Love, Lights, Hanukkah!
Where to watch
United States17 ways
Canada1 way
Free
CBC Gem
Via 
JustWatch · can change anytime.
The premise
As Christina prepares her restaurant for its busiest time of year, she gets her DNA test revealing that she's Jewish. The discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights.
How unusual is it?
Middle of the road, with a twist — an enemies-to-lovers arc keeps it from being totally by-the-book.
A rare specific
Tap to find the other Hallmark movies that share it.
Who’s in it
Behind the camera
ShowHide
Directed by
Written by
Wait, what?
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
- The 'Eight Crazy Latkes' menu including the 'Holy Guacalatke' and 'Whole Enchilatke'.
- Scott's suggestion of a 'Chocolatke'.
- The protagonist discovering a secret family via DNA test on a whim during Christmas.
- A food critic who can say goodbye in 40 languages.
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 36 to find more movies that do the same thing.
Setting2
Time & season4
Characters6
Conflict7
Romance6
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)
Christina Rossi is struggling through her first Christmas without her adoptive mother, Sophia, while running their Italian restaurant, Dolce Angelo. After a pipe burst forces a temporary closure, Christina receives DNA results revealing she is 50% Jewish. She meets Becky Berman, a 'close family' match, and discovers a whole new family in Shaker Heights. During a brunch, Becky's mother Ruth realizes Christina is the daughter she gave up for adoption decades ago after a short-lived marriage in Italy. Christina is initially overwhelmed, feeling a sense of betrayal toward Sophia's memory, but she begins to bond with her new siblings, Becky and Scott. She also crosses paths with David Singer, a food critic who once called her cooking 'predictable.' As David prepares for a research trip to Europe, he and Christina grow close while he teaches her about Hanukkah traditions like lighting the menorah and making kugel. David uses his connections to track down Christina's biological father, Giorgio, in Italy, providing her with his phone number as a life-changing gift. The film culminates in a blended celebration where Christina hosts the 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' for both her old friends and her new Jewish family. David reveals he is moving back to Cleveland to be with her, and Christina finally calls Giorgio, embracing her expanded identity.
Beat by beat
Opening
Christina receives DNA results showing she is 50% Jewish and connects with a match named Becky Berman.
Midpoint
During a family brunch, Ruth realizes Christina is the daughter she gave up for adoption after a brief marriage in Italy.
Midpoint
Christina begins learning Hanukkah traditions, including lighting the menorah and making latkes, while balancing her Christmas preparations.
Climax
David presents Christina with the phone number of her biological father, Giorgio, whom he tracked down in Italy.
Climax
Christina hosts a combined holiday dinner, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, for her Italian friends and her new Jewish family.
Resolution
David decides to settle in Cleveland to be with Christina, and she makes her first phone call to her father in Italy.
36 tropes in one movie
We counted 36 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.
Higher-rated than 75% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Where this one fits
The corners of the catalog Love, Lights, Hanukkah! 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.
“I think you've gone a latke too far.”
— Becky BermanReacting to Scott's idea for a chocolate latke. “Barukh. A little more phlegm.”
— David SingerTeaching Christina how to pronounce the Hebrew prayers for the menorah lighting. “My deepest appreciation to the unpredictable, unforgettable Christina Rossi.”
— David SingerPromising a dedication in his upcoming book. “I'm your biological mother.”
— Ruth BermanThe dramatic reveal during the family brunch.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Christina Rossi
LeadChef/Restaurant Owner
PassionateTraditionalSentimentalOver-decoratorDavid Singer
Love interestFood Critic
Love interest and family friend of her biological family
OpinionatedWell-traveledEncouragingPolyglotRuth Berman
SupportingRetired / Family Matriarch
Biological mother
KindRegretfulWelcomingBecky Berman
SupportingRestaurant Owner
Half-sister
EnthusiasticSportyFamily-orientedScott Berman
SupportingRestaurant Owner
Half-brother
CompetitiveQuirkyFood-obsessed
Questions people ask about Love, Lights, Hanukkah!
Where can I watch Love, Lights, Hanukkah!?
Love, Lights, Hanukkah! is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
How long is Love, Lights, Hanukkah!?
Love, Lights, Hanukkah! runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2020.
Is Love, Lights, Hanukkah! a Christmas movie?
Yes. Love, Lights, Hanukkah! is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.
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Data and sources
Curated by the Talking Hallmark team.Last updated .