“Christmas Waltz” aired on November 28, 2020 on the Hallmark Channel. It starred Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp, who previously co-starred in Love Romance & Chocolate. It was directed and written by Michael Damian. Yes, that Michael Damian from “The Young & The Restless.” It was filmed in British Columbia, and I believe that it was also partially filmed in Abbotsford, because this movie happened to have a scene in the very same shop that was in Godwink: Second Chance and Wedding Every Weekend!
In a nutshell
I really enjoyed this movie. I loved the dancing, I loved getting to see the Chabert/Kemp pairing again, and I loved the story.
Plot of “Christmas Waltz”
After Avery’s storybook Christmas wedding is canceled, a dance instructor helps her face her fears in life and fulfill her dream of learning to dance.
Actors
Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp are a great team. Now, I do love Chabert when she’s with Brennan Elliott, don’t get me wrong, but she and Kemp are great together.
In a bit of serendipity, it’s funny that I watched this immediately after watching the Godwink movie, but both movies featured Katrina Reynolds. In Godwink she was the manager of the C&Co store, and in this movie she was Avery’s friend Molly. I also think she was a small player in Wedding Every Weekend, as the cashier at the shop I mentioned at the beginning of this write up. If that is her, then CONGRATS for the promotion to a true character versus a background type person!
Chemistry
So. Much. Chemistry. From beginning to end our leads were on point.
Tropes
It started out strong with a cute kid at the dance studio (John Talan Church from “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” that aired in 2018 and also “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2016 when they did a special kids version). Then Avery got dumped by the Bad Fiancé/Boyfriend at dinner. The coat! The coat! Remember how I mentioned in my writeup for Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater that eagle-eyed watchers realized the silver-clip coat was a repeat? Lacey wore it in “Christmas Waltz” only in a LOVELY shade of blue. Later she wore one in fuchsia as well.
There was a tiny snowball fight. At the Christmas party she served hot cocoa – in real mugs, no less. Avery earned a promotion with an initial deadline just after Christmas (and moved up to just prior to Christmas at some point). We didn’t have cookie baking per se, but we did see Chrusciki bow tie cookies which my late mother-in-law made every Christmas. If you’ve never had them – find them and YOU’RE WELCOME. Finally, only at the end of the movie did Avery finally wear a big scarf.
Bingo Card Score for “Christmas Waltz”
This movie didn’t have too many tropes, and I only covered four spots on my bingo card. No bingos. Feel free to download my free bingo cards and play along!
Did I Hear/See That Right?
Did she really have the final bouquets for her wedding on her kitchen counter with more than 2 weeks to go before her wedding? Those flowers were going to be DEAD AS A DOORNAIL on that wedding day. No florist in their right mind would put together the bouquets that early unless the bride was insisting on fake flowers.
There’s no way Avery would be that good after ten lessons. But I’m willing to forgive it because other than that, I thought it was a pretty well done script with very few things to quibble about.
Feelgoods
I loved the opening credits with the couple dancing. A nice change from typical Hallmark opening credits.
The shots of NYC at Christmas make me smile. There’s no city like New York City during the Christmas season.
The nesting dolls that Roman had in his apartment were adorable. I went looking for the set and after a brief search it appears they were sold as an ornament set in 2018, not as nesting dolls and NOT including the Christmas tree. If you end up finding the nesting doll version, let me know in the comments! Update: a commenter posted a link! They can be found here: nesting dolls
I loved seeing Will Kemp dance. While he may not have been able to show the precision in his few dancing scenes (I don’t doubt Kemp has it (after all – he trained as a ballet dancer as a child) – he just didn’t show it (next time make him dance salsa, please!)). However, he definitely got to show his innate musicality, which I very much appreciated. I love men that can dance.
Speaking of JT Church, I’m glad they let him dance a bit in “Christmas Waltz,” but I adored him on SYTYCD when he partnered with Robert. They were a great pair. Here is a sample of what JT could do when he was practically a baby:
If you liked the song that was used during the final dance of the movie, it was sung by Tara Lee, an Irish singer. I was fortunate to connect with her on Twitter a week or so after the movie and we did a quick Q&A.
Re-watchability
I would absolutely watch this one again. I loved it from beginning to end.
