Northern Lights of Christmas (2018 TV Movie) User Reviews (31)

A tasteful and classy Hallmark Christmas effort

[Aussie-Byrd-Brother · 8/10 · 18 December 2018]

Zoey Hathaway (Ashley Williams) really wanted to be a full-time pilot, but when she inherits a reindeer farm in the town she grew up in, she has to decide what she wants to do with the property. Ranch hand Alec Wynn (Corey Sevier) is resentful of her initial plan to sell it, but will fond memories of her hometown, reconnecting with old friends in a town where everyone knows her name and a blossoming friendship with the slowly thawing demeanour of Alec change her plans?

'Northern Lights of Christmas' has tons going for it if you enjoy the Hallmark brand of Christmas movies. Leading lady Ashley Williams is always a class act in these flicks, delivering so much genuine excitement and warmth, and she gets bonus points for those stunning eyes of hers (and let's face it, a lot of the time these films are ALL about that eye acting!). Leading man Corey Sevier has a rugged handsome quality and restraint to his performance that never drifts into that more grating 'pretty-boy' over-cuteness that often appears in these movies...although many of the female viewers of these probably don't mind that anyway! The rest of the minor cast are all friendly and charming, really helping to bring home that sense of community that is so important to the best of these type of films.

Yes, it falls back on that wonderful 'distorted reality' that comes out in so many Hallmark Christmas movies where every single little niggling problem or issue is perfectly resolved by the finale (actually all in the space of about five minutes in this particular instance!), but the lead and minor cast are constantly likable, the close community aspect is inviting, everyone will love the adorable animals, and the Alaskan backdrops add all the snowy atmosphere you'd want to see in one of these Christmas films...and you'll definitely decide within minutes that moving to a breathtaking reindeer ranch is the only logical next step in your life!

8 out of 10 for this tasteful effort if you're an unashamed Hallmark Christmas junkie - raises hand on that one.

Now scouring my box of personal files to see if I was due to be left a reindeer ranch in any inheritance I might have missed...

A "coming-home" kind of movie with Ashley Williams makes you forget the romance.

[MIssM19 · 7/10 · 2 January 2019]

Zoey inherits a farm in Alaska, and she decides to sell it to in order to start buy an aircraft and later own a charter airline in Seattle. So, she decides to throw a Christmas festival, as the previous owner and her mentor used to do, with the help of Alec who was looking after the property and the reeindeer.

Ashley Williams always makes me smile, she radiates good energy, happiness and warmth and it's always a pleasure to watch her in these movies. I didn't mind the actor who played Alec, but I did enjoy his development. However, I ended up disappointed because I didn't feel much chemistry between them but Ashley made me forget about the romance with her energy.

I actually liked this more as a "coming-home" kind of movie than as a romance. My other favorite part was the fact that Ashley was a pilot (and Captain, thank you very much) and as a woman in and into aviation that fact was very important to me.

I won't probably watch again, but I will definitely watch Ashley again in the future, she keeps proving that she is an amazing lead for these movies.

Nice Christmas movie

[MegaSuperstar · 7/10 · 8 December 2019]

Lately many Christmas movies suffer from overdone makeup main characters that makes them look more like dumb cocottes than charming leading ladies. Not in this movie. Here all the characters are more or less likable and there is a nice and charming feeling of happiness all along the film. This, combined with a modern style but not agressive leading lady who happens to be a plane pilot makes it enjoyable and worth watching. Beautiful Alaskan landscapes, inviting community and a more or less plausible story. Actors do it right and the movie succeeds in creating an endearing snowy Christmas atmosphere without being corny, silly or cloying. Not strange if you end wishing to have your own ranch in Alaska.

Turn the Christmas tree around!

[gordonb-59587 · 7/10 · 8 December 2020]

I have watched bunch of Hallmark Christmas movies. In every one, the actors always carry Christmas the tree with the top pointed in front. Even with they are tied to the roof of their car. Everybody knows (or at least should know) that trees are carried butt end first so the branches naturally flow backward. I always wonder when I see them carrying it "backwards," how many viewers must be thinking how wrong that looks.

Hallmark recipe

[Kirpianuscus · 2 January 2020]

All seems so predictible, you know the end from the first half of film but the life of community, the memories about past, Corey Sevier and his decent performance as a sort of little Scrooge and lonely stranger are good points of this seductive romance. And, sure, aurora borealis, a town named itself Aurora and three reindeers are good ingredients for a comfortable film like this.

