The holiday season on Netflix has a fresh face leading the festive frenzy: Alexandra Breckenridge, the beloved star of Virgin River, has rocketed to the top spot with her enchanting new Christmas rom-com, My Secret Santa. This feel-good film, blending laugh-out-loud humor, heartwarming family moments, and a dash of holiday magic, has captured the No. 1 position on Netflix’s Top Ten Films chart in the UK and is climbing global ranks faster than a sleigh on fresh snow. At its core is a clever single mom disguise plot that echoes the spirit of Mrs. Doubtfire but with a modern, empowering twist: a determined mother donning prosthetics to become Santa for a shot at giving her daughter the Christmas of her dreams. As fans gush over Breckenridge’s effortless charm and the movie’s cozy vibes, My Secret Santa isn’t just a seasonal escape—it’s a testament to why this Virgin River star’s new film is the ultimate Alexandra Breckenridge Christmas movie, proving her range from small-town drama to holiday rom-com royalty.

Breckenridge, who has spent five seasons captivating audiences as the resilient nurse-practitioner Mel Monroe in Netflix’s hit series Virgin River, steps into lighter territory with My Secret Santa, directed by the prolific Mike Rohl (The Princess Switch, When Calls the Heart). Released quietly in late November 2025, the film has snowballed into Netflix’s biggest surprise hit of the season, amassing millions of streams and sparking a wave of social media adoration. Viewers are calling it “charming,” “sweet,” and “everything a Christmas movie should be,” with its single mom disguise plot delivering just the right mix of whimsy and warmth. For fans eagerly awaiting Virgin River Season 7 (slated for 2026), this Netflix holiday rom-com No. 1 serves as the perfect palate cleanser—a joyful detour that showcases Breckenridge’s comedic timing and emotional depth without the heartbreak of Mel’s turbulent love life.

The story of My Secret Santa unfolds against the twinkling backdrop of the luxurious Sun Peaks ski resort, where holiday cheer meets high-stakes hilarity. Breckenridge plays Taylor, a fiercely devoted single mother grappling with financial woes in the lead-up to Christmas. Desperate to fund an elite snowboarding camp for her spirited daughter Zoey (Madison MacIsaac), Taylor hatches a bold plan: disguise herself as an older man to snag a coveted Santa gig at the resort. With the help of quirky friends and some clever prosthetics, she transforms into “Saint Nick,” complete with a bushy beard, padded belly, and a twinkle in her eye that hides her true identity. But complications arise when Taylor crosses paths with the resort’s handsome manager, Matthew (Ryan Eggold, known for his brooding intensity in New Amsterdam). As sparks fly amid twinkling lights and snowball fights, Taylor’s secret threatens to unravel, forcing her to navigate the thin line between deception and desire.

What makes the single mom disguise plot so irresistible is its blend of empowerment and empathy. Taylor isn’t just pulling a prank; she’s a woman bending the rules in a world stacked against her, echoing the resourcefulness of Robin Williams’ character in Mrs. Doubtfire but flipping the gender dynamic for a fresh, feminist take. Directed with Rohl’s signature Hallmark polish—think lush snowy vistas, heartfelt monologues by the fire, and a soundtrack of upbeat carols—the film leans into themes of motherhood, second chances, and the true meaning of the holidays. “It’s about finding joy in the mess,” Breckenridge shared in a recent Netflix interview, her easy smile lighting up the screen. “Taylor’s disguise is hilarious on the surface, but underneath, it’s about a mom doing whatever it takes for her kid—and maybe finding love along the way.”

Breckenridge’s performance is the beating heart of My Secret Santa, proving once again why she’s a Netflix darling. Fresh off Virgin River‘s emotional rollercoaster—where Mel battles infertility, grief, and small-town scandals—Breckenridge infuses Taylor with the same vulnerability that made Mel a fan favorite, but swaps the tears for twinkles. Her comedic chops shine in disguise mishaps: a beard malfunction during a kid’s lap-sitting session, or a near-miss when Matthew compliments “Santa’s” rugged charm. Yet, it’s the quieter moments—Taylor tucking Zoey in with whispered promises, or stealing glances at Matthew across a crowded holiday market—that reveal Breckenridge’s gift for grounding rom-com fluff in real emotion. Eggold, as the widowed manager thawing to Taylor’s (disguised) charms, brings a grounded intensity that elevates their will-they-won’t-they tension. Supporting turns from MacIsaac as the wide-eyed Zoey and a ensemble of resort misfits add layers of laughs and heart, making the film a cozy crowd-pleaser.

The Netflix holiday rom-com No. 1 crown sits perfectly on My Secret Santa, which has outpaced heavy hitters like The Holiday and new releases in streaming minutes. In its debut week, it clocked over 20 million hours viewed globally, per Netflix’s internal metrics, with the UK leading the charge—topping the Top Ten Films chart and holding steady for three weeks running. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a breakout for Breckenridge, bridging her Virgin River fanbase (over 50 million households tuned in across seasons) with holiday rom-com die-hards. Social media is ablaze: #MySecretSanta has trended worldwide, with fans posting side-by-side clips of Breckenridge’s Santa transformation next to Mel’s heartfelt monologues. “Alexandra Breckenridge has already proven her emotional range in Virgin River, so seeing her step into the lighter, more playful tone of My Secret Santa is genuinely refreshing,” one viewer tweeted, echoing a sentiment shared by thousands. Another raved, “My #MySecretSanta is such a cute movie! In love with #RyanEggold,” highlighting the film’s swoon-worthy leads.

Critics, while mixed, applaud its unpretentious joy. Collider called it an “unimaginative” riff on disguise tropes but praised Breckenridge’s “effortless charisma carrying the sleigh.” Decider noted its “less believable” beats but lauded the “good laughs and heartwarming story” that make it binge-worthy. For Perry fans or those craving low-stakes escapism, it’s pure tinsel: No twisty murders or cosmic threats—just a mom in a fake beard chasing dreams and maybe a mistletoe kiss. As Netflix’s holiday slate swells with sequels and originals, My Secret Santa stands out for its simplicity: A tale of disguise that reveals the heart, wrapped in holiday bows.

Breckenridge’s ascent to holiday queen feels organic, building on her Virgin River legacy where Mel’s quest for family mirrors Taylor’s maternal fire. “Playing a single mom who’s equal parts fierce and funny was a dream,” Breckenridge told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s for every parent hustling through the holidays.” Eggold echoed the sentiment: “Ryan and Taylor’s chemistry is magic—it’s the kind of romance that makes you believe in second chances under the mistletoe.” With Rohl at the helm, the film nods to his Hallmark roots while injecting Netflix polish, ensuring it’s the go-to for ugly-sweater watch parties.

As 2025 winds down, My Secret Santa cements Breckenridge’s star power, blending Virgin River depth with rom-com sparkle. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just need a festive fix, this Alexandra Breckenridge Christmas movie delivers: A single mom disguise plot that’s hilarious, heartfelt, and holiday-perfect. Stream it now on Netflix—ho ho hopefully, with tissues at the ready. Who knows? It might just inspire your own Santa suit this season.