User reviews

This was a fun and lighthearted movie to watch. It was a different twist on most Hallmark movies. The movie takes place over a day at the Santa Summit where 3 friends/coworkers are spending the day. It's basically bar hopping dressed in festive Santa gear. Jordan runs into Liam and they have a brief conversation but they had a connection. They ended up losing one another and spend the movie trying to locate one another. Jordan's 2 friends were a great addition to the cast. Personally, I really like Amy Groening and would like to see her in a lead roll. This movie was fun, the acting was good, and it kept my attention. It wasn't an overworked script.

Kudos to Hallmark for making a different type of Christmas movie. I'm so tired of the same old plot lines "saving the inn" "saving the family farm" the Royal this, the Royal that... Hallmark movies have become so boring and predictable and I find myself watching less and less with each passing year which is very sad because Christmas is my favorite holiday and watching a good movie always puts me in such a festive mood!! This movie was actually really cute, I loved the friendship between the three girls and how they interacted with each other. It's so awesome when you have a few true friends who you can rely on, have tons of fun with and just be there for each other through life's ups and downs. The movie was upbeat, cute and different - a job well done to all involved in the project!

Jordin (Hunter King) is feeling the holiday blues and drags her fellow teacher friends to the city's Santa Summit where everybody dresses up as Santa Claus. Jordin encounters appealing home builder Liam (Benjamin Hollingsworth). They are perfect together, but lose each other in the crowd of Santas. The girls follow the Santa tour as they struggle for love.

It's only a Hallmark movie, but the premise is very cute. I like the two friends' love troubles. I would like a bigger effort from Jordin to look for her Santa. She should wear a sign that says Looking for Pine Tree Tattoo. Also I would like a schedule describing the Santa crawl. That would give the movie individual chapters for structure. Mostly, I like all these characters and this feels like a fun time with friends.

When I heard Hunter King and Stephanie Sy were making a movie together, I was looking forward to it.

I knew there would be an element of zaniness. There was that and more.

The main story of a guy and girl who meet and hit it off, only to lose each other without getting names has been done...recently, but in this case there were so many adventures along the way they almost have to remind you. Everybody is wearing a Santa suit, so identities get mixed up throughout. The girls get together with their pal played by sweet Amy Groening for an evening of dancing and drinking and merriment, and each finds her own misadventure.

It's a little slow to start, but it gets going eventually. It's fullof surprises and builds to a satisfying conclusion.

Grumps probably won't like it, but it's worth a watch.

If you like to watch a movie without over-analyzing the story, or the acting, this movie is worth a watch. With the multitude of movies released over the holidays it is quite apparent that Hallmark is trying to pull in a younger audience, without their traditional formula. The main characters, Jordin, Ava, and Stella are portrayed as 30ish and the storyline is college-aged festivities. This is mostly a fresh approach, 'tho "Never Been Chris'd attempted this venue (less favorably), and even 'tho the three women can't be taken too seriously (some over-acting and over-scripting) their diversity and comraderie works here. Romance is limited to the excitement of the catch, and there's little time given to the depth of any of the characters. In fact, the supporting character of the reindeer (pedalcar driver) and of the love-interest for Stella, were the deepest characters in their short-time onscreen. Shout-out: there's not really a "spirit" of Christmas in this one, more the excitement of friendship and winter-fun...

8.6 stars.

'The Santa Summit' sits squarely atop most Hallmark material right of the bat. It was a very festive and pleasant experience to watch these three women fall in love with strangers (one of the men is not really a stranger, but seems like one). What is magnetic about this film is the excitement and fun, and it's the opposite of boring. It's non-stop romantic energy and promises of Christmas cheer and wishes of good tidings of great joy for three deserving ladies.

The story gets better as we go, which says a lot considering it starts off on full throttle and never slows down. I don't mean it's a fast paced drama per se, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat as these school teachers are attending a Santa Summit because they need a little fun to kick them out of their funk, but amidst their innocent pleasure seeking activities, they are blessed with instant love.

