It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – especially on home streaming services and cable channels. Those seeking to “Netflix and chill” will now find a dizzying array of holiday movies and show episodes to choose from. But where to start?
Whether you’re jonesin’ for an old favourite or seeking a fresh release, we recommend starting with the list below. Not only are these productions sure to stir up your Christmas spirit – each one was also filmed in and around Vancouver.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina – Holiday Special Though this reincarnation of popular Archie Comics character Sabrina Spellman dropped recently (October 31), it has already unleashed incredible amounts of chatter on social media by fans who are loving every bit of the macabre storyline. On December 14, Netflix will air a special Christmas version of the show – Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter’s Tale – that sees the characters unite around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and swap terrifying tales. After devouring every episode of Season 1, we’re fairly confident demonic spookiness will ensue.
Christmas Joy Hallmark movies are par for the course at Christmas, and Vancouver is a regular scene-stealer in the romantic romps. Christmas Joy stars Danielle Panabaker, star of hit Netflix show The Flash – which also films in Vancouver – and follows the story of Joy, an ambitious marketer who realizes she must return to her hometown just when she’s closing in on a promotion. Holiday antics follow, including a rousing cookie competition and a handsome man returning from Joy’s past. Watch this one with a glass of mulled wine and a gigantic bowl of buttery popcorn.
Christmas Joy airs tonight on @hallmarkchannel ! https://t.co/KDjCYUGTHi
— Danielle Panabaker (@dpanabaker) November 3, 2018
Christmas with the Kranks This family heartwarmer stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as an empty-nest couple who decide to forego Christmas celebrations for a hot-weather holiday. When their daughter plans a surprise trip home, the Kranks have to scramble to pull off an epic last-minute Christmas. Sure to elicit a chuckle from even the most miserly Scrooge, the comedy was filmed in and around Vancouver, including downtown’s Pacific Centre shopping mall.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events – Final Season Okay, it may not be a holiday show, but the third and final season of wacky Lemony Snicket drops on Netflix on January 1, 2019, making it the perfect post-holiday pick-me-up. The last season ended with Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire framed for the fake murder of Count Olaf (played by Neil Patrick Harris, who has made no secret about his love for Vancouver), and their discovery that their parents were members of a secret society. Winter is coming – but it will be much more bearable with a cozy blanket, a bucket of popcorn and Lemony Snicket.
Count Olaf and Lemony Snicket come bearing terrible news – the release date of A Series of Unfortunate Events, season 3! (Here’s a hint: it’s January 1st) #spoiler @Unfortunate pic.twitter.com/QI2OntDKr2
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) November 13, 2018
