Celebrate Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas: gift ideas, recipes and more to make it magical

An illustration of a coffee table set with holiday items like decorated sugar cookies, a mug of cocoa, holiday cards, and a

If there’s one thing a Hallmark Channel superfan knows, it’s that no holiday season is complete without a marathon of their favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. It’s arguably the best way to re-create the magic of the films at home (unless you plan to be snowed in at a gorgeous inn nearby or have a dashing prince madly in love with you—either works!).

If you want to make your movie-viewing experience extra special this year, we’ve got tons of ideas to help! Whether you’re cozying in for a solo marathon or calling your favorite people to join the fun, find our best movie night recommendations, recipes, gift suggestions and more to make it memorable.

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Theme 1: A solo merry-thon  

Picture it: You’re lounging on the couch in your coziest attire. There’s a plate of your favorite snack nearby—peppermint bark, white chocolate pretzels or a peanut butter and onion sandwich (there’s no one there to judge your choices, FYI). With no one to talk during the movie or fight with you over the remote, you can remain in movie-watching bliss and lovingly stare at your favorite Hallmark Channel star as long as you’d like.

Does life get better than a solo movie marathon? I think not. And when you add in the fun of Countdown to Christmas, it’s even more amazing! If you wanna plus up your experience even more, we have a few recommendations below.

Santa-approved gift ideas/goodies

 

Holiday recipes you’ll love:

If that peanut butter and onion sandwich isn’t cutting it, let us suggest a few of our favorite holiday treats:

Theme 2: Deck the halls for date night  

We can’t talk about Countdown to Christmas without including romance! It’s the perfect time to snuggle with your faithful watch partner and bask in cheerful bliss. To make it even better, we have a few do’s and don’ts to share before your marathon starts:

Do:

  • Share your snacks. Remember: You love your S.O. infinitely more than that last doughnut.
  • Silence your phones. Quality time, ahem!

Don’t:

 

Now that we’ve set some ground rules, let’s get into more ways to plus up your holiday date night!

Santa-approved goodies

For the permanently cold, icicles-for-feet partner you adore, we’ve got tons of cute items to keep them warm during the movie.

 

Holiday recipes you’ll love:

Cooking with your favorite person is like, the epitome of romance. We suggest:

Theme 3: Family and festive fun  

When it comes to watch parties, kids are some of the best companions to have! They’ll appreciate your cool snacks, bring some festive spirit and actually enjoy wearing matching pajamas with you (depending on how old they are—teens are a maybe 😜).

If you’ve got little ones joining, keep scrolling for ideas to make them feel included and off their phones/tablets/other cool electronic device that makes everyone else feel old.

Santa-approved goodies

The first time my 5-year-old brother went to the movie theater, he asked if he could change the channel halfway through. Let’s be honest—most kids are gonna start to get a little antsy during a movie marathon and might need a few games or activities to toy with while they watch.

 

Holiday recipes you’ll love:

Now’s the time to play with your food! These kid-friendly treats can be made before everyone arrives or with the little ones before the movie begins!

Theme 4: Bring joy to your bestie’s world  

They’re the mistle to your toe. The egg to your nog. The partridge to your pear tree! In simple terms, life feels incomplete without your other half, and watching Countdown to Christmas without them would, too. So schedule time for your ultimate friend date (which takes two weeks in advance to plan when you’re adults) and let’s get started!

P.S. These ideas can work for more than just one friend. The more the merrier, so if you’ve got more pals to invite, make it a hangout for the entire group!

Santa-approved goodies

If your bestie happens to be a Disney fan, today’s their lucky day!

 

Holiday recipes you’ll love:

It’s watch party time! We hope you’re feeling ready for all the holiday fun coming your way with Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. Let the magic begin!

 

Need even more ways to celebrate the season? Check these out: