Netflix is getting ready for the 2026 holiday season with a new lineup of Christmas movies arriving in November and December. From a heartwarming family story about a dog to a holiday romantic comedy starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki, the streaming service has several new festive releases planned.
If you are looking for Netflix Christmas movies in 2026, here are the confirmed release dates, casts, and story details for four upcoming holiday films.
Netflix Christmas Movies 2026: Release Date Schedule
Netflix has announced the following release dates for its upcoming holiday movies:
Movie Netflix Release Date Genre
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas November 4, 2026 Holiday drama
Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas November 11, 2026 Holiday drama
Guarding Stars November 18, 2026 Holiday romantic comedy
In a Holidaze December 2, 2026 Holiday romance
Release dates can vary by territory, so viewers should check their local Netflix catalogue for availability.
1. A Dog’s Perfect Christmas — November 4
Netflix begins its new holiday movie lineup with A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, a family drama inspired by the work of bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron, known for A Dog’s Purpose.
The story follows a family struggling to stay together during a difficult period. A teenager, her grandfather, and their loyal basset hound try to keep their household from falling apart as Christmas approaches.
The film stars Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, Brooke Lena Johnson, Jennifer Tilly, and Mary Steenburgen. Cathryn Michon directs.
Why watch it? The family-focused story and central dog character make it a potential choice for viewers looking for a warm, emotional Christmas movie.
Release date: November 4, 2026, on Netflix.
2. Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas — November 11
Tyler Perry brings a faith-centered holiday story to Netflix with The Gospel of Christmas, arriving on November 11.
The film follows Isaac, a preacher who travels with his family to New York City after being tasked with rebuilding a struggling church. As he faces doubt, temptation, and challenges within the community, he must rediscover his faith and find a way to protect the church and the people who depend on it.
The cast includes Tank as Isaac and Fantasia Barrino as Rebecca, alongside gospel performers such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and CeCe Winans in the film’s musical world.
Perry wrote and directed the movie. Its blend of family drama, faith, and gospel music gives it a different tone from the romantic comedies typically associated with Netflix’s Christmas lineup.
Release date: November 11, 2026, on Netflix.
3. Guarding Stars — November 18
Guarding Stars brings a holiday romance to Netflix on November 18. The movie stars Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki in a story about a professional bodyguard assigned to protect a charming action star during the Christmas season.
As the two spend more time together, their professional arrangement becomes complicated by growing feelings, secrets, and holiday pressures.
The supporting cast includes Andie MacDowell, Noah LaLonde, Walker Hayes, Toby Sandeman, and Ava Max. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum directs the film.
The movie is inspired by Katherine Center’s novel The Bodyguard, although the Netflix adaptation places its romance against a festive holiday backdrop.
Why watch it? Fans of Christmas romantic comedies and stories built around unexpected relationships may want to add it to their November watchlist.
Release date: November 18, 2026, on Netflix.
4. In a Holidaze — December 2
Netflix’s December holiday lineup includes In a Holidaze, a romantic comedy about a young woman who finds herself trapped in a Christmas time loop.
After making a major romantic mistake, the directionless protagonist repeatedly relives Christmas at her family’s cabin. As the holiday begins again and again, she has to work out what she truly wants from life and love.
The cast includes Maddie Ziegler, Graham Phillips, Elias Kacavas, Patton Oswalt, Jackie Sandler, Andrea Anders, Gil Bellows, and Rob Lowe. Tiffany Paulsen directs.
Its time-loop premise gives the film a slightly different spin on the familiar Christmas romance formula.
Release date: December 2, 2026, on Netflix.
Which New Netflix Christmas Movie Should You Watch First?
Your choice depends on the kind of holiday story you enjoy.
- For a family story: Start with A Dog’s Perfect Christmas on November 4.
- For faith and gospel music: Look out for Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas on November 11.
- For a holiday romance: Add Guarding Stars to your November 18 watchlist.
- For a Christmas time-loop story: Save In a Holidaze for December 2.
The dates also make it easy to spread your holiday movie nights across November and early December instead of watching every new release at once.
For more release schedules, explore FilmRadar’s guide to upcoming movies in 2026. You can also read our coverage of The Girlfriend on Prime Video for more streaming-related entertainment updates.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s 2026 Christmas movie lineup includes family drama, faith-based storytelling, romantic comedy, and a time-loop romance. The first title, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, arrives on November 4, followed by The Gospel of Christmas on November 11 and Guarding Stars on November 18. In a Holidaze is scheduled for December 2.
As the holiday season approaches, Netflix may reveal more previews and details. For now, these four titles offer a starting point for planning your Christmas movie watchlist.
For the latest dates and official descriptions, check Netflix’s 2026 fall movie guide.