31 New Holiday Movies Releasing in 2023 With Black Leads

Tis the season for holiday movies.

As soon as the clock strikes 12 on November 1st, its officially time to reflect on the past year, appreciate what we have and who we have, and get ready for the 4 F’s: food, festivities, family, and films.

READ: Countdown to Christmas: 25 Best Holiday Movies to Watch Every Christmas Season

But since the holidays are coming earlier we can start the holiday festivities now with movies.DEC
One of the best things to get us in the holiday mood are all holiday themed movies. From the romantic comedies to the lewd comedies, these are the new movies to get our spirits pumping. With an influx of new holiday movie with Black and brown leads/casts your calendar of movies will fill up your holiday dates night leading up until Xmas. Check out the new holiday movies released in 2023

 

Whatever It Takes

As Thanksgiving weekend ushers in the holiday season, five women navigate careers, life, and the complexities of friendship. Bonding over the imperfections in their love lives, the holidays bring both wishes and losses.

Starring:  Tami Roman, Kandi Burruss, Brely Evans, AJ Johnson, Rayan Lawrence, Kendrick Cross, Stevie Baggs Jr, and Zuri James.
Release Date: Dec 21st
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

Christmas Revisited

Old college friends gather for Christmas at their late friend’s mountain cabin, leading to the resurfacing of old resentments, secrets, and unexpected romances.
Starring: Tanyell Waivers and Jaime Callica
Release Date: Dec 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Where to Watch: OWN/Max
 

Hot Girl Winter

Feeling neglected by Santa during the holiday season, Mrs. Claus jets to Miami for a hot and spicy Christmas vacation unlike any other.

Starring: Golden Brooks
Release Date: now streaming
Where to Watch: Tubi

 

 

 

Momma Said Come Home For Christmas

Daniel Anderson (Brad) heir to the Anderson Corporation throne, is turning 30 and his well meaning, meddling parents have been trying to get him to settle down. His parents decide to throw a ball, disguised as a launch for his new charity, to find him a suitable mate. Word gets out on the real intention of the ball and everybody from the press to plotting socialites want in on the action. What Daniel finds beyond the smoke, mirrors and lights is just how awesome love could be if he opens his heart to to the right girl (Erica).

Starring: Brad James, Erica Hubbard, Rodney Perry, Reece Odum, Javon Johnson
Release Date: now streaming
Where to Watch: Mansa (Tubi beginning 12/15)

 

 

Momma Said Come Home For Christmas

A family matriarch calls all of her children home for Christmas but this will be one bumpy holiday when lovers unite and family members clash.

Starring: K.D. Aubert, Jo Marie Payton, Shanti Lowry, Sean Riggs
Release Date: now streaming
Where to Watch: Starz

 

Under the Christmas Sky

Kat is an esteemed astrophysicist, who is scheduled for her first trip into space next year until an accident grounds her. While on leave, coming to terms with the reality that her dream of being an astronaut is over, she volunteers at the local planetarium. There, she is paired up with by-the-book David to work on an exhibit opening right before Christmas. Will the stars align to bring these two together at the holidays?

Starring: Jessica Parker Kennedy, Ryan Paevey
Release Date: Oct 22, 8 PM ET
Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel

 

A True Christmas

Directed by DeMarcus Bailey, Jessica’s feelings for Christmas change when a series of unexpected surprises convince her to confront her past and embrace the present.

Starring: Alexandria Warfield Lucretia Johnson Brandon Medlock De’Aundre Bonds AD Scott
Release Date
: Oct 27
Where to Watch: AfrolandTV

 

 

Christmas with the Carters

Directed by Bryan G. Thompson, Carter family unites in chaos to reclaim stolen Christmas.

Starring: Bryan G. Thompson Sophia Knolton Ronald S. Gamble Leslie Dupree Joseph S. Gamble
Release Date: Oct 27
Where to Watch: AfrolandTV

 

A Wesley Christmas Wedding

In this heartwarming story, the Wesley family reunites for a joyous Christmas Wedding. However, they must navigate through the chaos caused by a Momzilla, crazed exes, and new family additions before the betrothed couple can say, “I do.”

