For fans of Virgin River, Alexandra Breckenridge’s portrayal of Mel Monroe has long been a cornerstone of the series’ emotional resonance. Her journey—from heartache to love,

struggle to triumph—has made Mel a character viewers root for, cry with, and celebrate. But 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the actress herself, as she balances not one but two major projects:

diving back into the rugged, small-town drama of Virgin River for its eagerly awaited Season 7, and stepping into a completely new world with the Netflix holiday movie My Secret Santa.

It’s a year of contrasts, challenges, and creative growth—a moment that fans and industry watchers alike are watching closely.

Virgin River Season 7: Mel’s Story Evolves

Alexandra recently gave a glimpse behind the curtain of Season 7. Table reads are underway, cameras are rolling in Vancouver, and the cast is back together, bringing the familiar warmth and chemistry that fans have come to expect. But there’s more than nostalgia at play—Alexandra promises “exciting updates” that signal a fresh chapter for Mel.

While specifics remain under wraps, the hints are tantalizing. Could Mel be navigating new professional challenges? Confronting personal demons from her past? Experiencing relationship shifts with Jack or other key characters? Season 7 appears set to elevate Mel’s arc, deepening the emotional stakes while retaining the show’s signature small-town charm. Returning to the lush, scenic Vancouver sets ensures continuity, but production notes suggest a tonal shift—possibly exploring darker drama, heightened tension, or new interpersonal dynamics.

The returning cast further amplifies excitement. Alongside Alexandra, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Kai Bradbury, and Kandyse McClure will reprise their roles. Their continued presence guarantees that the intricate relationships and heartfelt storytelling fans adore will remain central, even as the narrative ventures into uncharted territory.

Introducing My Secret Santa: Alexandra’s Holiday Transformation

While Mel Monroe’s world is firmly rooted in the drama of Virgin River, Alexandra is embracing a starkly different challenge with My Secret Santa. The Netflix holiday rom-com drops globally on December 3, 2025, and sees Alexandra stepping into the role of Taylor, a single mother who disguises herself as an older male Santa Claus at a luxury ski resort in order to afford her daughter’s snowboarding camp.

The premise combines classic holiday whimsy with a heartwarming emotional core. Taylor’s disguise is not just a comedic device—it’s a vehicle to explore themes of parental sacrifice, identity, and resilience. Directed by Mike Rohl and penned by seasoned holiday rom-com writers Ron Oliver and Carley Smale, the film co-stars Ryan Eggold and Tia Mowry, adding further star power to the festive ensemble.

Filmed in picturesque locations around Kamloops and Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, the snowy landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a holiday story. Alexandra has described the physicality of the role—including prosthetics and the full Santa suit—as a demanding yet exhilarating challenge. “It’s something that people normally wouldn’t approach me for… but I was extremely flattered,” she shared, reflecting on the rare opportunity to stretch creatively into a genre outside her usual dramatic territory.

Contrasting Worlds: Drama Meets Holiday Cheer

Alexandra’s dual projects highlight her remarkable versatility. On one hand, she continues to inhabit Mel Monroe, a character grounded in emotional realism and complex interpersonal dynamics. On the other, she becomes Taylor, a playful, heart-driven protagonist navigating comedy, disguise, and holiday romance. The contrast is stark—but purposeful.

For her career, this dual approach is strategic. Virgin River solidifies her anchor role in a high-profile streaming franchise, ensuring fans remain invested in her most beloved character. Meanwhile, My Secret Santa provides a platform for experimentation, allowing her to engage with new audiences, embrace a lighter tone, and showcase her range in a genre known for charm, humor, and emotional resonance.

What It Means for Fans

For longtime Mel Monroe enthusiasts, Season 7 promises growth, surprises, and deepened storylines. The tease of “exciting updates” suggests that Mel’s journey is far from over—whether navigating new professional responsibilities, evolving romantic dynamics, or confronting unresolved personal challenges, viewers are in for a season of high stakes and emotional intensity.

Meanwhile, My Secret Santa offers fans a chance to see Alexandra in a completely different light. The film combines humor, heart, and holiday spectacle, providing a cozy, festive experience that complements the dramatic weight of Virgin River. For audiences, it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the actress’s range across contrasting storytelling landscapes in the same year.

Behind-the-Scenes Teases

Alexandra has been candid about the challenges and joys of both projects. On Virgin River, she’s back in character, reconnecting with familiar co-stars, and hinting at narrative shifts that promise to refresh the series while honoring its roots. On My Secret Santa, she embraced the intensity of prosthetics and costume work, describing the experience as both rigorous and exhilarating. These insights underline her dedication to craft and willingness to tackle diverse roles with equal commitment.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

In Virgin River Season 7, expect character growth, relational shifts, and subtle tonal tweaks that may explore higher stakes for Mel and her fellow townspeople. New characters may appear, and existing relationships could evolve in ways that challenge the familiar dynamics viewers have cherished. The season promises the emotional richness fans anticipate while keeping the storytelling fresh.

In My Secret Santa, audiences can anticipate a balance of humor and heart. Taylor’s journey as a disguised Santa brings both comedic moments and emotional weight, highlighting themes of parental devotion, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The snowy ski resort setting, cozy holiday visuals, and heartwarming narrative make it a quintessential festive offering.

Strategic Moves: Career, Studio, and Audience Impacts

For Alexandra Breckenridge, these twin projects are a savvy career maneuver. She strengthens her anchor role in Virgin River while simultaneously expanding her creative palette with a holiday rom-com. For Netflix, the combination reinforces its streaming strategy: a reliable franchise drama complemented by seasonal, widely consumable holiday content. For viewers, it’s a win-win: an ongoing connection to Mel Monroe and a fresh, festive narrative to enjoy.

Potential risks include overexposure or tone mismatch between projects, but Alexandra’s adept navigation of both worlds, coupled with strong production support, suggests the benefits will outweigh the challenges. Fans can look forward to a year that balances emotional depth with seasonal levity, drama with humor, and established storytelling with playful experimentation.

Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Year

2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Alexandra Breckenridge. Between the emotional resonance of Virgin River Season 7 and the heartwarming antics of My Secret Santa, she’s positioning herself at the intersection of beloved franchise continuity and fresh, genre-bending exploration. For fans, this means not only seeing Mel’s story deepen but also experiencing Alexandra’s versatility in a new, festive setting.

As December approaches, the convergence of these projects promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether following Mel’s journey through the trials and triumphs of Virgin River or enjoying Taylor’s holiday escapades at a snowy ski resort, viewers have two compelling reasons to celebrate Alexandra Breckenridge’s remarkable year. The combination of consistency and surprise, emotional gravitas and holiday whimsy, ensures that 2025 will be remembered as a defining chapter in both her career and the stories fans love.