As the leaves turn and the familiar scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, Netflix is already rolling out its 2025 holiday lineup, and at the top of the list is a festive rom-com poised to capture hearts across the globe.

My Secret Santa, starring Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge and New Amsterdam’s Ryan Eggold, promises a holiday experience brimming with laughter, romance, and heartwarming twists.

With its worldwide premiere scheduled for December 3, 2025, fans have begun their countdown, eager for a snowy escape that only Netflix can deliver.

Directed by seasoned holiday-movie maestro Mike Rohl, whose work on The Princess Switch trilogy cemented his status as a Christmas rom-com visionary, and penned by acclaimed writers Ron Oliver (Falling for Christmas) and Carley Smale (Snowed-Inn Christmas), My Secret Santa is shaping up to be the ultimate feel-good story of the season.

 Release Date: When to Expect the Holiday Magic

Netflix has officially slotted My Secret Santa for release on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, giving audiences just enough time to cozy up with blankets, mugs of cocoa, and twinkling lights. The timing is impeccable: just as the first snowflakes fall and holiday tunes fill the air, viewers will be transported to a luxury ski resort where love, laughter, and holiday hijinks collide.

 Plot Overview: Romance, Secrets, and Holiday Hijinks

The official synopsis sets the stage for a seasonally spirited tale:

“A vivacious single mom in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man in order to get hired as the seasonal Santa at a luxury ski resort. But when she starts to fall in love with the hotel manager, complications develop that could ruin everything.”

The premise feels delightfully familiar, yet refreshingly unique—a nod to classic romantic comedies like Tootsie, but wrapped in the warm glow of holiday magic. The narrative promises a mix of humor, romantic tension, and festive charm, set against the snow-draped slopes and sparkling lights of a luxurious winter resort. Mistaken identities, unexpected attractions, and the pressure of keeping a secret converge to create the perfect holiday storm.

 Meet the Cast: Stars Lighting Up the Holidays

One of the most compelling aspects of My Secret Santa is its ensemble cast, blending veteran performers with rising stars:

• Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe in Virgin River, This Is Us, American Horror Story) takes on the lead role of the spirited single mom. Known for her emotional depth and nuanced performances, Breckenridge promises to bring a lighter, comedic touch while maintaining the heartfelt charm that has endeared her to audiences worldwide. Fans who have followed her journey as Mel will delight in seeing her navigate romance, secrecy, and self-discovery in a fresh, whimsical context.
• Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam, BlacKkKlansman) embodies the charming hotel manager who becomes an unsuspecting object of affection. Eggold’s charisma and warmth make him a perfect romantic counterpart to Breckenridge’s clever, quick-witted protagonist. Together, their chemistry is expected to be both magnetic and endearing—a key ingredient for a successful holiday rom-com.
• Madison MacIsaac plays Zoey Jacobsen, the protagonist’s spirited and precocious daughter. The young actress, recently seen in Nobody 2 and Elevator Game, brings innocence, energy, and an extra layer of heart to the story, ensuring that family bonds remain at the narrative’s center.
• Tia Mowry, a beloved figure from ’90s hits like Sister, Sister and the rom-com The Game, adds warmth, comedic timing, and nostalgic star power to the ensemble. Her presence guarantees moments of levity and holiday charm.
• Diana Maria Riva (Dead to Me) rounds out the cast, contributing seasoned acting chops that promise to ground the film’s more whimsical elements while enhancing its emotional depth.

Why My Secret Santa Is Already Generating Buzz

While holiday rom-coms are a Netflix staple, My Secret Santa stands out for several reasons:

Star Power: Alexandra Breckenridge and Ryan Eggold are both fan favorites with devoted audiences, drawing viewers across genres—from heartfelt dramas to medical thrillers. Their pairing promises sparks, tension, and endearing moments that will keep viewers invested.

Proven Creative Team: With Mike Rohl at the helm and writers Ron Oliver and Carley Smale crafting the script, the film benefits from a creative team with a track record of delivering holiday magic, blending humor, romance, and heartfelt moments seamlessly.

A Fresh Twist on Tradition: From the Santa disguise to the luxurious ski resort backdrop, the story offers an inventive take on classic holiday tropes. The mix of mistaken identity, budding romance, and seasonal cheer ensures a narrative that feels both comforting and excitingly unpredictable.

Holiday Escapism: Netflix knows how to provide the perfect escape, and this film delivers: snowy landscapes, cozy settings, festive lights, and the promise of a love story that will tug at hearts and spark joy.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting Holiday Magic

Filming took place in breathtaking ski resort locations, with snowy peaks, twinkling lights, and winter wonderlands creating a visually captivating backdrop. Breckenridge has described the experience as “like stepping into a real-life Christmas card,” emphasizing the film’s enchanting aesthetic. Eggold and Breckenridge reportedly shared a warm camaraderie on set, adding authenticity and chemistry to their on-screen dynamic.

The creative team also worked meticulously to balance humor, heart, and holiday nostalgia, ensuring that the story resonates with viewers of all ages. From whimsical costume choices to clever dialogue, every element has been designed to capture the spirit of the season.

Anticipated Story Beats and Audience Favorites

While the film keeps many details under wraps, viewers can expect familiar rom-com beats with holiday twists:

• Mistaken identities and secret disguises
• Heartwarming parent-child dynamics
• Romantic tension escalating against the backdrop of festive festivities
• Hilarious misunderstandings and comedic mishaps
• Emotional resolutions that highlight love, family, and self-discovery

Fans are also speculating on additional surprises, including: unexpected holiday twists, charming winter escapades, and perhaps even a magical Christmas revelation that cements the story as a holiday classic.

Netflix’s Strategy and Cultural Impact

Netflix has successfully cultivated a global audience for its holiday originals, and My Secret Santa is poised to continue that tradition. With its blend of humor, romance, and seasonal aesthetics, the film is likely to resonate not only with long-time rom-com fans but also with a younger, streaming-savvy audience.

The film also contributes to Netflix’s broader cultural influence, fostering online discussions, memes, and fan theories ahead of its premiere. For viewers, it’s more than just a movie—it’s an annual ritual of festive comfort, laughter, and escapism.

Conclusion: Why My Secret Santa Is a Must-Watch

Set to premiere on December 3, 2025, My Secret Santa promises to be a holiday must-watch, blending romance, humor, and festive cheer. With Alexandra Breckenridge and Ryan Eggold leading a talented cast, guided by a proven creative team, the film offers viewers the perfect combination of heart, hilarity, and holiday magic.

Whether it’s the charming ski resort setting, the playful mistaken identities, or the emotional depth of the characters’ relationships, My Secret Santa delivers everything audiences crave in a seasonal rom-com. Expect laughter, heartfelt moments, and perhaps a few surprises that will leave viewers returning to Netflix for years to come.

As Netflix unwraps this festive gift, fans can prepare to cozy up, sip their cocoa, and let My Secret Santa bring warmth and joy to their holiday season—one magical moment at a time.