Best known as the fiery, complex, and irresistibly dramatic Theresa Donovan on Days of Our Lives, Lilley has been a fan favorite since her unforgettable debut in Salem.

Now, after years of speculation, petitions, and fan pleas for her return, Jen is making headlines again — not for a comeback to Days, but for something even more unexpected.

This time, Jen Lilley is stepping into a brand-new role that could redefine her career and light up the holiday season. Her latest project, A Christmas Mystery, is set to premiere November 4, 2025,

from Vision Films — and trust us, this isn’t your cookie-cutter Christmas flick. It’s a smart, hilarious, and heartwarming story with just the right dose of chaos, romance, and small-town spirit.

And yes — Jen isn’t just starring in it. She’s producing it, too.

From Salem’s Schemer to Small-Town Sleuth

For longtime Days of Our Lives fans, Jen Lilley’s Theresa Donovan was a whirlwind of glamour, grit, and redemption. From 2013 to 2018, Lilley commanded Salem’s screen — manipulating hearts, making enemies, and redeeming herself in some of the most emotional storylines of the decade. Her chemistry with Brady Black was electric, her one-liners iconic, and her departure in 2018 left a hole that no recast has managed to fill.

But Lilley didn’t fade away when she left daytime television — she evolved. In recent years, she’s built a thriving career in film, particularly within the world of feel-good holiday romances. Her work with Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, and various independent studios has made her one of the genre’s most bankable and beloved stars.

Now, with A Christmas Mystery, Lilley takes on her boldest challenge yet: juggling producer duties while leading the story as Detective Mia Reynolds, a single mother and former big-city cop whose life takes a dramatic turn when she’s drawn back to her snowy hometown of Evergreen Hollow.

The Plot: Chaos, Comedy, and Christmas Spirit

The film’s premise reads like a holiday fairytale turned detective caper. Evergreen Hollow — a picturesque small town known for its elaborate Christmas celebrations — is thrown into chaos when its iconic 30-foot tree, holiday lights, and festive decorations mysteriously vanish overnight.

Enter Detective Mia Reynolds (Lilley), a no-nonsense investigator who’s temporarily back in town after a career setback and a painful divorce. She’s determined to do her job, collect her paycheck, and get out — but fate, and the season of miracles, have other plans.

When the local sheriff — her charming, flannel-wearing high school sweetheart, Luke Harrington (played by Brooks Darnell) — recruits her to solve the crime, sparks begin to fly. As they chase down leads, uncover quirky suspects, and unravel the truth behind the “Christmas heist,” the case becomes more than a mystery — it’s a journey of rediscovery, forgiveness, and love.

A New Kind of Holiday Heroine

In A Christmas Mystery, Lilley trades her soap opera schemes for detective smarts — but the emotional depth remains. Her character Mia is layered, witty, and real: a woman grappling with the chaos of parenthood, heartbreak, and self-doubt.

She’s also the mother to Sophie, a whip-smart ten-year-old (described by Lilley as “a mini-Theresa with pigtails”), who becomes her unofficial crime-solving partner. Together, they embody the messy, funny, and heart-tugging realities of family life — especially during the holidays.

Lilley says the film’s humor and heart were inspired by her own hectic Christmas seasons as a mother. “I was juggling three kids, a foster placement, and a gingerbread house that collapsed spectacularly,” she shared with a laugh. “That’s when it hit me — I wanted to make a holiday film that felt real. One where things go wrong, but love still wins.”

Behind the Scenes: Jen’s Creative Vision

As both star and producer, Jen Lilley poured herself into every detail of A Christmas Mystery. From casting to tone, she wanted the film to break away from formulaic tropes.

She personally handpicked a cast capable of improvisation, ensuring every scene feels spontaneous and alive. She insisted on authenticity — not overly polished perfection, but heartfelt chaos. The result? A holiday movie that’s as funny as it is touching.

Production took place in Bigham City, Utah, transformed into the snow-dusted wonderland of Evergreen Hollow. With more than 10,000 feet of twinkling lights and a real 25-foot Douglas fir used for the “stolen” Christmas tree sequence, the crew brought the magic to life despite freezing conditions.

Even Lilley’s advocacy for foster care found its way into the film — through a heartfelt subplot featuring a local toy drive. “I wanted to weave in a message of giving back,” she said. “Because that’s what Christmas, and life, are really about.”

The Message: Finding Magic in the Mess

While A Christmas Mystery promises plenty of laughs, romance, and holiday sparkle, its heart beats with a deeper truth. As Mia chases the thief, she also uncovers something greater — the realization that perfection isn’t the goal.

“The mess is where the magic hides,” Mia confesses in the film’s emotional climax. It’s a line that encapsulates both Lilley’s philosophy and the film’s message: chaos doesn’t cancel Christmas; it defines it.

Expect laughter, tears, and maybe even a little self-reflection as Lilley reminds audiences that life’s imperfections are what make it beautiful.

A New Chapter for Jen Lilley

At 40, Jen Lilley is embracing every facet of her multifaceted career — actress, producer, singer, and mother of four. Her new Christmas album Joy to the World drops November 15, and she’s already attached to several exciting projects, including a faith-based thriller, a stage musical, and a mystery franchise in development.

Still, she remains deeply connected to her Days of Our Lives roots. When asked if she’d ever return to Salem, Lilley smiled knowingly: “Never say never. Salem will always be home.”

So while fans may not see Theresa Donovan strutting back into Brady Black’s life — at least not yet — they can rest assured that Jen Lilley’s star continues to rise.

A Holiday Film Worth Waiting For

A Christmas Mystery isn’t just another festive rom-com. It’s a love letter to imperfection, laughter, and second chances — delivered by one of daytime’s most beloved talents.

So, mark your calendars for November 4, 2025. Pour the cocoa, cue the carols, and get ready to unwrap the funniest, most heartfelt Christmas story of the year.

Because when Jen Lilley’s involved, you can always expect a little drama, a lot of heart, and a holiday miracle or two.