Alexandra Breckenridge is redefining festive casting this holiday season—and in the most unexpected way possible. Best known and beloved as the warm-hearted Mel Monroe

on Netflix’s long-running romantic drama Virgin River, Breckenridge is stepping into an entirely different kind of red suit this Christmas. The actress leads Netflix’s latest holiday rom-com,

My Secret Santa, but with a twist that has fans doing a double take: she plays Santa Claus.

Premiering on December 3 as part of Netflix’s highly competitive holiday lineup, My Secret Santa has quickly become one of the streamer’s most talked-about seasonal releases. While festive films are nothing new for the platform, Breckenridge’s bold transformation and the film’s playful reinvention of classic Christmas tropes have set it apart from the crowded field.

At the center of the story is Taylor, a resilient single mother navigating financial pressure, parental guilt, and the emotional weight of wanting to give her daughter a magical childhood despite limited means. When an opportunity arises to earn extra money at an upscale ski resort during the holiday season, Taylor makes a split-second decision that changes everything: she disguises herself as Santa Claus to land the job. What begins as a desperate but practical solution quickly snowballs into a whirlwind of comic misunderstandings, emotional revelations, and unexpected romance.

The luxury ski resort setting provides a picture-perfect backdrop for the story, drenched in twinkling lights, towering evergreens, and pristine snow-covered slopes. It’s a world far removed from Taylor’s everyday struggles, and that contrast becomes a powerful emotional driver throughout the film. As she navigates this glittering environment while hiding behind Santa’s beard and suit, Taylor is forced to confront not only the risks of being discovered, but also the parts of herself she’s been too afraid to show the world.

Breckenridge’s performance is at the heart of the film’s appeal. Known for her emotional subtlety and grounded realism on Virgin River, she embraces broad physical comedy and exaggerated characterization here—without ever losing the emotional core of the character. Her Santa isn’t a caricature; it’s a carefully crafted disguise that allows Taylor to move through the world unseen, listening more than she speaks and learning truths she might otherwise have missed.

The role required a full transformation, and Breckenridge has spoken candidly about how challenging—and liberating—the experience was. Wearing prosthetics, altering her voice, and adjusting her posture to convincingly embody Santa pushed her far outside her usual performance comfort zone. Yet it was precisely that discomfort that made the role so rewarding. The physicality of the disguise allowed her to explore Taylor’s vulnerability from a new angle, hiding in plain sight while yearning to be truly seen.

Opposite Breckenridge is Ryan Eggold, who plays the film’s charming male lead—a warm, observant presence whose growing connection with “Santa” unfolds in unexpected ways. Eggold brings sincerity and emotional intelligence to the role, grounding the romantic storyline even as it veers into classic holiday-movie chaos. Their chemistry is built less on instant sparks and more on quiet moments, shared conversations, and the gradual peeling back of emotional armor.

The romance takes on an added layer of complexity because it unfolds under false pretenses. As Taylor and Eggold’s character grow closer, the looming question of her true identity creates mounting tension. The film smartly uses this dynamic not just for comedy, but to explore deeper themes of honesty, self-worth, and the fear of rejection. Taylor’s disguise becomes both a shield and a prison, offering safety while simultaneously preventing real intimacy.

Directed by Mike Rohl, a veteran of the holiday-romance genre, My Secret Santa leans confidently into familiar festive beats while still finding room for freshness. Mistaken identities, near-misses, heartfelt confessions, and emotional turning points are all present—but they’re executed with polish and emotional clarity. Rohl’s direction keeps the tone light without sacrificing sincerity, ensuring the film never drifts into parody.

Shot in early 2025 in British Columbia, the production makes full use of its wintery surroundings. The snow-drenched landscapes and cozy interiors create a visual warmth that mirrors the film’s emotional arc. Every frame feels designed to evoke comfort, nostalgia, and seasonal magic—exactly the qualities Netflix audiences crave during the holidays.

For fans of Virgin River, Breckenridge’s casting adds an extra layer of intrigue. Seeing her step away from Mel Monroe’s quiet strength and into a comedic, physically demanding role highlights her range and willingness to take creative risks. It’s a reminder that while Virgin River has cemented her status as a streaming favorite, Breckenridge is far from being boxed into a single type of role.

The film’s release timing has also played a significant role in its impact. Dropping in early December, My Secret Santa arrived just as audiences began settling into holiday viewing routines. Families, couples, and solo viewers alike have embraced it as a go-to comfort watch—something easy to enjoy, emotionally satisfying, and perfectly suited for repeat viewing.

Beyond the romance and comedy, the film resonates because of its emotional core. Taylor’s motivation—providing for her daughter and giving her opportunities she never had—grounds the story in relatable stakes. Her journey isn’t just about finding love; it’s about reclaiming confidence, embracing vulnerability, and recognizing that she deserves joy as much as anyone else.

As My Secret Santa continues to gain traction on Netflix, it’s clear that Breckenridge’s unexpected turn as Santa has struck a chord. The film doesn’t reinvent the holiday genre, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it delivers exactly what audiences are looking for this time of year: warmth, heart, humor, and a reminder that sometimes, the most magical transformations happen when we dare to step outside who we think we’re supposed to be.

With her festive red suit, hidden identity, and emotionally rich performance, Alexandra Breckenridge proves that even in a genre built on tradition, there’s always room for surprise. And this holiday season, that surprise comes wrapped in tinsel, snow, and a Santa Claus no one saw coming.