Movies like You Light Up My Christmas (2019)
The best movies like You Light Up My Christmas (2019) are Return to Christmas Creek (2018), Dear Christmas (2020) and The Christmas Ornament (2013). If You Light Up My Christmas hooked you with its romance and tv movie, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Apartment (1960)8.2/10 from 2,848 votes
- NewestRoyally Yours, This Christmas (2023)Released 2023
Return to Christmas Creek (2018)
As Christmas approaches, Amelia Hughes, a career-focused Chicago app developer lacking in holiday spirit, returns to her small hometown of Christmas Creek to rediscover the meaning of Christmas. There, she reunites with her childhood best friend Mike and her estranged uncle Harry, whose mysterious rift with Amelia’s father divided her family during the holiday season when she was a child.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDear Christmas (2020)
Natalie Morgan is an author and host of a popular podcast, Holiday Love, which shares true stories of holiday romance with its listeners. While to the outside world and her listeners everywhere see Natalie is an expert on romance, she's never truly experienced a romance of her own. As Natalie prepares to embark on a promotional tour for her new book, she stops back home to spend Christmas with her family and to celebrate her parent's 50th anniversary where she unexpectedly begins to experience her own holiday romance as sparks ignite with local firefighter, Jack.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Christmas Ornament (2013)
Newly widowed Kathy plans to skip out on decking the halls and trimming the tree this Christmas, trying to avoid anything that will bring back memories of her late husband. When Kathy meets handsome Christmas tree shop owner Tim, their undeniable chemistry—along with an ornament Tim gives her that symbolizes hope—helps Kathy open up to the joys of the season again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas (2019)
Hotel manager Willow returns to her stunning Virginia hometown to help her sister plan a Christmas wedding at the inn her family once owned. She must work with current owner and single dad David, who wants to let go of the past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa (2018)
Lisa's trip home to Evergreen for the holidays finds her shepherding an effort to save the town's beloved general store, fulfilling the wishes of a Christmas past and finding a romance full of Christmas magic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEnchanted Christmas (2017)
Weeks before Christmas, interior designer Laura is sent to her hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico to remodel a landmark hotel. As Laura is kept busy with the renovations, her 8-year-old daughter Nicole is introduced to the art of salsa dancing at a local dance studio. Laura is surprised to find that the studio’s owner is Ricardo, her old high school sweetheart and former salsa dance partner. When Laura and Ricardo reconnect, sparks fly on and off the dance floor. The beautiful Christmas traditions of New Mexico become the backdrop for spirited dancing and unexpected romance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChateau Christmas (2020)
Margot, a world-renowned pianist, returns to Chateau Newhaus to spend the holidays with her family and is reunited with an ex who helps her rediscover her passion for music.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy (2019)
A skeptical writer shows up in Evergreen to get the scoop on the town's famed passion for Christmas during a search for a long-lost time capsule.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas at the Plaza (2019)
With Christmas approaching in New York City, historian Jessica is hired to create an exhibition honoring the history of Christmas at The Plaza Hotel. When she is paired with Nick, a handsome decorator, they wind up enjoying a host of holiday traditions together and find themselves falling for each other.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSharing Christmas (2017)
A real estate developer is given the opportunity of his career to transform an old shopping complex into a prime location. Unfortunately, there is one tenant who is holding out—the Christmas shop owner he met by happenstance just days ago.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas Under the Stars (2019)
When Nick is fired from his high-powered investment firm at Christmastime, he takes a job at a Christmas tree lot. There, he meets Julie, an astronomy teacher who’s always looked to the stars for hope. As the Christmas spirit washes over him—and he begins falling for Julie—the once self-centered Nick discovers the joy of helping others.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Glenbrooke Christmas (2020)
As Christmas nears, heiress Jessica Morgan seizes what seems like her last chance to experience a relaxed Christmas and heads off to the small town of Glenbrooke, where she meets a handsome fireman.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Little Christmas Charm (2020)
Holly, a jewelry designer finds a lost charm bracelet and teams up with investigative reporter Greg in hopes of finding the owner and returning it by Christmas Eve.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas in Homestead (2016)
Jessica is one of the most famous actresses in the world, leading a glamorous – if tabloid worthy – life. But all that is thrown for a loop when she goes on location to shoot a holiday themed film in the Christmas-obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa. While a romance brews between her and Matt, a local inn keeper who is a single dad, she also gets a taste of small-town life and rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNostalgic Christmas (2019)
When Anne helps her father close the family's toy store, what she finds will help inspire an entire town that is need of some Christmas cheer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChristmas Next Door (2017)
Eric Randall, an author of bachelor lifestyle books, is left in charge of his young niece and nephew for the holidays. Eric turns to his neighbor April, a lover of all things Christmas, for help.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas Town (2019)
