Review

Movie Review: Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy
Subtitle: "Where Snow Is Always Fresh and Relationships Bloom Faster Than Poinsettias."

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a snow globe, “Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy” answers that question with the subtlety of a jingle bell in a library. Evergreen, the magical little town that seems to be Hallmark’s North Pole Lite™, is back—and it’s as delightfully over-the-top as ever.

This installment introduces us to Katie (Maggie Lawson), a journalist from “the big city” who visits Evergreen to write a piece about the town’s legendary Christmas spirit. Spoiler: She finds so much more than a story. Enter Ben (Paul Greene), a local bookstore owner who radiates wholesome vibes and probably smells like cinnamon and pine. Together, they unravel the mystery of a long-lost Christmas time capsule, because why not throw in a treasure hunt when the plot’s running a little thin?

Evergreen itself feels like a holiday cult where the dress code is flannel and everyone’s job is somehow related to Christmas. There’s a town committee for everything, including “Most Festive Snowman” and “Let’s Make Sure Katie Learns the True Meaning of Christmas.” And of course, there’s a magical red truck that has more personality than some of the side characters.

Speaking of characters, Katie and Ben have undeniable chemistry, though their journey from strangers to soulmates takes about as long as it does for Hallmark to insert another slow-motion snowfall scene. Ben is basically a human teddy bear, and Katie, despite being a professional journalist, seems to be surprised by basic concepts like “small towns have traditions.” Still, you root for them, if only because Evergreen seems determined to turn them into the King and Queen of Christmas.

Now let’s address the real MVPs of this movie: the side plots. The quirky townsfolk are out in full force, baking cookies, knitting scarves, and acting as matchmakers. There’s also a secondary romance brewing, because one love story per movie is never enough for Hallmark. Oh, and the time capsule mystery? Let’s just say the “big reveal” is so heartwarming it could melt an ice sculpture.

The film is everything you expect from Hallmark: cozy, predictable, and brimming with yuletide cheer. But it’s also so unapologetically festive that you can’t help but laugh at its earnestness. The dialogue is sprinkled with phrases like “Christmas magic” and “follow your heart,” and there are enough twinkling lights to cause a blackout in three states. It’s absurd, yes—but it’s also kind of wonderful.

Final Verdict: 4/5 candy canes. Sure, it’s formulaic, but that’s part of the charm. Watch this movie if you want to feel like you’ve been hugged by a Christmas tree—or if you’re just really into time capsules. Evergreen might not exist in real life, but after this movie, you’ll wish it did.