One of the more enjoyable Christmas films from the Hallmark pantheon. This premise is based on current single mom reunites with former flame in hometown. They must plan and execute holiday festivities for the town including a parade with a SLEIGH. Don't you know one of their more memorable dates was on a sleigh ride! The sleigh disappears and reappears frequently and Santa look-a-like Mr. Winter comes to the rescue more than once. Cute premise, good acting, enjoyable holiday flick!
16 Reviews
Liked the leads together
phd_travel28 October 2019
The main thing you want in a Hallmark Christmas romance is chemistry between the lead actors and this one has it. Pretty Erin Cahill plays a single mom. When her ex boyfriend (David Alpay) who left for the big city years before comes back to town. He helps her restore a sleigh. He bonds with her girl. But will she get hurt again when he leaves for the city.
One thing about these Hallmark movies is why can't she move to the city and be one happy family there?
Slightly better than average.
One thing about these Hallmark movies is why can't she move to the city and be one happy family there?
Slightly better than average.
A pleasant sleigh ride
TheLittleSongbird22 December 2020
As has been said quite a few times, Hallmark's Christmas output is very hit and miss. Some though are above average level, and there are some surprisingly enjoyable ones amongst the average and less films that there is in a good deal of in their output. Have been on a roll for the past couple of years watching and reviewing as many Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas films every now and again and it has been interesting despite the quality being uneven.
'Sleigh Bells Ring' is to me among Hallmark's better festive efforts and certainly for that year. It is light years away from being a masterpiece or flawless and will admit to considering bailing early on, but stick with it as it does get better. It was a pleasant watch and is really not bad when taken for what it is and judged for what it's meant to be. Which is an inoffensive if uneven and hardly unique watch and not a cinematic classic or milestone.
There are a lot of great things in 'Sleigh Bells Ring'. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. Loved the sleigh as well. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here and the use of "Sleigh Ride", have always been very fond of Leroy Anderson's version (a favourite at Christmas concerts) was inspired. While the characters are not meaty or original, none of them annoyed me and nor did they bore me. The leads were easier to connect to than expected. They also had personality traits that appealed and any negative traits were not exaggerated, which can be a common problem with female lead characters particularly in Hallmark's Christmas output.
Erin Cahill, in one of her better festive outings for Hallmark, and David Alpay are very charming leads and their chemistry was natural and sweet, without being cloying. Hallmark have always varied when it comes to child performances, here is one of the better ones. Cute as a button without being too cutesy and with no flaws being overdone. The dialogue can be treacly, but it did generally make me smile and didn't take itself too seriously (while not treating things as too much of a joke either). The story is light-hearted and heart-warming, even if originality pretty much goes out the window. It isn't sluggish and it is not as contrived as other Hallmark Christmas films. The messaging is sweet and didn't find myself being beaten around the head with it.
Admittedly, the story is very formulaic and quite thin on the ground, with as said very little originality.
It, the film that is, is a slow starter and the dialogue is very cheesy and stilted in the early portions of the film. Enough to make you want to stop watching.
Overall, not bad at all if not great. 7/10
'Sleigh Bells Ring' is to me among Hallmark's better festive efforts and certainly for that year. It is light years away from being a masterpiece or flawless and will admit to considering bailing early on, but stick with it as it does get better. It was a pleasant watch and is really not bad when taken for what it is and judged for what it's meant to be. Which is an inoffensive if uneven and hardly unique watch and not a cinematic classic or milestone.
There are a lot of great things in 'Sleigh Bells Ring'. It is very professionally filmed and the locations are simply beautiful. Loved the sleigh as well. A lot of Hallmark's Christmas films suffer from being over-scored, meaning being too constantly used and too loud. That isn't so big a problem here and the use of "Sleigh Ride", have always been very fond of Leroy Anderson's version (a favourite at Christmas concerts) was inspired. While the characters are not meaty or original, none of them annoyed me and nor did they bore me. The leads were easier to connect to than expected. They also had personality traits that appealed and any negative traits were not exaggerated, which can be a common problem with female lead characters particularly in Hallmark's Christmas output.
Erin Cahill, in one of her better festive outings for Hallmark, and David Alpay are very charming leads and their chemistry was natural and sweet, without being cloying. Hallmark have always varied when it comes to child performances, here is one of the better ones. Cute as a button without being too cutesy and with no flaws being overdone. The dialogue can be treacly, but it did generally make me smile and didn't take itself too seriously (while not treating things as too much of a joke either). The story is light-hearted and heart-warming, even if originality pretty much goes out the window. It isn't sluggish and it is not as contrived as other Hallmark Christmas films. The messaging is sweet and didn't find myself being beaten around the head with it.
Admittedly, the story is very formulaic and quite thin on the ground, with as said very little originality.
It, the film that is, is a slow starter and the dialogue is very cheesy and stilted in the early portions of the film. Enough to make you want to stop watching.
Overall, not bad at all if not great. 7/10
Definitely gave me that Christmas magic.
