This is my 10th Hallmark Christmas movie of the 2020 season. Overall, it was very good; it is at the top of my list thus far. The plot/story was predictable, as one expects with Hallmark movies, but it kept me engaged thru-out. The acting was really good overall. As usual, Tyler Hynes's performance (a Hallmark regular) was very good. He is one of my favourite Hallmark male leads. I know Mallory Jansen from the sitcom Gallivant, where she played the Queen. She too had a great performance. Moreover, they had chemistry, which has been a problem with a few of the Hallmark Christmas movies this season thus far. The script was well written too, especially the dialogue between the two leads. I do have one critique here: the writer(s) should have known that the 12 days of Christmas start on Christmas day; they are not the days leading up to (and including) Christmas day. I am surprised how many people do not know this. Finally, the movie is enjoyable to watch and instils a bit of Christmas spirit. Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies will not be disappointed.
41 Reviews
Worth your time - Not the same old plotline!
jensenholmesPA4 November 2020
I'm glad to see a bit more creativity put into at least a few of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas movies. Typically the same plot is used over and over. But this one is unique and much better than average.
The plot involves two people who work for a game company who are put on a tight-deadline project to create a game for a new hotel in Chicago. They end up putting together a "12 days of Christmas" scavenger hunt that incorporates historic Chicago landmarks and neighborhoods. There were some clever poems/riddles as part of the game, and you get basically a travelogue of Chicago too. The leads were also both appealing and there was genuine chemistry with a nice romance arc.
This one deserves to go on regular rotation on your watch list.
The plot involves two people who work for a game company who are put on a tight-deadline project to create a game for a new hotel in Chicago. They end up putting together a "12 days of Christmas" scavenger hunt that incorporates historic Chicago landmarks and neighborhoods. There were some clever poems/riddles as part of the game, and you get basically a travelogue of Chicago too. The leads were also both appealing and there was genuine chemistry with a nice romance arc.
This one deserves to go on regular rotation on your watch list.
Refreshing plot.
MIssM198 November 2020
Jennifer and Aidan work for a company that organizes scavangers hunts (i'm sure that's not a real thing) and they are paired up to prepare one for a famous Hotel.
When I first read the plot I thought it made no sense, so obviously I had to watch it. But I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was what I liked the most about this. There are no surprise twists, no "pre-ending" problem, just a misunderstanding from our main lady. Speaking of, I liked Mallory as a lead, i'm open to the idea of seeing more of her. Now Tyler Hines is another thing... he is not a favorite of mine but he was just ok. Good chemistry between the leads (I felt I was interrumpting during that final scene).
I don't think I will watch this again, but I quite enjoy it. The story was enjoyable. As another reviewer said, I would have loved to see more banter between the leads and to see Aidan cheer up more (but I think that's how Tyler plays his characters).
When I first read the plot I thought it made no sense, so obviously I had to watch it. But I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was what I liked the most about this. There are no surprise twists, no "pre-ending" problem, just a misunderstanding from our main lady. Speaking of, I liked Mallory as a lead, i'm open to the idea of seeing more of her. Now Tyler Hines is another thing... he is not a favorite of mine but he was just ok. Good chemistry between the leads (I felt I was interrumpting during that final scene).
I don't think I will watch this again, but I quite enjoy it. The story was enjoyable. As another reviewer said, I would have loved to see more banter between the leads and to see Aidan cheer up more (but I think that's how Tyler plays his characters).
One of the better movies of this season
taylornan24 December 2020
The lead actors in this movie have good chemistry. The pace of the movie is good and I enjoyed the story line. I had not seen Mallory Jansen in any other movies but enjoyed her acting, not overacting and not goofy. This movie is definitely worth the watch.
True love
TheLittleSongbird1 March 2022
Was really quite surprised by 'On the 12th Date of Christmas'. In a very pleasant way. While there are plenty of at least watchable Hallmark Christmas films, there are very few that are great and some of them struggle to even reach mediocre. So this could have gone either way. The title was not as corny as other Hallmark Christmas titles and the premise was sort of intriguing, even if fairly typical but in a different setting/basic scenario.
