The holidays are here — and this year’s slate is stacked with stories that center love, family, and plenty of festive drama. From Tyler Perry’s snowy romance Finding Joy on Prime Video to Brandy and Sy’Rai Smith’s family debut in Lifetime’s Christmas Everyday, Black creatives are owning the season across every platform.
Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt reunions (#WorstChristmasEver), laugh-out-loud chaos (Unexpected Christmas), or cozy new traditions (Tidings for the Season, A Soulful Christmas), there’s something here for every kind of holiday watcher.
So grab your hot cocoa, queue up your playlists, and check out Blex Media’s curated list of this year’s must-watch holiday movies — streaming, airing, and premiering everywhere from Netflix to OWN.
Baked With Love: Holiday | Oct 27 | Hallmark Channel
Hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley, this new baking competition series brings festive fun from the kitchen straight to your screens, as contestants whip up delicious holiday treats under the watchful eyes of Mowry-Housley and guest judges Chef Anna Haugh and Vaughn Vreeland.
Cast: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Anna Haugh, Vaughn Vreeland
Tyler Perry’s Finding Joy | Nov 5 | Prime Video
Joy (Shannon Thornton) is a talented but overlooked New York fashion designer whose holiday getaway takes a surprising turn. After following her crush to Colorado, she ends up stranded in a snowstorm and finds unexpected connection with Ridge (Tosin Morohunfola), a stranger who changes her outlook on life and love.
Director: Tyler Perry
Cast: Shannon Thornton, Tosin Morohunfola, Brittany S. Hall, Inayah, Eric Stanton Betts, Aaron O’Connell, Natalie O’Connell, Jeffery Thomas Johnson, Whitney Goin
Writer: Tyler Perry
Unexpected Christmas | Nov 7 | In Theaters Nationwide
Lil Rel Howery and Tabitha Brown lead this messy, merry dramedy about a long-awaited family reunion that goes off the rails when exes, secrets, and surprises collide. Between romantic mix-ups and jaw-dropping reveals, this Christmas might just blow the roof off the house.
Director: Michael Vaughn Hernandez
Cast: Lil Rel Howery, Tabitha Brown, Anna Maria Horsford, DomiNque Perry, Reagan Gomez, Terrence Terrell, Trell Woodberry, Howie Bell, Ricco Ross, Koryn Hawthorne
Writer: Cassandra Mann
#WorstChristmasEver | Nov 13 (Select Theaters) / Nov 18 (Tubi)
A newly divorced dad (B.J. Britt) spends the holidays with his ex-wife (Shanti Lowry), her fiancé, and their kids — but one awkward family reunion quickly turns into emotional mayhem. Think Almost Christmas meets Guess Who.
Director: Maurice Hall, Tony L. Patterson
Cast: B.J. Britt, Shanti Lowry, Taja V. Simpson, Tamala Jones, Bill Bellamy, Tyler Lofton, Mo Ashley, Carl McDowell, René Ashton
Writer: Maurice Hall, Tony L. Patterson
A Very Jonas Christmas Movie | Nov 14 | Disney+
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas star as themselves in this festive family adventure as they race from London to New York to make it home for Christmas — facing one outrageous obstacle after another.
Director: Jessica Yu
Cast: Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, Chloe Bennet, Laverne Cox, Billie Lourd, K.J. Apa, Randall Park, Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, Danielle Jonas
Writer: Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth Berger
Tidings For the Season | Nov 16 | Hallmark Channel
Ambition meets heart in this holiday romance following a driven newscaster who learns that life’s biggest headlines come from the heart — not the newsroom.
Director: Linda-Lisa Hayter
Cast: Tamera Mowry-Housley, B.J. Britt, Elijah-Justus Lewis
Writer: Joey Elkins, Blake Silver
Merry Little Mystery | Nov 19 | Roku
Two-time Grammy-nominated artist Jordin Sparks stars as Natasha Maxwell, a small-town Secret Santa whose generosity draws the attention of a persistent reporter (Keon Alexander). As she tries to keep her identity hidden, an unexpected romance begins to bloom — turning her secret mission into a holiday love story. Sparks also performs an original song created exclusively for the film.
