Lebanon Daily News

LOVE HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES?

HERE’S HOW TO ENJOY THEM

- Nusrat Sultana and Jaime Carrillo

Halloween who? The Hallmark channel is starting Christmas 2023 early this year with its “Countdown to Christmas” movie series, which started October 20. Holiday season kicked off with 40 new Hallmark holiday movies, with three premiering every weekend, including a movie every Thursday from Hallmark’s “Movies and Mysteries’ Miracles of Christmas” series and Hallmark Movies “Now’s Movies & Mistletoe” series. It’s the perfect time to plan a Hallmark Christmas movie night or marathon. Get into the spirit by setting up a cozy space with plenty of holiday snacks and décor, tell guests to come dressed in their best Christmas pajamas, and check out Hallmark’s schedule on its website to choose your movies and a date for the marathon.

From hot chocolate and Christmas tea to fuzzy socks, candles, and plenty of plush blankets and pillows, a themed movie night is the perfect way to enjoy a Hallmark holiday movie. We’ve got the classic tropes of characters returning home for Christmas and rediscover­ing what’s important, closed-off leads moving to a small town and connecting with the local artisan, shop-owner and (insert small-town job title here), a fantasy involving time loops, and plenty more tearjerker­s and heartfelt stories to look forward to.

Keep reading to learn where to watch Hallmark Christmas movies without cable and everything you need to throw the best Hallmark Christmas movie night this holiday season.

How to stream movies without cable

It’s not uncommon for the holiday season to creep earlier and earlier, with department stores dragging out the tinsel and the Elves on Shelves the second Halloween ends. Hallmark holiday movie season starts even sooner. There are countless ways to gain access to The Hallmark Channel, but here are our favorite ways.

Peacock: If your aim is to get easy access to Hallmark movies, Peacock is your best bet. NBC’s streaming service is available for only $6 a month and will grant you access to the whole Hallmark channel suite. You’ll also be able to watch exclusive series like the action-packed “The Continenta­l: From the World of John Wick,” and the captivatin­g “Love Island US.”

Philo: For a mere $25, Philo lets you stream more than 70 popular cable channels including Comedy Central, Food Network, History, and of course, The Hallmark Channel. In fact, Philo gives you access to Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, and the classic Hallmark channel. Philo is available on computer browsers, mobile devices and streaming devices.

SlingTV: Offers subscriber­s access to channels typically accessible through a cable package for a fixed monthly cost. It’s one of the few cable streaming services that also lets you tap into local channels. To gain access to Hallmark Channels, pick one or both of the main SlingTV channel suites and tack on the Lifestyle Extras package, which adds up to $46 per month.

Hulu + Live TV: Expands a regular Hulu subscripti­on into a combinatio­n of Hulu’s regular

content and live television, replicatin­g the benefits of having a cable subscripti­on. This service comes with more than 70 channels, including The Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, along with access to Disney+, ESPN+, and the entire Hulu streaming library. Access to all these features will run you $77 per month.

FuboTV: All three Hallmark channels along with 175 other popular channels are available via a FuboTV subscripti­on. This streaming service is built for sports fans and is available on compatible mobile devices, computer browsers, and streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and more. Price varies.

All you need for a Hallmark Christmas movie marathon

Hallmark Christmas movies and “cozy” go hand-in-hand so when it comes to hosting one for family and friends, coziness is of utmost priority. Transform the room with a classic holiday setup and take it up a notch by having everyone come in their Christmas pajamas. From snacks and seating to decor and ambiance, this list of essentials will help you get started in throwing a fun, memorable Hallmark movie marathon.

Christmas treats and snacks

Think festive foods and drinks. Everyone gets the munchies when movie-watching – be prepared with desserts and savory treats.

Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas

Cardamom Cinnamon Tea Bags: Did you know Hallmark has its own themed tea? Grab a tin of Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Cardamom Cinnamon Tea Bags. $14 at Republic of Tea

Ghirardell­i Sweet Ground Chocolate and Co

coa: A holiday movie night isn’t complete without hot chocolate and don’t forget the marshmallo­ws! $21 at Amazon

Hallmark Channel Hot Cocoa Bomb: Hallmark has its own cocoa bombs, too! Get really on theme with these. $20 at Bissingers

Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix: Bake sugar cookies and frost them with red and green icing. $16 at Amazon

Stonehedge Farms Gourmet Popcorn Kettle

Corn Crunch: This kettle corn popcorn also comes in three other yummy flavors. $15 at Amazon

Angie’s BOOMCHICKA­POP Sweet & Salty

Kettle Corn Popcorn: This one comes in a box of 24 bags; perfect for a large group. $13 at Amazon

Brach’s Bobs Peppermint Candy Canes: Set out bowls of candy canes on the table. $20 at Amazon

Mrs. Claus Peppermint Hot Cocoa Dark Choc

olate Bar: This festive chocolate bar is milk and dark chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candy and marshmallo­ws. Yum. $9 at Sugarfina

Clothes

Think all things fuzzy, fluffy, and cozy. Dress as comfortabl­y (and as festively) as you can!

EBMORE Fuzzy Socks: Cushion feet in plush winter-themed socks. $18 at Amazon

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks: These cozy socks are popular with readers. $15 at Revolve

Old Navy Christmas Pajamas: These Christmas pajamas come in many patterns. $35 at Old Navy

Ambiance

The ambiance is just as important as the food and clothes. You want the space to be snug and homey, just like a Christmas or movie night should be. Think blankets, pillows and throws for seating, candles and Christmas lights, and anything that makes you want to snuggle in.

Fireside Cozy Sherpa Reversible Throw: Toss fuzzy blankets over the couch and floor. $49 at Pottery Barn

Twinkle Star 300 LED Window Curtain String

Lights: String up fairy lights over your walls. $18 at Amazon

Kleenex Expression­s Tissues: Sentimenta­l Hallmark movies call for Kleenex. $17 at Amazon

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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