Starring: Dorien Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Terrence “TC” Carson, Loren Lott, Terayle Hill, Valerie Pettiford, Judi Johnson, Kiki Haynes, Kevin Savage, Mike Merrill, Aaron Spears, Rolonda Rochelle, Skylar Mitchell, and Red Grant.
Release Date: Nov 2
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

Heart for the Holidays

Follow the journey of hardworking businesswoman Rachel as she travels to the small town of Cheverly for a life-saving heart transplant. Fate leads her to a heart donor, Ms. Sims, who tragically passed away in a car accident. As Rachel attempts to leave the town, she discovers an unexplainable force that keeps her bound to Cheverly and a newfound love for the community.

Starring: Erica Peeples, Kyle Lowder, Starletta DuPois, Chuck Inglish, Lanelle Cooper, Leila Weisberg, and introduces Asia Harmony.
Release Date: Nov 2
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

We’re Scrooged

When ex-high school sweethearts return to Minneapolis for the Christmas Snowball 10-year high school reunion weekend, they each check in to the hotel single and alone. Although their friends called them “Ross and Rachel,” Sarah and Scott parted ways after college and pursued their high-end careers. After a run-in at the kickoff event, they are both warned that they are going to be visited by 3 Christmas ghosts over the next 3 days. While dreaming each night, they have shared experiences reliving their past and present Christmases. These unsettling yet comedic visits help them both see what they gave up. And that they gave up on each other. When the Ghost of Christmas Future visits them separately, they must each make a choice to reunite or lose their love forever.

Starring: Tamara Duarte, Andrew Bushell
Premiere Date: Nov 5, 7 PM ET
Where to Watch: Up TV

 

Christmas Angel

Troubled R&B megastar Angel St. James, the darling of major magazines and news outlets, decides to escape her fake happiness. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when her car breaks down on a desolate road. A kind stranger offers to help, and Angel embarks on a Christmas adventure that introduces her to the magic of the season, love, and the family she’s always longed for.

Starring: Skyh Black, DaniLeigh, Romeo Miller, Elise Neal, Tamar Braxton, Daniel O’Reilly, and Iris Gasper.
Release Date: Nov 9
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

Sworn Justice: Taken Before Christmas

On Christmas Eve, a hardened detective and her DA boyfriend receive disturbing news—they have both been kidnapped. Cut off from the world and unable to use their computers or phones, they must obey the menacing voice that guides their every move. This thrilling story leads to a snowy night of cat-and-mouse suspense as they fight for survival.

Starring: Mishael Morgan, Leland B. Martin, Vivica A. Fox, Melyssa Ford, and Preacher Lawson.
Release Date: Nov 16
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

Best. Christmas. Ever

Best. Christmas. Ever. centers on Jackie (Norwood), who every Christmas, without fail, sends a boastful holiday newsletter that makes her old college friend Charlotte (Graham) feel like a lump of coal. When a twist of fate lands Charlotte, her husband Rob (Biggs), and their family on Jackie’s and her husband Valentino’s (Cedeño) snowy doorstep just days before Christmas, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to prove her old friend’s “perfect” life can’t possibly be that perfect. But in her overzealous attempt to expose Jackie, Charlotte nearly ruins Christmas for both families and must team up with her old friend to put the pieces back together.

Starring: Brandy, Heather Graham, Matt Cedano, Jason Biggs, Madison Skye Validum, and Abby Villasmil
Release Date: Nov 16
Where to Watch: Netflix

 

Dashing Through The Snow

Set in Atlanta, Dashing Through The Snow follows a divorced social worker for the Atlanta police department who is Grinch-y about Christmas due to a painful childhood memory. When sent on a call while spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, he inadvertently evokes the wrath of a local politician but meets a man who helps him understand the joy and magic of Christmas.

Starring: Lil Rel Howery, Ludacris, Teyonah Parris, Oscar Nunez, Gina Brillon, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ravi Patel, Marcus Lewis and Madison Skye Validum
Release Date: Nov 17
Where to Watch: Disney+

 

Forgetting Christmas

A year after vowing never to speak to her dishonest father again, April’s new life in the city is interrupted by a visit from Linette, the neighbor who bought her family’s farm. April’s father, Bill, has been secretly living in the barn that he no longer owns and it seems like his mind is fading.

