The Best Hallmark Romance Tropes
If you're a fan of cozy romance, snowy small towns, and happily ever afters, you've probably fallen for a Hallmark romance (or twenty).
Hallmark movies are adored for their cozy aesthetics as much as their comforting predictability. But what makes a Hallmark romance feel like a Hallmark romance? The answer lies in the tropes.
Tropes upon tropes upon tropes.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the best Hallmark romance tropes that make your heart flutter, your cocoa warmer, and your holiday season a little brighter.
Buckle up, baby, because there are tropes aplenty!
1. Enemies to Lovers
Two people who couldn’t be more opposite are forced to work together to save Christmas (or insert occasion here). They can’t stand each other—until they can’t get ENOUGH of each other. They may be oil and water at first, but add a little flour and sugar, and you’ve got yourself a sexy little cake!
Why we love it: The tension and conflict lead to sizzling chemistry and fun, witty banter.
Hallmark examples: Love in Store, Snowed Inn Christmas, Sealed With a List, Pride, Prejudice & Mistletoe, and In Merry Measure.
2. Big-City Meets Small-Town
A career-focused main character from New York or LA returns to her hometown— or breaks down in a new one she has no desire to stay in— and falls for not only the small-town love interest, but the town itself.
Why it works: The cozy charm of a small town, mixed with the humor of a fish-out-of-water, makes for a comedic and heartwarming romance we can’t seem to get enough of.
Hallmark example: A Vineyard Christmas, Christmas Under Wraps, Christmas Love Letter, Christmas Around the Corner, and The Spirit of Christmas.
3. Relationship of Convenience
Two people fake a romantic relationship for a specific purpose (to fool a family member, boss, an ex, win a baking competition—you name it) and end up developing real feelings for one another. A relationship so convenient, how could you not fall in love?
Why it works: The “let’s play pretend” element is so comedic and fun to watch. When things get real, the romantic tension runs high, and we sit on the edge of our seats, wondering which of our leads is going to fess up to catching feelings first.
Hallmark example: Snow Bride, The Convenient Groom, The Royal We, Moonlight in Vermont, The Mistle Toe Promise, and (it’s not Hallmark but The Holidate on Netflix is a must-watch if you enjoy r-rated romances.)
4. The Royal Romance
A Cinderella story never gets old. When an everyday, average Joe (or Jolene) falls in love with a royal in disguise, tensions run high. Because no one likes to be made the fool… even if finding out you’ve been dating a prince all along seems like a pretty amazing revelation. Keeping secrets… even very cool ones… isn’t cool.
Why it works: The ultimate fairytale from childhood come to life in a realistic, modern way? Hard to pass up.
Hallmark example: A Royal Christmas, The Princess Switch, A Princess for Christmas, Royally Ever After, and The Royal Nanny.
5. The identity Mix-Up
Similar to the royal romance, the identity-mix up trope gives us the same tension and conflict as our prince in disguise— someone pretends to be someone they are not, whether ill-intentioned or not, and inadvertently falls in love. But the lie will—almost—cost them everything.
Why it works: We know it’s a bad idea, but we love watching someone pretend to be someone they aren’t, knowing the whole time that whatever romance they build is going to blow up in their face.
Hallmark example: A Very Merry Mix Up, A Winter Getaway, Mix Up at the Mediterranean, Chance at Romance, and Sister Swap.
6. The Holiday Festival Rescue
This trope is in 90% of all Hallmark Christmas movies. The beloved “Holiday Festival” that needs saving— because what would Christmas be without a bunch of pop-up tent vendors, luke warm hot cocoa, and poorly thrown together carolers comprised of begruding townspeople?
Why it works: There really is something magical about a holiday festival. However, what is more magical, is the teamwork involved in throwing something so large, together so fast, just in time for Christmas. It’s heartwarming, charming, and oozes holiday cheer.
Hallmark example: A Vineyard Christmas, Christmas Festival of Ice, The Christmas Festival, Christmas with a Kiss, and Christmas Town.
7. The Inherited Property/Business
Someone inherits a charming small-town business (an inn, a bookstore, a bakery) and, with the assistance of a helpful local (and eventual love interest), turns their life around. It doesn’t matter if the Bed & Breakfast is a money pit — it is going to be the main character’s new passion and reason for living.
Why it works: New beginnings, nostalgic settings, and personal growth. Yes, please.
Hallmark example: The Christmas Cottage, All of My Heart,
8. Innocent Matchmaker
A precocious child—or sometimes a lovable golden retriever—plays cupid for two unsuspecting adults.
Why it works: Kids and pets add wholesome humor and emotional vulnerability to the story.
Hallmark example: The Nine Lives of Christmas
9. The Snowstorm Trap
A snowstorm forces two people to shelter in place together, usually in a cozy cabin or inn. Cue the cocoa and connection.
Why it works: Nothing says “forced bonding” like being snowed in together. Two people trapped in a room means they have no choice but to work together or be miserable.
Hallmark example: Let It Snow, Snowed In Christmas, Winter Castle, and Falling for Vermont.
10. Real Christmas Magic
Every so often, you come across a Hallmark Christmas romance movie where there is real, bona fide Christmas magic. Someone wishes upon a star, rings a bell, thereby giving angels wings, or a mall Santa exceeds our expectations. While Hallmark movies never fully delve into sci-fi, they do offer a bit of festive fantasy.
Why it works: We may be all grown up, but there is still a large part of us that wishes to believe magic is real and that miracles really can happen at Christmas time.
Hallmark Examples: A Magical Christmas Village, Next Stop: Christmas, A Timeless Christmas, and Ghosts of Christmas Always.
Why We Love Hallmark Romance Tropes
You would think “seen one Hallmark movie, seen them all,” however, there is something sort of magical and addictive about the cozy predictability of a Hallmark movie. It is the exact thing romance novel readers crave. We all know a Hallmark movie or romance novel is going to end in an HEA (happily ever after) or an HFN (happy for now). But it’s the journey to getting there that we want to see.
Whether you're binge-watching your way through December or sneaking in a cozy love story in July, these Hallmark romance tropes never fail to warm your heart.