Best Christmas Party Ever

6.3/10 · 2,244 ratings20141h 24mChristmasWeirdness 6/10Bingo card

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The premise

A party planner is tasked with mentoring her boss's nephew who is set to take over the business.

How unusual is it?

More than most. Santa himself and an enemies-to-lovers arc push it well past the usual Hallmark template — the strangest 18% of everything we've logged.

Who’s in it

Behind the camera

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Wait, what?

The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.

  • A fundraiser booth where people pay $5 to yell 'Stella' from A Streetcar Named Desire
  • The protagonist's intense debate over whether to call appetizers 'pigs in a blanket' or 'saucisson en croute'
  • The love interest describing himself as a 'clock radio' appliance that is always on

Every trope, all in one place

Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 38 to find more movies that do the same thing.

Why we’d put this one on

Torrey DeVitto is a meticulous event planner blindsided when her boss's laid-back nephew (Steve Lund) shows up as the heir apparent, right as they have to pull off the beloved Tyrell's Toys Christmas party. The opposites-attract friction is the engine, and Linda Thorson adds class as the retiring boss. At weirdness 6 the gags get fun: a fundraiser booth where people pay five dollars to shout "Stella" from A Streetcar Named Desire, and a deeply serious debate over whether to call the food "pigs in a blanket" or "saucisson en croute." Charming, a little goofy, and a good pick for a party-planning-trope fan.

How it all plays out

Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.

Full story (spoilers)
The film opens at a Thanksgiving party where Petra, the owner of New York's premiere event planning service, announces her retirement, much to the shock of her lead planner, Jennie Stanton. Petra introduces her nephew, Nick Forbes, an aspiring actor from LA with no experience, and tasks Jennie with teaching him the business. Jennie is immediately annoyed by Nick’s lack of professionalism, particularly when he suggests that party planning 'isn't rocket science' and reminisces about a fundraiser where he charged people to yell 'Stella' like Marlon Brando. Their conflict intensifies during a meeting for a senior center party; Jennie pitches a formal, traditional dinner, but Nick hijacks the meeting to suggest a 'Hawaiian Christmas' theme. To Jennie's chagrin, the client loves it, and the event is a massive success, proving Nick has a natural talent for connecting with people. As they begin work on the legendary Tyrell’s Toys Christmas party, Jennie meets Todd Perry, a representative from Piedmont, the corporation that recently acquired the toy store. Todd is immediately interested in Jennie personally, but professionally, he wants to strip the party of its charitable traditions—like the toy drive and public turkey dinner—in favor of an exclusive, high-end VIP event with Lamborghini displays and caviar bars. Meanwhile, Jennie and Nick begin to bond after a 'hot dog truce' where they share their histories. Jennie reveals her father got a job at Tyrell's because of a childhood wish she made to Santa, while Nick admits he feels like a 'clock radio' that is always 'on' to entertain others. Despite their growing connection, Petra informs Jennie that Nick is the intended heir to the company, leaving Jennie feeling betrayed. The tension peaks when Todd fires Jennie after she refuses to compromise on the community-focused 'Nutcracker' theme for the Tyrell's party. Nick, realizing how much the party means to Jennie, confronts Todd and tries to get her job back, but fails. Nick then receives news that he landed a major soap opera role in LA, requiring him to leave on Christmas Eve. Heartbroken but determined, Jennie decides to throw the party independently as 'Arthur Tyrell’s Nutcracker Dream' with the help of the original owner, Arthur, and the community members she has helped over the years. On the night of the party, the event is a spectacular success and catches the attention of the local news. John Mitchell, the CEO of Piedmont, sees the broadcast and visits the party; he is so impressed by the positive PR and the traditional spirit that he overrules Todd’s corporate approach. Nick decides to turn down the LA acting job to stay in New York with Jennie. The film concludes with Petra naming both Jennie and Nick as the new partners of the firm, and the two share a kiss as they plan their future together.

Beat by beat

  1. Opening

    Petra announces her retirement and introduces her nephew Nick, sparking a rivalry with the hardworking Jennie.

  2. Inciting Incident

    Nick successfully pitches a 'Hawaiian Christmas' theme to a client, undermining Jennie's traditional approach but proving his potential.

  3. Midpoint

    Jennie and Nick bond over hot dogs and shared family histories, leading to a romantic connection despite their professional competition.

  4. Climax

    Todd fires Jennie for refusing to turn the Tyrell's Toys party into an exclusive corporate VIP event.

  5. Falling Action

    Jennie organizes an independent 'Nutcracker Dream' party with the help of the community and Arthur Tyrell.

  6. Resolution

    The Piedmont CEO approves of the party, Nick stays in NYC instead of going to LA, and Petra leaves the business to both of them.

38 tropes in one movie

We counted 38 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.

How it stacks up

Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.

Rating 6.3 vs every rated Hallmark moviemedian 6.4This movie · 6.3567

Higher-rated than 36% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.

Where this one fits

The corners of the catalog Best Christmas Party Ever belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.

Lines worth quoting

The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.

  • “The element of surprise is... the key to any successful party.”
    — Petra / JennieA recurring mantra about event planning and life.
  • “I'm basically a clock radio.”
    — Nick ForbesExplaining how he feels he always has to perform for others.
  • “You throw a baseball. You plan a party.”
    — Jennie StantonCorrecting Nick's terminology early in the film.
  • “Who needs a Christmas miracle when we have each other, right?”
    — Jennie StantonRallying the community to throw the independent party.

Meet the characters

Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.

  • Jennie Stanton

    Lead

    Event Planner

    PerfectionistTraditionalHardworkingSentimental
  • Nick Forbes

    Love interest

    Actor / Event Planner

    Co-worker and Petra's nephew

    CharmingImaginativeLaid-backFunny
  • Todd Perry

    Antagonist

    Corporate Executive

    Client and brief romantic pursuer

    ArrogantStatus-consciousManipulative
  • Petra

    Supporting

    Owner of Petra's Parties

    Boss and mentor

    SophisticatedWiseFamily-oriented
  • Arthur Tyrell

    Supporting

    Former Toy Store Owner

    Mentor and family friend

    KindGenerousTraditional

Questions people ask about Best Christmas Party Ever

Where can I watch Best Christmas Party Ever?

Best Christmas Party Ever is available via fuboTV, Philo, and Hallmark+ Amazon Channel. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.

How long is Best Christmas Party Ever?

Best Christmas Party Ever runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2014.

Is Best Christmas Party Ever a Christmas movie?

Yes. Best Christmas Party Ever is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.

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