Her reluctant return confirms her father’s stubborn attitude but April doesn’t see his mental issues until he mistakes her for Marie, her deceased mother. It looks like the early stages of dementia. Bill becomes his own kidnapper as April and her friends try to convince Bill of his need for help before the sheriff’s department arrives.

Just as the police surround Bill and prepare to treat him as a violent threat, April and her small group of dedicated friends have to break through Bill’s doubts and guilt to convince him to get the help that Marie would have wanted.

Starring: Victoria Rowell, Melan Perez
Release Date: Nov 19
Where to Watch: AFI Theater in Silver Spring, MD

 

Urkel Saves Santa: The Movie!

Urkel is on a mission to make the holidays memorable. Unfortunately, his attempts take a comical turn after a mishap at the local shopping mall’s celebration and an embarrassing encounter with the department store Santa. In an effort to redeem himself, Urkel invents a device to spread holiday cheer, only to find it causing more chaos. With his intellect and a heart to match, Urkel takes on the challenge of helping the city rediscover the holiday spirit.

Starring: Jaleel White, Nicole Byer, Roy Wood Jr., and Kym Whitley
Release Date: Nov 21
Where to Watch: VOD

Genie

The holiday fairytale comedy centers on a genie, a man, and landing one last chance to fix the mess you’ve made of your life.

Starring: Melissa McCarthy Paapa, Essiedu, Denée Benton, Jordyn Mcintosh, Marc Maron, Luis Guzmán, Tate Ellington, LaChanze, Alan Cumming
Release Date: Nov 22
Where to Watch: Peacock

The Naughty Nine

Danny Glover is set to don the role of Santa Claus IN “The Naughty Nine,” which centers on the adventures of Andy, a mischievous fifth-grader portrayed by Winslow Fegley, who wakes up on Christmas morning without a gift from Santa. Convinced that he has landed on the dreaded “naughty list” unfairly, Andy assembles a team of eight other individuals who find themselves in the same predicament. Together, they hatch an elaborate heist plan to secure the presents they believe they deserve from Santa’s Village at the North Pole. Along the way, they come to realize that the best way to escape the naughty list is to channel their unique talents for good instead of mischief.

Starring: Danny Glover, Winslow Fegley, Camila Rodriguez, Anthony Joo, Imogen Cohen, Clara Stack, Deric McCabe, Ayden Elijah, Madilyn Kellam, Derek Theler
Release Date: Nov 22, 8 PM ET on the Disney Channel and will be available on Disney+ on Thanksgiving Day
Where to Watch: Disney Channel/Disney+

 

 

“The Ms. Pat Show Holiday Episode – Father Christmas

Pat is determined to give Terry the perfect Christmas by finding his real father. When her search hits a dead end, she and Denise embark on a wild Plan B involving a mall Santa.

Starring: Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami Roman, Theodore Barnes, Briyana Guadalupe, Vince Swann, and Brittany Inge.
Release Date: Nov 23
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

So Fly Christmas

After being stood up at the altar on Christmas Eve, Wyvetta experiences heartbreak. Her best friend, Dione, suggests they both give up on love. However, complications arise when Dione falls for a mild-mannered record store owner and tries to keep it a secret.

Starring: Tichina Arnold, Tami Roman, Robert Christopher Riley, Laurissa Romain, Jackee Harry, Tommy Davidson, and Michael Colyar.
Release Date: Nov 23
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

A Royal Christmas Surprise

Riley plans the perfect Christmas for her soon-to-be husband, Mandla. However, unexpected surprises from Mandla threaten to disrupt her plans.

Starring: Jennifer Freeman, Thapelo Mokoena, Abena Ayivor, Sello Maake Ka-Bcube, Trisha Mann-Grant, Tony Grant, Andi Anderson, and Andrae Bicy in the cast.
Release Date: Nov 30
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

The Christmas Ringer

After her career is derailed by her manager-fiancé, a former R&B star retreats to her family’s home for the holidays. Her mother convinces her to direct the family’s church choir in a bid to win a Christmas Choir Competition.

