Road to Christmas

The film opens in Los Angeles, where Maggie Baker is preparing for the first-ever live Christmas special for lifestyle icon Julia Wise. Despite Maggie's success, the network is nervous about the live format, leading Julia to bring in her son, Danny Wise, a former producer turned documentary filmmaker, to co-produce. Maggie and Danny immediately clash; Maggie wants a modern, adventurous show, while Danny insists on traditional elements. To compromise, they decide to film 'Cross-Country Christmas' segments. Maggie secretly plans to use this trip to find Julia's other two sons, Derek and David, and bring them to Vermont for a surprise reunion, as the family hasn't spent Christmas together in years due to the pressures of the show. Their first stop is a family-owned Christmas tree farm in Fort Collins, Colorado. When their host falls ill, Maggie convinces Danny to let the farm owners 'host themselves,' a technique that proves successful. While there, Maggie 'accidentally' finds Derek Wise, the middle brother. After a competitive snowman relay race, Derek agrees to join them if they win, but eventually decides to come because he realizes his mother deserves a family Christmas. A massive winter storm forces the group to drive through the night, leading to an unplanned stop at Maggie’s childhood home in Hitchens, Nebraska. Danny experiences the warmth of a 'real' Christmas during a rowdy White Elephant gift exchange, which he films, capturing the authentic holiday spirit he felt the show was missing. Next, they track down the eldest brother, David, who runs a dog rescue. David is the most resistant to the reunion, citing the family's history of prioritizing the TV special over personal time. Maggie uses a metaphor about the Three Wise Men—explaining they were wise because they were willing to change their plans—to convince him. On the final leg to Vermont, the group faces travel delays. Derek heroically gives up his train ticket to a stranded couple, promising to find his own way. Maggie and Danny arrive at Julia’s Vermont farmhouse just in time for rehearsals. During the live broadcast, a power surge wipes out the pre-recorded segments. Maggie and Danny must pivot to a completely live, unscripted show. Maggie uses Danny’s behind-the-scenes footage of the brothers and the Nebraska trip to fill the gaps. The climax occurs when Derek and David arrive at the farmhouse during the live broadcast, reuniting the three brothers with Julia on air. The show is a massive ratings hit. In the aftermath, Danny reveals he is leaving again for work, but Maggie encourages him to 'work it out later.' The film ends with Danny deciding to stay and co-produce next year's special with Maggie, as they share a romantic moment in the snow.