Netflix's Holiday Plans: Alicia Silverstone's "A Merry Little Ex-Mas" Leads the Pack

Forget waiting for Santa, Netflix is bringing us Christmas cheer (and a little bit of ex-drama) way ahead of schedule! Get ready to snuggle up with Alicia Silverstone and a whole new slate of festive films.

TL;DR

• Netflix is diving into the 2025 holiday season early with "A Merry Little Ex-Mas" hitting screens on November 12.
• The film stars Alicia Silverstone as a recently divorced mom whose Christmas plans go hilariously awry when her ex (Oliver Hudson) brings his new, younger girlfriend (Jameela Jamil) home.
• Expect more holiday magic with "Champagne Problems" (Nov 19), "Jingle Bell Heist" (Nov 26), and "My Secret Santa" (Dec 3) also coming to Netflix.

Get Ready for a Very Merry, Slightly Awkward, Netflix Christmas Season!

Alright, fellow movie buffs, it might feel like we just packed away our Halloween decorations, but Netflix is already decking the halls and jingling bells! While Hallmark might be the OG champion of endless Christmas movies, Netflix has been seriously stepping up its holiday game over the past few years. And for 2025, they’re going all in, pushing a fantastic lineup of original festive flicks, led by what looks like a genuinely fun and maybe a little bit cringey rom-com: A Merry Little Ex-mas.

Last year gave us gems like Hot Frosty and The Merry Gentlemen, but this year, it seems like Netflix has placed its biggest bet on the charm of a holiday reunion gone hilariously wrong. We’re talking '90s icon Alicia Silverstone making her big return to our screens, surrounded by a cast that promises plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. So, grab your coziest blanket and a cup of something warm, because the holiday movie marathon starts sooner than you think!

Alicia Silverstone Navigates Ex-Husbands and New Girlfriends in a Holiday Rom-Com

The star-studded event kicking off Netflix's holiday bonanza is A Merry Little Ex-Mas, landing on your streaming queues on November 12, 2025. If the title alone doesn't pique your interest, the premise certainly will. Picture this: Alicia Silverstone plays Kate, a recently divorced mom who just wants one last picture-perfect family Christmas in her old house before she sells it off.

Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Her holiday harmony gets totally derailed when her ex-husband, Everett (played by the always charming Oliver Hudson), shows up with his new, younger, and seemingly successful girlfriend, portrayed by the hilarious Jameela Jamil. Suddenly, Kate's perfectly planned Christmas becomes a whirlwind of awkward encounters, forced smiles, and maybe a little bit of unexpected romance for herself when a strapping new man enters the picture.

This isn't your typical sugary sweet Christmas flick where everything is wrapped up neatly with a bow by the end. The movie promises a "sharper edge," digging into the emotional rollercoaster of divorce, co-parenting, and trying to find your footing again during a time that's supposed to be all about togetherness. Expect plenty of laugh-out-loud moments born from pure discomfort, because let's be real, a lot of us have been there!

"You have chemistry with people, but you can also create chemistry if you're on the same page. We had really nice conversations prior and got together when we were in Toronto and worked on the script and dialogue. Even just those short periods of time where we were able to get to know each other a little was enough of a spark to create something."

— Oliver Hudson on his chemistry with Alicia Silverstone

Behind the Scenes: Familiar Faces Bringing the Festive Fun to Life

The talent behind A Merry Little Ex-Mas is just as exciting as its on-screen stars. Directing this holiday romp is Steve Carr, known for comedies like Daddy Day Care and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, so you know we're in for some genuinely funny situations. The script comes from Holly Hester, a writer and producer from the beloved Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which makes perfect sense given Melissa Joan Hart's involvement!

Speaking of Melissa Joan Hart, she's not just starring in the film; she's also stepping behind the camera as a producer, alongside Paula Hart. And if that wasn't enough '90s nostalgia for you, Alicia Silverstone herself is an executive producer on the film, which means she's had a hand in shaping Kate's journey, potentially adding some extra depth to the character's emotional arc. It's awesome to see these iconic actresses not only gracing our screens but also bringing their creative vision to these projects.

Adding to the family vibes, Oliver Hudson’s son, Wilder Hudson, makes his acting debut in the film! And if you keep your eyes peeled during the sledding adventure scene, you might just spot Alicia Silverstone's 14-year-old son, Bear, making a cameo as an extra alongside a friend. Talk about a true family Christmas affair, both on and off-screen!

The Cast: A Blend of Comedic Timing and Heartfelt Performances

This film is packed with a fantastic ensemble ready to deliver all the comedic conflict and unexpected warmth you could ask for. Here’s a quick rundown of the main players you’ll be seeing:

• Alicia Silverstone as Kate, the recently divorced mom navigating a tricky holiday.
• Oliver Hudson as Everett, Kate's ex-husband who brings a new dynamic to the family Christmas.
• Jameela Jamil in a scene-stealing comedic role as Everett's new (and perhaps too charming) girlfriend.
• Pierson Fodé as the handsome new man who takes an interest in Kate. (And yes, the trailer hints at a very festive shirtless moment for him!)
• Melissa Joan Hart, bringing her signature wit, also serving as a producer.
• Also featuring: Wilder Hudson, Emily Hall, and Timothy Innes.

