Top Thanksgiving Weekend Streaming Picks: Holiday Movie Selections from Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, and More

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday,” has signaled the start of the yuletide season.  In recent years, the season starts even earlier—festive decorations adorn stores, holiday coffee cups make their debut, and heartwarming made-for-TV movies become a staple, well before Halloween. Before gathering for Thanksgiving dinner, and throughout the long weekend enjoy your favorite holiday movies from Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, Great American, and UPtv on any internet-connected device—yes, even on your mobile phone upstairs in your childhood bedroom adorned with teenage heartthrobs. Explore the top seasonal content to stream on Philo from November 22nd through November 30th.

Holiday Movies to Watch Wednesday, November 22, 2023

A Season for Family on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries (8 p.m. ET/PT):

In case you missed it in last week’s movie guide, Brendan Penny, Stacey Farber, Benjamin Jacobson, and Azriel Dalman star in a touching festive film. Maddy’s adopted son, Wesley, wants to meet his brother Cody, adopted by another family. Despite initial hesitation from Cody’s widowed father, Paul, fate brings the brothers together, fostering a fast friendship and a connection between Maddy and Paul. Join the cast for a genuine Christmas story highlighting the warmth of human connections.

Tune in on Thanksgiving, Thursday,  November 23, 2023

Grateful Grooves on VEVO POP (8am, 2pm, 7pm ET)

Feeling grateful this Thanksgiving? Tune into VEVO POP for a playlist of grateful hits while you feast with friends and family.

Catch Me If You Claus on Hallmark Channel (8 p.m ET/PT)

Starring Italia Ricci and Luke Macfarlane, this film features an aspiring news anchor, Avery Quinn, whose big break on the Christmas morning newscast is jeopardized when she encounters a home intruder claiming to be Chris, Santa’s son, on his inaugural mission. A night of adventure unfolds as they face police pursuit and encounter shady characters. Throughout the journey, Avery and Chris connect over the challenges of living in their parents’ shadows, inspiring each other to pursue their dreams in this high-stakes Christmas caper.

A Blessed Up Thanksgiving with DJ Khaled on VEVO Hip Hop (10 a.m., 4 p.m, 9 p.m. ET)

We da best! Had to throw that in when mentioning DJ Khaled. Celebrate not only the DJ’s birthday but Thanksgiving with some of his best videos.

Festive Films to Watch Black Friday, November 24, 2023

Letters to Santa on Hallmark Channel (6 p.m. ET/PT)

Starring Katie Leclerc and Rafael de la Fuente, this captivating tale revolves around the magic of a wish-granting pen and the heartfelt journey of children from divorced families. Delve into the enchanting narrative as young siblings, armed with a magical pen from Santa, express their most fervent Christmas wish: the reunion of their separated parents, portrayed by Leclerc and de la Fuente.

Holiday Road on Hallmark Channel (8 p.m. ET/PT)

Starring Warren Christie and Sara Canning, this film, inspired by true events, follows a group of strangers stranded at the airport during the holidays. Facing canceled flights, they decide on a whim to rent a van and embark on a road trip to Denver. As their journey unfolds, misadventures bring them closer, forming bonds that may alter the course of their lives.

My Christmas Hero on Great American Family  (8 p.m. ET)

Candace Cameron Bure and Gabriel Hogan star in this film where an army reserve doctor (Bure) delves into her family’s military history, guided by a new romance (Hogan). Explore the intertwining narratives in this compelling story.

Made-for-TV Movies to Watch Saturday, November 25, 2023

Christmas at the Chalet on Lifetime (8 p.m. ET)

Starring Teri Hatcher (Desperate Housewives) and William DeVry, this story revolves around ex-TV host and socialite Lex (Teri Hatcher). Faced with the prospect of spending Christmas in a luxury chalet with her son, ex-husband, and his new girlfriend, Lex takes on a role in the chalet to maintain distance. Meanwhile, she documents her experiences for a growing audience, providing a glimpse into this new chapter of her life.

Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up on Hallmark Channel (8 p.m. ET)

Starring Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Melissa Peterman, Ellen Travolta, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen, this sequel brings new neighbors and loads of holiday decorations to Evergreen Lane. As Emily (Chabert) and Jared (Brown) gear up for a festive celebration, they face the challenges of being the HOA president’s girlfriend and a potential decorating citation. The arrival of holiday royalty as new neighbors sets the stage for a spirited Christmas competition. Get ready for a competitive holiday season on Evergreen Lane!

A Royal Date for Christmas on Great American Family (8 p.m. ET)

Starring Danica McKellar and Damon Runyan, this story unfolds as a European Duke (Runyan) arrives in the US, discovering his lost bags. With no other option, he undergoes a styling transformation guided by Bella (McKellar), the local boutique owner.