Starring: Trenyce, Kelly Price, Tyler Lepley, Chrisette Michelle, Arischa Connor, Q Parker, Akbar V, Tamika Scott, and Jarrett Michael Collins.
Release Date: Nov 30
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

Candy Cane Lane

“Candy Cane Lane” tells the story of Chris (Eddie Murphy), a determined individual on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. However, his quest takes an unexpected turn when he unwittingly makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell). Pepper casts a magical spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, resulting in delightful chaos engulfing the entire town.

To rescue Christmas and prevent a holiday disaster, Chris, alongside his wife Carol (portrayed by Tracee Ellis Ross) and their three children, embarks on a race against time to break Pepper’s enchanting spell. Along the way, they encounter an array of deviously magical characters, all while striving to restore peace and joy to their community.

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, D.C. Young Fly, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Danielle Pinnock, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Riki Lindhome, Lombardo Boyar, and Timothy Simons
Release Date: Dec 1
Where to Watch: Prime Video

 

“A Christmas Serenade”

Jeremiah, returning home after years away to play with his band, unexpectedly becomes the minister of music for the annual Christmas Jubilee at his home church. This sparks a renewed feud and romance with the pastor’s daughter, Willow.

Starring: Skye Townsend and B.J. Britt
Release Date: Dec 2, 9 PM ET
Where to Watch: OWN

 

Christmas With a Kiss (working title)

A Mahogany Presentation. A woman (Morgan) returns home to help with her family’s Christmas Carnival and romance ignites. A photo journalist (Rowe) curates a surprise reunion.

Starring: Mishael Morgan, Ronnie Rowe Jr., and Jaime M. Callica
Release Date: Dec 3, 8 p.m. ET/PT
Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel

 

 

Never Alone for Christmas

When Lauren calls off her wedding to Miles, both of them end up at the same Cajun Christmas retreat for singles with new companions. Little do they know, fate has a surprise in store for them.

Starring: Mignon Von, Allen Maldonado, Macy Gray in the cast.
Release Date: Dec 7
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

The Perfect Christmas

A Christmas comedy, about Michael Perfect, his wife Denise Perfect, and their two children Devin and Michelle Perfect. The Perfects are an American family who experiences a nostalgic holiday that takes place mostly over the course of Christmas Eve. This feature film explores faith, family, and holiday fun. The Perfect Family must navigate the holiday season through outrageous misadventures, criminal activity, posh friends, and crazy predicaments that threaten their opportunity for the “Perfect Christmas”.

Starring: Anthony Hackett, Cameron Arnett, Gigi Orsillo, and Robert Amaya
Release Date: Dec 8
Where to Watch: In theaters

 

Magic in Mistletoe

Harrington (Campbell) is the author of a popular book series but commercial success has left him a bitter recluse. As he returns to his hometown for an annual Christmas festival celebrating his books, he’s joined by April (Greenwood), a publicist for the major publishing house he works with. April is there for damage control after Harrington’s recent comments on social media have ruffled some feathers. But as she gets to know him better, hope springs that April can unlock Harrington’s guarded heart and help him rediscover the spirit of the holiday.

Starring: Lyndie Greenwood, Paul Campbell
Release Date: Dec 8, 8 PM ET
Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel

 

Christmas of Yes

Amy Bell, known for her habit of turning down social invitations and dates, is forced out of her comfort zone when her job is eliminated. Her brother challenges her to say “yes” to everything during the holiday season.
Starring: Michele Weaver and Jeff Pierre
Release Date: Dec 9, 9 PM ET
Where to Watch: OWN

 

 

Yes, Chef! Christmas

Alicia Gellar (Mowry) is a culinary school instructor who has put both her true career aspirations and personal life on the back burner. But this holiday season, fate is on her side. She is invited to compete in the city’s annual Kringle Cook-Off and learns a family secret that could change everything and be the big break she needs to become a respected chef like her former boss Bobby (Valastro). There to mentor her through the competition is the fiery chef and Kringle protégé, Logan (Humphrey), whom Alicia builds a real connection with, despite their rocky start. But can Alicia win the cook-off and prove to herself that she is the capable head chef that Logan believes her to be? And will she be accepted by the Kringles if she shares the truth with them? She will have to put it all on the line to find out.