What really excites about 'The Santa Summit' is how everything culminates to a wonderful and happy conclusion and it feels like one of the classics...imagine Ferris Bueller, 'Pretty in Pink', 'Sixteen Candles'. These stories all bring that feeling everything will be okay. Life merges with good fortune and romance and it all works out. The final scene is perfectly timed and full of merriment and delight. Yearly must see list.

This movie reminds me a little of a movie from last year on a rival network called Destined at Christmas. The premise revolves around a man and woman who meet and become attracted to each other but then get separated. The rest of the movie is trying to bring them back together. Meanwhile, Jordin's two friends do a little better connecting with guys.

One of the nice features of this movie is that the activities are not exactly all the usual Christmas activities. They are set around the Santa Summit which basically flows through taverns and restaurants. You know where the story is going but not the exact details. There are no great highs or lows or big surprises.

The acting is decent. The dialogue is good. The central couple spend little time actually together which for me is a drawback. Please don't do a sequel.

Side note regarding Parental Guidance on this site: I don't know what possessed me to look, but someone has voted Severe to every category there. This is Hallmark. I can't imagine there is ever anything Severe in their Christmas movies, although someone trying to be political might do so in one category if there were alphabet themes.

The best movie I have ever seen because it is a mix of funny and cute. The movie is very ridiculous and is also very entertaining even though it is not the best plot ever. It has a good tale of friendship and three different romances. The movie also has tons of good music and lots of amazing singers. The best movie I have ever seen because it is a mix of funny and cute. The movie is very ridiculous and is also very entertaining even though it is not the best plot ever. It has a good tale of friendship and three different romances. The movie also has tons of good music and lots of amazing singers.

I'm an unapologetic fan of Hallmark movies, but it really is refreshing when they try something different. That's not easy to do after churning out hundreds of movies, especially when their "cookie cutter" formula has been so lucrative. And yet the "Santa Summit" is unlike any other Hallmark Christmas movie I've seen and deserves a couple of stars for that alone. I didn't catch the name of the city in which the Santa Summit supposedly takes place, but my son and his girlfriend have dressed up for and participated in San Francisco's "SantaCon", reputedly the biggest Santa themed pub crawl in the country. Apparently, it's a lot of fun, as this movie often was.

I'm not the biggest fan of Hunter King (Jordin), and I wasn't really sold on the match between her and Virgin River's Benjamin Hollingsworth (Liam), but they're rarely on screen together given that most of the movie is them looking for each other (imagine "Serendipity" crammed into one night). And this was, in many ways, more a celebration of friendship (between the three teachers) and brotherly love (between Liam and Mac). There was also a nod to the vanishing emphasis on teaching music and art at school.

I have long felt that Amy Groening, who plays sexy nerd Ava, should be given a lead role in a Hallmark movie. She's just too good and too cute to just be a sidekick, as she has been in probably a dozen Hallmark movies. A well written movie starring her as a sweet teacher, or a beautiful scientist, or a passionate lawyer would likely be well received. Stephanie Sy was also effective playing Stella, a more surly character, who was understandably resentful after she was forced out of her beloved job as a music teacher.

But this was far from a perfect movie. Liam repeatedly confronts, accosts, and touches women in Santa suits mistakenly believing they might be the woman he had a life changing 5 minute chat with while wearing their fake beards. That's not OK.

Neither was the music. Although one horrific singer was intended to be horrible, so that Stella would seem better, I wasn't thrilled with Stella either. Or the DJ. Or Freddie. Karaoke may be entertaining for some people when they're drinking in a bar with friends and cheering on those friends. Bar patrons are invariably happy to lower their standards after enjoying some alcohol, but it's a far different experience when you're home alone and sober.

I was also annoyed by the way the three teachers treated their reindeer costumed surrey bike pedaler. He only charged $4.00 (despite having 3 passengers) but they literally refused to pay him. And when they meet him later, he doesn't say a word about not being paid, seems invested in their drama, and gives them another ride. I hate it when service people get stiffed.