The Ranking
“Christmas Waltz” has made it into the Top 10 for the year so far. A completely enjoyable movie.
- One Royal Holiday (air date: Oct 31) – 722 pts – weighted score: 121.8 (85.5%)
- On the 12th Date of Christmas (air date: Nov 1) – 707 pts – weighted score: 119.2 (83.6%)
- The Christmas House (air date: Nov 22) – 710 pts – weighted score: 118.6 (83.2%)
- Sweet Autumn (air date: Oct 17) – 693 pts – weighted score: 118.5 (83.1%)
- A Timeless Christmas (air date: Nov 14) – 700 pts – weighted score: 117.7 (82.6%)
- Deliver by Christmas (air date: Oct 25) – 697 pts – weighted score: 117.4 (82.4%)
- Christmas With the Darlings (air date: Nov 8) – 691 pts – weighted score: 117.2 (82.2%)
- Christmas Waltz (air date: Nov 29) – 694 pts – weighted score: 116.1 (81.5%)
- Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater (air date: Nov 7) – 681 pts – weighted score: 115.8 (81.2%)
- The Christmas Bow (air date: Nov 8) – 676 pts – weighted score: 113.2 (79.4%)
- Cranberry Christmas (air date: Oct 31) – 650 pts – weighted score: 112.1 (78.6%)
- The Angel Tree (air date: Nov 21) – 670 pts – weighted score: 110.9 (77.8%)
- Matching Hearts (air date: Feb 8) – 640 pts – weighted score: 109.0 (76.5%)
- Winter in Vail (air date: Jan 4) – 623 pts – weighted score: 108.8 (76.4%)
- Wedding Every Weekend (air date: Aug 15) – 639 pts – weighted score: 108.3 (76.0%)
- Love in Store (air date: Feb 22) – 637 pts – weighted score: 108.2 (75.9%)
- Christmas in Vienna (air date: Nov 14) – 636 pts – weighted score: 107.0 (75.1%)
- A Nashville Christmas Carol (air date: Nov 21) – 634 pts – weighted score: 107.0 (75.1%)
- Love on Harbor Island (air date: Aug 8) – 634 pts – weighted score: 106.9 (75.0%)
- Holly & Ivy (air date: Oct 31) – 615 pts – weighted score: 106.8 (74.9%)
- The Secret Ingredient (air date: Feb 15) – 617 pts – weighted score: 105.2 (73.8%)
- The Christmas Doctor (air date: Nov 15) – 605 pts (weighted score: 104.8 (73.5%)
- Country at Heart (air date: Oct 3) – 611 pts – weighted score: 104.1 (73.1%)
- You’re Bacon Me Crazy (air date: Apr 4) – 591 pts – weighted score: 104.0 (72.9%)
- My Best Friend’s Bouquet (air date: Oct 10) – 599 pts – weighted score: 103.4 (72.5%)
- The Christmas Ring (air date: Nov 7) – 609 pts – weighted score: 103.3 (72.5%)
- Fashionably Yours (air date: Apr 11) – 594 pts – weighted score: 102.6 (72.0%)
- Follow Your Heart (air date: Oct 4) – 585 pts – weighted score: 101.6 (71.3%)
- A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love (air date: Nov 22) – 587 pts – weighted score: 100.9 (70.8%)
- Christmas Tree Lane (air date: Oct 24) – 574 pts – weighted score: 100.3 (70.4%)
- A Valentine’s Match (air date: Feb 1) – 562 pts – weighted score: 99.8 (70.0%)
- Love On Iceland (air date: Jan 18) – 563 pts – weighted score: 99.4 (69.7%)
- Hearts of Winter (air date: Jan 25) – 561 pts – weighted score: 98.2 (68.9%)
- Jingle Bell Bride (air date: Oct 24) – 558 pts – weighted score: 97.9 (68.7%)
- Just My Type (air date: Mar 28) – 565 pts – weighted score: 95.4 (66.9%)
- Meet Me At Christmas (air date: Nov 15) 532 pts – weighted score: 91.1 (63.9%)
- Bad Date Chronicles (air date: Feb 28) – 520 pts – weighted score: 91.0 (63.9%)
- Love in Winterland (air date: Jan 11) – 508 pts – weighted score: 90.7 (63.6%)
- Nature of Love (air date: Apr 18) – 520 pts – weighted score: 90.3 (63.3%)
- Chateau Christmas (air date: Oct 25) – 502 pts – weighted score: 87.3 (61.3%)
- Amazing Winter Romance (air date: Jan 20) – 487 pts – weighted score: 85.6 (60.1%)
- Love Under the Olive Tree (air date: June 20) – 473 pts – weighted score: 85.0 (59.6%)
