Hallmark’s “The Christmas Baby” Delivers Holiday Cheer With a Lesbian Love Story

Hallmark Channel has announced the premiere of “The Christmas Baby,” a new holiday movie that centers on a lesbian couple navigating love, family, and unexpected parenthood in the days leading up to Christmas. The film, scheduled to air on December 21, 2025, as part of the network’s Countdown to Christmas event, is the latest in a growing lineup of LGBTQ+-inclusive programming from the channel long known for its traditional, family-oriented fare .

Starring Ali Liebert (Bomb Girls) and Katherine Barrell (Wynonna Earp), “The Christmas Baby” tells the story of Erin and Kelly, a couple whose lives are turned upside down when they discover a baby boy left on their doorstep with a note addressed specifically to them. As they care for the infant and navigate the complexities of fostering and potential adoption, all while managing their booming business during the busiest season of the year, the couple’s bond is tested and deepened .

Both leads have been vocal about their pride in this project. Ali Liebert, who also served as a producer, celebrated the film’s announcement online, telling fans they are “gonna love this one” and expressing her pride in the story’s message . Katherine Barrell echoed the enthusiasm, urging fans to prepare for “watch parties” and teasing emotional moments: “Our sound team shed happy tears in the audio mix, so you may want some tissues too!” .

The announcement has been met with excitement and support from LGBTQ+ audiences and allies. Social media was abuzz with fans celebrating the “Bomb Girls–Wynonna Earp crossover they never knew they needed,” referencing the actresses’ previous roles as beloved queer characters . Comments highlighted both the joy of seeing familiar faces and the importance of seeing diverse families represented in holiday media.

“The Christmas Baby” is not Hallmark’s first foray into LGBTQ+ holiday storytelling, but it is a significant addition to a still-small but growing catalogue. In 2023, the channel aired “Friends & Family Christmas,” also starring Ali Liebert, which featured a fake-dating-to-real-love storyline for two women. This followed the 2022 premiere of “The Holiday Sitter,” Hallmark’s first Christmas romance with gay lead characters .

Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark’s vice president of programming, has repeatedly emphasized the network’s commitment to reflecting a “wider range of people who really are excited when we tell their stories.” Daly stated in December 2023 that Hallmark is “producing more ‘queer-forward’ stories,” aiming to ensure that viewers from all backgrounds can see themselves on screen during the holidays .

For years, LGBTQ+ audiences have called for more authentic and affirming representation in mainstream holiday programming. Historically, these films have centered on cisgender, heterosexual couples and often excluded queer identities. The increasing inclusion of LGBTQ+ storylines, particularly in family-friendly formats, is seen as both a response to audience demand and a reflection of changing societal norms .

As Ali Liebert noted when promoting her earlier Hallmark project, these films “expand the vision of what a traditional family can mean.” By depicting LGBTQ+ characters in warm, loving, and joyful holiday settings, Hallmark helps normalize queer love and family for viewers of all ages, contributing to greater acceptance and understanding .

The impact of this representation goes beyond entertainment. For LGBTQ+ people, especially youth and those in less-affirming environments, seeing themselves reflected in beloved holiday traditions can be deeply validating. For allies and broader audiences, these stories provide opportunities to expand empathy and challenge outdated notions of family and love .

Hallmark is part of a broader media trend toward inclusion. Other networks and streaming platforms have also begun integrating LGBTQ+ characters into their holiday offerings, recognizing both the cultural importance and commercial viability of these stories. However, Hallmark’s large viewership and iconic status in the Christmas movie genre give its efforts particular weight in shaping public perception .

The positive reception to “The Christmas Baby” suggests that audiences are hungry for more diverse stories. As viewers tune in for the network’s signature blend of romance, warmth, and happy endings, they are also participating in a cultural shift toward greater visibility and affirmation for LGBTQ+ people during the holiday season.

With “The Christmas Baby,” Hallmark continues to set the stage for more inclusive storytelling. Both the network and its creative talent have indicated that the push for visibility is ongoing—and that there is much more work to be done. As Hallmark’s holiday programming evolves, advocates hope to see not just more queer love stories, but also intersectional representation of transgender people, people of color, and families of all kinds .

For now, “The Christmas Baby” stands as a celebratory milestone—a film that invites everyone, regardless of identity, to find joy, love, and belonging this holiday season.