My Ultimate Christmas Romance Watchlist (From a Romance Author!)
- evemrileyauthor
- 29 minutes ago
- 4 min read
One of my favourite things about December, aside from fairy lights, mulled wine and an excuse to eat chocolate at 10 a.m., is the surge of romantic movies and shows that suddenly feel right. As a romance author, I watch them a little differently: I am secretly analysing chemistry, pacing, tropes and emotional payoff. But mostly, I am soaking in the cosy magic.
Here is my curated ultimate Christmas romance watchlist for each stage of December, designed to match the vibe of the season and give you that perfect blend of comfort, tension, sparkle and maybe a plot twist or two.
🎀 Early December: Easing Into the Festive Mood
These are soft, warm, twinkly films. Perfect for when you are almost ready for full-on tinsel chaos but not quite there yet.
1. The Holiday (2006)
A gentle, feel-good classic. It's not December until The Holiday has been on!
Tropes: life swap, healing from heartbreak, unexpected love.
Why now: It is not full Christmas yet, just the right level of cosy.
2. Dash & Lily (Netflix Series)
Whimsical, smart, youthful, and utterly charming.
Tropes: secret notes, opposites attract, holiday scavenger hunts.
Why now: The New York December atmosphere builds beautifully across episodes.
3. The Noel Diary (Netflix)
A quieter, more emotional romance.
Tropes: grief healing, childhood connections, second chances.
Why now: Early December is perfect for slower, more reflective stories.
❄️ Two Weeks Before Christmas: Full Festive Energy Activated
Bring on the decorations, the baking montages, the small-town charm and the misunderstandings that only snowstorms can fix.
4. The Princess Switch (Netflix)
Light, fun and very aware of its own tropey joy.
Tropes: royalty, mistaken identity, double trouble.
Why now: This is peak festive silliness, exactly what mid-December calls for.
5. Last Christmas
A romance that is both whimsical and surprisingly emotional.
Tropes: personal growth, magical realism, learning to love again.
Why now: It is heartfelt and sparkly without being too intense.
6. Holidate
Slightly spicy and very funny, full of sharp banter.
Tropes: fake dating, enemies-ish to lovers.
Why now: Mid-month is perfect for something romantic but also just fun.
🎁 The Days Right Before Christmas: Peak Festive Romance
Now is the time for classics, cabin snuggles, sweeping declarations and stories that are basically made of baubles and mistletoe.
7. Love Actually
The ultimate ensemble holiday romance.
Tropes: everything. No really, pick a trope, it is in here.
Why now: It is tradition and it hits differently when Christmas is just days away.
8. A Castle for Christmas (Netflix)
Light drama plus a charming Scottish castle plus enemies-to-lovers warm fuzzies. Plus as a Scottish girl something about the cheesy Scottish accents and cliches just get me!
Tropes: grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, city girl in the countryside.
Why now: It feels like a pre-Christmas treat.
9. The Holiday Calendar (Netflix)
Sweet and magical without going over the top.
Tropes: friends to lovers, destiny, small town.
Why now: Great for a cosy night when you are wrapping presents.
✨ Christmas Eve: Maximum Comfort, Maximum Heart
You want soothing. You want snow. You want guaranteed romance payoff.
10. While You Were Sleeping
One of the coziest, sweetest romances ever made.
Tropes: found family, mistaken identity, slow-burn affection.
Why now: It is tender, warm, funny and perfect for the night before Christmas.
11. The Polar Express (for something softer and nostalgic)
Not a romance, but deeply atmospheric.
Why now: It is all ambience and magic, ideal if you are winding down.
12. Little Women (2019)
A new one to my recent must watch. I guess not a traditional Christmas romance but beautifully wintry and emotional.
Why now: Christmas Eve is a great time for stories with deep emotional resonance.
🧣 That Strange Week Between Christmas and New Year
The world slows down. Time is not real. You do not know what day it is. It is the perfect zone for bingeing romance shows or watching slower, more immersive films.
13. Bridgerton (any season you like)
Sumptuous, escapist, addictive.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, complicated desire, society scandal.
Why now: It is indulgent and bingeable, perfect for pyjama days.
14. About Time
Romantic, thoughtful, beautifully written.
Tropes: time travel, soulmates, quiet everyday love.
Why now: It is gentle but profound, ideal for reflecting on the year.
15. The Holiday (yes, again!)
Because at this point, why not?
Why now: It is the perfect bridge between Christmas warmth and New Year hope.
🎬 Bonus: Romance-Writer Notes (If You Like Picking Apart Craft Like Me)
If you are watching with your author brain on, here is what I recommend noticing:
Chemistry cues: pay attention to how small gestures build intimacy.
Pacing: some films rush, others linger. Which do you prefer?
Tropes done well: what works and what annoys you?
Setting: holiday romances rely so heavily on atmosphere. Why does one snowy cottage feel magical and another cheesy?
Emotional stakes: how does the story make you root for the couple?
Watch with curiosity. You might find inspiration for your next book.
💬 What About You?
I love hearing what everyone watches in December. Do you have:
a must-watch Christmas Eve film?
a romance you will defend until your dying breath?
a show you binge every year while recovering from food comas?
Tell me your festive favourites and I might add them to next year’s list.
Sending you all some christmas magic,
Love, Eve xx
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