'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is no award winner or a masterpiece, but that was not expected. It is not realistic to expect that from a Hallmark film, Christmas or otherwise. 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is a very charming and surprisingly very well executed film by Hallmark standards, and not only is it one of the best 2020 Hallmark Christmas films (along with 'Cranberry Christmas' and 'Five Star Christmas') it is also close to being one of the overall best of their festive output.
Will agree that the side-plot was an odd distraction and felt irrelevant.
Also thought that Tyler Hynes' character took a while to get used to, he seemed too sullen and introverted at first. Not many surprises, quite easy to figure out how the loose ends were going to be tied up.
However, Mallory Jansen is perfectly cast and very charming and sincere. Once Hynes' character relaxes, Hynes also comes out of his shell and is every bit as likeable and honest. Their chemistry is very genuine and natural and it develops at a realistic rate. The film also makes the most out of it, and doesn't take too long to develop it or make it jump around. Jansen's character is a breath of fresh air while not being too perfect and Hynes' does become easier to like later. The supporting cast are solid and the characters engage and interest.
Did think that 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' looked good, especially the at its best picturesque photography. The music is fitting with the atmosphere and more subtle in placement and tone than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, that are known for intrusive music. The dialogue has some corn but takes itself more seriously than most Hallmark films, with some welcome levity here and there, without being overly so and it has flow and heart. Also really liked that the film did something different from the usual formula and didn't execute it too conventionally, and did it in a way that was light-hearted and heart-warming.
Very well done all in all. 8/10.
'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is no award winner or a masterpiece, but that was not expected. It is not realistic to expect that from a Hallmark film, Christmas or otherwise. 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' is a very charming and surprisingly very well executed film by Hallmark standards, and not only is it one of the best 2020 Hallmark Christmas films (along with 'Cranberry Christmas' and 'Five Star Christmas') it is also close to being one of the overall best of their festive output.
Will agree that the side-plot was an odd distraction and felt irrelevant.
Also thought that Tyler Hynes' character took a while to get used to, he seemed too sullen and introverted at first. Not many surprises, quite easy to figure out how the loose ends were going to be tied up.
However, Mallory Jansen is perfectly cast and very charming and sincere. Once Hynes' character relaxes, Hynes also comes out of his shell and is every bit as likeable and honest. Their chemistry is very genuine and natural and it develops at a realistic rate. The film also makes the most out of it, and doesn't take too long to develop it or make it jump around. Jansen's character is a breath of fresh air while not being too perfect and Hynes' does become easier to like later. The supporting cast are solid and the characters engage and interest.
Did think that 'On the 12th Date of Christmas' looked good, especially the at its best picturesque photography. The music is fitting with the atmosphere and more subtle in placement and tone than a lot of Hallmark Christmas films, that are known for intrusive music. The dialogue has some corn but takes itself more seriously than most Hallmark films, with some welcome levity here and there, without being overly so and it has flow and heart. Also really liked that the film did something different from the usual formula and didn't execute it too conventionally, and did it in a way that was light-hearted and heart-warming.
Very well done all in all. 8/10.
Nice movie... but I need clarification...
pmtilton-8805120 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a very nice movie, interesting twist to have the scavenger hunt... but am I missing something? The clues were all about things that people could do on a date, and yet they did ALL these things in one day? The hunt started on the same day as the party at the hotel, at least according to the dialogue.
If someone could please create another review and explain this to me I would appreciate it. Maybe I missed something... Thanks..
If someone could please create another review and explain this to me I would appreciate it. Maybe I missed something... Thanks..
Fun and romantic
jenrn-0972213 June 2021
This was one of the good ones this season. The leads have great chemistry. The story is original - nice character interaction and definite character progression. It's an original story and it's really great to see the characters get to know one another and grow to like each other. This was a great story that was actually a romance - with the focus on the characters. They work together and that just helps move the story along. The actors really make you feel the growing affection they develop for one another. It's a feel-good Christmas movie about two single people - no neglectful significant others to distract - with a slight misunderstanding near the end that adds to the happy ending once sorted out. Each character's family storyline adds to their individual character development. It was a well developed and well written story. This will definitely be one of my Christmas favorites....
A Fun Movie
mammamia7017 December 2020
Fun and festive!
readyreference2 November 2020
Cute story with lots of imagination, loved the imaginative ways they interpreted the 12 Days of Christmas. The two main characters/actors are very likable, and the romance believable. Much better than some of the other holiday movies I've seen.
