Review: “A Very Charming Christmas Town” (2020)

A holiday vlog assignment brings Aubrey Lang to Solvang, voted America’s most Christmassy town. While the premise promises charm and the setting delivers, the execution unfortunately stumbles under the weight of forced performances and artificial enthusiasm.

As someone who grew up studying the natural grace of classic Hollywood performers, it’s particularly jarring to see such overdone performances.

While the male leads and older cast members deliver solid, grounded performances, the younger female characters (particularly our lead) seem to be competing in a teeth-displaying championship rather than creating authentic characters.

The Valley-influenced speech pattern (where “yes” becomes “yas”) immediately creates a disconnect between character and setting. Having worked with young children, I can tell you that even my most enthusiastic kindergarteners don’t maintain the level of constant perkiness displayed here.

When even serious confessional moments feel like script readings, we’ve lost the essence of what acting should be — becoming the character.

The Stork Room at the local inn offers minimal Christmas atmosphere beyond red satin drapes and white pine-tree candles. It’s a missed opportunity to showcase the rich holiday traditions of this charming town.

The costume choices often work against both character and setting, culminating in an impractical Christmas pageant outfit that exists solely to create a coat-lending moment. While I appreciate a good chivalrous gesture, manufactured moments like these feel contrived rather than romantic.

Following the classic “secret agenda” trope, Aubrey arrives planning a hit piece about tourist traps but finds herself charmed by both town and hero.

While the formula is solid, the execution falters. The meet-cute (involving a surrey cycle and a snow pile) exemplifies the film’s larger issues — natural moments are overshadowed by exaggerated reactions and sudden mood shifts that defy believability.

That said, credit where it’s due — the first kiss scene actually works, proving that authentic moments are possible when the performance is reined in.

Clean content throughout, though some viewers might find the artificial enthusiasm more challenging to watch than any content concerns.

While Solvang, itself, offers genuine charm, and the horses steal every scene they’re in, this Christmas romance demonstrates why authentic performance matters more than constant smiling.