Netflix is ready to deck the halls, and this time, it’s Virgin River’s very own Alexandra Breckenridge leading the sleigh. The actress known to millions as the warmhearted Mel Monroe is trading small-town romance for a hilarious, high-concept holiday adventure in the upcoming Christmas film My Secret Santa — and her transformation will leave fans doing a double take.
Breckenridge, who has spent five seasons bringing tenderness and grit to Virgin River, takes on one of her boldest roles yet: a single mom who disguises herself as a man to work as Santa Claus at a luxury ski resort. The Netflix comedy, set to premiere Wednesday, December 3, promises laughter, heart, and a whole lot of Christmas magic — with a twist fans never saw coming.
🎁 From Virgin River to the North Pole
It’s been two years since Virgin River gave fans its first taste of Christmas cheer with Season 5’s double holiday episodes, where Mel went in search of her biological father. Since then, the beloved romantic drama has stayed cozy but skipped the tinsel. While Season 7 will likely trade snow for sun (with Mel and Jack honeymooning in Mexico), Breckenridge is bringing the holiday spirit back — just in a very unexpected way.
In My Secret Santa, Breckenridge plays Taylor, a hardworking single mom struggling to make ends meet during the holidays. When she finds out a ritzy ski resort is hiring a seasonal Santa, she pulls off a daring disguise: she becomes “Tom,” a jolly old man in a red suit. But things take a complicated turn when she starts falling for the resort’s handsome manager, played by Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam).
“It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done,” Breckenridge told Entertainment Weekly. “Transforming into Santa — prosthetics, voice, the physicality — it scared me to death. But that’s exactly why I wanted to do it.”
🎬 The Transformation That Shocked Even Her Fans
To become Santa, Breckenridge underwent a three-hour transformation process each day. Makeup artists applied prosthetics to reshape her face, giving her the look of a believable middle-aged man. She even studied Tim Allen’s performance in The Santa Clause for inspiration, channeling the mix of magic and mischief that makes the role so iconic.
“When I first saw myself in full costume, I didn’t recognize me,” she admitted. “It was surreal. I thought, ‘This is what acting is supposed to be — stepping completely outside of yourself.’ It reignited my passion for what I do.”
Entertainment Weekly’s exclusive first-look photos show Breckenridge in her Santa suit — rosy cheeks, snowy beard, and all — and fans were quick to flood the comments with disbelief. “I would’ve never guessed that was her!” one fan wrote, while another joked, “Mel Monroe could save Virgin River and Christmas.”
💕 Holiday Hijinks with a Heart
While the premise promises plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, My Secret Santa is also a story about identity, courage, and second chances.
Taylor’s double life as Santa forces her to confront not only how the world sees her but also how she sees herself. As she juggles the role of a father figure, mother, and romantic lead — all wrapped in one — the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and believing in yourself.
Alongside Breckenridge and Eggold, the cast includes Tia Mowry (Family Reunion), Madison MacIsaac as Taylor’s quick-witted daughter, and Diana Maria Riva (Dead to Me), adding even more warmth and humor to the mix.
With a charming ensemble and a heartfelt story, My Secret Santa looks set to become a new staple of Netflix’s holiday lineup — one part Tootsie, one part The Santa Clause, and all parts joy.
🎄 Netflix’s Jolly Holiday Lineup
My Secret Santa joins an impressive slate of new Netflix Christmas movies this season, making December a full-on winter wonderland for viewers.
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Nov. 12: A Merry Little Ex-Mas kicks off the festivities.
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Nov. 19: Champagne Problems delivers a bubbly romantic comedy.
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Nov. 26: Jingle Bell Heist adds a dose of holiday adventure.
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Dec. 3: My Secret Santa brings Alexandra Breckenridge front and center — in her most unrecognizable role yet.
With Virgin River fans eagerly awaiting Season 7, this holiday film gives them the perfect dose of Alexandra Breckenridge charm while they wait.
✨ “If I Don’t Face My Fear, What Am I Doing?”
Reflecting on why she took on such a daring project, Breckenridge summed it up perfectly:
“If I don’t meet my fear head-on, what am I doing? That’s the whole point of acting — to stretch, to challenge yourself, and to tell stories that remind people of hope.”
It’s that fearless energy that makes her Virgin River’s emotional anchor — and now, an unlikely Christmas icon.
🎅 Final Word
From the misty mountains of Virgin River to the snowy peaks of My Secret Santa, Alexandra Breckenridge is proving once again that she can do it all. Whether she’s saving lives, finding love, or ho-ho-ho-ing her way through a ski resort, her warmth and authenticity shine through.
So this December, when you see Santa spreading cheer on Netflix, take a closer look — because under that red suit and beard might just be Mel Monroe herself.
🎄 My Secret Santa premieres Wednesday, December 3 on Netflix.
❤️ Catch Alexandra Breckenridge in Virgin River Seasons 1–5, streaming now.
