As the holiday season hits full swing, Netflix has unveiled its latest crowd-pleaser, propelling Alexandra Breckenridge to the throne as the undisputed “Holiday Queen” of 2025. Her newest Christmas rom-com, My Secret Santa, has skyrocketed straight to No. 1 on the global charts, captivating millions with its irresistible blend of laughter, heart, and yuletide enchantment. Released on December 3, the film has shattered expectations, earning the title of the season’s surprise smash hit and leaving fans buzzing nonstop.
At the center of the magic is Breckenridge, beloved for her role as Mel Monroe in Virgin River, stepping into a wildly fun and transformative part. She plays Taylor Jacobson, a determined single mom facing financial woes after losing her job. Desperate to fund her teenage daughter Zoey’s dream of attending an elite snowboarding camp at a luxurious ski resort, Taylor hatches a bold plan: disguise herself as a jolly old man to snag the high-paying gig as the resort’s seasonal Santa. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming whirlwind of mistaken identities, prosthetic mishaps, and unexpected romance.
The premise draws clever inspiration from classics like Mrs. Doubtfire but flips it into a festive frolic amid snowy slopes and twinkling lights. Taylor’s elaborate transformation—complete with a bushy white beard, rosy cheeks, and a booming “ho-ho-ho”—leads to comedic chaos as she juggles her secret identity while sparking chemistry with the resort’s charming manager, Matthew Layne, played by Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam). Their on-screen sparks fly amid lavish holiday events, heartfelt mother-daughter moments, and plenty of laugh-out-loud scenarios, like frantic costume switches and near-miss revelations.
Supporting the leads is a stellar ensemble, including Tia Mowry as Taylor’s witty best friend Natasha, who helps orchestrate the disguise, and young Madison MacIsaac as the aspiring snowboarder Zoey. Directed by Mike Rohl, known for feel-good favorites like The Princess Switch series, the film overflows with cozy vibes: crackling fireplaces, glittering decorations, and that perfect dose of holiday magic where love and second chances bloom under the mistletoe.
Viewers have hailed it as the ultimate comfort watch, praising Breckenridge’s versatile performance—she effortlessly shifts from glamorous single mom to convincing Kris Kringle, showcasing her comedic timing and emotional depth. Social media is ablaze with fans declaring her the new queen of Christmas movies, with the film amassing over 18 million views in its debut week alone and holding strong at the top of Netflix’s global rankings through mid-December.
In a season packed with holiday offerings, My Secret Santa stands out for its fresh twist on familiar tropes, delivering warmth without overwhelming sentimentality. It’s funny, relatable, and brimming with feel-good energy that captures the spirit of rediscovering joy amid chaos. For Breckenridge, this marks a triumphant detour from drama into rom-com territory, proving her star power extends far beyond Virgin River’s small-town charm.
As families cozy up with hot cocoa and twinkling trees, My Secret Santa has become the go-to escape, reminding everyone that a little disguise—and a lot of heart—can lead to true holiday miracles. If you’re craving laughs, romance, and that irresistible festive glow, this is the one to stream now.
