What began as a modest addition to Netflix’s sprawling holiday lineup has swiftly transformed into the streamer’s most irresistible festive obsession of the season. My Secret Santa, the delightful 2025 Christmas romantic comedy starring Virgin River favorite Alexandra Breckenridge, has rocketed to the top of the global charts, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot almost overnight. Released quietly on December 3 without the thunderous hype reserved for bigger tentpoles, this cozy tale of disguise, family devotion, and unexpected romance has snowballed through pure viewer enthusiasm, proving once again that sometimes the best holiday magic comes in understated packages.
At the heart of this runaway hit is Taylor Jacobson, a resilient single mom portrayed with effortless magnetism by Breckenridge. Recently unemployed and facing mounting bills, Taylor is desperate to fund her teenage daughter Zoey’s spot in an elite snowboarding camp at the luxurious Sun Peaks ski resort. When the seasonal Santa position opens up – with pay generous enough to make her daughter’s dream a reality – Taylor hatches a wildly inventive plan. With help from her supportive friends and family, who craft elaborate prosthetics and a convincing disguise, she transforms herself into “Hugh Mann,” a jolly, bearded elderly gentleman ready to spread cheer. It’s a reverse Mrs. Doubtfire setup, full of playful mischief and high-stakes secrecy, as Taylor navigates the resort’s holiday chaos while keeping her true identity hidden.
Breckenridge, trading the emotional depth of her long-running role as Mel Monroe in Virgin River for lighter, more comedic fare, anchors the film with a performance that’s equal parts grounded and sparkling. She’s charmingly relatable as the overworked mom juggling prosthetics, parental duties, and budding feelings, infusing Taylor with self-deprecating humor and quiet strength. Viewers rave about her versatility – one moment delivering slapstick as the bumbling yet endearing Santa, the next revealing vulnerable sincerity in quieter scenes. Her transformation, complete with a fat suit, beard, and rosy cheeks, is a technical marvel, but it’s Breckenridge’s expressive eyes and timing that make the disguise believable and hilarious. As she interacts with wide-eyed children in Santa’s village, dispensing wisdom and boosting their confidence, the role allows her to shine in heartfelt moments that elevate the comedy beyond mere gimmick.
Complications – and sparks – arise when Taylor crosses paths with Matthew Layne, the resort’s handsome manager played by Ryan Eggold. Matthew, heir to the family-owned Sun Peaks, is charming yet grounded, dealing with his own pressures from ambitious staff and holiday demands. Eggold, known for his intense dramatic turns in New Amsterdam, brings easy charisma and warmth here, creating undeniable chemistry with Breckenridge. Their meet-cute happens pre-disguise, but as Taylor suits up as Santa, the romance complicates deliciously – stolen glances across crowded lobbies, awkward encounters where Matthew confides in “Hugh,” and growing tension as feelings deepen on both sides. Will the deception unravel everything, or lead to a second chance neither saw coming?
Director Mike Rohl, veteran of Netflix’s beloved Princess Switch trilogy, crafts a visually festive world at the fictional Sun Peaks resort – think twinkling lights draped over snowy chalets, roaring fireplaces in grand lodges, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Filmed in the wintry beauty of British Columbia, the setting feels like a luxurious escape, complete with bustling holiday events, ice-skating rinks, and gourmet hot cocoa stations. The script blends playful farce with genuine emotional payoff: Taylor’s bond with Zoey (Madison MacIsaac) grounds the story in maternal love, while subplots involving jealous colleagues and family support add layers of humor and heart.
Supporting standout Tia Mowry plays Natasha, the resort’s sharp-eyed supervisor whose suspicions threaten to expose Taylor, bringing sassy energy and comedic friction. Diana Maria Riva and others round out a lively ensemble, ensuring the resort buzzes with quirky personalities and seasonal spirit. The film doesn’t reinvent the holiday rom-com wheel, but its execution wins over audiences with warmth, witty banter, and sincere themes of reinvention and self-worth. Taylor, a former musician who sacrificed dreams for motherhood, rediscovers her spark – culminating in a touching performance that circles back to her past passions.
The climb to No. 1 happened organically, fueled by word-of-mouth rather than massive promotion. Viewers stumbled upon it while browsing holiday selections, drawn by Breckenridge’s familiar face or the intriguing premise. “Just one scene” turned into full binges, with many reporting repeat watches for its comforting vibe. Social media buzzed with praise: “The perfect feel-good escape,” “Breckenridge is holiday queen material,” “Unexpectedly emotional – had me tearing up under the tinsel.” Its blend of laugh-out-loud disguise antics, swoony romance, and heartfelt family moments makes it tailor-made for seasonal marathons, pairing perfectly with hot chocolate and fuzzy blankets.
In a year packed with Netflix holiday offerings, My Secret Santa stands out for sneaking up on audiences. It’s not the flashiest or most star-studded, but its charm lies in sincerity – playful without being silly, romantic without clichés overwhelming the fun. Breckenridge’s magnetic lead turns a whimsical concept into something resonant, reminding us that second chances often come wrapped in the most unexpected packages. As it dominates charts worldwide, this rom-com has cemented itself as the season’s surprise obsession, the kind that sticks around in your watch history and becomes an annual tradition.
If you’re scrolling for holiday cheer, press play on My Secret Santa. It’s the charming escape no one saw coming – but now, everyone can’t stop talking about.