A Sweet Movie

[Luvhallmark · 7/10 · 16 December 2018]

To be honest, I was not all that impressed this season with the Christmas movies on Hallmark, it seems they keep writing the same type of scripts only with different actors. I truly enjoy Ashely Williams, she's adorable and I think she did a great job in this movie despite the script "save the lodge". Come on Hallmark, how many times are you going to write about a lodge in need of saving? This movie was about Alaska yet once again, so much fake snow. Not once did I see a cold breath coming from their mouths... uugghh so sick of these movies being filmed in spring and summer. All in all, in my opinion, I think this was one of the better Christmas movies this season and worth the watch. I also always enjoy seeing Precious Chong, it's just a shame you didn't give her a larger role, very disappointing.

A good movie

[coneywithcheese · 9/10 · 21 December 2018]

This movie follows the typical Hallmark formula...guy and girl don't get on at first but fall in love during the movie. I appreciate that the makeup and hair of the female actors is more realistic and not so overdone, as it is in many Hallmark movies. Disregard the comments of jmlang-180-760580, as I am guessing he/she never lived in Alaska. I lived there for years and, depending on where you are located, there is plenty of bright light in the winter. People wear sunglasses during the winter so they don't suffer permanent damage to their eyes. The sun reflecting off the snow can cause snow blindness.

Daylight oops!

[comics_america · 7/10 · 18 December 2019]

So the movie takes place in Alaska in mid to late December...and it's light out all the time, which would clearly be impossible for that time of year. Other than goof, a typically light and enjoyable Hallmark romance.f

A.wonderful story with reindeer!

[kahast · 9/10 · 6 December 2019]

This movie is about hometown love, community spirit, and finding what feeds your soul... and about reindeer! I loved seeing how everyone came together to make the tradition of a Christmas festival a reality again. Also loved the northern lights!

Cute Movie with lots of Hallmark "Magic"

[mamachikn · 7/10 · 25 September 2021]

I liked this movie. There were lots of magical Hallmark things, such as 2 people hanging 500 strings of Christmas lights in a few hours, and still have time for coffee and conversation. The reindeer were cute. Ashley Williams really us that person who smiles all the time. She isn't overacting. Better than watching an angry or depressed person for 2 hours! Yes, there were more hours of daylight than there would be. This was filmed in Northern Ontario in October. It snows then. There was real snow, as can be seen on everyone's feet as they walked.

The funny thing was the suggestion of canceling a Christmas festival at the last minute after flyers were handed out and the whole town was excited about it, buting dresses for the dance. There was a new barn floor, and thousands of dollars were already spent. I just laughed at the idea. But it turned out great and I liked the story. With Hallmark you have to usually just watch the story for what it is, and not let the details stop you from enjoying it!

Northern Lights of Strangeness

[cammietime · 1/10 · 23 December 2018]

Northern Lights Christmas is one of those bad Hallmark movies that is just a jumbled mess and not fun to watch, even though it is filled with multiple laughable head scratching and cheesy situations. The leads have zero chemistry and the characters are have odd personalities and the plot...

This time around we find airline pilot Zoey (Ashely Williams) intent on buying her own plane and simultaneously inheriting a "reindeer farm" in Alaska. It's really more of an forgotten hobby farm with two reindeer living in the barn, but I digress. The airplane pilot sub-plot was refreshing, especially with it being the female lead. Unfortunately we see her bumbling around far more often than flying. The male love interest is a strange dude named Alec who is the farmhand taking care of the place. We learn two things about Alec right away: he can drive a Harley in the snow (and even on tiny ATV backroads in winter!) and he is VERY concerned about the welfare of the reindeer, above all else in life.

I'll be honest, Ashley Williams over-acting drove me nuts the entire movie and was grating to watch. She was highly one-dimensional, even for a Hallmark movie. She was constantly smiling, happy, positive, and outgoing - I thought she was permanently drunk or on drugs the whole time. Corey Sevier's Alec was no better, for opposite reasons. He started off being an unjustifed grump, then when it was time for the romance to start he completely altered his character and started to smile, flirt, and be interested in anyone and anything, moving on from his thing with the reindeer. Baffling you say...yes it is, but alas required for a romance to occur!

