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'Christmas in July' Is Back on the Hallmark Channel — and It's Everything You Hoped For

The 2020 marathon kicks off with legendary Dolly Parton celebrating in Dollywood


spinner image Dolly Parton singing on stage in Christmas at Dollywood
Dolly Parton stars in "Christmas at Dollywood."
Curtis Hilbun/Crown Media United States LLC

Who's ready for Christmas in July? If you're a Hallmark Movies fan (and who isn't?), you know that this annual event is huge and offers a daily marathon of the Hallmark Channel's trademark, feel-good holiday films to cool down your summer (and rev up your nostalgia). It's the best thing since cherry pie, in other words.

Bigger and better than ever this year with yuletide cheer for 17 days straight, Hallmark Channel's “Christmas in July: Christmas Keepsake 2020” celebration kicks off Friday, July 10, at noon ET, with the legendary Dolly Parton, 74, lighting up Christmas at Dollywood. From there, it's a nonstop marathon of 11 to 12 movies a day, through July 26. In other words, it is the best movie marathon ever.

So crank up your AC, grab a mug of hot cocoa and settle in for the most wonderful time of the summer. We've picked the cream of the Christmas lineup that you won't want to miss.

Christmas at Dollywood (2019)

The Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, plays herself in this holiday tale filmed on location at her Dollywood theme park. New York City event planner Rachel returns home to Tennessee to plan the 30th anniversary Christmas celebration at Dollywood, only to clash immediately with Luke, the head of operations. Soon, the two learn that they could both benefit from working together —maybe even in more ways than one.

Airs: July 11 at noon ET and July 19 at 10 a.m. ET

RELATED: In a country mood? Stream our latest AARP playlist in the background today! It's right here: Try AARP's New Country Music Playlist

Christmas at the Plaza (2019)

Thanks to Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, many of us have dreamed about spending Christmas in New York at the famed Plaza Hotel. Maybe that's why this Hallmark movie hits all the right notes. It has the perfect setting and a heartwarming romance, and reminds us of how much traditions are cherished around the holidays. Tune in as Jessica, an archival historian, creates an exhibition honoring the history of Christmas at the Plaza while working alongside hunky Nick, the handsome decorator decking the hotel's halls.

Airs: July 11 at 8 p.m. ET, July 16 at noon ET, July 19 at 4 p.m. ET and July 22 at 8 p.m. ET

Christmas in Rome (2019)

Missing out on a European vacation this summer? Let Hallmark Channel take you away to Christmas in Rome. Angela is an American tour guide in Italy who has just been fired by her boss for taking tourists too far off the beaten path. She stumbles across American businessman Oliver, who desperately needs a lesson or two in what makes Rome special to close his big business deal. It's a match made in heaven … ahem, Rome.

Airs: July 14 at 12 a.m. ET, July 18 at 10 p.m. ET and July 23 at 8 p.m. ET

Christmas at Holly Lodge (2017)

Did you have to cancel a ski trip this spring? Christmas at Holly Lodge can help scratch that itch with its snow-covered mountains, evergreen trees and an inviting inn. Sophie is behind on her mortgage payments and learns that Evan, the handsome guest she's been flirting with, is a real estate investor sent to study the property. More than just a love story, this one will warm your heart, as friends who would otherwise be alone during the holidays come together to make magic happen.

Airs: July 17 at 6 a.m. ET and July 26 at 4 a.m. ET

RELATED: Itching to travel? Our critics have rounded up the best road trip movies to take you where you want to go! Check out the list: 12 Great Road Trip Movies to Satisfy Your Wanderlust

A Christmas Duet (2019)

Hallmark wrapped up a lot of favorite storylines in this one: reunited former flames who used to be a singing duo, a cozy lodge, a snowstorm closing down the roads, and a big town festival that needs to be saved. All of this comes together to create a heartwarming reunion for the duo, who is famous for their song “Wouldn't Be Christmas,” and a will-they-or-won't-they that culminates at the yuletide festival.

Airs: July 14 at 4 p.m. ET, July 18 at 8 a.m. ET and July 24 at 12 a.m. ET

Christmas Under the Stars (2019)

Virtually everyone in this movie has a reason not to be infected by Christmas cheer. Nick, our hero, has been fired, while Julie is financially strapped after helping her father with medical bills. Clem, the proprietor of the local Christmas tree lot where Julie's parents first met, has lost his wife recently. All of their worlds collide when Clem hires Nick to help out at the lot. Different from your typical Hallmark movie, this one has three main characters who are all integral to the story. This one will make you believe in the idea that “it takes a village."

Airs: July 12 at 10 p.m. ET, July 18 at 2 a.m. ET and July 25 at 2 p.m. ET

Pride, Prejudice and Mistletoe (2018)

Who doesn't love a modern-day retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? Although this movie is based on a book of the same name as the film by Melissa de la Cruz, there are some obvious nods to Austen's classic. Follow Darcy Fitzwilliam as she returns home for Christmas and is forced to work alongside her old rival, Luke Bennett, who is a bit of a Scrooge. Misplaced priorities and hasty judgments will all be reconsidered as these two come together to pull off a charity gala.

Airs: July 13 at 8 p.m. ET, July 19 at 6 p.m. ET, July 22 at 12 p.m. ET and July 25 at 10 p.m. ET

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses (2019)

Single mom Abbey left her interior decorating job to focus on raising her son, but that hasn't extinguished her passion for design. Given the opportunity to decorate the mansion of businessman Nick, she overcomes her hesitations and learns to follow her heart in more ways than one. Adapted from a book by Jenny Hale, this one goes beyond the usual melt-the-Scrooge's-heart storyline and reminds us to never give up on our dreams.

Airs: July 11 at 4 p.m. ET and July 13 at 10 p.m. ET

Want to look at the entire 17-day schedule? It's right here.

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