- In the Key of Love (air date: Mar 14) – 470 pts – weighted score: 82.5 (57.9%)
- Love in the Forecast (air date: Jun 13) – 440 pts – weighted score: 72.5 (50.8%)
- Midway to Love (air date: June 26) – 410 pts – weighted score: 69.0 (48.4%)
- Falling at Look Lodge (air date: Sept 26) – 350 pts – weighted score: 64.0 (44.9%)
- Romance in the Air (air date: Aug 1) – 367 pts – weighted score: 63.2 (44.3%)
- Follow Me to Daisy Hills (air date: Sept 19) – 337 pts – weighted score: 62.8 (44.1%)
- How to Train Your Husband (air date: May 16) – 350 pts – weighted score: 62.5 (43.9%)
To see where this movie lands in my overall rankings of Hallmark movies, visit my Hallmark Movie Rankings page!
In any event, what did you think of “Christmas Waltz”? Comment below and let me know!
Would love to find that nesting doll set too! I just searched for it and can’t find anything but your blog came up! If someone finds where it’s sold, please share!
I want that nesting doll set from the movie! I can taste it!
It’s very unique! Where can I buy it?
Eileen, the link is in my post as well as in the comments here on the post.
I really liked this one but why was Roman mad at her before the end?
Brendan, it was more that he shut down when he thought that she was getting back together with her ex. He wasn’t mad (at least, that’s not how I read it).
Oh that makes sense!!!
Where can we find tree and nesting dolls
Joyce, from the extensive search I did last night, it doesn’t appear that the nesting doll set is available for sale. You can find the 2018 ornaments (the Claus, Snowman and Penguin) on eBay, but they are not nesting dolls and the set doesn’t include the trees.
You can find it here:
https://www.goldencockerel.com/en-us/nesting-dolls/certified-child-friendly/christmas-tree-doll-5pc-10-inches.html
That’s it! Thank you, Roman!
Do you know where to find the blue coat?
Kara, the coat is made by designer Ted Baker, but for this year he modified his signature silver clip on the collar, so you’d only be able to find the ones appearing in Hallmark movies for the past few years on clearance or re-sale sites.
The old coat in the clearance part of the site, in fuschia: Fuschia Ellgenc coat
In blue: https://www.tedbakeroutlets.com/ted-baker-london-ellgenc-long-belted-wrap-coat-teal-p-2435.html
Here’s a link to the newly revised Rose coat: https://www.tedbaker.com/us/Womens/Clothing/Jackets-Coats/ROSE-Wool-wrap-coat-Camel/p/249305-CAMEL
Jane – Love those nesting dolls, similar sets on Amazon & Etsy. The wedding flowers you mention in your review, I was under the impression, they were sample bouquets, sent for Lacey’s character to choose from. Loved the movie too. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the clarification on her bouquets, Denise! I must have not heard her say they were samples!
The nesting doll can be found at http://www.goldencockerel.com !! They are handmade in Russia and shipped to our little gallery in Boone, NC and then we can ship all over the world!
Aimee, while the nesting dolls at the site you listed are cute, they do NOT appear to be the same set that is featured in the movie. The movie had a FIVE piece nesting doll set featuring a Christmas tree as the largest and smallest dolls, while the Christmas tree set I see in your link only has three pieces with only one Christmas tree.
I checked out the link, I did find the five piece set, 8.5 inches, big tree, Santa, snowman, penguin & mini tree. $56. ❤️❤️
Could you share the link where you found this set please?
Jenn, do you mean the nesting dolls? There are a couple links here in the comments that will take you to them.