I had lots of questions beside how they ride Harleys in mid-winter in the Alaskan wilderness, such as how do they get such excellent cell service everywhere in the Alaskan bush? Why do the romantic reindeer meet at the airport? How does the reindeer keep escaping for that matter? Why does Zoey, so intent on buying her own plane, max out her credit card for a Christmas barn dance? Why do they need a generator to light the Christmas trees next to the house, what's wrong with their grid hookup? Why does Zoey wear a low cut red dress to an Alaskan winter barn dance?

There were also some funny quotes: "You own a farm full of trees and then go buy a Christmas tree from a store." THANK YOU Alec for calling this one out for the audience! Later on multiple people go up to Alec and directly tell him out of the blue "You look depressed!" No mid-western politeness in this Alaskan town! Then there was "You know what.....I have to work" said as an off the cuff reason why Zoey can't ever return after Christmas, said in the same tone as someone who would say 'sorry I can't go, I gotta pick the dog up at the groomer.' And the Grand Daddy - "I want to start a life with you." After knowing each other for less than two weeks, and Alec operating like a robot for most of that, he wants to START A LIFE with Zoey and she wants the same. That's some big commitment words. Starting...a...life...

Alas, the most interesting character in this entire movie was Gus, who was dead the whole time. Sadly our leading lady gives up on her dream of owning her own airplane and flying charters out of Seattle. She instead settles for leasing a bush plane and dealing with the hour and a half commute to Fairbanks. Alec gets to keep living in his little house and feeding the reindeer, I guess.

Just plain old good time

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 29 December 2018]

I love Ashley Williams. She's always happy and smiling and it rubs off. Zoe even makes grumpy Alec smile. That's part of what makes this a good romance story.

The story isn't surprising, but that doesn't matter. There's some good lines and funny moments.

Having to choose between love, legacy, or a dream

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 26 November 2022]

7.0 stars.

I agree with the other reviews that are positive about this movie. It's a great story, set in Alaska. Female pilot is the main character, and she is a very positive and super-optimistic sort. She returns home to sell a ranch, and her infectious optimism pervades the Alaska town where she once lived. She has forgotten how friendly and warm the town was, and she falls in love with it all over again.

She must win over one more soul, the male love interest, who is not thrilled about why she has returned, and he's not afraid to show it..

She eventually wins his heart with her assertive, but lovable, personality. She is a very easy going sort of domineering female, yet soft and fun.

I was intrigued how she is persuasive in her own way, and it's a very endearing quality in a female lead. She wears the pants in this relationship, and in this movie. Brava for her portrayal of a real go-getter, but that's not the main point of the movie. I think the theme is the importance of placing friendships and family above all else. She sacrifices a noble dream for friendship and the potential for love. Great lessons learned.

Could have been good

[nmn794 · 3/10 · 13 December 2019]

The story was good for a Christmas movie but Ashley Williams absolutely ruined it. Her constant toothy smile and laughing was obnoxious. I wish they had cast a different female lead. I will not watch another movie with her in it. The rest of the cast did a nice job.

A very good movie

[Benjamin-holstebroe · 8/10 · 26 December 2018]

Wow finnaly Hallmark has done it! It's a very nice movie, and I needed some kleenex... Very good job

A New Christmas Favorite from Hallmark

[gsxf1 · 10/10 · 9 January 2019]

This movie has two interesting and believable main characters, a fun supporting cast, with good dialogue. One of the best from 2019!

Stop Smiling, Ashley!!!

[jumppj · 2/10 · 11 July 2020]

Why oh why must Ashley Williams grin through every single solitary movie she does? It drives me nuts!!! Can't her sis, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, sit her down and give her some pointers? Ashley, your endless grin is totally unnecessary!

Love Ashley

[susanashland · 10/10 · 10 December 2020]

All the women end up in red dresses! Ashley was most beautiful in hers. She looked like one lovely woman and not a skinny stick with cleavage down to her belly button!

Another typical Hallmark movie

[beverley-anne · 5/10 · 27 December 2018]

Maybe it's time for Hallmark to create a few GOOD movies for Christmas instead of 30+ barely watchable movies.

This one wasn't the worst but it's far from becoming a classic. So, so many things that are unbelievable in this movie. Too many to list really but here's a few: 1. If they are so far north the can see the northern lights is it daylight at 6am there in winter? 2. Do ppl ride motorcycles in the snow and ice and extreme cold of winter in Alaska? 3. Why spend so your entire savings on a festival to sell the farm? Would it not have sold otherwise? 4. How do you revive the ranch, refresh the barn, decorate numerous trees and plan an entire festival in less than a week?