Those complaints aside, I mostly enjoyed the movie. It was probably a 6 star movie on my scale (I grade Hallmark on a curve) but I added a star because I really appreciated Hallmark's attempt to try something new.

I saw people rated this movie over 7 and I was excited to watch it. I have to say this is the worse movie I seen all year. The actors can not act. The dialogue was bad, it seem like a first grader wrote it. I would consider this a waste of my time. The story line makes no sense. A boy and a girl meet at a bar and the rest of the movie is the guy trying to find the girl, it seems like the writer ran out of ideas and put non related scenes together. I kept waiting for the movie to get better, unfortunately the best part was the credits. I would not recommend this movie to anyone. Don't see it!! Ok.

This was the first 2023 Christmas movie I watched, and it was a great way to kick off the Christmas movie season. "The Santa Summit" is about three women that work together deciding to go to the Santa Summit with the hopes of just having fun and leaving things to serendipity. The Santa Summit is an event where you dress like Santa, and move together to scheduled destinations.

Though "The Santa Summit" was completely predictable, it was a lot of fun seeing how the serendipity plays out. It was also nice seeing strangers being kind to each other and how that becomes the start of more. "The Santa Summit" is a refreshing offering from Hallmark that is different from your typical two people falling in love at Christmas movie.

Jordin and her group of friends are attending "The Santa Summit", an annual celebration in which people go through different venues, celebrating Christmas dressed up as Santa Clause. There she meets a guy (Liam) and they connect immediately, but they end up losing each other in the crowd. So they spend the whole event looking up for the other.

I don't know about you all but I would definitely attend this event with friends and make the most of it. Maybe a bit silly, but such and ingenious idea.

The actors had great chemistry, the whole cast, the secondary storylines were okay too. I wished the main characters had more scenes together but the movie wouldn't have made any sense.

There is a fun cameo halfway through, you blink and you miss it. I would definitely watch a sequel.

Hunter King is super obnoxious and not a very good actress.

Amy Groening is pretty cute to watch.

Way too much conversation in the meet cute. It was weird. Hated it. Way too long of a conversation. And not realistic for them to have this long of a conversation with their beards on. I feel like I barely know the characters and they're just diving into the deep end. It's unrealistic and almost made me turn the movie off. The entire conversation was so cringy.

So the first date of sorts is while they're drunk? I mean it's super realistic, but not romantic at all. Ugh. Oh wait, they're not drunk. It's just that terrible of a scene.

The acting overall is subpar.

They really put a lot of work at the finding the girl for whom I don't really see the appeal.

And why would you pull down a beard of a perfect stranger if you never saw the girl you're looking for without the beard? How is that going to help?

I tried, but I couldn't finish this movie. I had to turn it off. So terrible.

This is a typical Hallmark Christmas movie. It's a simple romance that is set during the Christmas season. The plot was a little thin, and a bit repetitive as the characters looked for the lost connection, but the acting was better than many of these Christmas romance films.

The script showcased female friendship with clever conversations that moved the plot forward. A simple plot might become tedious. But the witty lines fom the characters moved the film along and prevented boredom.

The characters were likable and the plot of the search for love was the typical Hallmark plot. It wasn't a challenging film; it had a safe feel to it. It was like a comfy warm sweater on a cold, snowy afternoon. One thing it's didn't include was characters drinking hot cocoa or cider. That was a relief.

Surprisingly, it doesn't completely have the Hallmark stink!

The dialogue is as generic as it gets, but the try-hard effort is somewhat.. charming. It has a homely cozy feeling to the way it was made, but never incompetent. And the developments from the concept of "where's waldo" throughout several XMAS events is novel enough to warrant a recommendation! Although, every time someone started to recite words of wisdom or opened up or anything at all happens.. noticeable-inspirational-background-music started, I just had to laugh.

The main attraction are the three awkward-teacher-friend leads, that made this more enjoyable than I would have ever expected from the trailer.

