A New Christmas Classic Is Coming Down the Chimney
Netflix is about to unwrap its biggest holiday surprise yet — and it’s not your typical snow-dusted love story.
Arriving December 3, 2025, My Secret Santa pairs two fan favorites — Virgin River’s Alexandra Breckenridge and New Amsterdam’s Ryan Eggold — in a heartfelt, hilarious romantic comedy about disguise, rediscovery, and second chances.
Directed by Mike Rohl (The Princess Switch trilogy) and written by Ron Oliver (Falling for Christmas) and Carley Smale (Snowed-Inn Christmas), the Netflix Original promises festive escapism with an emotional core — and a twist no one saw coming.
Because this time, Santa isn’t who you think.
The Plot: A Single Mom, A Santa Suit, and a Secret She Can’t Keep
It’s Christmas Eve in the mountains — and single mom Taylor (Alexandra Breckenridge) is running out of options. Out of work, behind on rent, and desperate to keep her daughter’s holiday dream alive, she does something unthinkable: she applies for a job as the in-house Santa Claus at a luxury ski resort.
There’s just one catch — the job is for men only.
So, Taylor transforms herself into “Hugh Mann,” a bearded, burly, and surprisingly believable Kris Kringle. But when the resort’s charming and rule-abiding manager (Ryan Eggold) begins to take notice of “him,” the stage is set for one of Netflix’s most delightfully awkward holiday romances ever.
“It’s got that Mrs. Doubtfire energy,” Breckenridge laughs in her interview with Entertainment Weekly. “She’s desperate to provide for her daughter, but she has to literally hide who she is to do it. It’s funny, it’s scary, and it’s so human.”
Alexandra Breckenridge’s Fearless Reinvention
For Breckenridge, My Secret Santa was more than a rom-com gig — it was a full-blown acting challenge.
The Virgin River star spent hours in the makeup chair transforming into Santa, enduring layers of prosthetics, glue, and a sweltering red suit that would test even the North Pole’s patience.
“It scared me to death,” she admits. “But that’s exactly why I had to do it. I became an actress to take risks — to disappear into something uncomfortable.”
Finding her Santa’s voice became another mission. Breckenridge studied Tim Allen’s performance in The Santa Clause films, developing an “older, gravelly tone” to sell the illusion.
“I didn’t want it to be a gimmick,” she explains. “The disguise had to feel real — like something this woman would truly commit to for her child.”
The result? A character who’s equal parts funny, flawed, and deeply relatable — the kind of woman who hides behind a beard only to rediscover her own voice.
Ryan Eggold’s Heartwarming Turn
As the resort’s handsome yet guarded manager, Ryan Eggold brings warmth and wit to the film’s romantic core. Known for his soulful turn as Dr. Max Goodwin on New Amsterdam, Eggold trades hospital scrubs for snow boots and mistletoe, playing a man learning to open his heart again.
“Ryan has this natural sincerity,” says director Mike Rohl. “He grounds every crazy situation. You believe that when his character falls for ‘Santa,’ he’s falling for the kindness and humor underneath the disguise.”
Their chemistry — according to early reports from the set — is electric, even under layers of fake beard and blush.
The Heart Beneath the Humor
While My Secret Santa delivers plenty of laughs (and some inevitable gift-wrapping disasters), it’s also a story about self-discovery and sacrifice.
“She’s been so focused on her daughter that she’s forgotten herself,” Breckenridge shares. “Through this crazy experience, she learns that she can be both a mother and a woman who deserves love and joy.”
In an era where many holiday movies lean on predictable tropes, My Secret Santa offers something fresh — a comedic twist on gender disguise paired with emotional authenticity.
“Netflix wanted something that felt timeless but modern,” producer Howard Braunstein explains. “We all loved the idea of bringing back that ‘90s charm — but giving it emotional depth and a message for working moms everywhere.”
A Star-Studded Supporting Cast
No Christmas movie is complete without a little chaos, and My Secret Santa’s supporting cast delivers it in spades.
Tia Mowry (Sister, Sister) plays Natasha, Taylor’s best friend and reluctant partner-in-crime who helps her maintain the Santa illusion. Diana Maria Riva (Dead to Me) joins as the no-nonsense resort director with a heart of gold.
Rising star Madison MacIsaac brings warmth as Zoey, Taylor’s precocious daughter whose faith in Santa — and her mom — drives the entire story.
“It’s really a film about family and hope,” says Riva. “About finding light when life gets messy.”
A Holiday Spectacle with a Message
Filmed amid the snowcapped mountains of British Columbia, My Secret Santa looks as magical as it feels. Behind the laughter and mistletoe, it delivers a simple but powerful truth: sometimes, to find yourself, you have to become someone else.
“It reignited why I do what I do,” Breckenridge reflects. “This role reminded me that even in disguise, you can tell the truth — maybe more than ever.”
Unwrapping a Future Christmas Classic
With its blend of heart, humor, and holiday sparkle, My Secret Santa is shaping up to be the must-watch rom-com of the season — and perhaps Netflix’s next great Christmas tradition.
When it drops on December 3, 2025, expect laughter, tears, and more than one unforgettable sleigh ride.
Because this year, Santa’s secret might just be love.
🎄 “Behind the Beard: How My Secret Santa Became Netflix’s Boldest — and Most Heartfelt — Christmas Movie Yet”
An MD13 Holiday Exclusive: Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, and the film that dares to mix laughter, disguise, and true Christmas spirit.