I could go on....

Best Hallmark Movie I've Seen in a While

[wayfind · 8/10 · 30 June 2022]

I'm just seeing this movie for the first time in the summer of 2022. Hallmark romances had grown pretty stale for me after years of watching, and in the past I haven't cared for Ashley Williams's acting. To me, she always seemed to be grinning maniacally at inappropriate times, but she was very good in this movie. Her acting is so much more natural that before, and she brought great energy to the story. Of course, it's always going to be the standard "boy meets girl, etc." formula, but the setting and storyline felt fresh here. The male lead, Corey Sevier, is always superb as far as I'm concerned. I felt the chemistry between them was fine - enough that I really wanted it to work out for them! I recommend.

Ashley Williams smile did it for me

[mchthom · 8/10 · 24 November 2021]

This is a good movie. I love Ashley William's smile and the joy she brings to every movie. Yes this movie follows the typical Hallmark formula no, but it's still good. It flowed very nicely and I was able to watch it straight through without pausing.

Ashley doesn't stop smiling

[bookandcandle · 1/10 · 26 November 2019]

The movie was cute, but Ashley smiles the entire time and speaks loudly. Why can't she just act natural? Constant smiling and laughing distracts from the movie and the genuineness of the character. Corey was excellent. He carried the movie with "being himself." After a while, I just wanted to turn Ashley off. There is such a thing as over-acting.

Tried to watch......

[garzamom · 5/10 · 16 August 2019]

Just too contrived. One stupid thing after another. I ended up reading through most of it. They imply they are near Fairbanks, that would mean it is about 40 below with about four hours of daylight. When I worked there, you had to leave your car running and had to be a lot more bundled up than in the movie. Just not very believable at all.

earplugs please !

[linda-plant2 · 4/10 · 22 October 2019]

I was only 20 minutes into this film, and I needed earplugs. WHY does Ashley Williams need to shout her dialogue ???? she does it in all her films. The only actress who could get away with being jolly, joyful and smiley ALL the time was Doris Day, and Ms Williams is certainly not in her category. As we say in the UK "put a sock in it Ashley".

Not enough light for this Christmas

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 29 September 2020]

'Northern Lights of Christmas' is a long way from being one of the worst Hallmark Christmas films, of the 2018 batch and overall. It is also a long way from being one of the best. 2018 was a very mixed year for Hallmark when it came to their Christmas output, most ranging between lacklustre and just above average with some very bad and surprisingly good ones as well. So very variable which was not surprising for such a big batch of festive films from that year.

As far as Hallmark's Christmas output goes for 2018, 'Northern Lights of Christmas' is somewhere around average middle. That is very much applicable for their Christmas output overall, the film is around average middle in this regard too. 'Northern Lights of Christmas' is a film with good things and moments, but for me it also had a lot of shortcomings (a few of them being the usual Hallmark gremlins). So feelings are somewhat mixed here.

Shall start with the good things. The production values are quite nice, the scenery being beautiful even. Regardless of questions about authenticity the film for me was easy on the eyes. Some of the soundtrack is nostalgic and appropriately festive. There is evidence of charm and heart and the joy of Christmas is captured well.

Corey Sevier does have a stereotypical role done to death in other Hallmark films, but actually is very charming in it and doesn't come over as too uptight and certainly far from dull. The supporting cast are better than average.

That cannot be said unfortunately for Ashley Williams, really did want to be another reviewer that liked her in 'Northern Lights of Christmas' but sadly that's not the case. Am another person that felt that she tried too hard to the point that she got annoying and rather shrill, she has a lovely smile but overuses it. Her chemistry with Sevier has sweet moments but on the most part it doesn't sparkle enough and when it comes to the development it's both rushed in how too quickly the relationship evolves and also under-baked. The characters are too much like recycled cliches.

Which is pretty much the case with most of the story too, especially in the final third capped off by the as ever too neat and hastily resolved ending. Everything is obvious and there are too many things that happen too conveniently or come over as contrived. The dialogue has too much awkwardness and over-sentimentality with a lot of cheese thrown in too. The music tends to be too loud and doesn't always gel tonally.

On the whole, rather mixed feelings here. 5/10