As the festive season reaches its glittering peak, Netflix viewers have crowned a surprise holiday hit as the must-watch Christmas movie of the year. Fronted by Virgin River icon Alexandra Breckenridge

and co-starring a beloved Beverly Hills, 90210 favourite, the new festive rom-com My Secret Santa is being hailed by fans as “hilarious,” “adorable,” and a full-blown modern classic.

Already earning glowing “10 out of 10” reviews and enthusiastically compared to Mrs Doubtfire with a Christmas twist, the film has surged to the top of Netflix’s holiday charts,

proving once again that heartfelt storytelling, sharp comedy, and a little festive magic can still capture the collective imagination.

Netflix’s Holiday Season Gets a Breakout Star

Each year, Netflix rolls out a carefully curated mix of seasonal comfort watches and brand-new festive originals, inviting viewers to sink into cosy nostalgia while discovering fresh stories. This winter is no exception. Alongside timeless favourites such as The Holiday and the late Diane Keaton’s warmly remembered The Family Stone, the platform has unveiled an ambitious slate of new Christmas titles.

Earlier in the season, films like Champagne Problems, starring Ransom Canyon’s Minka Kelly, and Jingle Bell Heist, led by Sex Education star Connor Swindells, generated buzz and respectable viewership. But none have captured hearts quite like My Secret Santa, which has rapidly become the standout success of Netflix’s festive line-up.

At the centre of that success is Alexandra Breckenridge, whose devoted fanbase from Virgin River has followed her enthusiastically into this joyful new chapter.

A Familiar Face in a Bold New Role

Breckenridge is best known to millions as Mel Monroe, the compassionate nurse who forms the emotional backbone of Virgin River. In My Secret Santa, however, she trades small-town serenity for frantic survival mode, delivering a performance that blends physical comedy, emotional depth, and old-school holiday charm.

She stars as Taylor Jacobson, a struggling single mother whose life unravels just days before Christmas. Recently laid off and facing the terrifying prospect of letting her child down during the holidays, Taylor finds herself backed into a corner. With bills mounting and options dwindling, she makes a desperate, unconventional decision: disguising herself as a kindly elderly man to take a last-minute job as Santa Claus at a luxury ski resort.

What begins as a practical solution quickly spirals into chaos, comedy, and unexpected self-discovery.

Laughter, Lies, and Lessons in the Snow

Much like Mrs Doubtfire, the film leans into the comedic potential of transformation and mistaken identity, but My Secret Santa gives the trope a distinctly festive heartbeat. Taylor’s elaborate disguise becomes both her shield and her prison, allowing her to provide for her family while forcing her to confront the uncomfortable truth of how invisible she feels in her own life.

As “Santa,” Taylor unexpectedly becomes a source of comfort and wisdom to guests and staff alike. Children confide their fears. Adults reveal regrets they’ve buried for years. And in a beautifully ironic twist, Taylor finds herself offering emotional support to others while her own heart remains bruised and uncertain.

The film’s romantic storyline adds another layer of charm. A growing connection with a resort employee—played by a 90210 favourite whose easy charisma complements Breckenridge perfectly—introduces warmth, tension, and the looming threat that Taylor’s secret could unravel everything.

Comedy With a Soul

What sets My Secret Santa apart from standard holiday fare is its emotional sincerity. Beneath the slapstick moments, snowy hijinks, and laugh-out-loud misunderstandings lies a story about dignity, resilience, and the lengths parents will go to protect their children.

Breckenridge shines in these quieter moments, bringing vulnerability and realism to Taylor’s struggles. Her performance balances humour and heartbreak with impressive precision, reminding viewers why she has become one of Netflix’s most trusted leading ladies.

Fans have praised her ability to carry the film while disappearing completely into the role—a testament to her range beyond the dramatic confines of Virgin River.

Social Media Crowns a Holiday Champion

Since its release, My Secret Santa has ignited social media, with viewers rushing online to share reactions. Comments describing the film as “the best Christmas movie this year” and “an instant holiday classic” have flooded timelines.

One fan wrote, “This is Mrs Doubtfire meets Hallmark, but smarter and funnier. Alexandra Breckenridge is perfect.” Another declared, “I laughed, I cried, I rewatched it the next day. 10 out of 10.”

The film’s blend of nostalgia and modern sensibility appears to have struck a powerful chord, appealing equally to families, rom-com fans, and long-time followers of Breckenridge’s career.

A Festive Hit With Staying Power

While many Christmas films shine briefly and fade with the season, My Secret Santa feels poised for longevity. Its themes of reinvention, kindness, and second chances resonate beyond December, making it the kind of movie viewers will revisit year after year.

For Netflix, it represents another major win in its ongoing quest to create modern holiday classics. For Alexandra Breckenridge, it cements her status as a holiday favourite capable of leading a film that blends humour, heart, and genuine emotional payoff.

Why You Should Watch

At its core, My Secret Santa is more than a festive comedy—it’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected disguises reveal our truest selves. With sharp writing, strong chemistry, and a central performance that radiates warmth, the film delivers exactly what audiences crave during the holidays.

As Christmas approaches and watchlists fill up fast, this is one title that’s proving impossible to ignore. Whether you come for the Virgin River connection, the nostalgic comedy, or the promise of a feel-good escape, My Secret Santa offers a festive experience that lives up to the hype.

And judging by the reaction so far, Netflix may have just delivered the defining Christmas movie of the year.