It's funny that the main lady wasn't as likeable.. And while I quite liked the Math Teacher Ava's weird but very quirky personality (totally my type), Stella became my favorite when she sang (yes, you have a musical bit). Depressingly endearing, constantly rolling her eyes and having the more grounded personality! She's good, but in a very realistic manner.. and I can't help but admire her. Anyway, they run around supporting a fated-encounter, a love confession, and a desire to fight back for what they love.. as well as nourishing their declining friendship (or so they mention).

It was fun and has that spirit-lifting air. And while every time the two "business guys" were together on screen, I got deeply sad.. I still consider it a win.

For some reason, I expected this movie to be kind of silly and wondered if it would be worth the time watching. Maybe it was the title. I'm glad I did because so far, it's one of Hallmark's more cheerful and fun holiday movies this year, in my opinion. Jordin, Ava and Stella are school teachers and best friends who decide to partake in an event called, you guessed it, The Santa Summit, a big party where everyone dresses up as Santa and spends the day eating, drinking, dancing, judging a gingerbread house contest, etc.

Early on at the event, Jordin (Hunter King) loses her wallet, which is retrieved by Liam (Ben Hollingsworth) and he gives it back to her. They spend the next few minutes quickly bonding, a very cute meet-cute. But before they know it, they somehow get separated without finding out each other's names or seeing each other's faces under the beards they wear as part of the Santa costume.

Most of the movie surrounds whether they will find each other. But rather than spend all the time on them, Hallmark spread the joy by adding two other actresses in lead roles with their own stories, played by two ladies who are usually supporting players. It was really nice seeing Amy Groening (very adept at comedy) and Stephanie Sy (she can sang!) in these roles, and they played them perfectly. Much like Hallmark's fall offering of Field Day, these three ladies had very believable chemistry and it was fun watching them enjoy themselves, support and encourage each other and evolve as much as one can in at a one-day event. Very enjoyable holiday movie that's sure to put a smile on your face!

This may be my second favorite Hallmark holiday romance of 2023 behind the Heidelberg Christmas. Hunter King, Amy Groening, and Stephanie Sy play the three best friends and grade school teachers Jordin, Ava, and Stella. Each of the three is battling their own demons when Jordin convinces them to go with her to the annual Santa Summit event. (I have always wanted to be a fly on the wall during one of those. It looks like a tremendous amount of fun.) Jordin has seen on social media that her ex is dating again, Ava is afraid to tell someone she loves them, and Stella is uninspired teaching English instead of her beloved music due to budget cuts in their school district. Right away at the summit Jordin looses her wallet and meets Liam...the two have an instant connection but get separated before exchanging names or numbers at an even where everyone is dressed like Santa.

Stella meets the cheerful Freddie played by Rodrigo Beilfuss. Freddie keeps cropping up, much to the disgruntled and grumpy Stella's dismay and he keeps trying to drag the Christmas spirit out of her. Meanwhile, all three girls end up talking to a pedal cab driver dressed like Dasher. Ava talks herself into and out of confessing her love and everyone is looking for Jordin's mystery man as they go through all the Santa Summit events like line-dancing, sledding, karaoke, gingerbread house competitions, etc.

I love Benjamin Hollingsworth and have really enjoyed his reformed? Character on Virgin River. He plays Liam who is trying to find his mystery girl, and spend time with his brother by trying to get him to loosen up and put down work for a break.

I loved the supportive friends through this film and I really enjoyed the crazy fun of the Santa Summit. The combo of those two and the romances make this a recommendation from me to romantics, fans of Christmas, grade-school teachers like my mom and fans of Hallmark holiday romances.

I gave 2 stars because the inflatable tree guy is amazing. However, the inflatable snowman is horrible. Joey King gives the lack luster performance that she's known for at this point. The concept is stupid, the acting is horrible, and the writing leaves everything to be desired. It's so obviously Winnipeg and the settings are horrible. All in all, a bad movie that could be improved easily. Very hallmark in that it's cheap and the main characters are annoying and superficial. The teachers are meant to be over thirty but act like college kids. Harmless enough, but no need to watch it. You're better off watching anything else.

