Review

Movie Review: Christmas in Tahoe
Subtitle: “Snow, Showbiz, and the Most Random Band Reunion Ever.”

Christmas in Tahoe is Hallmark’s attempt to blend big dreams, small-town charm, and a healthy dose of holiday showbiz chaos. It’s a story about a woman trying to save her family’s resort with the power of Christmas and music—and also, apparently, her ex-boyfriend. Think High School Musical meets White Christmas, with a sprinkle of awkward reunion energy.

The story centers on Claire (Laura Osnes), a plucky event planner who’s tasked with putting together a Christmas Eve concert to save her family’s struggling resort. Unfortunately, the only person who can help her is her ex-boyfriend, Ryan (Kyle Selig), a musician with a heart of gold and a history of ghosting her for the road. Throw in a last-minute headliner dropout, a scrappy band reunion, and enough twinkling lights to blind a snowman, and you’ve got yourself a Hallmark holiday classic.

Laura Osnes’s Claire is everything you want in a Hallmark heroine: determined, resourceful, and hilariously overcommitted to pulling off a show that could rival the Macy’s Parade. Kyle Selig’s Ryan is her perfect foil, bringing just the right amount of sheepish charm to his “I messed up, but I’m still cute” energy. Their banter is equal parts sweet and snarky, and their chemistry grows like a snowball rolling down a hill—slow at first, but by the end, it’s unstoppable.

The humor comes from the absurdity of trying to stage a professional-level concert with what feels like a budget of $12 and a wish. Watching Claire juggle diva headliners, malfunctioning lights, and her unresolved feelings for Ryan is equal parts chaotic and entertaining. Meanwhile, Ryan’s old bandmates—who reappear just in time to save the day—are a comedic highlight, with their mix of rusty talent and over-the-top enthusiasm.

The movie leans hard into its setting, with the Tahoe resort providing a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains, cozy lodges, and holiday magic. It’s the kind of place where you can’t turn a corner without running into a caroling group or a conveniently placed mistletoe. And let’s not forget the concert venue, which somehow goes from “barely functional” to “Broadway-ready” in a montage that would make HGTV jealous.

Of course, the romance is the star of the show. Claire and Ryan’s journey from exes to partners (in both music and love) hits all the right notes, complete with lingering looks, heartfelt apologies, and one very dramatic “we need to talk” scene in the middle of a snowstorm. By the time they perform their big duet on Christmas Eve—because obviously they do—you’ll be rooting for them like they’re your favorite contestants on The Voice.

The grand finale is pure Hallmark: the concert is a smashing success, the resort is saved, and Claire and Ryan finally admit their feelings with a kiss under the most festive Christmas tree imaginable. It’s cheesy, yes, but also ridiculously satisfying.

Christmas in Tahoe is a fun, feel-good holiday movie that mixes romance, music, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for anyone who loves second chances, snowy backdrops, and the idea that Christmas concerts can solve literally any problem. Grab some cocoa, turn up your holiday playlist, and let this merry little rom-com hit all the right chords. 🎄🎶❤️