink and one of these coffee-flavored desserts.
Turns out, this year Santa needs a little help making his naughty and nice lists. So, he enlisted the help of Hallmark movie darling, Lacey Chabert. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you deserve a treat! In the spirit of list-making, it’s time to start planning out Christmas dinner!
While this movie title sounds slightly ominous, I have a feeling that our main character is not going to be single for very long. In fact, I’d argue that they won’t even stay single on the 25th! In the spirit of that hunch, I figured I would give you our best couples meals.
Two hotel guests start chatting it up at the lobby bar, and the rest is history. Well, maybe some slight misunderstandings and white lies get in the way, but that’s the fun part. This movie will be perfect for anyone who’s ever fallen in love on holiday—whether that’s with another person or a meal.
When a water main breaks in Temple Beth Am, they need a place to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah. They are welcomed by St. Joseph’s church across the street and decide to put on a concert, but the two choir directors are old childhood rivals. Can they put aside their differences and bring holiday love and joy to all?
Wow, this movie is certainly going to be one for the books. At least, that’s all I can say for now. I can’t find any plot details about this one from Hallmark, but I bet the channel has another holiday hit on its hands. In the meantime, soup goes with everything!
When a baby mysteriously shows up on the doorstep of a new couple, they have a lot more questions than answers. But caring for the baby amid the busy holiday season makes them realize what’s truly important in life and in love.
