BBA Second-Annual Christmas Movies Awards (2026)

Fancy banner done in a navy ground. On either side, Hollywood red curtains tied back with pearl-white cords. In the center of the banner are four gold-navy-&-red art deco-styled brackets framing out the words “Books by Alicia Presents” (in gold), then “The Heartlight Awards” (in pearl white).

Celebrating Christmas Romance Magic

Welcome back to the BBA Heartlight Awards!

Last year, we launched this celebration of Christmas romance excellence, honoring films that capture that special magic making a movie worth watching year after year. Your response was overwhelming, and I’m thrilled to continue this Valentine’s Day tradition.

As a romance novelist with expertise in fashion, interior design, and a deep love of classic Hollywood, I’ve spent another season exploring Christmas romances through a unique lens—celebrating the gems, examining what makes stories work, and discovering new favorites along the way.

Today, I’m excited to present the second annual BBA Heartlight Awards, honoring:

The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence

The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance

Understanding Our Awards

The Heartlight Awards celebrate the enduring magic of Christmas romance — where the glow of holiday lights meets the warmth of hearts finding their perfect match.

Like the iconic spotlights of Hollywood premieres illuminating moments of cinematic magic, these awards shine a light on stories that capture that special spark.

Gold frame around ivory ground with the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence" in navy.

This award honors the standout Christmas romance discovered during each year’s holiday movie journey. The winning film must demonstrate exceptional storytelling, chemistry, and that ineffable quality that makes you want to revisit it year after year.

While the movie itself may have been released in any year, it earns its place by creating magic during the prior season’s viewings.

Gold frame around ivory ground with the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance" in navy.

Some movies capture our hearts long before we think to write reviews. This award celebrates those cherished films that have proven their staying power — the ones we’ve loved through multiple holiday seasons, whose magic remains undimmed by time. These are the movies that helped shape my love of Christmas romance, laying the foundation for all future reviews.

Much like the Golden Age of Hollywood produced timeless classics that still enchant audiences today, these award recipients represent the best of what Christmas storytelling can be — whether newly discovered or long beloved.

And the Winners Are…

Gold frame around ivory ground with five drums in red, navy, silver, and bronze acting as a divider as well as a visual "drum roll, please" for the upcoming awards announcement!

Award envelope in pearl flap and navy base closed in a red/gold seal. Atop the pearl flap, the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence" (in gold outlined in red) and the words "goes to..." (in navy cursive). At the bottom corners, an art deco element in gold and red.

Christmas on the Coast

This coastal Georgia gem captured hearts with its perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers chemistry, faith integration, and genuine emotional depth.

Julie Ann Emery and Burgess Jenkins create such a natural, believable connection that their boat scenes feel like watching real moments rather than scripted performances.

AI image of a golden award statue. It's made of an open book and a movie reel that, together, form a makeshift heart. It sits on a golden base with a placard on the front.

From the starfish-instead-of-snowflakes coastal charm to those swoon-worthy kisses, this film proves the best Christmas romances make you laugh, cry, and believe in second chances — all while delivering a powerful message about finding security in how God sees us rather than in others’ opinions.

Award envelope in pearl flap and navy base closed in a red/gold seal. Atop the pearl flap, the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance" (in gold outlined in red) and the words "is awarded to..." (in navy cursive). At the bottom corners, an art deco element in gold and red.

It’s a Wonderful Life

While romance weaves beautifully through George and Mary’s story, this Frank Capra masterpiece transcends the romance genre to deliver something even more profound — a timeless reminder that every life matters, even when we feel worthless and helpless.

James Stewart’s iconic performance, the heartwarming community of Bedford Falls, and that unforgettable message about the ripples one good person creates have made this the quintessential Christmas film for generations.

It earns its place in these awards not just for the sweet romance between George and Mary, but for embodying everything Christmas storytelling should be: hope, redemption, and the revelation that we’re all richer than we know.

Gold frame around ivory ground with five art deco tassels in red and navy acting as a divider.

Thank you for joining me in celebrating these exceptional films. Here’s to another year of discovering Christmas magic, one movie at a time!

Happy Valentine’s Day, and may your own love story be worthy of the Heartlight Awards!

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Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

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