'The Princess Switch' sequel and more: Cheesy Christmas movies coming to Netflix this year

Do you love a good Christmas movie, from the predictable rom-com to the feel-good musical? Netflix figures as much, and so the streamer is already announcing holiday films that are premiering now through the end of the year.

The good news: "The Princess Switch" is getting a sequel next month, and Netflix also announced a third movie starring Vanessa Hudgens that begins production in Scotland later this year for a 2021 release.

The bad news: There aren't any non-Christmas holiday films (i.e. no Hanukkah or Kwanzaa on the list) and for some reason Netflix has not announced an awesomely bad fourth "Christmas Prince" movie. What gives?

But here are six fresh titles on the list that should pair well with hot chocolate, gift-wrapping and a crackling fireplace.

1. 'The Princess Switch: Switched Again'

Available Nov. 19

The original movie with all of the holiday clichés — royalty, unexpected love, engagement, switched places, baking — ended with the two identical characters played by Vanessa Hudgens falling for each other's counterparts. The second movie promises the arrival of a third look-alike cousin, also played by Hudgens, and a romantic rough patch. What else could you want from this series?

2. 'Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square'

Available Nov. 22

If the fact that Parton is providing 14 original songs for this seemingly schmaltzy movie isn't enough to get you excited, you should also know it follows the tried and true city-woman-moves-back-to-small-town holiday story line. Christine Baranski stars with Parton in the film directed by Debbie Allen.

And if you want more Christmas fare from Allen, Netflix is also premiering a documentary about the dancer/choreographer/director/actor's career. The film, which is called "Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker" and debuts on Nov. 27, follows a group of young dancers who prepare for a production at Allen's academy.

3. 'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey'

Available Nov. 13

If the tunes in the trailer are any indication, this family film with music from John Legend, Usher and others will have you dancing. Forest Whitaker stars as a quirky toymaker whose apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) steals his greatest creation. It's up to his granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) to save the day.

4. 'The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two'

Available Nov. 25


It's always a jolly time when Kurt Russell is in a Santa suit. Two years after Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) saved Christmas, they all return in Chris Columbus' sequel. But now Kate is a teenager who's unhappy with her mom's new boyfriend and decides to run away. A new adventure — also co-starring Goldie Hawn — awaits.

5. 'Holidate'

Available Oct. 28

You can probably tell the entire story based on the title alone, which makes this a comforting by-the-numbers holiday flick. In case you had any doubt, the film follows a gal and a guy (Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey) who decide to be each other's plus-ones for holiday occasions. Could they, I don't know, maybe fall for each other? Who's to say?!

6. 'Operation Christmas Drop'

Available Nov. 5

This appears to be a good ol' opposites-attract Christmas film. There's Erica (Kat Graham), a congressional aide who chooses a work assignment over a family Christmas, and Capt. Andrew (Alexander Ludwig), a pilot whose pet project is parachuting gifts onto remote neighboring islands. Erica's assignment is to find a reason to defund the base where Andrew is stationed. Will she give in to Andrew's communal energy and the idea that the spirit of giving is more important than chasing a promotion? Are these concepts mutually exclusive? We will find out in November!