All The Top Movies to Watch on Sunday, November 26, 2023

A Biltmore Christmas on Hallmark Channel (8 p.m. ET)

One Tree Hill’s Bethany Joy Lenz, Kristoffer Polaha, Jonathan Frakes, and Robert Picardo star in this tale of Lucy Hardgrove, a screenwriter hired to script a remake of the holiday classic, His Merry Wife! Filmed in 1947 at Biltmore House, the story takes a turn when Lucy’s script diverges from the original’s conclusion. Sent to Biltmore for research, Lucy accidentally discovers time travel to the film’s 1947 set, where she befriends Jack Huston (Polaha), a co-star. However, her presence triggers a chain of events endangering the production. To avoid altering the future, Lucy must correct the course of events before returning to the present. Join these Star Trek and One Tree Hill stars in a narrative woven with classic Hollywood elements, time travel, and a delicate script reboot.

Laughing All the Way on Lifetime (8 p.m. ET)

Ghostwriter and aspiring comedian Aubri Wilson (Paniz Zade) faces a career-defining moment when tasked with organizing a Christmas variety show. In search of the perfect headliner, she encounters famous Hollywood comedian Mike Baxter (Jake Epstein), who returns to his stand-up roots at the comedy club where it all began. As their paths intersect, Aubri showcases her inner funny girl, and in a delightful twist, they fall hopelessly and hilariously in love, bringing laughter to the holiday season.

Mistletoe Connection on UPtv (8 p.m. ET)

Kate Snow, the owner of Treasures from the Heart, cherishes everything about the holidays. However, her festive joy is threatened by a developer aiming to disrupt her quaint neighborhood. Meanwhile, Mark Goodwin, a Christmas-loving professional, shares a moment with a mysterious woman on a bus. Little do they know, they’re on opposing sides of a personal conflict, and it will take the Christmas spirit to unite them. Starring Jessica Sipos and Markian Tarasiuk.

The Can’t-Miss Marathon on Monday, November 27, 2023

Classic Christmas Marathon on AMC 

AMC is treating audiences to a family-friendly marathon, featuring beloved classics such as Rankin-Bass specials like Jack Frost, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, The First Christmas Snow, Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland. Additionally, the lineup includes timeless favorites like White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street (1947), and March of the Wooden Soldiers. Gather the family for a festive viewing experience filled with holiday magic.

A Marathon and Video Podcast to Watch on Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Christmas Candy Marathon on AMC 

AMC is showcasing a movie marathon featuring John Candy’s standout films, such as The Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Stripes. Join in for a film lineup that highlights the enduring talent of John Candy in these memorable movies.

Deck The Hallmark Podcast Reviews a Biltmore Christmas (Video Exclusively on Philo)

The Deck the Hallmark Podcast is delving into the holiday enchantment of A Biltmore Christmas, sharing their seasoned perspective on the film. Hosted by Bran and Dan, this widely followed podcast, boasting over 7 million listeners, offers an exclusive video version available solely on Philo. As they dissect the movie, starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha from One Tree Hill, the hosts will have navigate a plot full of classic Hollywood elements, time travel, and script reboot plotlines. It’s sure to be a fun and engaging video podcast experience. 

A Bill Murray Marathon on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

A Murray Christmas Marathon on AMC

Nothing says Christmas like Bill Murray? AMC treats viewers to back-to-back laughs with a marathon of Bill Murray’s timeless classics, Groundhog Day and Caddyshack. Dive into the humor and charm of Murray’s iconic performances in these beloved films, creating the perfect binge-watching experience for fans of the legendary actor.

A Hallmark Movie to Watch on Thursday, November 30, 2023

Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries (8 p.m. ET)

Starring former teen heartthrobs Shenae Grimes-Beech from the 90210 reboot and Chris Carmack from The OC, this story follows Carly (Grimes-Beech) as she navigates her first Christmas without her mother. Seeking to avoid loneliness, Carly leads the church choir in a quaint town, where she encounters Matthew (Carmack), an army service member back in town. As Carly unravels the mystery with Matthew and the townspeople, she discovers clues hinting at a life-changing reason for her journey. This unfolding mystery teaches Carly about true love, trust, and the necessity of forgiveness for healing.

Philo is Your Home for the Holidays

Extend the Thanksgiving spirit into your weekend retreat with Philo, your ultimate home for post-Thanksgiving made-for-tv movies. With a lineup spanning Hallmark Channel, AMC, UPtv, Great American Family, and Lifetime, Philo guarantees a post-Thanksgiving binge filled with heartwarming vibes and enjoyable watches. Keep the holiday magic alive with Philo as your Home for the Holidays all season long.