A good idea
limmet-7504326 December 2020
It was a fun, romantic movie. I loved how they went around the 12 days of Christmas and wrapped everything around each part of the song. It was entertaining, feel good. Different idea from what I've seen from Hallmark. Great movie
Well done! A cut above.
rebekahrox8 November 2020
At first, our heroine, played by Audrey Hepburn lookalike, Mallory Jensen, got on my nerves with her lack of gumption, and too-sweet personality. At first I thought she was miscast as a girl with a mousy personality when she was so gorgeous. I guess she was, really, but the actress did somewhat overcome it with a nice performance. Then, to make it worse, Tyler Hynes, a favorite of mind, also got on my nerves. He was closed off, anti-social, and not a team-player. Even though he wanted a promotion to a position that necessitate the opposite of those personality traits! Oblivious. He, on the other hand, was cast perfectly, as he usually brings a gruff edge to his roles.
I stuck with it though and I'm glad I did. As Aiden and Jennifer started to work through their differences, and he learned to work with her, appreciating her talent, their opposite personalities added to their chemistry. Quite early on, Jennifer started to be more assertive, so it did not descend into never-ending frustration for me.
This was well written with an interesting sub-plot of Aiden's family home needing repairs he couldn't afford, and a very clever scavenger hunt through Chicago that the two were working on together. Definitely well above average.
I stuck with it though and I'm glad I did. As Aiden and Jennifer started to work through their differences, and he learned to work with her, appreciating her talent, their opposite personalities added to their chemistry. Quite early on, Jennifer started to be more assertive, so it did not descend into never-ending frustration for me.
This was well written with an interesting sub-plot of Aiden's family home needing repairs he couldn't afford, and a very clever scavenger hunt through Chicago that the two were working on together. Definitely well above average.
more than nice
Kirpianuscus3 December 2021
One of charming Christmas films in Hallmark tradition, seductive for the fine craft of storytelling. Seductive for atmosphere, supporting actors beautiful work, for the interesting adaptation of traditional carol, maybe for house of grand father, medical problem of father, small details of game and the gentle construction of romance. Short, just more than nice , not less for wise crafted chemistry between main actors.
Decent Christmas movie
wolfman11107110 December 2021
I know I've got a reputation for being a bit of a people person.
cgvsluis5 January 2021
"Give her a shot, she just might surprise you."
A grumpy Chicago native with lots of experience is paired with relative Chicago newcomer/recent transplant to work on a scavenger hunt for a large hotel, The Devonshire, that because of its chain connections could have international implications for their company and be a way to get a promotion that both are angling for to "Head Game Creator". Our heroïne want the position to prove to herself that she really is in the right line of work and she shouldn't just move back home to her family, our Chicago native wants the position for the additional salary that will help him rescue his Grandfather Jack's 125 year old south side home for his career military father to retire in after the first of the year when he has recovered enough from his surgery to be moved back to the United States.
The two could not be more opposite...he works better alone, she works better collaborating. She is all about Christmas...baking, decorations etc. To say he is a minimalist is an exaggeration...but together they make an amazing team and come up with this idea for the 12 dates of Christmas built off of the 12 days of Christmas with a heavy social media component where couples solve clues that take them to romantic places, doing romantic Christmas activities in historic districts in Chicago and posting selfie's when they finish to unlock the next clue..with the last clue ending up at The Devonshire Hotel. It was fun and playful and had a hidden message that challenged you to question your perceptions about people.
"Grandma Sue special" "What's a grandma Sue special?" "Salt dough ornaments that she makes for her grandkids every year. You have to go pick them up from her house." "Blackmail" "She's crafty" "And territorial."
Smart dialogue and a sweet believable couple.
I loved the ending and I totally snorted when our male lead said "I know l've got a reputation for being a bit of a people person."
Fun, not your usual hallmark fare...but creative and can I say I soooo want her job. The research alone makes my job at the hospital seem so boring!
