Netflix stepped into the holiday programming game a couple of years ago, and never looked back. This year's schedule was recently revealed, and it's bigger than ever. The 2020 Christmas movies and shows coming to Netflix span all kinds of genres, so there's a little something for everyone — including the much-awaited Princess Switch sequel.
In addition to that, we'll get to see star-studded movies with actors — like Dolly Parton and Emma Roberts — sweet TV shows about falling in love during the holidays, Christmas baking competitions, foreign language films, and a bunch of children's programming perfect for the little ones while they're out of school.
Everything starts on October 28 — because who cares about Halloween when there's Christmas to celebrate? — and new content will come each week through December. This year's been kind of monotonous at times, so it will be fun to have something new to look forward to on Netflix.
The full schedule is available here, and we've pulled out some of the highlights that no one will want to miss.
'Holidate'
Netflix's holiday programming kicks off even before Halloween with the rom-com Holidate on October 28. Starring Emma Roberts as Sloane, she finds herself falling for the guy she promised would be her no-strings-attached date for just the holidays to get her parents to leave her alone.
… but love is never that simple.
'Überweihnachten'
This German series airs sometime in November, but no date's been set yet. Translated, its title means Over Christmas, and it stars popular comedian Luke Mockridge as Bastian. He returns home for the holidays to learn that his brother is dating his ex, and if that wasn't enough, his parents are also keeping a big secret. Will their family Christmas be ruined?
'Dash & Lily'
This holiday TV series premieres on November 10, and follows the budding romance between forever optimist Lily, and the always cynical Dash. They travel all over New York together — talking about their dreams and hopes — until they realize they have more in common than they thought.
'Operation Christmas Drop'
We saw her last year in The Holiday Calendar, and now, Kat Graham is back in a new holiday Netflix film, premiering November 5. This time, she plays workaholic congressional aide Erica who skips family Christmas to find ways to defund an Air Force base that's spending a lot of money on charitable Christmas gift drops. But when she meets the captain in charge of the program, she may change her grinch-y ways and let the operation continue.
'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey'
Produced by and featuring music from John Legend, this November 13 film is a Christmas adventure viewers won't want to miss. When toymaker Jeronicus Jangle has his prized invention stolen by his apprentice, it will take some help from Jangle's granddaughter to make things right.
'Holiday Home Makeover With Mr. Christmas'
This home makeover show drops November 18, and features interior designer Benjamin Bradley giving his best tips on decorating for the holidays. Throughout the series, he'll make over several deserving families' houses so they can experience a little extra Christmas cheer.
'The Princess Switch: Switched Again'
The sequel to the popular Vanessa Hudgens movie, The Princess Switch premieres November 19, and features a third character played by Vanessa. Now, she's baker Stacy, Princess Margaret, and party girl Fiona, who all look identical and can easily trade places during the holidays. What could possibly go wrong?
'Alien Xmas'
Fun for the whole family, this animated movie drops on November 20. The plot follows a group of aliens trying to steal Earth's gravity, but one alien named X doesn't agree with what they're doing. X wants to help save the world (and Christmas) from the rest of the aliens, but will X be successful?
'Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square'
A kind of Christmas Carol story, this November 22 movie shows how a wealthy and mean woman can transform her entire personality in time for Christmas — thanks to some help from her angel, Dolly Parton. The soundtrack features 14 original Dolly Parton songs, so it's going to be a good time from start to finish.
'The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two'
On November 25, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn return as Santa and Mrs. Claus for this sequel to the popular Christmas Chronicles movie from two years ago. In this story, teenage Kate runs away after her mom gets a new boyfriend. Good thing Santa's there to take her on another journey and help her come to terms with her new life.
'Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker'
Produced by Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes' company Shondaland, this documentary takes a look at Grey's Anatomy star Debbie Allen's life in dance. Watch on November 27, as she preps a group of young dancers for her annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker performance. We knew Debbie could act, now we get to see a whole new side of her.
'Sugar Rush Christmas' Season 2
On November 27, get ready to be hungry when watching this holiday baking show. Contestants have to race against the clock to create sugary confections like cupcakes, cakes, and more — all with a holiday theme. Maybe grab some sweet treats to have on hand before diving into the season two episodes.
'Home for Christmas' Season 2
The second season of this Norwegian TV series will drop some time in December, although a date has not yet been announced. The first season followed single, 30-year-old Johanne as she attempted to find someone to bring home for the holidays who would please her family.
'How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding'
This rom-com out of South Africa premieres on a date TBD in December. It follows Tumi, who joins her family for the holidays for the first time in years. But when she accidentally ruins her little sister's wedding before it even happens, Tumi is desperate to fix things in time for Christmas.
'Angela's Christmas Wish'
This animated, family-friendly film premieres December 1. It tells the heartwarming story of a young girl named Angela who just wants to reunite with her family for Christmas. It's the sequel to the 2017 Netflix film Angela's Christmas and promises to be just as sweet a holiday tale.
'The Holiday Movies That Made Us'
This documentary series premieres December 1 and takes an in-depth look at two of the most iconic modern Christmas movies — Elf and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Using cast and crew interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the series explores how these movies got made and stayed relevant over decades.
'Just Another Christmas'
Brazil also has a movie in the holiday lineup, originally titled Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem. It airs on December 3, and tells the story of Jorge, who gets injured on Christmas Eve. He then only wakes up once a year on Christmas Eve to learn that another version of himself lived the other 364 days of the year, and now he's dealing with the aftermath.
'The Great British Baking Show: Holidays' Season 3
The charming British baking series is back on December 4 for another holiday special. Watch as several bakers try their hand at complicated — and delicious-looking — holiday desserts to impress a team of judges. Like with Sugar Rush, keep some treats on hand to snack on while watching.
'Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love: Christmas'
The Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love show is getting a holiday special on December 9. Watch as Ashley gets a mild head injury that allows her a peek into the future — and what her life may look like and what she'll want to change. It's a twist on the Christmas Carol format for a modern age.
'The Big Show Show: Christmas'
Also available December 9 is the holiday special of the WWE series The Big Show Show. Wrestler Big Show gets injured, and he'll need a replacement for the big Christmas showdown. Plus, the rest of the characters learn a valuable lesson about the true meaning of the holiday season.
