Netflix’s holiday lineup has delivered plenty of festive cheer this year, but one title has soared above the rest. My Secret Santa, starring Virgin River favorite Alexandra Breckenridge,

has officially claimed the No. 1 spot worldwide on Netflix, becoming the streaming giant’s most-watched movie of the holiday season and a surprise breakout hit across global audiences.

Released on December 3, the feel-good romantic comedy wasted no time climbing the charts. Within days, My Secret Santa topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies list as well as the U.S. rankings,

outperforming a crowded field of seasonal releases and proving once again that audiences crave heartfelt storytelling during the holidays—especially when led by a familiar and beloved star.

A Festive Premise with Emotional Heart

At the center of My Secret Santa is Taylor, played by Breckenridge with her trademark warmth and sincerity. Taylor is a devoted single mother doing everything she can to give her daughter the childhood experiences she never had. When the cost of ski lessons threatens to derail her daughter’s dream, Taylor makes a bold decision: she accepts a seasonal job playing Santa Claus at a picturesque ski resort.

What begins as a practical solution soon becomes something much more complicated. Beneath the red suit and white beard, Taylor discovers unexpected confidence, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her role brings her into close contact with her resort manager, sparking a slow-burning romance that unfolds amid snow-covered slopes, twinkling lights, and the magic of Christmas.

While the premise leans into familiar holiday rom-com territory, My Secret Santa distinguishes itself through its emotional grounding. Taylor isn’t just chasing love—she’s navigating motherhood, financial pressure, and the quiet fear of not being enough. That emotional authenticity is what critics and fans alike say elevates the film beyond standard seasonal fare.

Alexandra Breckenridge Leads with Star Power

Much of the film’s success can be credited to Alexandra Breckenridge, whose performance anchors the story with sincerity and charm. Known worldwide for her role as Mel Monroe on Virgin River, Breckenridge brings a built-in fanbase and a deep emotional credibility that resonates strongly with Netflix viewers.

Critics have noted that while My Secret Santa embraces Christmas clichés—festive mishaps, cozy confessions, and predictable romantic beats—Breckenridge’s portrayal of Taylor keeps the story grounded. Her performance balances humor with vulnerability, allowing audiences to connect with Taylor not just as a romantic lead, but as a mother and woman trying to hold her life together during a stressful season.

For fans of Virgin River, Breckenridge’s turn in My Secret Santa feels like a natural extension of what they already love about her onscreen presence: warmth, emotional depth, and an ability to make even the simplest moments feel meaningful.

A Strong Supporting Cast Adds Depth

The film also benefits from a solid supporting cast, including Ryan Eggold and Tia Mowry, both of whom bring charisma and energy to the story. Eggold’s role as the resort manager provides the romantic tension that fuels the narrative, while Mowry adds humor and heart, offering moments of levity and emotional support that enrich Taylor’s journey.Together, the cast creates a believable community within the snowy resort setting—a place where holiday magic feels earned rather than manufactured. Their chemistry ensures that the romance unfolds organically, allowing viewers to invest emotionally in Taylor’s choices and growth.

Chart-Topping Success Across the Globe

Netflix’s data confirms what viewers have been saying on social media: My Secret Santa is a phenomenon. The film didn’t just perform well in North America—it resonated internationally, reaching No. 1 in multiple countries and dominating the platform’s worldwide rankings.

This global success underscores the universal appeal of holiday stories centered on family, resilience, and second chances. While Christmas traditions vary across cultures, the emotional core of My Secret Santa—a parent’s love for their child and the hope for unexpected joy—translates effortlessly across borders.

In a season crowded with holiday content, the film’s rapid rise highlights Netflix’s ability to tap into star-driven storytelling that feels both comforting and fresh.

Critics and Audiences Agree: A Holiday Win

While critics acknowledge that My Secret Santa doesn’t reinvent the genre, many agree that it doesn’t need to. Reviews praise the film’s cozy atmosphere, emotional sincerity, and Breckenridge’s standout performance, calling it one of Netflix’s strongest holiday releases of the year.

Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic. Viewers have taken to social media to share how the film made them laugh, cry, and feel the spirit of the season—often citing Taylor’s relationship with her daughter as the story’s emotional centerpiece.

For many, My Secret Santa delivers exactly what a holiday movie should: comfort, hope, and a reminder that magic often appears when you least expect it.

A Major Moment for Netflix’s Holiday Strategy

The success of My Secret Santa also represents a strategic win for Netflix. As streaming platforms increasingly compete for seasonal viewership, holiday films have become a crucial battleground. A global No. 1 hit reinforces Netflix’s dominance in the space and validates its investment in star-led romantic comedies.

For Breckenridge, the milestone further cements her status as one of Netflix’s most reliable leading ladies. Balancing her ongoing role in Virgin River with standalone successes like My Secret Santa, she continues to draw audiences eager for emotionally driven stories.

A Holiday Classic in the Making?

With its chart-topping debut, heartfelt performances, and widespread appeal, My Secret Santa is already being discussed as a modern holiday staple. Whether viewers return for the romance, the snowy scenery, or Alexandra Breckenridge’s magnetic performance, the film has clearly struck a chord.

As the holiday season continues, one thing is certain: My Secret Santa isn’t just another festive release—it’s Netflix’s biggest holiday triumph of the year, proving that even in a crowded winter lineup, a story with heart can rise above the rest and capture the world’s attention.