10 Must-Know Tips for Writing Christmas TV-Movies

What are 10 must-know tips for writing Christmas TV-movies? Here’s a list to help you create a Christmas TV movie that producers will love and audiences will remember.

In the world of holiday TV movies, few genres capture hearts like Christmas movies. With their heartwarming plots, cozy settings, and universal themes of love, family, and second chances, they deliver feel-good moments that audiences look forward to every year. However, crafting a Christmas movie that stands out among the multitude requires more than just holiday cheer. What are the 10 must-know tips for writing Christmas TV-movies?

1. Embrace the Holiday Spirit from Start to Finish

Your movie should feel unmistakably Christmas from the first frame to the last. Whether it’s holiday decorations, snow-covered streets, festive music, or seasonal activities, each scene should transport viewers into the Christmas season. Beyond visual elements, include holiday themes that speak to generosity, forgiveness, community, and love. Your story shouldn’t just be set at Christmas—it should embody the spirit of the season.

2. Writing Christmas TV-Movies: Focus on Relatable, Heartwarming Themes

The best Christmas TV movies tap into universal emotions, such as reconciling with loved ones, finding love, or rediscovering the magic of the holidays. Consider themes like “coming home for Christmas,” “the power of forgiveness,” or “finding love in unexpected places.” These familiar themes resonate across audiences and help evoke that warm holiday feeling that viewers crave.

3. Stick to Popular Tropes (with a Twist)

Christmas TV movies thrive on certain beloved tropes: small-town charm, opposites attract, holiday deadlines, and holiday-themed conflicts (like the “big event” trope, where characters are racing to save a Christmas festival). Yet, while tropes are welcome, giving them a fresh twist can make your script stand out. Instead of a big-city professional who returns to her small-town roots, maybe she’s an artist who discovers her long-lost family is in the town. The goal is to stay within the bounds of tradition while offering something unexpected.

4. Writing Christmas TV-Movies: Keep the Romance Sweet, Sincere, and PG

Christmas movies are family-friendly, so romances should be sweet and heartfelt, avoiding anything too risqué or controversial. Focus on creating meaningful connections, chemistry through small gestures, and relatable, wholesome moments. Think mistletoe, shared hot cocoa, or a meaningful gift exchange. Aim for the kind of romance that makes audiences root for the couple without taking away from the Christmas feel.

5. Keep the Cast Small and Intimate

Producers often prefer smaller casts to keep budgets manageable and to maintain a close-knit feel that complements the holiday vibe. Typically, you’ll want a protagonist, a love interest, a close friend or family member, and a handful of locals who bring charm to the story. Small ensembles allow for deeper connections among characters and make it easier for audiences to invest in the relationships.

6. Writing Christmas TV-Movies: Choose a “Cool” Location That Enhances the Magic

A great location can set your movie apart, especially since producers often look for memorable settings that capture the beauty and magic of the holidays. Consider settings like snowy mountain towns, quaint European villages, or cozy bed-and-breakfasts. But remember, even if the story is set in a snowy wonderland, it’s likely to be filmed in a low-cost area with suitable winter-like scenery, so think practically.

7. Incorporate Holiday Activities to Drive the Plot

Christmas TV movies often include scenes that feel like holiday traditions themselves: baking cookies, decorating trees, building snowmen, or shopping for the perfect gift. These activities aren’t just filler—they’re opportunities to reveal character and move the plot forward. For instance, maybe your leads bond while baking cookies for a local contest, or they solve a mystery while shopping for decorations. Holiday activities help sustain the Christmas atmosphere while adding depth to character relationships.

8. Writing Christmas TV-Movies: Craft Dialogue that Amplifies Holiday Emotions

Your dialogue should convey warmth, humor, or heartfelt sincerity to amplify the holiday atmosphere. Keep exchanges crisp and on-point, allowing characters to connect through simple yet powerful language. Every line should add to the scene’s mood—whether it’s lighthearted, romantic, or reflective. Think of dialogue as a tool for bringing out the festive charm in every interaction.

9. Keep It Light, Positive, and Uplifting

While conflict is essential to storytelling, Christmas TV movies should lean into optimism. Avoid heavy, depressing storylines and instead focus on the positives. If there’s tension, make sure it’s something that can be resolved happily by the end. Even a workaholic learning to enjoy the holidays or a grinchy character finding joy in Christmas should feel uplifting. Aim for a movie that’s light enough to watch with family, where viewers know they’ll walk away feeling good.

10. Writing Christmas TV-Movies: Wrap It Up with a Memorable Christmas Moment

The ending of a Christmas movie should be as magical as the beginning, and a memorable, heartwarming moment is key to that. Maybe it’s a kiss under the mistletoe, a family reunion, or a community gathering under a lit-up tree. Ideally, it should tie back to the movie’s theme, reminding viewers of the journey your characters took. The final scene should leave viewers feeling satisfied, joyful, and ready to embrace the holiday season.

Current Trends and What Producers Look For

While traditional themes are timeless, it’s also important to be aware of current trends in holiday movies. Producers today look for diversity and inclusion in casting, unique settings, and stories that balance nostalgia with fresh perspectives. They also appreciate scripts that subtly include social themes without detracting from the festive atmosphere. For example, showing a character’s sustainable holiday practices, diverse family structures, or unique holiday traditions can add a layer of relatability and modern appeal.

Many producers are also seeking fresh ideas. So, whether it’s a baker falling for her rival’s brother at a gingerbread contest or a woman who inherits a Christmas Inn with a big secret, try to build in a hook that instantly grabs attention.

Wrapping It Up

Writing a Christmas TV movie is a unique and rewarding challenge, allowing writers to create stories that will become part of viewers’ holiday traditions. Remember to keep the story heartwarming, use well-loved tropes, add festive activities, and wrap it all up with a sweet, memorable ending. With the right balance of charm, holiday magic, and a unique twist, your Christmas script could be the next one to light up the screen and fill homes with cheer.

Check out related content:

25: What Producers Want in Christmas Scripts

19: How to Make Your Christmas Spec Stand Out

Adding a Twist to Your Christmas TV-Movie Storyline