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Home · Entertainment

All The New Holiday Magic We're Watching On Screen This Season

Kelly Rowland, Tamera Mowry-Housely, Vivica A. Fox and many more stars shine oh so bright in these Christmas films and specials.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Christmas Comes Twice starring Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tamera Mowry-Housely | Hallmark
By Michelle Matos-Becerra · Updated December 6, 2020

Sssssh! Listen, do you hear that? Those are sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling, y’all. As fluffy little marshmallows drop into brimming hot cocoa-filled mugs, it’s clear that the best part of a very crazy year is upon us. Yes, it’s Watch-Anything-Christmas Time! 

If you are Christmas-obsessed like yours truly, then ‘tis the season for you. It seems like every network, streaming service and cable channel is bringing the spirit of the season to our living rooms through heartwarming, exciting soon to be new holiday favorites. There’s sure to be lots of fun, laughter, singing and tears as you watch your way through these movies, specials and more. Here’s a tip: grab your tissues, trust me.

01
The Christmas Doctor (Hallmark)
Hallmark staple Holly Robinson Peete stars as Dr. Alicia Wright, who, while on an assignment away from home, is pursued by a mysterious man (Adrian Holmes) from her past on a quest to find her. And he brings with him a revelation that could change Alicia’s life forever.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Hallmark
02
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (Netflix)
Three words. Hot. Chocolate. Nutcracker! Shondaland strikes again with an uplifting look at Debbie Allen and the gifted students of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) as they reimagine the classic Christmas ballet. See and feel the hard work and dedication behind making this annual L.A. event comes to life. I think we’ll need some tissues for this one.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker | Courtesy of Netflix
03
LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (Disney)
Disney+ brings the celebrity bling (including Billy Dee Williams and Rosie Tran) to the Star Wars galaxy for the ultimate holiday family reunion that finds Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose and the droids ready to celebrate Life Day. When Rey sets off on a quest with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of The Force, they are hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through Star Wars history. Will she be back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of the holiday spirit? Have to see, you will!
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Disney
04
Top Elf, Season 2 (Nickelodeon)
If you want feel-good fun wrapped up in that good Christmas paper, check out seven young “Elf-testants” who compete in fun Christmas challenges to be the “Top Elf” and win $25,000 for charity. Judges include Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered host Jay Pharoah.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Nickelodeon
05
A Christmas Tree Grows in Colorado (Hallmark) 11/24
With her eye on the perfect tree for the town’s holiday celebration, the head of town Christmas event planning Erin (Rochelle Aytes) is determined to win over the tree’s owner, firefighter Kevin (Mark Taylor). Or will he win her over in this romantic Christmas tale?
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Hallmark
06
Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding (Lifetime) 11/28
Kelly Rowland’s introduction into the “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime Christmas” movie slate last year was so successful that The Liddle clan is back again! This time Jacquie (Rowland) and now financé Chris (Thomas Cadrot) are gearing up for their holiday wedding, but not without the requisite Liddle family drama. Directed by Sharon Lewis, and also starring Debbie Morgan, LaTonya Willams and Bresha Webb.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
A+E Networks
07
The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular (Nickelodeon) 11/28
This star-studded special features Gabriel Iglesias, Jay Pharoah, Tisha Campbell, Trevor Noah and Young Dylan! Plus, musical performances by JoJo Siwa, That Girl Lay Lay, Ne-Yo and original comedy sketches from shows across Nickelodeon favorites! What?? The kids will have to make room on the couch for you on this one.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Nickelodeon
08
Our OWN Christmas (OWN) 12/1
Megan Good and Devon Franklin serve as hosts for this uplifting holiday gospel special, featuring The Clark Sisters, Boyz II Men, Ne-Yo, Erica Campbell, Kierra Sheard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Le’Andria Johnson and more. Get ready to get into the true faith and spirit of the season.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
OWN
09
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV+) — 12/4
Remember that picture Mariah posted of directors’ chairs with the initials AG and JH that almost broke the Internet? Well now we know what that was about! With a holiday cheer crisis in full swing, the North Pole calls on Santa’s bestie, Mariah Carey, to save the day. Combining musical performances, dancing and animation (the Peanuts Gang!!), the undisputed Queen of Christmas jumps into action to create a holiday fantasy that will have us all singing “All I want for Christmas is more of this holiday special.” Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris star. Plus, we get to hear new collabs including the long-anticipated one between Mariah, Ariana and Jennifer, “Oh Santa.”