With multiple generations and a whole lot of history under one roof, the holiday table in this movie is practically begging for secrets, judgments, and maybe a little too much spiked eggnog to spill over. The chemistry between Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson was reportedly immediate, with the two working together on the script to build their on-screen dynamic, which only makes us more excited to see them in action.

More Netflix Holiday Movies to Add to Your Watchlist This Year

While A Merry Little Ex-Mas is Netflix’s big holiday push, it's just the start of their festive offerings. The streamer has a whole sleigh-full of new original Christmas movies coming your way between now and December 25th. Here are a few more to mark on your calendars:

Champagne Problems: A Sparkling Parisian Romance (November 19, 2025)

If you're into international romance with a touch of business drama, Champagne Problems is for you. Starring Minka Kelly as a driven M&A executive, the film follows her journey to France to acquire a world-famous champagne brand. Naturally, her mission gets complicated when she falls for a dashing Parisian, played by Tom Wozniczka, who just happens to be the founder's son! Think Emily in Paris meets Christmas, with plenty of bubbly and swoon-worthy moments.

The cast also includes Thibault de Montalembert, Sean Amsing, Flula Borg, Astrid Whettnall, Xavier Samuel, Mitchell Mullen, and Maeve Courtier-Lilley.

Jingle Bell Heist: A Daring Christmas Eve Caper (November 26, 2025)

Switching gears from romance to a festive caper, Jingle Bell Heist promises a thrilling holiday adventure. Olivia Holt (who you might know from Heart Eyes) and Connor Swindells (from Sex Education) team up as Sophia and Nick, two unlikely thieves who form a shaky alliance. Their mission? To rob London's most iconic department store on Christmas Eve. As their daring plan unfolds, growing feelings and hidden secrets threaten to make their "silent night" anything but.

The supporting cast features Lucy Punch, Peter Serafinowicz, Poppy Drayton, Michael Salami, and Mariah Louca.

My Secret Santa: A Secret Identity and a Ski Resort Romance (December 3, 2025)

And finally, for a heartwarming tale with a humorous twist, we have My Secret Santa. Fans of Virgin River will be excited to see Alexandra Breckenridge starring as a spirited single mom who, desperate for work, decides to disguise herself as a man to land a seasonal Santa gig at a luxurious ski resort. Of course, hilarity and romance ensue when she starts falling for the hotel manager, played by Ryan Eggold. Her secret, and her budding romance, are constantly at risk, making for a fun, feel-good watch.

Tia Mowry, Madison MacIsaac, Diana Maria Riva, and Dominic Fox also round out the cast.

Netflix's Growing Dominance in the Holiday Movie Market

It's clear that Netflix isn't just dabbling in holiday films anymore; they're making a significant investment to compete with traditional powerhouses like Hallmark. By offering a diverse slate of films – from the emotionally resonant divorce comedy of A Merry Little Ex-Mas to international romances, festive heists, and heartwarming secret identity stories – they're catering to a wide audience.

These movies often combine familiar faces with fresh concepts, tapping into our collective love for nostalgia while also pushing the boundaries of what a "holiday movie" can be. It's a smart strategy, offering viewers a mix of comfort and novelty, ensuring there's always something new and festive to stream. So, get ready for a cozy and entertaining end to 2025, because Netflix is bringing the holiday cheer in spades!

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix's 2025 Holiday Movie Lineup When do Netflix's new 2025 holiday movies start streaming? The first big holiday movie, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, premieres on November 12, 2025. Other titles like Champagne Problems (Nov 19), Jingle Bell Heist (Nov 26), and My Secret Santa (Dec 3) follow shortly after. Where can I watch these new Christmas movies? All these original holiday films will be exclusively available to stream on Netflix. You'll need an active Netflix subscription to catch all the festive fun. What are the typical ratings and runtimes for these Netflix holiday rom-coms? While specific ratings and runtimes for these newly announced films aren't yet available, Netflix holiday rom-coms typically fall into the PG or PG-13 category, making them suitable for a broad audience. Runtimes usually range from 90 to 100 minutes. Is A Merry Little Ex-Mas suitable for family viewing? Based on the synopsis and informal tone, A Merry Little Ex-Mas deals with themes of divorce and new relationships. While it's framed as a comedy, it might explore emotional themes that resonate more with adults or older teens, but it's likely to be rated PG-13, making it generally suitable for most family audiences who appreciate rom-coms. Sources

• Various entertainment news outlets
• Netflix official announcements (as cited in the articles)
• People Magazine interviews (as cited in the articles)