Great American Media has announced its 2024 Christmas programming, with a wide slate of original movies and specials. The lineup, which includes the commercial-free TV event “I Heard the Bells,” will air across Great American Family and its streaming platform, Pure Flix.
The festivities begin on October 17 with “A Paris Christmas Waltz,” starring Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison. The film follows a novice dancer whose life changes when she meets a professional dancer. Other highlights include “Christmas in Scotland,” where a New York designer helps a Scottish community create a spectacular light display, and “A Royal Christmas Ballet,” featuring a retired ballerina who finds unexpected romance while staging a production of “The Nutcracker.”
The special event, “I Heard the Bells,” is based on the true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It premieres on Thanksgiving night, November 28, at 8 p.m. ET.
Great American Media’s Christmas programming offers a blend of heartwarming stories, family-friendly entertainment, and festive cheer. The full lineup includes:
October 17:
– “A Paris Christmas Waltz”: A novice dancer, Emma, encounters professional dancer Leo, whose love for competitive dance is waning. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself, potentially taking Emma’s dancing to the next level. Stars Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison.
October 19:
– “Christmas in Scotland”: A New York installation designer helps a small Scottish community create a dazzling light display to win the “Best Christmas Village” festival. The designer works with a wealthy heir who doesn’t like Christmas, but their collaboration may change his feelings. Stars Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters.
October 20:
– “A Christmas Castle Proposal”: Olivia, a commoner, travels with Prince Alexander to his family’s magical palace, Torovia, for their first Christmas together. Comedic mishaps caused by cultural differences threaten their plans for an enchanted Christmas. Stars Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke.
October 26:
– “A Vintage Christmas”: A dedicated preservationist battles a developer’s ambitions to tear down a historic Post Office with ties to her family. The choice between old and new threatens to divide the small town unless a solution is found for the greater good. Stars Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell.
November 2:
– “The Fabric of Christmas”: Firefighter Liam and quilting teacher Amy collaborate to make the perfect quilt for Liam’s sister’s Christmas wedding. Two headstrong individuals discover the importance of putting personal differences aside to create what is most important at Christmas. Stars Ferelith Young and Harmon Walsh.
November 9:
– “A Royal Christmas Ballet”: A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season’s performance of “The Nutcracker.” She finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance. Stars Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard.
November 16:
– “A Christmas Less Traveled”: A local business owner finds an audio cassette in her recently departed dad’s classic red truck. The message instructs her to go on a holiday road trip down memory lane, where she meets a man who needs her help and offers help in return. Stars Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson.
November 23:
– “A Little Women’s Christmas”: A modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Stars Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, Jillian Murray, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Jesse Hutch, and Gladys Knight.
November 24:
– “Sleigh Bells and Sugarplums”: A historian seeks inspiration for her next project in her family’s hometown of Aurora, famous for experiencing the Northern Lights. She bonds with a local tour guide who shows her the town’s Christmas traditions and witnesses a harbinger of miracles to come. Stars Jill Wagner and Jesse Hutch.
November 28:
– “I Heard the Bells” (Special Commercial-Free TV Event): The inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Longfellow leads an idyllic life until tragedy strikes. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Longfellow puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But the sound of Christmas morning reignites his lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. Stars Stephen Atherholt, Jonathan Blair, and Rachel Day Hughes.
November 29:
– “A Cinderella Christmas Ball”: With only the Internet, a plane ticket, and a lifelong determination to find her birth family, Chelsea travels to the royal hamlet of Havenshire at Christmas. Along the way, she sneaks into a castle, teaches a stubborn Prince how to dance, and looks to be in the perfect place when the bells toll Christmas Eve. Stars Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice.
November 30:
– “Wreathmaker Christmas”: A wreathmaker slips on ice and injures her arm, putting her holiday wreath deliveries in jeopardy. A selfless neighbor steps up to keep her business afloat. Stars Kristin Wollett and Casey Elliott.
December 1:
– “Home Sweet Christmas”: Two former childhood friends reunite after a beloved family member passes, leaving the future of his magical maple sugar farm in their hands. Stars Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison.
December 7:
– “Once Upon a Christmas Wish”: A local mayor discovers his childhood Christmas wishes are coming true. With his childhood friend, the pair inspires residents to showcase the town’s warmth and values while pushing back a major developer’s desire to take the community in a different direction. Stars Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez.
December 8:
– “Let It Snow”: An executive evaluates her company’s property and begins to draw up plans for transforming the rustic old lodge into a hot tourist attraction. Stars Candace Cameron Bure, Jesse Hutch, and Alan Thicke.
December 14:
– “Get Him Back for Christmas”: Bella, a successful musician, returns home after a heartbreaking split with her chart-topping singing partner. She asks Jack, who works at The Salvation Army, to write the perfect song to get her boyfriend back. Stars Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega.
December 15:
– “A Shelter and Season’s Greetings”: Caleb, injured in the Army, recovers through help from shelter therapy dogs. As a sign of thanks, he returns home to help Amber run the local shelter and discovers his feelings for her go beyond gratitude. Stars Ash Tsai and Eric Guilmette.
December 21:
– “Christmas by Candlelight”: Juliet pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion. She enlists the help of a candle store owner who reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true. Stars Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh.
December 22:
– “Coupled Up for Christmas”: Two heartbroken strangers pretend to be dating others to win the affection of their true soulmates. Stars Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner.
January 1, 2025:
– “138th Tournament of Roses Parade” (Live from Pasadena): The annual Rose Parade, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, celebrates the New Year.
