It isn’t even Halloween yet, and the Christmas movies are already here. Over the past week, three of the biggest homes for holiday films, Great American Family, Hallmark Channel and Netflix, have laid out their full 2026 schedules.
For families, that’s good news and a small challenge. Not every holiday movie suits every age, so here is a simple guide with notes for parents.
A quick note before you mark your calendar: all dates below come from the networks’ announced schedules as reported this week. Schedules can and do change, and streaming dates can vary by country, so check your local listings or app before movie night.
Great American Family: Faith-Forward Christmas Movies Every Weekend
If you want holiday movies with faith at the center, start here. According to TV Guide, Great American Family’s “Great American Christmas” slate began October 10 and brings new movies every weekend through December 19. They air at 8 p.m. ET, and Pure Flix subscribers can stream them a few days early.
A few that families may want to circle:
- A Christmas Prayer Tradition (Oct. 24), starring Shae Robins and Christopher Russell, a story built around simple acts of faith and kindness.
- Three Generations, One Christmas (Nov. 21), with Mario Lopez and Tony Danza, a family reunion story.
- A Sweet Christmas Anniversary (Nov. 27), reuniting Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison.
- The Greatest Christmas Gift (Nov. 29), starring Danica McKellar, a story about faith and selfless love.
For parents: TV Guide describes these films as family-friendly, and they come from a faith-based network, so they’re a comfortable fit for mixed-age viewing.
Hallmark Channel: 34 New Movies in “Countdown to Christmas”
Hallmark’s beloved event kicked off on Friday, October 16. TV Insider reports 34 original movies this year, plus a third season of the mystery series Mistletoe Murders starting November 5.
Some highlights from the schedule:
- Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True (Nov. 28), with Lacey Chabert and Christy Carlson Romano.
- A Grand Biltmore Christmas (Dec. 5), with Holland Roden, Niall Matter, Andie MacDowell and Jonathan Frakes.
- An Angel in My Stocking (Dec. 6), with Fiona Gubelmann and Marco Grazzini.
- Barking All the Way (Dec. 19), with Ian Harding and Tori Anderson, a promising pick for dog lovers.
For parents: Hallmark movies are usually gentle and clean, but most are romances made with grown-ups in mind.
Netflix: New Holiday Originals and a Classic Pageant
What’s on Netflix lists several new holiday originals on the way:
- A Dog’s Perfect Christmas (Nov. 4) is narrated by Winstead, a basset hound voiced by Thomas Haden Church. Dennis Quaid plays a grieving grandfather who clashes with his teenage granddaughter. When her mother is placed in an induced coma, a corgi puppy named Ruby helps bring the family back together.
- Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas (Nov. 11) follows a struggling pastor, played by Tank, who inherits his family’s church in a troubled New York neighborhood and must rediscover his faith to save it. Fantasia Barrino co-stars, along with gospel greats including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar and The Clark Sisters.
- Gabby’s Dollhouse: Makers and Bakers Holiday (Dec. 9, U.S.) is a festive baking-and-crafting competition spun off from the preschool favorite. It’s the clearest pick for little ones.
- The Christmas Switch (Nov. 12), Guarding Stars (Nov. 18) and In a Holidaze (Dec. 2) are romantic comedies, better suited to teens and adults.
Netflix is also adding The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024, rated PG) on November 1. It’s the story of the town troublemakers, the Herdman kids, taking over their church’s Christmas pageant, based on Barbara Robinson’s 1972 children’s book. The site notes that dates for licensed titles like this are subject to change.
For parents: Official ratings for the new Netflix originals weren’t listed yet. A Dog’s Perfect Christmas deals with grief and a parent’s serious illness, and The Gospel of Christmas includes doubt, temptation and a “sinister adversary.” Both may be powerful for older kids but worth previewing for sensitive younger viewers. Check the rating in the app before you press play.
Making Movie Night Count
A movie can be more than background noise. Try pausing afterward to ask everyone one question: What did that story teach us about love, forgiveness or hope? Some of the best talks about faith begin with a simple story on a December night.
And as the lights go up and the specials roll in, let’s remember why we celebrate at all.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
— Luke 2:10 (KJV)
Through every storm, we rise together, and sometimes that means rising off the couch to hug the people we watched with.
Which holiday movie is a must-watch tradition in your home, and what new one are you most excited to share with your family this year?
Sources: TV Guide, “Great American Family Christmas Movie Calendar 2026: The Full Schedule” (October 14, 2026); TV Insider, “Hallmark Channel’s Full Countdown to Christmas 2026 Schedule” (October 15, 2026); What’s on Netflix, “Netflix 2026 Christmas Movie Lineup” (updated October 15, 2026); King James Bible Online, Luke 2:10.
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