Review

Jingle Bell Heist
How to Commit a Felony and Still Learn the True Meaning of Christmas

If you’ve ever watched Hallmark movies and thought, “This is nice, but what if someone robbed a fancy department store halfway through?” then congratulations — Jingle Bell Heist is the cinematic fruitcake you didn’t know you needed.

The film follows an overworked shop employee and a disgruntled ex-tech guy who team up to pull off a Christmas Eve robbery. It’s basically Ocean’s Eleven, if the crew consisted of two people, no budget, and a morality clause that insists everyone learn a valuable lesson before the credits roll. It also sprinkles in enough twinkly lights to remind you that, while this isn’t technically part of the Hallmark holiday movies universe, it’s absolutely their chaotic cousin who shows up uninvited with a questionable casserole.

The movie’s London setting is charming, even if the characters spend more time planning petty crime than sipping tea or admiring festive window displays. And somehow — because every holiday film requires it — romance blossoms. Nothing says “I love you” like coordinating getaway routes and debating whether stealing from billionaires counts as community service.

By the end, the pair discovers that Christmas is really about kindness, connection, and probably not felony burglary (the script is a bit fuzzy on that part). But who cares? It’s fun, it’s silly, it’s festive, and it answers the burning question: what if Hallmark movies had lockpicking?

Verdict:
A merry little crime caper wrapped in tinsel, tied with a romantic bow, and delivered straight to your screen with the subtle message: maybe don’t try this at home.