As the final days of summer slip away and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, Netflix is already sprinkling tinsel and fairy lights across its upcoming lineup.
The streaming giant has unveiled what promises to be its flagship holiday release: My Secret Santa. Headlined by fan favorites Alexandra Breckenridge (Virgin River)
and Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam), this holiday rom-com is set to premiere worldwide on December 3, 2025 — and if early buzz is any indication, it may be the feel-good event of the season.
For fans of cozy escapism, holiday hijinks, and heartfelt romance, this is one film you’ll want circled in red on your calendar.
A Premiere Perfectly Timed for the Holidays
Netflix officially announced that My Secret Santa will arrive on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, just as the holiday season swings into full gear. The timing is no accident: December releases have become a hallmark of Netflix’s holiday dominance, with past hits like The Princess Switch, Falling for Christmas, and The Noel Diary keeping viewers glued to their screens year after year.
This new entry aims to follow that tradition, offering a perfect companion for nights spent under twinkling lights, wrapped in a blanket, with a steaming cup of cocoa in hand.
The Story: Santa with a Secret
At the heart of My Secret Santa lies a charmingly offbeat premise. The official synopsis teases:
A vivacious single mom in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man in order to get hired as the seasonal Santa at a luxury ski resort. But when she starts to fall in love with the hotel manager, complications develop that could ruin everything.
It’s a setup that blends classic rom-com misunderstandings with timeless holiday magic. Viewers can expect mistaken identities, comedic tension, and those inevitable heart-tugging moments when love pushes through the snowstorm of secrets.
Think of it as Tootsie with a Christmas twist: a story about self-discovery, courage, and love — all wrapped in garlands and mistletoe. And, of course, the setting of a lavish ski resort promises plenty of cinematic delights: snow-draped mountain backdrops, roaring fireplaces, glittering trees, and festive festivities that make the holidays sparkle.
A Cast Full of Holiday Star Power
One of the biggest reasons My Secret Santa is generating so much excitement is its stellar ensemble.
- Alexandra Breckenridge steps into the lead role as the single mom whose unconventional decision to don the red suit changes her life. Fans know Breckenridge best as Mel Monroe in Netflix’s Virgin River, where her performance has balanced vulnerability and strength. Here, she gets the chance to flex her comedic timing and bring warmth and whimsy to a holiday role — a refreshing shift from the heavy emotional arcs of her drama work.
- Ryan Eggold, beloved for his charismatic turn as Dr. Max Goodwin in NBC’s New Amsterdam, plays the charming hotel manager who unknowingly finds himself falling for Santa with a secret. Eggold’s natural charisma and quiet intensity make him a perfect foil for Breckenridge’s lively energy. The pairing of these two talents already promises undeniable on-screen chemistry.
- Madison MacIsaac joins the cast as Zoey Jacobsen, the heroine’s spirited daughter. With credits in Nobody 2 and Elevator Game, MacIsaac brings youthful vibrancy and a mischievous spark to the narrative — reminding viewers that sometimes children are the wisest characters in the room.
- Tia Mowry, an icon of ’90s television thanks to Sister, Sister and later acclaimed for her work in The Game, brings warmth, humor, and nostalgia to the ensemble. Her presence guarantees both comedic flair and heart.
- Diana Maria Riva, whose sharp wit and emotional depth shone in Netflix’s Dead to Me, rounds out the cast. As a seasoned performer, Riva is expected to ground the comedy with moments of sincerity, reminding viewers that beneath the disguises and mix-ups lies a story about family, resilience, and hope.
The Creative Minds Behind the Magic
Behind the camera, My Secret Santa is in expert hands.
The film is directed by Mike Rohl, a holiday-movie veteran whose résumé includes Netflix’s The Princess Switch trilogy, a franchise that cemented the streamer’s reputation for Christmas storytelling. Rohl knows how to craft a perfect holiday atmosphere — whimsical, magical, and just the right balance of romance and comedy.
The screenplay comes from Ron Oliver (Falling for Christmas) and Carley Smale (Snowed-Inn Christmas). Both are seasoned rom-com writers with a proven ability to weave humor, heart, and festive sparkle into their scripts. With this powerhouse team, fans can rest assured that My Secret Santa will hit every emotional note.
Why Fans Are Counting Down
Holiday rom-coms are one of Netflix’s most successful seasonal staples. But what makes My Secret Santa stand out?
- The Leads: Breckenridge and Eggold each bring dedicated fan bases from beloved shows. Their chemistry could make this film a rewatchable holiday classic.
- The Premise: A female Santa disguise isn’t just a quirky plot device — it’s a chance to explore themes of identity, empowerment, and vulnerability, all while keeping things lighthearted and festive.
- The Setting: A luxury ski resort offers an enchanting backdrop filled with glistening snow, twinkling lights, and cozy interiors — a perfect canvas for holiday romance.
- The Creative Team: With a proven director and writers who know how to deliver seasonal hits, expectations are sky-high.
Social media buzz has already started building, with fans speculating about Breckenridge’s comedic chops and whether Eggold will serenade his co-star under falling snow. TikTok edits and Instagram fan art have begun circulating months before release — a sure sign of the anticipation brewing.
What This Means for Netflix’s Holiday Crown
For Netflix, My Secret Santa isn’t just another seasonal rom-com — it’s a statement. The streamer has spent years perfecting its holiday movie formula, balancing lighthearted escapism with characters viewers genuinely root for. By casting big-name stars with crossover appeal, Netflix is clearly aiming to dominate the December conversation and solidify its position as the go-to platform for festive films.
If successful, the movie could also pave the way for sequels or spin-offs. Netflix has a track record of turning one-off hits into franchises, and a story about a single mom-turned-Santa has plenty of room for further adventures.
The Bottom Line
When My Secret Santa premieres on December 3, 2025, viewers can expect laughter, romance, heartfelt moments, and, of course, holiday magic in abundance. With Alexandra Breckenridge bringing charm and relatability, Ryan Eggold exuding warmth and charisma, and a supporting cast packed with fan-favorite talent, this film is already shaping up to be Netflix’s crown jewel of the 2025 holiday lineup.
At a time of year when audiences long for comfort, connection, and a little sparkle, My Secret Santa promises to deliver all three — tied up with a big red bow.
So grab your cocoa, light up your Christmas tree, and get ready to fall in love with Santa like you’ve never seen before.