Director: Caroline Labrèche
Cast: Jordin Sparks, Keon Alexander
Writer: Casie Tabanou, Alison Spuck
Christmas By Design | Nov 20 | BET+
A handbag designer’s holiday charity project turns personal when she teams up with an IT expert — who also happens to be the man from her most awkward romantic moment. Together, they just might find something more valuable than a new collection.
Director: Patricia Cuffie-Jones
Cast: Danielle LaRoach, Lamon Archey, Monanik Dugar, Celeste Seda
Writer: Kim Hornsby, Patricia Cuffie-Jones
Son of the Preacher | Nov 27 | BET+
A beauty entrepreneur with dreams of launching her own haircare brand crosses paths with a preacher’s son and influencer, sparking a connection that challenges them both to rethink faith, legacy, and love.
Director: Marvin Towns
Cast: Gabrielle Graham, Chris LeBlanc, Darren Herbert, Rachel Crawford, Ronnie Rowe, Tkaia Green, Karen Burthwright
Writer: Justin Kelly
A Heart For Christmas | Nov 27 | ALLBLK
A young girl’s Christmas wish reunites her family when the mother she never knew returns home — but things get complicated when her father’s heart belongs to someone else.
Director: Maurice Hall
Cast: Nikiva Dionne, Taja V. Simpson, Maurice Hall
Writer: Maurice Hall, Tony L. Patterson
The Christmas Campaign | Nov 29 (10 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
Two rival ad executives (Chelsea Rose Brooks and Austen Jaye) must join forces for a holiday campaign under the watchful eye of their boss (Vivica A. Fox). As competition turns to connection, they find love might be the ultimate win.
Director: David DeCoteau
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Jackée Harry, Chelsea Rose Brooks, Austen Jaye
Writer: Adam Rockoff
Fake Yourself a Merry Little Christmas | Nov 29 | OWN
Kiki Layne stars as a professor whose tiny white lie snowballs into full-on Christmas chaos when she pretends to be in a relationship with a stranger — who ends up being unconscious and mistaken for her boyfriend. Things get complicated when her ex reappears as the family doctor.
Director: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall
Cast: Kiki Layne, Etienne Maurice
Writer: Gabrielle Meyer
The Christmas Checklist (Season 1) | November 29, 2025 (7 p.m. ET) | UPtv
A grieving daughter receives a Christmas checklist from her recently deceased mother — a list of 12 heartfelt activities she must complete before Christmas. Each task brings unexpected challenges, healing, and the chance to rediscover joy during the holidays.
Cast: Jarod Joseph, Sarah Power
Christmas Everyday | Nov 29 (8 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
Brandy Norwood stars opposite her daughter Sy’Rai Smith in this heartfelt story about a fashion designer balancing family and faith during the holidays — all while planning her sister’s chaotic wedding.
Director: Roger Bobb
Cast: Brandy Norwood, Sy’Rai Smith, Debbi Morgan, Robert Christopher Riley, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman
Writer: Meg DeLoatch, Cameron Ross
My Secret Santa | December 3, 2025 | Netflix
A vivacious single mom disguises herself as Santa at a luxury ski resort to make ends meet — only to fall for the manager who doesn’t know her true identity. Expect laughs, heart, and a little Mrs. Doubtfire-meets-The Santa Clause magic.
Director: Mike Rohl
Cast: Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, Tia Mowry, Madison MacIsaac, Diana Maria Riva
Writer: Ron Oliver, Carley Smale
Love After Holidays | Dec 4, 2025 | BET+
A talk show host battles addiction and personal loss while reclaiming her life and faith one day at a time — discovering that healing can be the greatest gift of all.
