What to watch for a festive mood: 9 movie releases

Christmas and New Year films 2025

The most magical time of the year is in full swing, and we’ve been preparing for it in advance. The Christmas and New Year holidays are not just a date on the calendar, but also a wonderful opportunity to gather with family, where harmony and coziness prevail.

And these special evenings are best complemented by a good film. To save you the trouble of searching for new holiday releases, we present a selection of 2025 festive films – from light romantic comedies and family-friendly action movies to touching dramas. One of these might just become your favorite.

«A Merry little Ex-Mas»

Genre: Romantic Comedy

The story of a family where recently divorced spouses decide to spend one last «perfect» Christmas together. The festive atmosphere quickly exposes old grievances, unresolved feelings, and doubts. The main character tries to remain calm when her ex shows up with a young girlfriend. A little lie about a «new partner» sets off a chain of comical and very relatable situations.

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Melissa Joan Hart, Oliver Hudson.

«The Family Plan 2»

Genre: Action Comedy

A former hitman, who has long embraced the role of devoted family man, travels with his family to London for the Christmas holidays. But the past suddenly catches up: an unknown threat endangers his family, forcing him to recall the skills he once acquired. The film balances dynamic action with family humor.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, Kit Harington.

«Jingle Bell Heist»

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Two employees of a London department store decide to rob the shop amid the pre-Christmas rush. Santa masks and a crowd of shoppers provide the perfect cover. Everything goes awry when a mutual attraction develops between the partners. Romance threatens the «perfect crime».

Starring: Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells.

«Champagne Problems»

Genre: Romantic Comedy

A traditional rom-com with French charm: A career-driven American woman travels to France just before Christmas to close a crucial deal to acquire a sparkling wine brand. Paris, festive lights, and a chance encounter with the winery owner’s son place her in a difficult dilemma: business or love.

Starring: Minka Kelly, Flula Borg.

«Goodbye June»

Genre: Drama

A profound and moving Christmas story about four siblings gathering as their mother nears the end of her life. An intimate, honest film about farewell, love, and family bonds – the directorial debut of Kate Winslet, inspired by her own experience of losing her mother. The screenplay is by her son, Joe Anders.

Starring: Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Toni Collette.

«Oh. What. Fun»

Genre: Comedy

An ironic reimagining of the cult classic Home Alone, but not about parent-child relationships; instead, it explores female burnout and freedom: a woman who has long been the heart of every family celebration disappears just before Christmas. While the family struggles to save the holiday, she embarks on her own adventure – free from control, routine, and obligations.

Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones.

«My Secret Santa»

Genre: Family Comedy

A classic Christmas tale of transformation, romance, and believing in second chances. A single mother disguises herself as Santa to take a seasonal job at a mountain resort and earn money for her daughter’s education. Complications arise when she falls for the hotel manager, who does not know her secret.

Starring: Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold.

«The Family McMullen»

Genre: Drama with Comedy Elements

A nostalgic film about grown-up values – a continuation of the famous story of the McMullen brothers, 30 years later. The characters reunite to navigate new love crises, divorces, and family secrets.

Starring: Edward Burns, Connie Britton.

«Merv»

Genre: Romantic Drama

A touching holiday story about a couple who have broken up but must reunite for the sake of their shared dog. And the Christmas miracle happens: caring for their beloved pet and warm memories gradually bring the two closer again.

Starring: Zooey Deschanel, Charlie Cox.