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
AppleTV+
10
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Apple TV+) — 12/4
Remember that picture Mariah posted of directors’ chairs with the initials AG and JH that almost broke the Internet? Well now we know what that was about! With a holiday cheer crisis in full swing, the North Pole calls on Santa’s bestie, Mariah Carey, to save the day. Combining musical performances, dancing and animation (the Peanuts Gang!!), the undisputed Queen of Christmas jumps into action to create a holiday fantasy that will have us all singing “All I want for Christmas is more of this holiday special.” Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris star. Plus, we get to hear new collabs including the long-anticipated one between Mariah, Ariana and Jennifer, “Oh Santa.”
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
11
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) 12/5
In Hallmark’s annual return to the idyllic town of Evergreen, Michelle’s (Holly Robinson Peete) wedding approaches, Hannah (Rukiya Bernard) steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot (Antonio Cayonne).
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Hallmark
12
Let’s Meet Again on Christmas Eve (Lifetime) 12/5
Broken-up College sweethearts (Kyla Pratt and Brookes Darnell) make a pact to meet again on Christmas Eve in two years, but only one shows up! Fate makes them face their past when years later they are both hired to plan a Christmas Eve wedding.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
A + E Networks
13
Christmas Surprise (BET+) 12/5
A daughter comes home from college toting a surprise finance and his overbearing family. We can only imagine the hilarity that ensues as wedding planning gets underway in this new original holiday comedy starring Wendy Raquel Robinson, Keesha Sharp, Will Blagrove, Katelynn Bennett and Mustapha Slack.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
BET+
14
Holiday Heartbreak (BET) 12/6
Comedian Michael Colyar plays a loving father whose womanizing past ends up putting a love curse on his daughter (Maryam Basir). Now, this is a new spin on a holiday movie!
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
BET
15
A Christmas For Mary (OWN) 12/8
Lena (Morgan Dixon) is tasked by her magazine editor, boss Vivian Vaye (Vivica A. Fox), to deliver the perfect story by Christmas. Intrigued by a portrait of a mysterious woman painted by her late grandfather, Lena journeys to the small town of Pineville, and with her mother’s mother’s (Jackée Harry) blessing and support, she uncovers a long-ago forgotten tale of young love.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
OWN Communications
16
High School Musical: The Musical—The Holiday Special (Disney+) 12/11
The series cast gathers for this holiday episode to fill your ears with amazing music and, most importantly, the holiday spirit! Starring Dara Renee, Olivia Rodrigo and Sofia Wylie.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Disney+ Eric McCandless
17
Christmas Comes Twice (Hallmark) 12/13
Successful astrophysicist (Tamera Mowry-Housley) can’t stop thinking about the one who got away (Michael Xavier) five years ago. A Christmas carnival’s magical carousel takes her back to that same carnival five years ago, and she has a chance at love again before she must return to Christmas present. Sheryl Lee Ralph also stars.
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
Hallmark
18
Cooking Up Christmas (OWN) 12/15
After ATL-based chef Chloe (Meagan Holder) loses her job right before Christmas, she unwillingly takes a job as a live-in chef for a single dad of three (Lamman Rucker). While saving up to open her dream restaurant, she finds herself wrapped in the family dynamics. Just as the holidays come to an end and her lifelong dream may finally come true, she learns that the heart has a mind of its own. Kids, a cute dad, and good Southern cooking, now that’s a Christmas recipe to try out!
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
OWN Communications
19
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas with Vanessa Williams (PBS) 12/15
The rich iconic album of holiday classics by the great Ella Fitzgerald is the star of this fantastic celebration featuring the incomparable Vanessa Williams along with appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Norm Lewis, Carmen Ruby Floyd, Nova Payton, Dave Detwiler, and Morgan James. Leave it to PBS to give us what’s good for our souls!
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
PBS
20
First Christmas (OWN) 12/22
Writer Halle Downing (Idara Victor) is invited to spend Christmas in New Orleans with the biological family she never knew she had. While welcomed with open arms by her grandmother (Tonea Stewart), she struggles to find her place in an already tight-knit family. As she helps one of her siblings (Samantha Smith) find a way to introduce her new girlfriend (Amanda Tavarez) to the family, she learns how to embrace and celebrate her first holiday with her newfound family and the help of a special gift. Definitely, need tissues here!
All The New Holiday Magic We’re Watching On Screen This Season
OWN Communications
TOPICS:  Black Christmas movies christmas movie holiday movie
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