Most families gather around the television each December to watch holiday classics like "It's a Wonderful Life," "Home Alone" and the multiple adaptations of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
But for the last 15 years, Hallmark Channel has produced a number of fun and heartwarming original holiday movies that provide an alternative to those traditional favorites.
Check out Headlines & Global News' 10 favorite Hallmark holiday movies and where to watch them this season.
"A Boyfriend for Christmas"
When Holly Grant was a teenage girl, she asked Santa Claus for a boyfriend. Twenty years later, she's still looking for Mr. Right until the seemingly perfect guy arrives right on her doorstep on Christmas Day. Has Santa sent her the love of her life?
The movie stars Kelli Williams, Patrick Muldoon and the legendary actor Charles Durning as Santa Claus. It airs Monday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. on Hallmark Channel.
"A Cookie Cutter Christmas"
Elementary school teachers Christie Reynolds and Penny Miller have a longstanding rivalry that gets taken up a notch when they both compete in the holiday baking contest. The women also vie for the affections of a new single father in town, and Christie has to decide what's most important during the Christmas season.
The movie stars Erin Krakow, David Hayd-Jones and Alan Thicke, who plays the bake contest's judge. Set your DVRs to record this movie on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 2 a.m. on Hallmark Channel.
"Holiday Engagement"
Hillary Burns doesn't want to disappoint her parents again by coming home alone for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, her fiancé Jason just dumped her, and she'll need to hire an actor to play the part. But could the fake fiancé end up being "the one" after all?
"Code Black" star Bonnie Somerville and "Rizzoli & Isles" actor Jordan Bridges play Hillary and her faux fiancé, David. The movie also stars Shelley Long and Sam McMurray as Hillary's parents and Haylie Duff as her younger sister.
The movie will air on Hallmark Channel on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 6 a.m. and is available for streaming on Netflix and Feeln.
"A Very Merry Mixup"
The adorable Alicia Witt stars in first of three Hallmark holiday movies. She plays Alice Chapman, who flies to meet her future in-laws ahead of her fiancé. During the trip, she loses her luggage and damages her phone, leaving her unable to contact his family.
Fortunately, her future brother-in-law finds her in the airport and brings her home to meet the family. She falls in love with their traditions and warm welcome, and her romantic feelings possibly change during her visit.
The movie, also starring Mark Wiebe, next airs on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 10 p.m. on Hallmark Channel.
"Battle of the Bulbs"
Almost every neighborhood has that one house that goes all out with their holiday lights each year. Bob Wallace is that man until his new neighbor, Stu Jones, moves in across the street and puts up an even better and brighter display. The two then declare war for the most elaborate Christmas decorations in the neighborhood.
"Home Alone" star Daniel Stern gets back in the holiday spirit as Bob opposite Matt Frewer ("Max Headroom") as Stu. The movie is available on DVD.
"Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle" (and "Call Me Mrs. Miracle")
You can't go wrong with Doris Roberts spreading a little Christmas cheer and magic in these Debbie Macomber adaptations.
In "Mrs. Miracle," Mrs. Emily Merkle (Roberts) comes to the rescue of widower Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek), who needs a nanny for his two young sons. They mistakenly refer to her as Mrs. Miracle, but she definitely works a Christmas miracle on Seth, who soon after meets Reba Maxwell (Erin Karpluk). After only one date, the couple finds they have much in common and inspire each other to rediscover their passions for music and theater.
Mrs. Miracle is back at it again in "Call Me Mrs. Miracle," posing as a seasonal employee in the toy department at the struggling Finley's Department Store. She not only works her magic to turn the store around but also helps her boss find love for Christmas. The movie also stars Jewel Staite, Eric Johnson and Lauren Holly.
"Mrs. Miracle" will air on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. followed by "Call Me Mrs. Miracle" at 4 p.m. on Hallmark Channel.
"Fallen Angel"
Oscar-nominated actor Gary Sinise stars in this more somber Christmas tale. Sinise plays a high-powered Los Angeles attorney who returns home to Maine when his estranged father dies. While settling his father's estate, he's reunited with people from his past that will change his life forever.
The movie, which also stars Joely Richardson, will air on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 3 a.m. It's also available for streaming on Feeln.
"November Christmas"
John Corbett stars as a father whose young daughter is suffering from brain cancer and may not live to see Christmas. With the help from his family and others in their small town, he is able to bring the holiday early to their home.
Corbett stars alongside Sarah Paulson, Sam Elliot and Karen Allen. The movie will next air on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 p.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and is available for streaming on Feeln.
"A Dog Named Christmas"
A developmentally challenged young man hopes to convince his family that he can care for a dog by fostering a yellow lab for the holiday that he names Christmas. He also works hard to get everyone in his community to be part of the "Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program."
The movie, starring Bruce Greenwood, Linda Emond and Noel Fisher, airs on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 1 a.m. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and is available for streaming on Feeln.