A grumpy Chicago native with lots of experience is paired with relative Chicago newcomer/recent transplant to work on a scavenger hunt for a large hotel, The Devonshire, that because of its chain connections could have international implications for their company and be a way to get a promotion that both are angling for to "Head Game Creator". Our heroïne want the position to prove to herself that she really is in the right line of work and she shouldn't just move back home to her family, our Chicago native wants the position for the additional salary that will help him rescue his Grandfather Jack's 125 year old south side home for his career military father to retire in after the first of the year when he has recovered enough from his surgery to be moved back to the United States.
The two could not be more opposite...he works better alone, she works better collaborating. She is all about Christmas...baking, decorations etc. To say he is a minimalist is an exaggeration...but together they make an amazing team and come up with this idea for the 12 dates of Christmas built off of the 12 days of Christmas with a heavy social media component where couples solve clues that take them to romantic places, doing romantic Christmas activities in historic districts in Chicago and posting selfie's when they finish to unlock the next clue..with the last clue ending up at The Devonshire Hotel. It was fun and playful and had a hidden message that challenged you to question your perceptions about people.
"Grandma Sue special" "What's a grandma Sue special?" "Salt dough ornaments that she makes for her grandkids every year. You have to go pick them up from her house." "Blackmail" "She's crafty" "And territorial."
Smart dialogue and a sweet believable couple.
I loved the ending and I totally snorted when our male lead said "I know l've got a reputation for being a bit of a people person."
Fun, not your usual hallmark fare...but creative and can I say I soooo want her job. The research alone makes my job at the hospital seem so boring!
Adorable
mariadedios828 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It is very funny, simple and does not pretend beyond being that. And the cinema must return to these simple stories, less is more.
The two protagonists have a nice chemistry, you feel that one feeds on the other, one contributes to the other The only thing I feel that broke the candidness was a scene out of place, where Wanda's character tells Jennifer, "The message" is already known. It was forced, there was no earlier scene leading up to this later scene. Bringing out this not-so-subtle message about "empowerment", something unnecessary since the protagonist doesn't need it. She is empowered from the moment she leaves her village and goes to the city. She is empowered since she applies for the position on equal terms with her partner. And that's what I liked about Jennifer's character.
The two protagonists have a nice chemistry, you feel that one feeds on the other, one contributes to the other The only thing I feel that broke the candidness was a scene out of place, where Wanda's character tells Jennifer, "The message" is already known. It was forced, there was no earlier scene leading up to this later scene. Bringing out this not-so-subtle message about "empowerment", something unnecessary since the protagonist doesn't need it. She is empowered from the moment she leaves her village and goes to the city. She is empowered since she applies for the position on equal terms with her partner. And that's what I liked about Jennifer's character.
Fun
Jackbv1232 November 2020
A fun take on the scavenger hunt theme. As another reviewer said, it was imaginative and that made the interactions between the two leads more appealing. Tyler Hines and Mallory Jansen had chemistry and they got to show it with plenty of screen time.
I have lived near Chicago for over 40 years and I found the trip through the town to be interesting and sometimes informative.
The movie is predictable although I wasn't sure how both loose ends, rather than just one, would be tied up, over and above Granddad's house which was likewise predictable from about half way through.
I have lived near Chicago for over 40 years and I found the trip through the town to be interesting and sometimes informative.
The movie is predictable although I wasn't sure how both loose ends, rather than just one, would be tied up, over and above Granddad's house which was likewise predictable from about half way through.
On the 12th Date of Christmas
studioAT15 December 2022
I don't know how he does it, but Tyler Hynes manages to always eek out every bit of charm and wit from his parts in these Hallmark films, and I enjoy it.
Hallmark leading men are often just the support to their female counterpart, but he always adds an awful lot to the parts he plays.
This is a fairly standard Hallmark film in terms of the plotline. In that sense it feels very much off the peg and 'just go and film it'.
But there are enough unique twists to keep the audience engaged and the two leads have a nice chemistry, which always helps.
I think this overall is a very nice piece of entertainment from Hallmark, and is up there with the best of their Christmas films that I have seen lately.
Hallmark leading men are often just the support to their female counterpart, but he always adds an awful lot to the parts he plays.
This is a fairly standard Hallmark film in terms of the plotline. In that sense it feels very much off the peg and 'just go and film it'.
But there are enough unique twists to keep the audience engaged and the two leads have a nice chemistry, which always helps.
I think this overall is a very nice piece of entertainment from Hallmark, and is up there with the best of their Christmas films that I have seen lately.
