Here’s a list of deeply cosy, holiday romance movies for the season
I’ve always loved romance movies — the yearning, the magic that blooms between two people who slowly make their way into each other’s lives. When you gather all that sweetness and let it melt into the holiday spirit, it becomes something softly magical. Holiday romance movies take everything I adore — the connection, the hope, the possibility — and wrap it in fairy lights, warm homes, cosy scarves, and that December magic that makes the world feel a little happier.
This year, I’m treating myself to a December drenched in romance — from snowy escapes and small-town sparks to the vibrant, familiar rhythm of Nollywood’s festive heartbeat.
Here are the holiday romance movies I’ll be curling up with this holiday season.
Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)
Christina Milian brings bright, joyful energy to Layla, a woman who spends a magical Christmas Eve searching for the stranger (Kofi Siriboe) she shared a spark with last year. Set in the backdrop of New York City’s festive chaos, she teams up with Teddy, played by Devale Ellis, to find her stranger.
However, the red string between Teddy, her supposed helper, and Layla intertwines. It’s a charming, breezy race toward love with that perfect “holiday fate” feeling.
The Holiday (2006)
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two women escaping heartbreak by swapping homes across the world. Amanda, played by Diaz, finds unexpected tenderness with Jude Law’s irresistible widower, while Iris, played by Winslet, rediscovers her spark through Jack Black’s warm, funny composer.
As the film nears its end, both women must confront their feelings and decide if these new connections are just holiday flings or the start of something real.
Christmas in Lagos (2024)
Teniola Aladese is brilliant as Fiyin, who rushes to the airport to welcome her cousin Ivie (the lively Rayxia Ojo) and her longtime best friend Elo (played with warm charisma by Shalom C. Obiago). She plans to finally confess her love — only for Elo to drop the heartbreaking news that he’s proposing to his girlfriend, Yagazie (the graceful Angel Anosike).
Set against the speed and electric joy of Lagos at Christmastime, this story is heartfelt, tender, and deeply relatable. I enjoyed seeing it last year, and I’m looking forward to doing so again this holiday season.
A Christmas Duet (2019)
I certainly wasn’t going to put together a holiday movie list without a Hallmark film! In this soft, musical romance, Chaley Rose plays Averie, a lodge owner trying to keep her business afloat when her former music partner — and former love — Jesse (Rome Flynn) arrives unexpectedly. Their chemistry crackles quietly as old songs, old wounds, and old affection rise under twinkling lights.
As with all Hallmark films, this is gentle, lyrical, and full of that “maybe we were meant to find each other again” magic.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
A beautiful, emotional, and deeply romantic Christmas film that reunites an all-Black ensemble — Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, and Nia Long — for a holiday weekend that’s equal parts joy and drama. Invited to spend Christmas at Lance and Mia’s home, the group slips easily into old laughter and familiar rhythms, but the years apart have left unspoken tensions, unresolved feelings, and life-altering secrets simmering just beneath the surface.
As the festivities unfold, the film blends humour, heartbreak, and genuine warmth, using its festive backdrop to explore love, forgiveness, and the deep bonds that carry us through every season — especially this holiday season.
Read also: These Hidden Netflix holiday gems are a must-watch for your Christmas movie marathon
The Perfect Holiday (2007)
Gabrielle Union is tenderness personified as Nancy, a single mother juggling the holidays and parenthood. When she whispers her Christmas wish into a department-store Santa’s ear (with Morris Chestnut secretly listening), she sets off a chain of charm and romantic sweetness.
It’s warm, earnest, and full of holiday spirit — the kind of movie that makes you feel good.
A Naija Christmas (2021)
This lively, joyful film follows three brothers — played by Kunle Remi, Efa Iwara, and Abayomi Alvin — who scramble to fulfil their mother’s Christmas wish of seeing at least one of them married.
The late Rachel Oniga brings warmth, humour, and soul to the matriarch role, while Linda Osifo adds romantic charm to the chaos. The film is vibrant, comedic, heartfelt, and full of Nigerian festive spirit.
Last Christmas (2019)
Emilia Clarke is endearing as Kate, a woman spiralling through life until Henry Golding’s gentle, handsome and luminous Tom begins guiding her back toward herself. With Emma Thompson adding humour and heart, the story evolves into something soulful and unexpectedly moving. Whimsical, grounded, and full of emotional resonance.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a lonely train-station worker who becomes entangled in a strange, sweet lie after saving Peter Gallagher’s character. However, it’s Bill Pullman’s quiet charm and tender presence that anchor the romance. It’s slow, soft, and impossibly cosy — a classic for a reason.
Boxing Day (2021)
Aml Ameen plays Melvin, an author returning to London for Christmas with his American fiancée, beautifully played by Aja Naomi King. What’s meant to be a celebration quickly becomes a storm of emotions when he crosses paths with his ex, portrayed with irresistible charisma by Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
It’s heartfelt, full of family chaos, culture, music, and messy, real love — a refreshing romance with a Black British heartbeat.
These movies remind me of the beautiful truth holiday romances always share: love shows up in the most unexpected places. Sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly, but always in a way that warms the heart. So grab a cosy blanket, pour yourself a drink, and dive into these films. Let the magic of the season, the laughter, and love fill your December.
