Netflix has dropped dozens of festive originals over the years, but every once in a while, a holiday film arrives that immediately steals the season. This year, that honor may belong to a charming,

heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional new release that has already taken viewers by storm. Say hello to My Secret Santa, Netflix’s breakout Christmas hit of 2025 —

a film that blends classic holiday magic with modern-day warmth, anchored by a familiar face beloved around the world.

The moment the movie premiered on Wednesday, viewers flocked to it in droves, pushing it straight to the top of Netflix’s global movie charts. In less than 48 hours, it surpassed the perennial streaming powerhouse Troll 2, a feat few holiday films have managed in recent years. But the secret behind this instant success isn’t just the clever marketing or the cozy Christmas setting — it’s the star at the center of it all.

Alexandra Breckenridge’s Return Feels Like a Gift in Itself

At the heart of My Secret Santa is Alexandra Breckenridge, best known to millions as Mel Monroe from Virgin River. For fans who have missed her presence during the show’s recent hiatus, this holiday release couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. Breckenridge brings her trademark warmth, wit, and emotional depth to the screen — and audiences are responding with overwhelming enthusiasm.

Her character, Harper Collins, is a hardworking single mother who has spent years putting her own dreams aside to provide stability for her son. When an unexpected financial crisis threatens to derail their Christmas, Harper decides to take a daring, almost comedic leap of faith: she disguises herself as a Santa lookalike to land a temporary job at a luxury ski resort.

It’s a bizarre, hilarious setup — part Mrs. Doubtfire, part classic holiday rom-com — and Breckenridge leans into the physical comedy and heartfelt moments with effortless charm. Her transformation into “Santa Hank,” complete with a fake beard, padded suit, and jolly persona, creates some of the film’s most unforgettable scenes.

A Premise That Hits All the Right Festive Notes

What sets My Secret Santa apart from other holiday releases is the irresistible blend of comedy, romance, and emotional sincerity. Harper’s new job at the high-end Alpine Dream Resort comes with strict rules, demanding guests, and a boss who has zero patience for holiday chaos. But it’s the man behind that stern reputation — Jonas Whitmore, played by rising star Daniel Lasker — who becomes the movie’s emotional anchor.

Jonas is the resort’s general manager: polished, charming, and unknowingly smitten with the disguised Harper from the moment she waddles into her interview. Their dynamic becomes the heart of the film. While Jonas begins to confide in “Santa Hank,” Harper falls for him in her true identity — creating a complicated, hilarious, and surprisingly tender love triangle… between one woman and her own alter ego.

Netflix has leaned hard into the comedic misunderstanding at the core of the film, but what elevates My Secret Santa is the emotional tension simmering beneath the antics. Harper isn’t just juggling two personas; she’s juggling the weight of parenthood, financial pressure, and her own desire to finally be seen — not as a mom who’s barely holding it together, but as a woman with dreams of her own.

A Holiday Film With Genuine Heart

The screenplay shines by folding emotional realism into the magic of the holiday season. Yes, the movie is packed with sweeping snowy vistas, glowing lights, physical comedy, and festive charm. But it also touches on themes that resonate deeply with viewers:

• the pressure single parents face,
• the fear of disappointing the people you love,
• the struggle to balance survival with self-worth, and
• the universal longing for connection during the holidays.

Breckenridge delivers these emotional beats with an authenticity that sets the film apart. Her chemistry with Lasker is both playful and heartfelt, offering the kind of slow-burn seasonal romance fans love — complete with stolen glances, warm fireside conversations, and comedic slip-ups caused by Harper’s double identity.

A Clever Release Strategy That Paid Off Big

Netflix’s holiday catalog in 2025 is smaller than in previous years, giving My Secret Santa a clear spotlight — and the streaming giant knew exactly what it was doing. With other platforms releasing limited Christmas content, Netflix positioned this movie as the must-watch title of the season.

Marketing leaned heavily on Breckenridge’s devoted Virgin River fanbase, teasing audiences with glimpses of her as a scruffy Santa and promising a feel-good Christmas tale that delivers both laughs and tears. The strategy worked flawlessly. Within hours of its debut:

• #MySecretSanta trended across social media,
• fan edits of Breckenridge’s transformation went viral, and
• early reviews praised the film for its balance of comedy, romance, and heartfelt storytelling.

Critics are calling it one of Netflix’s strongest Christmas movies in years, highlighting its rewatch value — essential for any holiday classic in the making.

A Gift for Virgin River Fans Waiting for Season 7

For those missing the spirit, warmth, and emotional depth of Virgin River, My Secret Santa feels like a comforting holiday treat. Though Harper Collins is a completely different character from Mel Monroe, Breckenridge brings the same sincerity and emotional presence that made her Virgin River performance so beloved.

Fans have already begun pointing out the film’s subtle parallels to the series: small-town charm, themes of resilience, and a heroine who never gives up even when life pushes back harder than expected.

While Virgin River continues preparing for its next season, Breckenridge’s return in this film is a heartfelt reminder of why viewers connected with her so deeply in the first place.

A New Christmas Classic in the Making

Ultimately, My Secret Santa isn’t just a festive rom-com; it’s a celebration of second chances, unexpected joy, and the magic that can appear when life feels most overwhelming. With its warm humor, emotional undercurrents, and standout performances, it’s already being hailed as Netflix’s strongest Christmas film of the decade.

In a year where many platforms scaled back their holiday offerings, My Secret Santa arrived like a cinematic gift — full of charm, heart, and unforgettable holiday spirit.

For anyone craving a cozy escape, a romantic adventure in the snow, or simply an excuse to smile this season, this movie is an absolute must-watch. And for Virgin River fans? Consider this Netflix’s early Christmas present — one wrapped in twinkling lights, laughter, and Alexandra Breckenridge at her very best.