Lauren Gabriel leaves everything behind in Boston to embark on a new chapter in her life and career. But an unforeseen detour to the charming town of Grandon Falls has her discover unexpected new chapters - of the heart and of family - helping her to embrace, once again, the magic of Christmas.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Biltmore Christmas (2023)
Contemporary screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove is hired to pen the remake of the holiday classic His Merry Wife!, which was shot at the renowned Biltmore Estate. Taking a tour of the grounds, she accidentally knocks over an hourglass, transporting her back in time to 1946, right when His Merry Wife! is being filmed.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChristmas on Honeysuckle Lane (2018)
Emma Reynolds returns to Oliver's Well to celebrate Christmas for the last time with her siblings in the home they grew up in. After their parents recently passed, the siblings reluctantly agree to sell the family home on Honeysuckle Lane after the New Year, leaving Emma in charge of its belongings. While antiques expert Morgan Shelby appraises Emma's mother's collection, they find a hidden surprise in an antique desk that takes them on a journey to discover the power of love and family during the holidays.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
SnoozefestMovies like thisMy Christmas Inn (2018)
With the holiday season in full swing, Jen Taylor is about to score a big promotion at the San Francisco ad agency where she works. But her life is unexpectedly turned upside down when she inherits a cozy inn in Alaska from her aunt. When she goes to inspect the property and meets handsome town attorney Steve Anderson, she's surprised to find that nothing is what she expected. The small town community is full of fun and festive Christmas traditions and soon, Jen starts wondering if the inn might just be the place she belongs, and if Steve could be the Mr. Right she has been waiting for.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Mermaid for Christmas (2019)
Filled with warmth, humor, whimsy, and just a touch of magic, A Mermaid for Christmas combines classic Christmas themes with an escapist fantasy element that only a mermaid can provide!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Winter in Vail (2020)
Chelsea inherits a house in Vail. She meets Owen and gets a much needed break. Together, they put on Strudelfest to highlight the charm of Old Vail.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Popcorn FlickMovies like this12 Pups of Christmas (2019)
Recently single and starting a new job in a different city, Erin, a canine therapist, is getting a fresh start. But just when she thought her new life would be the reset she needed, her self-centered boss, Martin, tasks Erin with finding homes for 12 puppies who were left behind after a photo shoot for his struggling GPS locator company - and all before Christmas. As they work together, Erin realizes Martin may not be so bad after all, and her take-charge attitude not only helps Martin save his company, but also reveals a calmer, better self that opens them both up to the idea of love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Royally Yours, This Christmas (2023)
A royal prince falls in love with a single mother and hotel housekeeper at Christmastime after he mistakes her for a wealthy hotel guest.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Always and Forever (2009)
Grace and Michael were once inseparable high school sweethearts, but when Grace went away to college, they lost each other. At their 20th high school reunion, they reconnect and find that it is never too late for love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Christmas in Paris (2019)
A gorgeous, French multi-millionaire comes to Montana to do a deal and photoshoot with a major cosmetics company and meets the woman of his dreams - the beautiful Art Director on his shoot. When the two jet off to Paris on a whirlwind Christmas adventure, they each think that their happiness could last forever. But in the middle of their magical Parisian getaway, she discovers a secret about him that could push them apart forever.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
The Apartment (1960)
Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he's left with a major problem to solve.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLove Actually (2003)
Eight very different couples deal with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Worth the HypeMovies like thisChristmas by Your Friends (1978)
Mads' father’s company is too small for a proper Christmas tree party, so Mads decides to arrange his own for himself and his best friend. But arranging such a party is easier said than done. It involves theft, intrigue and deception. Can Mads overcome the difficulties, or will there be no Christmas tree party?
Why it matches: Similar story and style
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A transit worker pulls commuter Peter off railway tracks after he's mugged, but—while he's in a coma—his family mistakenly thinks she's Peter's fiancée, and she doesn't correct them. Things get more complicated when she falls for his brother, who's not quite sure that she's who she claims to be.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both romance
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like You Light Up My Christmas?
The closest matches to You Light Up My Christmas are Return to Christmas Creek (2018), Dear Christmas (2020) and The Christmas Ornament (2013). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after You Light Up My Christmas?
Start with Return to Christmas Creek (2018), the closest match to You Light Up My Christmas.
What is the highest-rated movie like You Light Up My Christmas?
The Apartment (1960), rated 8.2/10 by 2,848 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like You Light Up My Christmas?
Royally Yours, This Christmas (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like You Light Up My Christmas?
Yes: Return to Christmas Creek (2018), Dear Christmas (2020) and The Christmas Ornament (2013).
How are movies similar to You Light Up My Christmas chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside You Light Up My Christmas, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.