6 Hallmark Christmas Movies That Are Based on Books
Forget ghosts and goblins. Halloween may still be on the horizon, but at Hallmark Channel, the holiday season is already in full swing. The network’s annual Countdown to Christmas programming event kicked off on October 16, with the first of nearly three dozen new movies that will air this year.
Where does Hallmark get its ideas for all those Christmas romances? Inspiration can come from anywhere, whether it’s a trip to Disney World, the love of an NFL team, or a real-life Christmas miracle. And sometimes, the source comes from a favorite book. Here are six heartwarming Hallmark holiday movies (plus one TV series) and the books that inspired them.
‘The Christmas Train’
Based on: The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
A cynical journalist (played by Dermot Mulroney) takes a cross-country train trip at Christmas. During his journey, he encounters quirky passengers, an old flame, and unexpected holiday romance. The star-studded cast of this 2017 movie also includes Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Danny Glover, and Joan Cusack.
‘Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe’
Based on: Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe by Melissa de la Cruz
This 2018 movie is based on a book inspired by a classic novel. Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe is a contemporary, gender-swapped twist on Jane Austen’s classic novel. Hallmark Christmas queen Lacey Chabert stars as Darcy, a successful businesswoman who returns home and reconnects with an old rival, Luke (Brendan Penny).
‘The Nine Lives of Christmas’
Based on: The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts
Cats and Christmas come together in this sweet holiday romance about a stray tabby cat that connects a veterinary student (Kimberly Sustad) with a commit-phobic firefighter (Brandon Routh) right before the holidays. This movie is a Hallmark fan favorite that eventually spawned a sequel, 2021’s The Nine Kittens of Christmas.
‘Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses’
Based on: Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale
A single mother named Abbey (Jill Wagner) is hired to decorate a wealthy businessman named Nick’s (Mattew Davis) estate for Christmas. Slowly, she brings warmth and holiday cheer back into his guarded life.
‘Jingle Bell Bride’
Based on: The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson
Wedding planner Jessica Perez’s (Julie Gonzalo) celebrity client wants a rare flower for their big day, so she travels to a remote town in Alaska in hopes of finding the special bloom. She’s charmed by the small town’s Christmas vibes, as well as the handsome local helping her (Ronnie Rowe Jr.)
‘Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane’
Based on: Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane by Mary Elizabeth McDonough
Alicia Witt plays Emma, who returns to her childhood home, along with her siblings, for one last Christmas. Their parents have died, and they’ve reluctantly decided to sell the house. But as Emma goes through her parents’ possession, she finds a hidden surprise that helps them discover the power of love and family during the holidays. This movie is based on a book by The Waltons star Mary Elizabeth McDonough, who also has a role in the film.
‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas’
Based on: Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
In 2025, Hallmark turned Bayliss’ 2020 holiday rom-com into a six-episode limited series for Hallmark+. Mae Whitman stars as Kate, a U.K.-baed textile designer whose friends sign her up for a holiday-themed dating service, leading to unexpected romance and surprising discoveries.
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