Feel-Good Holiday Flicks
Set up the hot cocoa bar and pass the popcorn. It’s family movie night, and these sentimental holiday films set in Texas will steal your heart.
“Angels Sing” (2013)
Setting: Austin
Curmudgeon history professor Michael lost his Christmas spirit years ago — ever since his brother died on Christmas Day when they were kids — until a mysterious stranger named Nick (played by outlaw country legend Willie Nelson) nudges him back toward joy. This tender story blends heart-warming moments of healing after loss and a toe-tapping soundtrack. What makes it “Texas”: Austin-area landmarks and country music artist cameos from Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, and Nelson.
Stream free on: Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, The CW
“A Dogwalker’s Christmas Tale” (2015)
Setting: Austin and Round Rock
Materialistic college student Luce takes up a dog-walking gig for a land developer, who — to her delight — plans to tear down the local dog park to build a spa. The only problem: She falls for another dog walker fighting to save the park. Cue a values check, lots of puppies, and a sweet romance. Round Rock locals will recognize scenes from the film as it was shot in real coffee shops and dog parks in the area.
Stream free on: Tubi, Fandango at Home, The CW, Amazon Prime Video
“Lonestar Christmas” (2020)
Setting: Rural Texas
This is a movie set against a cozy, country Texas backdrop that all generations can enjoy. Widowed mom Erin brings her daughters to her estranged father’s ranch, where family fences need mending and a local restaurateur, Mateo, “The Tamale King,” might just heal her broken heart. Expect: Big ranch skies, big front-porch feelings, and adorable baby goats.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home
“A Christmas in New Hope” (2024)
Setting: New Hope, Texas (Fictional)
Single mom Victoria enters a home-improvement contest to save her late mother’s house. She reluctantly teams up with her handy, handsome neighbor and finds herself falling head-over-hammer for him. Mia Armstrong, the first child with Down syndrome to lead a Christmas movie, gives an impressive performance as Victoria’s daughter.
Stream free on: Tubi, The Roku Channel
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