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Colgate | Culture > Entertainment

The New Holiday Movies You Need on Your Winter Watchlist

Isabella Clark Student Contributor, Colgate University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Colgate chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The 2025 holiday season is bringing a fresh wave of festive films that span rom-coms, musical comedies, family adventures, and lighthearted fun. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy romance, laugh-out-loud comedy, or an adventure with seasonal spirit, this lineup contains something for everyone. Below are some of the most talked-about new holiday movies, where to find them, who stars in them, and why they’re worth your watchlist this winter.

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Disney+ / Hulu)

In this musical holiday comedy, the Jonas Brothers—Kevin, Joe, and Nick— play heightened versions of themselves as they race against time to get home for Christmas. After finishing a tour in London just before the holidays, a series of travel mishaps, snowstorms, and sibling-style chaos turn their journey home into a wild adventure. Along the way, there are fun original songs and cameos from a star-studded cast including Chloe Bennet, Randall Park, Will Ferrell, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The film delivers a mix of brotherly banter, holiday romance, and self-aware humor. The soundtrack adds even more charm, making this one ideal for fans of the band or anyone who enjoys a festive, feel-good musical comedy. The runtime is approximately 80 minutes, and it premiered on November 14, 2025. 

A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix)

This film stars Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson in a holiday romance filled with nostalgia, second chances, and small-town comfort. Their love story was derailed by a big city career and the responsibilities of a medical job, but time and distance have changed them in ways that might just reunite them. Released November 12, 2025, the film offers a cozy, heartfelt story perfect for a quiet night in, complete with emotional sparks, gently rekindled love, and warm holiday vibes. 

Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix)

If you want a holiday movie with a twist, this one is a blend of crime, comedy, and quintessential festive energy. This film stars Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells. They play the roles of Sophie and Nick, two strangers who band together to rob a fancy London department store just before Christmas. Their motivations are gritty: revenge, financial struggles, desperation, but their heist brings out unexpected emotions. The result is a holiday rom-com with edge and a bit of danger, which feels fresh compared to the usual tropes. It premiered on November 26, 2025, and it runs for about 96 minutes.

Unexpected Christmas (Theatrical Release)

Sometimes the holidays don’t go as planned, and this film is centered around that chaos. Released November 7, 2025, this movie stars Lil Rel Howery and Tabitha Brown, and it focuses on a family reunion meant to be a sweet holiday gathering. Instead, it devolves into comedic turmoil. Surprise guests, unmet expectations, and holiday baggage collide in a story about the messy, unpredictable reality of family, especially during Christmas. If you’re craving laughs, relatability, and a holiday story that’s a little less polished and a little more real, then this one’s a solid pick. 

Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol (Disney Channel / Disney+)

For something lighter and just purely festive, this animated short returns this year as part of the beloved franchise’s holiday lineup. The special premiered on November 27, 2025, and it brings back the playful spirit of holiday adventures suited for all ages. With a runtime of about 22 minutes, it is a perfect palate cleanser between heavier films: a quick, cheerful dose of Christmas magic, sprinkled with comedy and whimsy. 

Isabella Clark is a writer for the Her Campus at Colgate chapter. She is a first-year student at Colgate University from Mobile, Alabama. Isabella graduated from The American International School of Muscat, Oman, where she was the founder and editor-in-chief of her school’s magazine as well as the curator and editor-in-chief of the high school yearbook. She received an award for demonstrating excellence in yearbook for leadership, design, and writing.

Having lived in five countries, Isabella has developed a strong appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. She plans to major in International Relations with a minor in Linguistics, combining her interests in global affairs and language.

In her free time, Isabella enjoys cooking, listening to music of all kinds, and teaching herself Japanese. She is also a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd who loves exploring the stories and creativity within the galaxy far, far away.