It’s only October, but Hallmark Channel is already decking the halls and ringing in the holiday spirit with its highly anticipated Countdown to Christmas 2025! But here’s where it gets exciting: this year’s lineup is packed with two full months of festive movies, TV shows, and surprises that will have you reaching for the hot cocoa and cozy blankets. And this is the part most people miss—even if you’ve cut the cord, there’s still a way to join in on the holiday fun without missing a single sleigh ride. Ready to dive into the full schedule and discover what’s worth watching this weekend? Let’s unwrap the details!
Photo: Hallmark; Image: Dillen Phelps
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The holiday season may not officially start until December, but Hallmark Channel is already in full festive mode. Kicking off on October 18, the network’s beloved Countdown to Christmas brings a sleigh-full of new movies, series, and specials to warm your heart. New films will premiere every Saturday and Sunday until December 22, while Friday and Monday nights are reserved for fresh episodes of both scripted and unscripted holiday shows. It’s a winter wonderland of content, and if you’re a cord-cutter, now’s the perfect time to figure out how to stream all this cheer. For a full breakdown of the schedule and this weekend’s must-watch titles, keep reading!
How to Watch Hallmark Channel for Free:
If you’ve ditched cable but still want to join the Countdown to Christmas, your best bet is a live TV streaming service. We recommend DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial before you commit. With flexible subscription options, including Genre Packs, you can tailor your plan to fit your budget and preferences. Plans start at $49.99/month, making it a great option for holiday binge-watchers.
What’s on Countdown to Christmas This Weekend (Oct. 17-19)?
Mistletoe Murders Season 1
Cast: Sarah Drew, Peter Mooney
Based on the Audible original, this series follows Emily Lane, the owner of a year-round Christmas-themed store with a secret passion for solving local murders. As she investigates, Detective Sam Wilner—a local cop with a crush on Emily—begins to suspect there’s more to her than meets the eye. Will her sleuthing skills lead to love or danger? But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a Christmas-themed mystery truly balance holiday cheer with suspense? Tune in to find out!
- Episode 1: “Poison in a Pear Tree – Part 1” – Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. ET
- Episode 2: “Poison in a Pear Tree – Part 2” – Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. ET
- Episode 3: “Peril of the Belles – Part 1” – Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. ET
- Episode 4: “Peril of the Belles – Part 2” – Oct. 24 at 9 p.m. ET
- Episode 5: “Death of a Humbug – Part 1” – Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. ET
- Episode 6: “Death of a Humbug – Part 2” – Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. ET
A Royal Montana Christmas (Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. ET)
Cast: Fiona Gubelmann, Warren Christie
Princess Victoria of Zelarnia escapes her royal duties for a holiday retreat at Montana’s Peaceful Pines Ranch, where she once celebrated Christmas with her late father. Her guide, Huntley, has no idea she’s royalty and puts her to work experiencing ranch life. As sparks fly, Victoria faces a heart-wrenching decision: return to her throne or stay with Huntley. And this is the part most people miss: Could this be Hallmark’s most relatable royal romance yet?
A Christmas Angel Match (Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET)
Cast: Meghan Ory, Benjamin Ayres
Christmas Angels Monica and Michael usually work solo, but the threat of downsizing forces them to team up to ensure soulmates Daisy and Patrick fall in love before Christmas. As they collaborate, an unexpected connection blossoms between the two angels. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can love between angels rival the magic of human romance? Let the debate begin!
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 2025 Full Schedule:
All movies premiere at 8 p.m. ET unless noted.
October
- Oct. 17 – Mistletoe Murders Series Premiere
- Oct. 18 – A Royal Montana Christmas
- Oct. 19 – A Christmas Angel Match
- Oct. 25 – Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!
- Oct. 26 – Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane (4 p.m. ET)
- Oct. 26 – Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane (6 p.m. ET)
- Oct. 26 – Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane
- Oct. 27 – Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 Premiere
- Oct. 27 – Baked with Love: Holiday Series Premiere (9 p.m. ET)
November
- Nov. 1 – Christmas on Duty
- Nov. 2 – A Newport Christmas
- Nov. 7 – Mistletoe Murders Season 2 Premiere
- Nov. 8 – Christmas Above the Clouds
- Nov. 9 – A Keller Christmas Vacation
- Nov. 15 – Three Wisest Men
- Nov. 16 – Tidings for the Season
- Nov. 22 – Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story
- Nov. 23 – Melt My Heart This Christmas
- Nov. 27 – We Met in December
- Nov. 28 – The Snow Must Go On (6 p.m. ET)
- Nov. 28 – The More the Merrier
- Nov. 29 – An Alpine Holiday (6 p.m. ET)
- Nov. 29 – A Grand Ole Opry Christmas
- Nov. 30 – The Christmas Cup (6 p.m. ET)
- Nov. 30 – Christmas at the Catnip Cafe
December
- Dec. 5 – Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas Series Premiere
- Dec. 6 – She’s Making A List
- Dec. 7 – Single on the 25th
- Dec. 13 – A Suite Holiday Romance
- Dec. 14 – Oy to the World!
- Dec. 20 – A Make or Break Holiday
- Dec. 20 – Finding Mr. Christmas Reunion (10 p.m. ET)
- Dec. 21 – The Christmas Baby
- Dec. 22 – Ready, Set, Glow! Series Premiere (7 p.m. ET)
Why Trust Decider Shopping?
This article was crafted by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Decider, the New York Post, and Page Six. Angela is your go-to expert for cord-cutter deals, streaming service recommendations, and tech enhancements to elevate your viewing experience. She doesn’t just write about it—she tests and compares every product, from soundbars to streaming devices, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. A self-proclaimed superfan of the intersection of shopping, tech, and pop culture, Angela’s insights are both practical and entertaining. Before joining Decider in 2023, she covered streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
For more holiday shopping tips and streaming guides, check out the Decider Shopping section. Now, tell us—which Countdown to Christmas title are you most excited to watch? And do you think Hallmark’s royal romances are hitting the mark? Let the debate begin in the comments!
