Review: “Christmas in the Smokies” (2015)

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), an art deco element beneath, then “Christmas Romance Reviews” (in pearl white).

Basic banner of navy ground and very light gold art-deco brackets in the upper left and bottom right corners. In bolded pearl white, a movie title is written. This one says, “Christmas in the Smokies.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (2015) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ A Holiday Tale Where Faith, Family, and Tennessee Tradition Hit All the Right Notes ~

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Sarah Lancaster as “Shelby Belle Haygood”
Alan Powell as “Mason Wyatt”
Barry Corbin as “Wade Haygood”
Jill Wagner as “Trish Greene”
Rebecca Koon as “Annie Haygood”

Location: Pine Valley, Tennessee (fictitious)

Platform: Tubi

Date: February 15, 2025

Classic Cinema Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Cinema Scale.” Beneath it, three film reels—the top in gold, middle in silver, bottom in bronze. Each has words done in navy. For the gold reel, “Golden Age Worthy: Exceptional performances, chemistry, and production that capture the magic of classic Hollywood.” For the silver, “Matinee Material: Good entertainment with solid elements, though not quite reaching classic status.” And the bronze, “B-Movie Blues: Missing the mark despite potential.”

Golden Age Worthy — A heartwarming blend of faith, family, and down-home Christmas charm

Tissue Box Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Tissue Box Scale.” Beneath it, a column of tissue boxes, all in red, gold, and navy—the top is a single box, middle is two, bottom is three. Each has words done in navy. For the single box, “One Box: Keep a tissue handy, but your makeup is safe.” For the duo, “Two Boxes: You’ll definitely need those tissues, but you’ll still be presentable after.” And the trio, “Three Boxes: “Is pepperoni okay?” territory — don’t even bother with mascara!”

Three Boxes — Not from one overwhelming scene, but from multiple moments of genuine sentiment

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When a Christmas movie opens with traditional carols (even in country style) and a radio host reminding listeners about the true Reason for the season, you know you’re in for something different.

This holiday tale takes a refreshingly direct approach to both faith and storytelling.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Reality Check: Though set in fictional Pine Valley, Tennessee, this holiday tale was filmed in scenic Dahlonega, North Georgia, with Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery and the charming downtown area providing authentic Southern backdrops..”

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Classic Connection: While It's a Wonderful Life features a benevolent Savings & Loan owner fighting against a cruel Potter, this film flips the script with its banking villain, offering an interesting reverse perspective on the classic holiday tale.”

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My initial reaction to Alan Powell as our country star hero was hesitant, but he grew into the role naturally.

The enemies-to-lovers progression between Shelby and Mason unfolds at a believable pace, with both actors handling their character arcs convincingly.

Barry Corbin steals every scene as Wade, the lovable curmudgeon father whose mischievous matchmaking provides both humor and heart.

The entire ensemble creates a believable family dynamic, right down to Annie’s playful arm-smacking of her troublemaking husband.

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The farmhouse and its surroundings are absolutely breathtaking.

From meadows and woods to a picturesque babbling brook requiring a bridge crossing, the property, itself, becomes a character in the story.

The Christmas decorations enhance rather than overwhelm, striking a perfect balance of rustic elegance and holiday charm.

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The costume choices effectively capture rural Christmas style, though some choices could use refinement.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Fashion Pro Tip: When wearing a dress with boots in winter, don’t skip the legwear! Bare legs in cold weather not only look impractical but create a visual break in your silhouette. Think of it like an unfinished room — your eye goes straight to that missing piece. A pair of tights or nylons completes the look while keeping you cozy.”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Romance Formula” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

This story takes an unexpected turn from standard holiday romance formulas.

While familiar elements appear — the old flame’s return, a financial crisis, potential redemption — the focus stays firmly on faith, family, and Christmas spirit rather than just the romance.

Gold-framed banner with oversized Art Deco quotation marks in the upper left and lower right, done in a bold Hollywood red. In between the quote marks is the quote and attribution: “So when it comes to it, I believe a Baby was born in that manger. I believe in Christmas. I believe in hope” — Shelby’s words capture the heart of this faith-centered holiday story.

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The First Kiss” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Breaking with romance convention, there isn’t one!

The movie concludes with Shelby and Mason slow-dancing on the porch, her head resting on his shoulder as her voiceover contemplates hope.

While initially surprising, this choice perfectly suits the film’s old-fashioned sensibilities and focus on faith over romance.

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This movie stands out for its unabashed celebration of Christmas’s true meaning.

From reading the Biblical Christmas story to praying in Jesus’ Name at meals, faith isn’t just mentioned but woven naturally throughout the narrative.

The Nativity scene serves as a powerful reminder of hope in the face of financial troubles.

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What starts as a seemingly simple story about saving a family farm becomes a touching testament to faith, family, and the magic of Christmas.

The gradual character development, genuine performances, and focus on traditional values create a refreshingly sincere holiday film.

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the words, “Highlights” that’s sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Barry Corbin’s delightful performance as Wade
Beautiful filming location and set design
Traditional Christmas music
Natural integration of faith elements
Well-paced character development

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the word, “Lowlights” that’ sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Shelby’s lack of Southern accent despite Nashville roots
Initial uncertainty about Mason’s casting
Some predictable story elements

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Personal Notes” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

This uncomplicated, wholesome Christmas movie has earned a spot on my annual must-watch list.

While it may not follow the expected romance movie blueprint, it delivers something even better — an authentic celebration of faith, family, and Southern Christmas traditions.

Have you seen this faith-filled holiday film? Share your thoughts on how it balances romance with its Christmas message in the comments below!

Related topics: Christmas movies, holiday entertainment, family films, seasonal magic, community stories

This review is part of “BBA’s Christmas in July Romance Reviews Week” series. Check back tomorrow for the last review!

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Color photo of me, Alicia, authoress and writer of this blog. Because these specific posts are all about Christmas romance movies, I enhanced my photo with a Santa hat and with a bough of holly bracketing the bottom right. In the center of the holly bough are two candy canes crossed like lovers in a romantic embrace. (See what I did there? 😊)

Alicia Strickland

As a romance novelist with expertise in fashion, interior design, and a deep love of classic Hollywood, I bring a unique perspective to holiday romance reviews. Join me in exploring the magic (and occasional missteps) of Christmas movies!

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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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