I thought this was the best Hallmark movie I’ve seen yet. Will and Lacey’s acting was so natural and playful with each other, it made me forget this was a movie and not real life. Most of the time they make the actors look too “perfect”, which is not realistic. In this movie Roman was out of breath and drinking water after dancing with his hair out of place. He was quirky and silly in his Charlie Chaplin scene and Avery played off of this really well. Although I thought their final waltz was gorgeous, the “dancing in the snow scene” was a great balance of Mary Poppins and Fred Astaire/ Gene Kelly musicals. I thought Lacey and Will’s acting in this movie was a level above for Hallmark and wish they will have Will do more dance movies.
Trish I agree with you ! I want to see more of Will and Lacy . these two are great together .
Absolutely loved Christmas Waltz and Lacey and Will. Make more movies with them. Watched 3 times already with a smile on my face.
I loved this Hallmark movie! It was beautifully acted by Will Kemp and Lacy Chabert. The dance at the end was mesmerizing and I was really surprised at how talented Will and Lacy were as they waltzed through the song “It’s That Time of Year”. I’d love to know the artist who sang it and hope that Hallmark puts out the song track for this movie. A real winner!
The chemistry between Lacy and Will comes across the screen loud and clear . They make you truly believe they are in love . I have watched this movie over and over and love it each time . The romance is magical and the dancing is very romantic . I want to see more of Lacy and will , maybe a sequel .
The movie sounds so romantic🥰🥰🥰 is there any way I can watch the full movie for free??😁 I’ve tried youtube but the videos were not good. We don’t have hallmark channel from where I am but I love watching their movies, makes me fall in love over and over. 😍😍😍
Beth, this movie will almost 100% be available to purchase on DVD next year. It’s also possible you can view it via Hallmark’s streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. Check and see if that is available in your country.
The snow is by The Carpenters. Google “It’s That Time of Year.” You’ll find all of the lyrics and other information, connections.
That waltz was absolutely beautiful!
Thanks for the comment, Donna. The song is actually called “Christmas Waltz” – it’s a famous song covered by many artists, beginning with Frank Sinatra and including The Carpenters. In “One Royal Holiday” they used the version by She & Him.
Unfortunately, when I Shazam’d the song during Lacey’s movie to find out whose version was used, the Carpenters version did *not* pop up. It also did not pop up using Soundhound. It’s possible that it’s a special remix version of the Carpenters version they created just for the movie, and that’s why it didn’t come up on Shazam. I tested this theory by having my son Shazam my phone playing The Carpenters and it popped right up within seconds. However, the singer in the movie has a much more soprano voice and airy voice compared to Karen Carpenter, who was a famous alto. So it’s doubtful its a remix of their version of the song.
I tried to read the credits at the end of the movie, since they show the music played during the movie, but because networks now squash them small at the bottom of the screen (which drives me crazy), even on my 55″ TV screen it was impossible to make out who the artist was. I also tweeted the director, Michael Damian, asking whose version it was, and while he “liked” my tweet, he didn’t answer! *lol* So close…
I was thinking the same thing. I also would love to know who sang that rendition of The Christmas Waltz at the end of the movie. It was so beautiful!
TARA LEE
Yep! I figured it out AND was able to connect with the singer yesterday on Twitter. You can find that write up here: https://hallmarkforallseasons.com/tara-lee-singer-of-the-christmas-waltz/
I think the artist is Tara Lee.
Lisa, that’s so funny that you posted this because I just recorded the movie again today to watch the credits and came up with the same name after watching the squeezed down credits several times. I found a singer named Tara Lee on Twitter earlier tonight and DM’d her to find out if she’s the one that sang that version of the song.
Okay so I fell in love with Lacey’s black sweater with a bow on her shoulder in the scene when she’s having tea telling her friend they broke up. Where can I find that sweater and the black dress with the see through bottom? So beautiful!
That sweater is also Ted Baker. Nordstroms has it in oxblood color. I want to find the silver sweater she was wearing towards the end of the movie, before she goes to the Christmas Waltz if anyone knows.
The Christmas waltz is beautifully done!! Love this movie!! Gives me chills when she waltz as Romans sub and it is so beautiful!!
