The 2025 Hallmark Christmas Movie Schedule: 7 Shocking New Films And The Missing Stars That Have Fans Worried
The Hallmark Channel’s annual "Countdown to Christmas" is back, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about in the network’s history. As of December 23, 2025, the channel has officially announced a massive slate of 24 new, original holiday movies, promising the familiar blend of cozy romance, small-town charm, and festive cheer that millions of viewers crave. However, this year’s lineup is not just about the movies on the schedule; it’s also about the surprising shifts in star power and the groundbreaking themes that are finally taking center stage, injecting a much-needed dose of freshness into the beloved holiday programming.
The 2025 "Countdown to Christmas" begins in mid-October, specifically starting on Saturday, October 18, 2025, setting the tone for two months of non-stop holiday programming. This season introduces several films that break the traditional mold, from a Christmas-themed whodunit to a movie featuring a married lesbian couple, showcasing Hallmark's continued evolution in storytelling and diversity. But as new faces and themes arrive, the notable absence of several long-time fan favorites has created a buzz of curiosity and concern among the dedicated fanbase.
The Complete 2025 Hallmark Christmas Movie Lineup: New Themes and Must-Watch Premieres
The 2025 schedule is packed with the classic Christmas romance stories Hallmark is famous for, but the network is clearly experimenting with new genres and deeper, more contemporary storylines. This year’s 24 new films will air across the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, featuring a mix of returning fan-favorites and exciting new talent.
The Groundbreaking and Genre-Bending Films of 2025
These four movies are generating the most buzz for their unique plots, signaling a significant shift in Hallmark’s creative direction:
- Mistletoe Murders: The Christmas Whodunit
This film is a major departure from the typical holiday fare, introducing a Christmas mystery genre to the lineup. It follows Emily Lane, the optimistic owner of a charming, year-round Christmas-themed store, who must solve a holiday-themed crime. This move into the "whodunit" territory is a creative risk that could draw in a new audience looking for a festive twist on the classic cozy mystery. - The Christmas Baby: A Story of Modern Love
Easily the most talked-about film of the season, The Christmas Baby stars Ali Liebert and Katherine Barrell as a married lesbian couple. The plot centers on their journey as a couple whose lives are changed by a new addition to their family. This movie represents a major milestone in the network's commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering a story of love and family that resonates with a broader audience. - A Royal Montana Christmas: The Elevated Romance
Kicking off the season early, this film is set to premiere on Saturday, October 18. It blends the ever-popular "royal" trope with the rugged charm of a Montana setting, suggesting a high-production-value romance that mixes two of the network's most successful sub-genres: royalty and small-town America. - She's Making a List: A Long-Awaited Reunion
This movie reunites two major Hallmark stars, including Lacey Chabert, in a film that is highly anticipated by the core fanbase. The title suggests a classic "to-do list" or "bucket list" plot, a reliable formula for heartwarming holiday stories.
Other highly anticipated premieres on the 2025 schedule include A Christmas Angel Match, An Alpine Holiday, A Suite Holiday Romance, and A Newport Christmas, starring Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown, which has been described as having "Kate & Leopold vibes."
The Star Power: Who is In and Who is Shockingly Missing?
The Hallmark Christmas film universe is built on the shoulders of its recurring actors, who have become synonymous with the holiday season. While many fan favorites are returning, the 2025 lineup has a few notable absences that have caused a stir among viewers, prompting discussions about their future with the network.
The Returning Hall of Famers
The 2025 "Countdown to Christmas" still features a powerful ensemble of established stars, ensuring a familiar and comforting viewing experience. Key returning actors include:
- Lacey Chabert: Often dubbed the "Queen of Christmas," Chabert is confirmed to star in at least one new film, She's Making a List, continuing her record-breaking tenure as a Hallmark staple.
- Jonathan Bennett: A champion for diverse representation, Bennett is back in the lineup, bringing his signature charm to a new holiday story.
- Tamera Mowry-Housley: A consistent presence in recent years, Mowry-Housley is set to star in one of the new premieres.
- Brandon Routh: The former Superman star is confirmed to be part of the 2025 roster, adding a touch of mainstream celebrity power.
- Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach, and Ginna Claire Mason: These actors, known for their reliable performances in Christmas romance, are also confirmed to be starring in new movies.
The Shocking List of Missing Stars
The biggest point of curiosity and concern for the 2025 season is the noticeable absence of several actors who have historically been central to the "Countdown to Christmas" programming. Fans have taken to social media to express their worry over the whereabouts of these beloved figures.
- Brennan Elliott: One of the most significant omissions, Elliott has been a cornerstone of the network's holiday programming for years, and his absence from the 2025 schedule has been a major talking point.
- Bethany Joy Lenz: Another popular star whose name is not on the list, leading fans to question her future involvement with the network.
- Hunter King, Aimee Teegarden, and Kimberley Sustad: These actresses, who have built strong followings through their previous Hallmark roles, are also reportedly "missing" from the 2025 lineup, making the season feel "different" to long-time viewers.
While some of these stars may have commitments with competing networks like Great American Family (GAF) or simply opted out for the year, their collective absence has fueled speculation and added a layer of intrigue to the 2025 season.
The Future of Hallmark Christmas Movies: Diversity and Genre Expansion
The 2025 Christmas movie slate is a clear indicator that the Hallmark Channel is actively broadening its appeal beyond its traditional, often criticized, homogenous template. The inclusion of *The Christmas Baby*, with its focus on a married lesbian couple, is a crucial step in representing modern families and relationships. This focus on diverse storylines is not just a trend; it’s becoming a foundational element of the network's programming strategy to maintain relevance and attract a younger, more diverse audience.
Furthermore, the introduction of a genre film like *Mistletoe Murders* suggests a willingness to experiment with the format. By weaving in elements of mystery and other genres, Hallmark is attempting to keep the Christmas movie formula fresh and unpredictable. This expansion is vital for the network as it competes with streaming giants like Netflix and other cable channels that are also heavily invested in the holiday movie market.
As the "Countdown to Christmas 2025" unfolds, viewers can expect not only the comforting familiarity of holiday traditions but also exciting new narratives and complex characters. Whether you tune in for the classic romance, the groundbreaking diversity, or the cozy whodunit, the 2025 Hallmark Christmas film schedule offers something for every holiday movie enthusiast, even as fans hold out hope for the return of their favorite missing stars.
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