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Life is turned upside down for a small town mayor when a famous actress arrives to shoot her new Christmas movie.
A fairly classic Hallmark setup with a quirk or two.
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 33 to find more movies that do the same thing.
A movie-within-a-movie holiday romance with a winning lead pairing. Taylor Cole plays Jessica, a famous actress who rolls into tiny Homestead, Iowa to shoot a Christmas film and falls for the local mayor and lodge owner, Matt (Michael Rady). The meta touch is fun: she is best known for a dragon-slaying fantasy franchise called The Asterlight Chronicles, and a paparazzo literally hides in a tree to snap the small-town mayor. It is fame-versus-home comfort done with real charm. At 6.6, a cozy, knowing watch for anyone who loves Hallmark poking gentle fun at how its own movies get made.
Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.
Opening
Jessica McEllis arrives in Homestead and mistakes Mayor Matt Larson for a bakery employee while trying to buy cupcakes for her crew.
Inciting Incident
The movie production begins, causing friction with Matt over the disruption of town traditions like the tree lighting and Santa displays.
Midpoint
Jessica joins Matt and Sophie for the snowman-building competition, helping them win and proving she is more than just a 'spoiled' actress.
Complication
A paparazzo leaks a photo of Jessica and Matt, leading to a media circus that overwhelms the small town and upsets Matt.
Climax
Vince fakes a romance with Jessica to clear the media away from Matt, while Matt realizes he must fight for Jessica before she leaves for LA.
Resolution
During the final scene of the movie, Matt asks Jessica to stay; she improvises her lines to accept his proposal and they kiss in front of the town.
33 tropes in one movie
We counted 33 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.
Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.
Higher-rated than 63% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
The corners of the catalog Christmas in Homestead belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.
The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.
“Home isn't where you live, it's where you love.”
“I'm playing an inn keeper, it's not rocket science. I know because I played a rocket scientist who saved the world.”
“Choose me... choose us. Stay.”
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Actress and Producer
Mayor and Lodge Owner
Romantic interest
Student
Daughter of love interest
Action Movie Star
Ex-boyfriend and co-star
Lodge Co-owner
Sister of love interest
Christmas in Homestead is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
Christmas in Homestead runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2016.
Yes. Christmas in Homestead is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.
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Talking Hallmark
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