Henry Winkler’s Beloved Hallmark Christmas Movie Deserves a Spot on Your Watch List
This 2008 holiday gem has earned a loyal following—and it's time for you to discover it
Key Takeaways
- In 2008, Henry Winkler starred in 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.'
- The Hallmark Christmas movie has become a classic with a cult following.
- Here, read all about Henry Winkler's Hallmark Christmas movie and what he's said about it.
Henry Winkler’s resume is lined with classics, from television series like Happy Days and Barry to films like The Waterboy (1998) and Night Shift (1982). While his award-winning roles are of course an important piece of his legacy, there’s one role in particular that some tend to overlook—but those who are familiar with it come back to it year after year. In 2008, Henry Winkler starred in The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, a heartwarming Christmas classic that premiered on the Hallmark Channel—and it’s about time it got the recognition it deserves. Here, read all about the Henry Winkler Hallmark Christmas movie you must add to your watch list.
Henry Winkler shines in ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’
Hallmark’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a true gem, and though it might not be the film that comes to mind when you think of Christmas classics, it’s garnered a loyal following over the years. Winkler takes the lead as Ralph, a police officer heading to Illinois for the holidays to spend some time with his niece, Jennifer, whom he basically raised as his own. During his travels, Ralph meets Morgan, a chef whose flight to Denver gets cancelled, which earns him an invitation to stay at Jennifer’s.
Morgan’s presence at Jennifer’s is an unexpected surprise, and their opposite personalities cause them to clash. However, as Morgan makes an effort to connect with Jen’s son, she grows fond of him. Set against the backdrop of the holiday season, this story about finding love when you least expect it has earned it a spot in the Hallmark hall of fame.
Henry actually grew up celebrating Hanukkah, but that doesn’t mean the energy and spirit of the Christmas season is lost on him. “The truth of the matter is we’re all alive on this Earth and we are the same. It doesn’t matter what we do or where we come from or what our religious beliefs are,” he shared with Deseret News back in 2008. “At the core of our emotionality you can absolutely identify and empathize with those glorious uplifting emotions that people have about the holidays.”
“I think what happens is the movies that we watch about the holidays give you a sense of the way you’re supposed to celebrate,” he shared. “And then there is just the strain of whatever’s going on in your life that’s getting in the way of allowing you to relax into the holiday. But if you can somehow put it aside, I think that’s one of the great things about this movie, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year—that it very gently allows you to have good holiday time without that stress.”
Though it’s been nearly two decades since the film was released, Hallmark fans continue to celebrate it, with many sharing the love on Reddit. “This will forever and always be the best Hallmark Christmas movie,” wrote one user. “No joke, I try to watch this movie every day from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I’m on number five right now,” shared another.
As for whether or not we can expect to see Winkler shine in another Hallmark movie at some point, it seems as though the actor is open to the possibility. “It’s amazing how beloved it is,” he shared with Parade back in 2023. “And you would think Hallmark would say, ‘Henry, this was such a good movie, want to make another?’ But they haven’t called. I’m still waiting for the call.”
You heard the man, Hallmark—fans are ready for more! In the meantime, if you haven’t yet discovered The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, this holiday season is the perfect opportunity to add this heartwarming gem to your watch list. See it now on Hallmark+.
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