Christmas Under Wraps (2014) Movie Review: A Heartwarming Holiday Classic
Few films capture the cozy, comforting magic of Christmas quite like Christmas Under Wraps. Released in 2014 as part of Hallmark Channel’s beloved lineup of original holiday movies, this film has since earned a cherished spot in the hearts of holiday rom-com enthusiasts. With Candace Cameron Bure in the leading role, a picturesque Alaskan town as the backdrop, and a plot brimming with snow-covered charm, Christmas Under Wraps delivers everything fans could want in a festive seasonal film—and then some.
Directed by Peter Sullivan and written by Jeffery Schenck and Peter Sullivan, Christmas Under Wraps is pure Hallmark: comforting, predictable in the best way, and filled with warm-hearted messages about love, change, and the importance of community. The film stars Candace Cameron Bure as Dr. Lauren Brunell, a focused, big-city medical professional whose perfectly ordered life takes a surprising detour to the remote town of Garland, Alaska. What begins as a temporary inconvenience becomes a life-changing experience, full of joy, unexpected romance, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Plot Summary
Lauren Brunell has her future mapped out: she’s up for a competitive fellowship in Boston, and her surgeon father (Brian Doyle-Murray) expects nothing less. But when she doesn’t get the fellowship and is instead offered a position in a rural Alaskan clinic, she reluctantly accepts—viewing the move to Garland as a temporary pause in her otherwise upward trajectory.
Garland, however, isn’t just any small town. With its friendly, tight-knit community, twinkling lights, and mysterious connections to a certain jolly old man, it has a way of working its magic. Lauren gradually finds herself enchanted—not just by the snowy setting, but by the people, especially Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell), the charming local with a secret of his own. As Christmas approaches, Lauren is faced with a choice: return to her old life or embrace a new future in the place—and with the man—who’s come to mean everything.
Characters & Performances
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Candace Cameron Bure as Dr. Lauren Brunell
Bure brings warmth and charisma to Lauren, balancing the character’s early skepticism with a natural evolution into someone open to joy, love, and simplicity. Her transformation never feels forced—she is relatable, funny, and genuinely charming. -
David O’Donnell as Andy Holliday
As the local handyman and Lauren’s eventual love interest, O’Donnell is equally likable, exuding a quiet strength and kindness. The chemistry between Bure and O’Donnell is subtle but believable, making their romance feel heartfelt rather than rushed. -
Brian Doyle-Murray as Frank Brunell
As Lauren’s father, Doyle-Murray provides comic relief and adds a layer of emotional tension, embodying the expectations that Lauren tries to live up to. -
Santa Clause… in disguise?
Without spoiling too much, part of the film’s charm lies in its subtle, playful hints that Garland may be more magical than it seems. It’s a clever and fun element that gives the story its hallmark holiday sparkle.
Themes
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Self-Discovery
At its core, Christmas Under Wraps is about learning to slow down and re-evaluate what truly matters. Lauren’s journey from driven urban doctor to someone who can appreciate the quiet joys of small-town life is meaningful, especially during the holidays—a season that often encourages reflection. -
Community
Garland is a character in itself. The town, with its twinkling lights, festive traditions, and welcoming residents, represents the idealized vision of what many people long for at Christmas: a sense of belonging and shared joy. -
Romance & Connection
The love story between Lauren and Andy is sweet, gentle, and rooted in respect. Their relationship grows naturally, grounded in shared values rather than dramatic tension, which fits the Hallmark mold while still feeling genuine. -
Holiday Magic
There’s an undercurrent of enchantment throughout the film, culminating in a delightful reveal that ties everything together in true Christmas fashion. The light touch of Santa Claus mythology adds charm without tipping into fantasy.
Cinematography & Setting
The setting of Garland, Alaska (filmed in Utah), is visually stunning. Snowy forests, rustic cabins, warm interiors with twinkle lights and evergreen wreaths—it’s a visual feast for holiday lovers. The production design evokes all the sensory delights of Christmas: coziness, warmth, and nostalgia. Combined with a light, melodic score, the movie becomes a sensory experience tailor-made for a cold December evening.
Audience Reactions
The film has become one of Hallmark Channel’s most-watched original movies, earning high ratings and spawning re-runs nearly every year during the “Countdown to Christmas.” Viewers frequently praise:
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The wholesome romance.
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Candace Cameron Bure’s endearing performance.
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The festive atmosphere and cozy winter vibes.
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The gentle surprise of the Santa subplot.
On IMDb, the movie maintains a solid viewer rating (around 6.3/10), which is strong for a made-for-TV Christmas movie. User reviews often highlight how rewatchable the film is and how it stands out even among Hallmark’s vast holiday catalog.
Why It Remains a Holiday Favorite
Christmas Under Wraps checks every box for a feel-good Christmas romance: a charming town, an unexpected romance, personal growth, family values, and just enough magic to make it all shine. But what elevates it is its sincerity—there’s no irony here, just an earnest celebration of love, warmth, and finding joy in unexpected places.
In a world full of holiday chaos, Christmas Under Wraps offers a gentle escape. It reminds us that sometimes, the best gifts don’t come wrapped in shiny paper, but in new beginnings, kind people, and quiet moments of connection.
Final Verdict: 9/10
Christmas Under Wraps is a cozy, comforting holiday treat that captures the spirit of Christmas with charm and heart. It’s perfect for a night in with hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, and holiday lights twinkling in the background. Whether you’re a Hallmark movie veteran or a curious first-time viewer, this film is a reminder that sometimes the best detours in life lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
