The Mistletoe Secret
Where to watch
Via 
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The premise
A ghost writer/partner of a travel web site and TV feature arrives in Midway before Christmas to write about it. He falls for The Mistletoe Diner's Aria, as does his tall, handsome partner.
How unusual is it?
More than most. Mistaken identity and Santa himself push it well past the usual Hallmark template — the strangest 18% of everything we've logged.
Who’s in it
Behind the camera
ShowHide
Directed by
Wait, what?
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
- The town's economy is entirely dependent on a 'Christmas Passport' stamp system.
- The 'Mistletoe Man' legend involves a man literally climbing a mountain to get a specific plant to prove he isn't a jerk.
- The townspeople actively sabotage a man's travel by hiding his rental car keys to force a romantic confrontation.
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 & season3
Characters5
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)
Aria Eubanks is the president of the Christmas Council in Midway, Utah, a town facing economic decline due to a nearby high-tech ski resort. To save the local businesses, she enters Midway into a contest to be featured by Sterling Masters, a famous travel influencer. Sterling's ghostwriter and best friend, Alex Bartlett, is the actual talent behind the brand's writing. While Sterling stays in California for promotional appearances, he sends Alex to Midway to write the articles undercover. Alex meets Aria at her 'Mistletoe Diner' after hours, and despite an initial clash between his big-city cynicism and her small-town enthusiasm, they begin to bond. Alex pretends to be a mystery novelist to explain his presence and writing habits. As they participate in town traditions like the Christmas tree hunt and an ugly sweater-making party, Alex is inspired by Aria's sincerity and her mother's legend of the 'Mistletoe Man'—a devoted suitor who proves his love through a grand quest. Alex writes glowing articles under Sterling's name that successfully bring tourists back to Midway. However, the plan goes awry when Sterling arrives in person to maintain his image. Aria, a massive fan of 'Sterling's' writing, is immediately star-struck. Sterling, realizing Aria is the key to the town's story, begins to court her using Alex's insights. Alex is forced to watch from the sidelines, bound by his contract and his friendship with Sterling. The tension peaks during a dinner at Kringle's, where Sterling accidentally reveals that Alex is his ghostwriter and that their 'connection' was based on Alex's research. Feeling betrayed by both men, Aria leaves. Sterling eventually realizes that Alex is the true heart of the brand and encourages him to write the final article under his own name. On Christmas Eve, Alex prepares to leave for the airport but is delayed by the townspeople who have hidden his keys to give Aria a chance to find him. They reunite at Chestnut Canyon, where Alex presents her with his final article—a love letter to her and the town. Aria forgives him, and they embrace, realizing that Alex is her true Mistletoe Man.
Beat by beat
Opening
Aria enters Midway into Sterling Masters' 'Big Holiday Adventure' contest to save the town's failing economy.
Inciting Incident
Alex arrives in Midway undercover as a novelist to ghostwrite the travel feature while Sterling stays behind.
Midpoint
Sterling Masters arrives in Midway, taking credit for Alex's writing and charming Aria, creating a romantic conflict.
Complication
Sterling reveals the ghostwriting secret during a dinner, leading Aria to feel manipulated by both Alex and Sterling.
Climax
Alex breaks his contract to publish a final article under his own name, confessing his true feelings for Aria and the town.
Resolution
The townspeople conspire to stop Alex from leaving, leading to a romantic reconciliation at Chestnut Canyon.
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 38% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Where this one fits
The corners of the catalog The Mistletoe Secret belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.
The MistletoePart of the 3-film The Mistletoe series.Lines worth quoting
The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.
“A true Mistletoe Man is like a gift from the universe, not some random lodger your best friend thought was cute.”
— Aria EubanksDiscussing her high standards for romance with Leslie. “I've been searching my whole life for a special place that felt like home, but after meeting you, I've realized that it's not the place, it's the people.”
— Alex BartlettAlex's emotional plea to Aria before he attempts to leave town. “In Midway, Christmas is a tangible force.”
— Alex (as Sterling)The opening line of the article that saves the town.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Aria Eubanks
LeadDiner Owner and Christmas Council President
OptimisticHardworkingCommunity-orientedRomanticAlex Bartlett
Love interestGhostwriter
Undercover suitor and eventual partner
CynicalTalentedObservantLoyalSterling Masters
SupportingTV Travel Host
Rival for Aria's affection and Alex's employer
CharismaticShallowVainOpportunisticMack Eubanks
SupportingRetired Diner Owner
Father
WiseMeddlingFestiveLeslie
SupportingLodge Owner
Best Friend
SupportiveDirect
Questions people ask about The Mistletoe Secret
Where can I watch The Mistletoe Secret?
The Mistletoe Secret is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
How long is The Mistletoe Secret?
The Mistletoe Secret runs about 1 hour and 23 minutes, and was released in 2019.
Is The Mistletoe Secret a Christmas movie?
Yes. The Mistletoe Secret is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.
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