This Hallmark film is a perfect blend of Christmas spirit and romance.

Three girlfriends, who are teachers, attend a day-long event called the Santa Summit, where everyone wears the red and white of Santa Claus and enjoys a succession of activities-everything from sledding to line dancing. They have hopes to renew their friendship and to break out of their doldrums. Each has a specific problem that is nagging her. Their fellowship and the joyous spirit of the Santa Summit help them to open themselves to new possibilities.

Jordin (Hunter King) meets a guy and thinks they share a moment, but does not get his name. She wonders if she will see him again, as they move from venue to venue. Ava (Amy Groening) has strong feelings for another guy, but is afraid to be vulnerable enough to express those feelings. And Stella (Stephanie Sy) is a cynic.

They help each other enjoy the proceedings as they try to deal with their personal fears and problems. Will they find what they are looking for?

The three leads are fun to watch. In fact, this is one of the most enjoyable Hallmark films of this season. There are numerous other characters they encounter who help make the film a whimsical experience.

Lets face it .. every Hallmark movie has the same trajectory: boy and girl meet, get cozy, have a misunderstanding or falling out and then find their way to happily ever after. The real question therefore is: how's the production? Staging, set design, cast chemistry, music etc. That gets this one 9 stars for me! I absolutely adore the interplay between Stephanie Sy and Rodrigo Beilfuss, not to mention their delightful musical performances. Amy Groening, a perennial Hallmark sister/best friend, never disappoints. Supporting cast is good - the reindeer pedicab driver offers some fun quirky moments. We're spared Hallmark's usual (ironic) awful Christmas bedecked jousrs since there are no residential scenes. And you get Cher singing holiday songs to boot! All in all, stylish fun!

FAN-SANTA-TASTIC- LOVED IT ALL! - LOVE TO LINK TO SEE ORIGINAL SONG FROM SANTA SUMMIT UNCUT ON YOUTUBE People, Rodrigo Beilfuss. Stephanie Sy MUST BE SANTA SANTA CLAUSE. SONG..! BEST FORMAT EVER! YOU OUT DID YOURSELF -ELF! A FAN. YOU NEED TO PUT OUT A CHRISTMAS ALBUM EXACTLY LIKE THE MOVIE VERSION!

I LOVED THE PLOT SO HILLARIOUS with MILLIONS of RED SANTAS RUNNING AROUND HIGH ON A SNOWY SKI MOUNTAIN, SO YOU DONT RECOGNIZE ANYONE!

HOW A GIRL, BUMPS INTO A GUY, & FALLS FAST FOR A HIM,( ALSO IN A RED SUIT), THEN REALIZED IT ....AFTER SHE LOSES HIM AMONGST ALL THE RED SANTA SUITS; ONLY TO SEARCH FOR HIM THE WHOLE DAY - & UNBEKNOWNST TO HER HE IS ALSO LOOKING FOR HER. LOVED HOW HE LEFT HER A NOTE...WATCH THE MOVIE TO SEE HOW SMART HE WAS ABOUT WERE/HOW TO LEAVE THE NOTE!,... ALSO WITH OTHER AWESOME ACTOR'S & FUNTIMES & LOVE LOST & ALSO LOVE FOUND ALONG THE WAY! HAPPY ENDINGS ....AS ALL MOVIES SHOULD BE THAT ARE WORTH WATCHING!

This movie is a very special Hallmark creation. It centers on characters who are a little younger than the usual Hallmark ones - they are mid twenties to late 20's having a great time at a festival where everyone is dressed as Santa. For a change, each of the characters is distinct in their personality - much more fleshed out than the usual Hallmark movie. There is comedy, mystery, hi-jinks, dancing, music and great singing performances. They show Christmas activities that are more unusual and more interesting than what you see in most Hallmark movies. The supporting characters also have fun personalities, good secondary plot lines as well. I watched this a few times when it originally aired and now later, it still holds up and destined to be a Hallmark holiday classic -refreshing and unique - it captures the excitement of being a young adult in holiday times. I love this movie and the actors are all great in this.