Director: Antoine Allen
Cast: Jacinth Headlam, Malik Yoba, Jeremy Meeks, Trina
Writer: Antoine Allen
Jingle All the Way to Love | December 5, 2025 (8 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
A lawyer wins a radio contest that turns her mysterious sleigh bell encounter from years ago into a citywide search for her holiday soulmate.
Director: Graeme Campbell
Cast: Erin Agostino, Romaine Waite
Writer: Courtney Cilman
The Christmas Showdown | Dec 6 | OWN
Old friends turned rivals reunite when they’re forced to co-produce a holiday event. With help from a wise Christmas legend, they rediscover friendship, purpose, and the true magic of collaboration.
Director: Nanea Miyata
Cast: Amber Stevens West, Corbin Reid, Loretta Devine, Obba Babatundé, Carla Renata
Writer: Tobin Addington
Deck the Hallways | Dec 6 (8 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
Zoe (Naika Toussaint), a Bay Area tech exec, returns to Chicago to visit her grandmother Agnes (Loretta Devine), who’s traded old traditions for new adventures — including canceling the beloved holiday party her late husband started. Determined to revive the celebration, Zoe teams up with her childhood crush Jace (Jaime M. Callica) and their 5th Floor neighbors to bring the joy back to Christmas Eve. As sparks fly, a last-minute setback threatens the fun — but Agnes proves that the holiday spirit lives on through community, courage, and love.
Cast: Loretta Devine, Naika Toussaint, Jaime M. Callica
Merry Missed Connection | Dec 6(10 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
Marie (Emily Alatalo) seems to have it all—including a detailed diary chronicling the last 24 years of her life. When she brings it to a speed dating event in hopes of finding someone to take home for Christmas, a mix-up leads her to grab the wrong journal. As she and a mysterious stranger try to reconnect, their “missed connection” might just turn into a holiday miracle.
Cast: Emily Alatalo, Andrew Bushell
A Christmas Murder Mystery | Dec 7, 2025 (7 p.m. ET) | UPtv
Vera Vexley, the Metropolitan Ledger’s puzzle editor and part-time detective, joins a wealthy family for the holidays — only to find herself investigating a shocking Christmas morning murder. With tempers flaring and secrets unraveling, she must solve the case before the festive season turns deadly.
Director: Peter Sullivan
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Jamie Bernadette, Rob Mayes
Writer: Peter Sullivan
A Runaway Bride for Christmas (W/T) | Dec 12 (8 p.m. ET) | Lifetime
When runaway bride Emma (Nischelle Turner) returns to her hometown for refuge, she unexpectedly reconnects with her high school crush Mitch (Mark Ghanime), who’s nursing his own heartbreak. But when her ex shows up determined to win her back, Emma must decide whether to protect her heart—or take a leap of faith on love again before Christmas.
Director: Marco Deufemia
Cast: Nischelle Turner, Mark Ghanime
Writer: Erica Deutschman
Very Merry Mystery | Dec 13, 2025 | OWN
A hairstylist’s cozy holiday night turns into a Christmas crime caper when her host vanishes mid-party. She and her detective boyfriend must solve the mystery before Christmas morning.
Director: Winnifred Jong
Cast: Ashleigh Monique Murray, Tristan Mack Wilds
Writer: Andrea Reindl
Vera’s Holiday Flop | December 18, 2025 | BET+
Vera’s high school reunion and the holidays collide in this hilarious story of second chances, old flames, and rediscovered joy.
Director: Charity Jordan
Cast: Charity Jordan, Terri J. Vaughn, Griff, Chrissy McDaniel, Tyler Chronicles, Algebra Blessett, Jelani Akil, Saycon Sengbloh
Writer: Charity Jordan
A Soulful Christmas | December 25, 2025 | BET+
Two music legacies collide when the children of rival R&B icons must record a Christmas duet. Between tension, talent, and romance, they might just find harmony again.
Director: Cas Sigers
Cast: Kaci Walfall, Myles Truitt, Kenny Lattimore, Shanice, Taylor Symone, E. Roger Mitchell, Towanda Braxton
Writer: Cas Sigers