MIssM1928 January 2017
First review I guess! This movie was beautiful! I think that these Christmas movies have to deliver a lot of things, plot, good characters, but specially that feeling like when we used to open the presents on Christmas morning. That feeling of magic and happiness. And this movie accomplished it!
The characters were great, the child, fortunately, wasn't annoying. And even though there were a few things that I was like "Really?" I actually enjoyed this movie. This won't go into my favorite Hallmark movies list, but it is definitely worth the watch, while having a hot cocoa in hand and snuggling in the couch.
The characters were great, the child, fortunately, wasn't annoying. And even though there were a few things that I was like "Really?" I actually enjoyed this movie. This won't go into my favorite Hallmark movies list, but it is definitely worth the watch, while having a hot cocoa in hand and snuggling in the couch.
It Would Probably Not Ruin Your Christmas if you Miss this Sleigh Ride
gehewe8 February 2017
I watched "Christmas in the Smokies" the day before and realized that this movie has a similar story. A guy leaves town and a young love for fame and fortune then returns many years later. The story did not quite work in either movie. The two leads here were nice to watch. The guy reminds me of a young Gregory Peck. This was a pleasant movie but not a memorable one. The movie lagged in spots and I even dozed somewhere in the middle for a few scenes. I rate this one about the same as Matchmaker Santa in which the Santa Claus used that same finger on the nose for a magic thing- which I also saw at the end of this movie. Many scenes shot in an antique shop and a town office building were not inspiring. Why put anything about friend's husband restoring a car? Would not watch again.
Has Magic
Christmas-Reviewer19 November 2018
I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.
Review Date 11/18/2018 Pauline struggles to get into the holiday spirit while heading up her hometown Christmas parade. With the help of a Christmas sleigh and a handsome woodworker, Pauline is destined to turn her luck around, rekindle her holiday spirit and even find time for love.
This film does everything you want in a "Hallmark Movie" and it does not bore you at all. It makes you feel like love is waiting for you.
Review Date 11/18/2018 Pauline struggles to get into the holiday spirit while heading up her hometown Christmas parade. With the help of a Christmas sleigh and a handsome woodworker, Pauline is destined to turn her luck around, rekindle her holiday spirit and even find time for love.
This film does everything you want in a "Hallmark Movie" and it does not bore you at all. It makes you feel like love is waiting for you.
Don't Bother; A Real Snooze Fest
michelef-9136225 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is the typical Hallmark movie that had a lot of potential but goes down hill from the start. The two leads, Laurel and Alex, have little chemistry and the story is ridiculous: **Spoiler Alert** The Mayor suddenly tells the head of Parks & Rec that she has 2 weeks to plan a full-on Christmas Parade (including floats.) She spends very little time planning the parade but miraculously pulls it off with seemingly very little help from anyone and very little focus.**End Spoiler** The lead, Laurel, is also really crabby and boring, making you not care at all about her. The movie was clearly filmed in milder weather so it snows a lot with a bright blue sky. The snow that's falling from the sky never lands on the ground. (C'mon, if you're going to digitally add falling snow, can't you turn the skies just a little gray?) In the end I didn't care about either of these characters and I imagine the director and crew fell asleep during the ten (?) days of slapping this film together.
It gets better and better
Pete-Claus30 December 2020
What otherwise might have been a decent but routine plan-an-event type of ROM-COM, warranting a "6" review score, becomes elevated to a "7" because of the lead characters' interplay around their respective, and partially shared, backstories. Tracy and Hepburn its not, but this adds spice to the story. Then the movie rises to become a very memorable "8" by the addition of the most charming Santa look-alike since Edmund Gwenn's portrayal in 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street". The Sleigh, itself, gets an honorable mention in a supporting role. I agree with several other User Reviewers who recommended hanging in there through a slow start and some awkward dialogue early on. I think you'll be glad you did.
I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it years ago, and it grows on you with time. That qualifies it to be included as a "Hidden Gem" on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.
I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it years ago, and it grows on you with time. That qualifies it to be included as a "Hidden Gem" on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.
A magical sleigh
MickyG3331 January 2023
7.3 stars.
The chemistry between the leads (Laurel and David) is natural and warm with some fun and even a bit of tension. They dated many years ago and it didn't work out, he left town after college etc... Now they are working on putting together the perfect Christmas parade for the Mayor of the town. If it all goes smoothly Laurel is looking at a promotion to City Manager. Her daughter Scarlett is a little sweetheart, a very endearing pre-teen girl. Scarlett has an instant connection with David and has grown fond of him almost like an uncle or even a father figure. It would appear this is mostly due to the chemistry between her mom and him. As Laurel and David embark on refurbishing an old Christmas sleigh, the sparks fly, and then they hit a slump. Many challenges pop up over the weeks leading to the tree lighting, preparing the sleigh, and ushering in a wonderful parade. The whole cast works together to make it a smooth and uneventful Holiday.