I loved Chabert’s off-the-shouler black dress she wore when Kemp showed her the studio expansion space in Brighton Beach. Does anyone know the brand or where to find it?
Can you get the movie on dvd?
Diane, since it just came out it won’t be available on DVD now, but since this is one of the most successful Hallmark movies in quite a while, I suspect Hallmark will release this one sometime in 2021.
Who sings the final song in the movie, the song they dance to, The Christmas Waltz? I love her voice, and I’d like to follow her work. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Kristi, this was mentioned in the post AND in the comments, but here is a link to a brief Q&A I did with the artist who sang the song: Tara Lee
Does anyone know who sang the song “Let It Snow”, the big band version when Will and Lacey danced in the street?
Arthur, sorry for the delay in responding! That is Brett Eldridge’s version of “Let it Snow”.
Christmas Waltz is definitely my favorite Christmas movie this year. Love to see Will and Lacey together. Great chemistry there. Beautiful music, dancing and storyline. This movie puts a smile on my face every time I watch it! Thank you Hallmark for a beautiful Christmas gift!
I sure am hoping to see Will Kemp and Lacy Charbert in a new Hallmark Valentine movie or maybe the summer romance series . I’m in love with Will Kemp .
Does anyone know who made the gorgeous white dress Lacey wore for the waltz at the end of the movie?
I loved this movie! And the nesting set too, so much so I had to pause the movie and take a picture of it!
Although the links posted for it are close they aren’t the exact set. Has anyone been able to find that EXACT one? I would LOVE ❤️ to buy it.
The nesting dolls set we’ve linked to in several comments as well as the post is as close as you’ll get, I think. Backordered until February 2021 at the moment.
Does anyone recall what the explanation/story that was said as he showed the nesting dolls?
When Roman was 11 he told his mother that he didn’t want to dance anymore. She didn’t challenge it, but gave him the nesting dolls on Christmas, saying that no two pieces are alike, just like us. We all have hopes and dreams as well as worry about which path to take. But you look deep inside and ask “Who do you want to be?” His mom knew he needed to work it out himself, and he stuck with dancing after all.
I want to know the name of the song that they dance to in the studio. It is the one where he tells Avery that she can look at him because they are telling a story. It is really beautiful!
I rewatched this movie tonight for about the 6th time. It is truly my favorite Hallmark movie. The song i was referring to in my previous comment was not the one I meant. I would like to know the name of the song that they dance to just before Avery meets his family. They begin waltzing but then it turns into a very compassionate slow dance. Would love to know the song they are dancing to.
Janet, that song is called Sweet Beginning by Thomas Hewitt Jones (affiliate link).
Thank you so much for that info. It is such a beautiful song!
Absolutely loved this movie, have watched it over and over again. The dancing was superb and both actors have wonderful facial expressions in this movie. This is without a doubt my favourite Hallmark movie.
This is the absolute best Hallmark movie!! I sure hope Hallmark puts it on DVD for people to purchase. I would buy multiple copies myself. Lacey Chebert and Will Kemp do a fabulous job together. Thank You Hallmark for this fantastic movie.
I’m replying in April 2022 and still watching Christmas Waltz daily. Besides being the most wonderful movie ever, Lacey and Will have pushed me out of my comfort zone…at almost 90 they encouraged me to do something I have wanted to do since I was about 8 yrs old. I bought a piano and will try to learn to play even though I don’t expect to be very good at it because, as they said, being good doesn’t matter. It’s all in the “trying”. Thank you both. This movie masterpiece deserves all the accolades and definitely needs a sequel that continues their journey.
Dorothea! Congrats on learning how to play piano! It’s a great skill to have at ANY age!
Thank you for your response. I can’t begin to tell you how much joy Avery and Roman have given me. We need so much more of them, especially in this day and age. They are a blessing. Hopefully we will see more of them. My bucket list is complete.
Absolutely one of my favorite Hallmark movies. It is mostly because of the the song and I have always been a dancer so this truly appealed to me. Lacey is one of my favorite Hallmark actresses, as well. I loved the connection between those two.
I’m desperate to get hold of a shawl/wrap like the one Avery wore when she and Roman danced in the street. It’s gorgeous! Anyone know where I could find one like it?