Netflix is set to deliver a festive surprise that could redefine the holiday rom-com genre with its upcoming release, My Secret Santa. Unlike typical yuletide fare, this 2025

holiday film stars Alexandra Breckenridge in a transformative and daring lead role that has already captivated fans. As Netflix’s winter slate ramps up, this film promises to combine charm,

comedy, and heartfelt family drama with a twist that will keep viewers guessing until the very last scene.

At the center of the story is Taylor, a vibrant single mother whose world is thrown into chaos after losing her job. In a bold and unconventional move, Taylor disguises herself as a man to land a coveted seasonal Santa gig at a luxury ski resort. Enter “Hugh Mann,” the alter ego that allows Taylor to navigate the high-stakes holiday job, hide her true identity, and—inevitably—fall in love with the resort’s charismatic manager, Matthew, played by Ryan Eggold. The setup may recall classics like Mrs. Doubtfire, but My Secret Santa injects the familiar gender-disguise trope with emotional stakes rooted in motherhood, sacrifice, and personal growth.

The film is slated to premiere globally on Netflix on December 3, 2025, with a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes. Netflix has promised a full holiday marketing push, including trailers, first-look images, and behind-the-scenes footage, all designed to build anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of the streaming giant’s most innovative Christmas offerings this year.

Casting Highlights: Breckenridge Leads a Stellar Ensemble

Netflix’s Tudum announcement revealed a dynamic ensemble. Alongside Alexandra Breckenridge as Taylor/Hugh Mann, the film features Ryan Eggold as the charming hotel manager Matthew, Tia Mowry as Taylor’s skeptical boss Natasha, Madison MacIsaac as Taylor’s spirited daughter Zoey, and Diana Maria Riva in a supporting role. The casting is strategic: Breckenridge brings depth and emotional range, Eggold adds romantic charisma, and Mowry injects comedic timing, promising a blend of humor, heart, and holiday magic.

Breckenridge’s role is particularly demanding. Not only does she anchor the narrative emotionally, but she also undergoes a full physical transformation into a male Santa persona. The process was extensive: prosthetics covering the forehead, cheeks, nose, and eyebrows, coupled with a mustache, beard, wig, and a full Santa body suit. Initially requiring three hours, the team optimized the look to just over an hour. Breckenridge also adjusted her voice and gait, drawing inspiration from Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause films to sell the male disguise convincingly. Hot studio lights and heavy costumes made filming grueling, but the actress described the experience as both “terrifying and liberating,” pushing her craft in bold new directions.

Behind the Scenes: Setting, Filming, and Creative Team

Production ran from February 3 to February 27, 2025, in Kamloops, British Columbia, providing a winter wonderland backdrop with snowy slopes, ski lodges, and cozy interiors that perfectly capture the festive spirit.

Director Mike Rohl, known for helming Netflix’s Princess Switch trilogy, brings expertise in balancing holiday charm with engaging romantic storylines. The screenplay is by Carley Smale (Snowed-Inn Christmas) and Ron Oliver (Falling for Christmas), who collaborated to combine humor, heart, and holiday spectacle. Producers Howard and Alexander Braunstein led the project under Howard Braunstein Films in partnership with Netflix Studios. Their goal was to create a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and comedically sharp holiday experience that would appeal to a broad audience.

First Look: Imagery and Emotional Tone

Early images and trailers tease a festive yet heartfelt film. Viewers see Breckenridge as Taylor, a single mom juggling responsibility and ambition, and then fully transformed as Hugh Mann, ready to embrace the Santa role with clumsy charm. The ski resort setting provides postcard-perfect visuals: snow-dusted rooftops, glowing holiday lights, and cozy lodge interiors. Romantic tension simmers as Matthew’s encounters with Santa/Hugh spark both laughter and vulnerability, signaling a story that balances comedic hijinks with emotional resonance.

Breckenridge has emphasized the core emotional stakes: Taylor’s disguise isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a vehicle for sacrifice, love, and personal growth. The first-look imagery highlights the duality of her character: determined and nurturing as a mother, charming and mischievous as a male Santa figure, setting the stage for a holiday story that resonates beyond visual spectacle.

Themes and Deeper Resonance

My Secret Santa goes beyond festive gags. Its narrative weaves in themes of identity, sacrifice, and trust. Taylor’s masquerade operates on multiple levels: it’s both a literal disguise and a metaphor for navigating life’s pressures while keeping personal vulnerabilities hidden. The film explores the balancing act of motherhood and personal fulfillment, illustrating the emotional complexities of secrecy, romance, and career ambition. Audiences can expect a story that delivers laughter while offering genuine emotional payoffs.

Significance for Breckenridge and Netflix

For Alexandra Breckenridge, this role is a bold departure from her usual romantic or dramatic work. It demands physical transformation, comedic timing, and emotional depth, showcasing her versatility. She isn’t just the lead—she is the emotional and visual centerpiece of the film.

For Netflix, My Secret Santa strengthens its position in the competitive holiday market. By blending recognizable tropes with a fresh twist, the film is poised to capture viewers’ attention, encourage social media engagement, and fuel repeat streams, especially during peak holiday viewing. Visual appeal—snowy resorts, festive décor, and playful transformations—ensures the film’s aesthetic is as compelling as its story.

Anticipated Audience Reactions

Fans of Breckenridge from Virgin River are likely to follow her into this comedic holiday adventure. The gender-disguise angle may surprise viewers, though the emotional stakes and clever execution promise to earn suspension of disbelief. Comparisons to Mrs. Doubtfire are inevitable, but My Secret Santa differentiates itself through maternal themes, the relationship between Taylor and Zoey, and the holiday romance thread. Behind-the-scenes transformation clips could become viral hits, further amplifying the film’s reach.

Marketing and Release Strategy

Netflix is expected to release a teaser trailer in late October or early November 2025, teasing Taylor’s transformation and romantic entanglements. Behind-the-scenes features will likely spotlight Breckenridge’s makeup and costume process. Social media campaigns could include interactive prompts, encouraging fans to guess the “Santa twist” or share holiday transformation stories. The film will launch globally on Netflix, with subtitles and dubbing for international audiences, ensuring broad accessibility and seasonal appeal.

Potential Challenges

The film walks a delicate line: the comedic elements must coexist with authentic emotional storytelling. Audiences will scrutinize the plausibility of the disguise, and marketing must avoid spoiling key plot twists. Success depends on maintaining balance, preserving suspense, and leaning into the uniqueness of Taylor’s journey.

Viewing Details

My Secret Santa will be available for streaming worldwide on Netflix starting December 3, 2025. As a Netflix Original, it is expected to feature prominently in the platform’s holiday recommendations, with accessible subtitle and dubbed versions for global audiences. Early promotional clips in Netflix’s “Coming Soon” sections will give fans a taste of the film’s charm and holiday magic.

Conclusion: Why My Secret Santa Is a Holiday Must-Watch

This film offers a bold holiday narrative with heart, humor, and high-stakes transformation. Alexandra Breckenridge anchors a story that explores sacrifice, identity, and love, while also delivering laugh-out-loud moments and visual festive delight. Paired with a capable ensemble and Netflix’s promotional reach, My Secret Santa promises to be a seasonal favorite, appealing to families, rom-com fans, and Breckenridge enthusiasts alike.

When it lands on Netflix on December 3, 2025, audiences can expect a festive journey of laughter, romance, and a little holiday magic—reminding viewers that sometimes, the best surprises come wrapped in unexpected disguises.