Cast: Tia Mowry, Buddy Valastro, and Luke Humphrey
Premiere Date: Dec 10 at 8 PM
Where to Watch: Lifetime

Favorite Son Christmas

After their father’s passing, Blain takes over Graceway Church as Pastor, but their finances are in dire straits. First Lady Rita suggests a SO GIFTED reunion to boost ticket sales for the Jubilee. Will the brothers and their wives reconcile for a successful Christmas reunion?

Starring: Tank, Darrel Walls, Loren Lott, Serayah, Lisa Arrindell, MC Lyte, Jekalyn Carr, and Anthony Evans in the cast.
Release Date: Dec 14
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

Christmas Rescue

A man takes desperate measures to win back the love of his life by abducting her from her holiday-themed wedding.

Starring: Robin Givens, Raven Goodwin, Donny Carrington, Catfish Jean, Mario Van Peebles, Cameron Bailey, and Samantha Neyland Trumbo.
Release Date: Dec 14
Where to Watch: BET Plus

 

 

Heaven Down Here

Inspired by Mickey Guyton’s song of the same name, Heaven Down Here tells the story of four disparate people who find themselves stranded in a local diner on Christmas Eve when a snowstorm hits the town. Imami (Brown) is a widowed mother of two who’s having trouble making ends meet and reluctantly agrees to work the Christmas Eve shift, where she clashes with her boss Dan (Harmon), who doesn’t exactly embody the Christmas spirit. Felix (Riedinger) is a local pastor desperately trying to secure food for parishioners while his faith is challenged by his alienation by his son. Clara (Lifford) is a hospice nurse with an obstinate patient (Rashad) and whose daughter is moving away, causing her to question her place in this world. Throughout the evening, these four bicker, bond and unwittingly provide each other with the answer to their respective prayers.

Starring: Krystal Joy Brown, Tina Lifford, Juan Riedinger, Richard Harmon, Phylicia Rashad
Release Date: Dec. 14, 8 p.m. ET/PT
Where to Watch: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

 

The Christmas Detective

A former beauty queen turned private investigator rekindles an old flame and spreads Christmas cheer while solving the case of a famous missing portrait at a boutique art gallery.

Starring: Javicia Leslie and Brad James
Release Date: Dec 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Where to Watch: OWN

 

 

The Holiday Proposal Plan

Travel columnist Sonny Kravitz (Ali) and her ex-boyfriend Kip (Kove) are forced to team up to help their best friends Bree (Able) and Jarod (Gopradi) get engaged. To set the backdrop, the four return to Sonny’s parents’ snowy chalet and set up 12 holiday traditions that are celebrated around the world to nudge Jarod to ask Bree to be his wife. But it seems that the proposal plan doesn’t just reignite the love between the engaged couple. Will Sonny and Kip rekindle what they once had?

Premiere Date: Dec 16 at 8 p.m.
Cast: Tatyana Ali, Jesse Kove, Geovanni Gopradi and Whitney Able
Where to Watch: Lifetime

A Christmas Intern

With the holidays approaching, Cecilia (Harry) discovers that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, so she decides to make a surprise visit to her daughter Alexis (Carter) who created and runs “Cyber Santa,” an online gift giving business. Seizing an opportunity to spend Christmas with her daughter and get back into the game, Cecilia becomes an intern at the start-up company and the two learn the importance of family during the most wonderful time of year, while also finding love. Featuring an original song by Jackée Harry.

Cast: Jackée Harry, Ciarra Carter, Vivica A. Fox, Doug Rogers, Jasmine Avialotis and Michael Paré
Premiere Date: Dec 16 at 10 p.m.
Where to Watch: Lifetime

12 Games of Christmas

A group of old friends and neighbors are transported into a Christmas-themed board game during a Christmas party.

Premiere Date: Dec 17, 8 PM ET
Cast: Johnny Ramey, Felisha Cooper
Where to Watch: Great American Family

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