Grab the cocoa, because Netflix’s holiday season starts early this year. Four big English-language films, a Swedish rom-com and a family bonus show arrive in a tidy weekly run from early November. Here is what each one offers, so you can plan your watchlist on Netflix.
Netflix Christmas Movies : Release Schedule
| Title | Release Date | Genre | Lead Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Dog’s Perfect Christmas | Nov 4 | Family drama | Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia |
| Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas | Nov 11 | Musical drama | Tank, Fantasia Barrino |
| The Christmas Switch | Nov 12 | Swedish rom-com | Felice & Happy Jankell |
| Guarding Stars | Nov 18 | Romantic comedy | Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki |
| In a Holidaze | Dec 2 | Time-loop rom-com | Maddie Ziegler, Graham Phillips |
| Gabby’s Dollhouse: Makers and Bakers Holiday | Dec 9 (US) | Kids’ competition | Aidy Bryant, Justin Willman |
The Movies, Elaborated
1. A Dog’s Perfect Christmas (Nov 4): Based on W. Bruce Cameron’s novel, the film is narrated by Winstead, a wise basset hound voiced by Thomas Haden Church. Grandfather Sander (Quaid) turned grumpy after losing his wife, and he clashes with his teenage granddaughter. When her mother falls seriously ill, a playful corgi puppy may be what reunites them. Mary Steenburgen plays his possible love interest. The director has said no dogs die in this one.
2. Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas (Nov 11): Tank plays Isaac, a struggling pastor who inherits his family’s church in a troubled New York neighbourhood. Doubt, temptation and a sinister rival test his faith. Music leads the way, with gospel legends like Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans and The Clark Sisters, and Kirk Franklin producing.
3. The Christmas Switch (Nov 12): Real-life twins Felice and Happy Jankell play sisters who swap lives before Christmas. Out of their comfort zones, both find unexpected romance. It is adapted from an audiobook and is actor Adam Pålsson’s directorial debut. Think The Princess Switch, with a Swedish twist.
4. Guarding Stars (Nov 18): Adapted from Katherine Center’s bestseller The Bodyguard (renamed to avoid confusion with the 1992 film), it follows a bodyguard (Leighton Meester) hired to protect a famous action star (Jared Padalecki). At his family ranch, she poses as his girlfriend, and the pretend romance starts feeling real. The cast also includes Andie MacDowell and CM Punk.
5. In a Holidaze (Dec 2): Maddie Ziegler plays Mae, who makes a romantic blunder during her family’s final Christmas at a snowy cabin. She then keeps reliving the holiday until she works out what she truly wants. Rob Lowe and Patton Oswalt join the fun.
Bonus: Gabby’s Dollhouse: Makers and Bakers Holiday (Dec 9, US): Young duos compete in baking and crafting challenges in this festive spin-off of the hit preschool series.
Looking for more watch-worthy lists? Explore our Netflix updates and OTT news, or check our upcoming releases guide.
FAQs
Q1. Which Netflix Christmas movie releases first in 2026?
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas arrives first, on November 4.
Q2. Is there a Netflix Christmas movie for the whole family?
Yes. A Dog’s Perfect Christmas and the Gabby’s Dollhouse holiday special are the best family picks.