The story is ordinary, however the casting and acting are great. The rest is average. I give this film slightly above average ratings because the interactions between the characters was remarkable. I can't justify any higher than 7.3, the x-factor and entertainment value are feeble.
The chemistry between the leads (Laurel and David) is natural and warm with some fun and even a bit of tension. They dated many years ago and it didn't work out, he left town after college etc... Now they are working on putting together the perfect Christmas parade for the Mayor of the town. If it all goes smoothly Laurel is looking at a promotion to City Manager. Her daughter Scarlett is a little sweetheart, a very endearing pre-teen girl. Scarlett has an instant connection with David and has grown fond of him almost like an uncle or even a father figure. It would appear this is mostly due to the chemistry between her mom and him. As Laurel and David embark on refurbishing an old Christmas sleigh, the sparks fly, and then they hit a slump. Many challenges pop up over the weeks leading to the tree lighting, preparing the sleigh, and ushering in a wonderful parade. The whole cast works together to make it a smooth and uneventful Holiday.
The story is ordinary, however the casting and acting are great. The rest is average. I give this film slightly above average ratings because the interactions between the characters was remarkable. I can't justify any higher than 7.3, the x-factor and entertainment value are feeble.
Magic!
adamjohns-4257516 November 2020
Another charming film. This one feels more real than most of the rest, despite its touch of Christmas Magic, through direction and acting ability.
I fell in love with Michael Rady all over again, having seen him in a few films last year, with his Hugh Jackman look and quality, and I fell in love with his character in this film. Erin Cahill (Yes I actually learned the girls name too this time) plays her part well too, although her character, Laurel, is a bit annoying to start with.
The hint of Festive Magic comes in the form of a man, who may or may not be Father Christmas and his sleigh that seems to bring the lovers together. Tie it all up with a little girl who loves her Mum and Christmas as well as a seasonal parade and you've got a cracking little tale.
I fell in love with Michael Rady all over again, having seen him in a few films last year, with his Hugh Jackman look and quality, and I fell in love with his character in this film. Erin Cahill (Yes I actually learned the girls name too this time) plays her part well too, although her character, Laurel, is a bit annoying to start with.
The hint of Festive Magic comes in the form of a man, who may or may not be Father Christmas and his sleigh that seems to bring the lovers together. Tie it all up with a little girl who loves her Mum and Christmas as well as a seasonal parade and you've got a cracking little tale.
Nice movie
dianamarinelli3 February 2021
Cute movie with a sleigh
lucylouise-2354615 December 2023
This is a really good movie! A single busy mom, Laurel, is organizing her town's Christmas parade, and her boss wants her to get a Christmas tree, a sleigh, and a Santa for the parade. She finds a Christmas tree and a sleigh at a Mr. Winter's house. Coincidentally, Mr. Winter looks like Santa Claus. Laurel and her daughter Scarlett take the sleigh to Audrey's Antiques. Laurel and Alex, the male lead, eventually paint the sleigh. The sleigh is a gorgeous red and green when it's painted. The Christmas tree and the sleigh get in the parade, and Santa Claus is missing, and I won't tell the great ending.
Alex, the male lead, was not very believable, so that's why I gave the movie 7 stars instead of 10. Cute movie, though, anyway.
Alex, the male lead, was not very believable, so that's why I gave the movie 7 stars instead of 10. Cute movie, though, anyway.
Classic Hallmark Movie
cammietime28 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This movie starts out slow and you think you are in for a clunker, but then the plot and romance picks up and it is far more interesting than you initially expected. They added a sleigh as a thoughtful plot device, and happily used it sparingly, only when needed. I liked that they added Santa magic to this movie. The couple was believable even if Laurel was frustrating to watch, always pushing back instead of just going with the flow. Overall however, this had all the classic themes and pacing of a classic Hallmark Christmas movie, which is why it gets 10 out of 10.
Magical sleigh ride
sini-20020 December 2023
I happened to catch this accidentally on tv. I am not usually fan of Hallmark's movies. There was something different about this. It's nothing new and very cliche, yet stayes really warm and happy. The main leads have great chemistry. It doesnt feel too sappy or cliche. I actually enjoyed the story and the mains falling in love again. It's cute and sweet and cheers you up. Also gets you to your Christmas mood. There is something about small towns and them throwing a Christmas party :"D Really enjoyed it. Also magical sleighs? It was nice add and a little bit that magical mystery. 10/10 will be adding this to my annual Christmas movie list.
Very Good
rfarrellairman23 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Cheesy, but this one has good writing and its poignant at crucial times. Definitely climaxes@ end and the story has several layers. A great surprise here plus its not just about her and the little girl. Didn't understand her getting angry w\him until realizing she is a single Mom. The mayor is one vision only and story-wise all kind of fits plus the Santa keeps doing secret things, so I can see him trying to put them together. The very ending is typical Hallmark, but this kind of sweet is what makes these work. Am trying to make this my favorite and it is getting there. Even though 8 years old still fresh...
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