A Cute Christmas Movie!
jagfannn2 November 2020
This is an interesting and fun story and not one snowball fight or wiping of icing off his/her face. Even without those tired Christmas movie crutches, the movie maintains a good pace because the leads have good chemistry together, and they're fun to watch as their relationship evolves. It's worth a watch
Enjoyable and I want this job
smr27325 November 2021
I want to create scavenger hunts around cities- sounds fun! This movie is current, even for a Gen-Xer like me. The acting/directing at the beginning was a little uncomfortable as the actors were acting or directed to act in very stereotypical ways - the grumpy work alone guy and the friendly insecure woman. It got better pretty quickly.
One of my faves
bkcjohns-23-8201875 November 2020
Good storyline
ginasharp9 November 2020
This seemed to have a unique storyline but for some reason it is not one of my favs. I felt like the main girl was a little too perfect. There was an odd sideline story that had nothing to do with the main story. Usually the side story connects or helps the main character see the other main characters good side - but this was just a random side story. It was odd to me because the side story didn't really even play out to the end. You didn't see the end result or the person who was coming home to see the result. It was nice that there was no odd clapping and cheering with the final kiss! lol (That is rare Hallmark movie)
Hallmark at its best.
GavWaskett15 November 2020
Jennifer and Aidan are game creators who end up working together but also in competition with each other to create this Christmas's must do scavenger hunt as well as earn the promotion they both need.
Of course they're both single and good people, so we all know where this is going to lead.
Tyler Hynes is a Hallmark stalwart and Mallory Jansen is hopefully now going to be yearly Christmas addition. She was brilliant and her character pure fun.
A lovely bit of Christmas in November, fun and festive.
Of course they're both single and good people, so we all know where this is going to lead.
Tyler Hynes is a Hallmark stalwart and Mallory Jansen is hopefully now going to be yearly Christmas addition. She was brilliant and her character pure fun.
A lovely bit of Christmas in November, fun and festive.
Refreshing new plot
ggxvpc25 November 2021
Finally a Hallmark movie with a new fresh plot line. The leads had great chemistry which unfortunately the last few Hallmark movies I watched the leads seemed to hate each other. I enjoyed how they incorporated most of the Christmas traditions with a new approach. Yes we know how it will end like ALL of the Hallmark movies but this one stood out for me. There was a lot of dry humour from Tyler Hynes character, Aiden. (Reminded me of Garry from a Million little things) Usually the leads falling for each other feels forced (bad acting ??) but this one felt organic.
I liked the little twist with Jennifer's neighbour & the old house without taking away from the intended story line. This is one I'd watch again.
I liked the little twist with Jennifer's neighbour & the old house without taking away from the intended story line. This is one I'd watch again.
A gem I could watch all year round!
aka-302668 December 2020
I literally signed up to IMDb just so I could review this movie. I just couldn't contain my love of this movie! lol
For me, Mallory Jansen was the main reason I loved this movie. I must admit that initially the fact that she looks like Audrey Hepburn (my all-time favorite actress) drew me in but she is wonderful on her own. I DVR'd the movie and every time I watch it I appreciate how expressive she is. She can communicate so well without saying a word! She's sweet and engaging and I hope Hallmark brings her back for more!
The chemistry between Mallory and Tyler Hynes is natural and evolves, unlike many of the Hallmark instantaneous attractions, some of which are downright unbelievable. Don't get me started on that! Here the chemistry was much more real and engaging!
The formula of the movie is very original. Not the overused Hallmark theme where one of the stars starts out with a motive and keeps it from the other.
As far as the supporting cast, I felt they were all well cast in their roles.
My wish is that excellent reviews will incentivize Hallmark to bring back Jansen and Hynes with innovative storylines like this one. Please!
Jennifer Holloway (Mallory Jansen)
aab8741 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Jennifer Holloway (Mallory Jansen) - Making some French dessert which I can't pronounce or spell, coming up with a rhyming clue and the way Aidan touches her shoulder and her reaction while having their photo taken.
Jennifer Holloway (Mallory Jansen) - Making some French dessert which I can't pronounce or spell, coming up with a rhyming clue and the way Aidan touches her shoulder and her reaction while having their photo taken.
See also
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