Netflix unveils 2026 Christmas movie teaser featuring Jared Padalecki, Maddie Ziegler and Fantasia

Netflix has unveiled the first teaser for its 2026 Christmas movie line-up, offering a glimpse at four festive films starring Jared Padalecki, Maddie Ziegler, Fantasia Barrino and several other familiar faces.

The exclusive teaser, released through People on 11 October 2026, previews A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, Guarding Stars, In a Holidaze and Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas. The four films will arrive on the streaming platform weekly between November and December, bringing a mix of holiday romance, family drama, comedy and gospel music.

The first release, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas, is scheduled to premiere on 4 November. Starring Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, Jennifer Tilly and Mary Steenburgen, the film follows a family struggling to stay together during the festive season. A teenager, her grandfather and his loyal basset hound attempt to hold their household together as Christmas approaches. Cathryn Michon directs the film, which is based on a novel by W. Bruce Cameron, the author of A Dog’s Purpose.

Next up is Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas, arriving on 11 November. Written and directed by Perry, the film centres on a struggling pastor who inherits his family’s church in a troubled New York neighbourhood. As he faces personal doubts, temptation and a dangerous adversary, he must rediscover his faith to save his church, family and community.

The film stars Fantasia Barrino and Tank, alongside gospel music legends including Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, the Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams and CeCe Winans. Its combination of a Christmas story and gospel performances makes it one of the musical highlights of Netflix’s festive slate.

On 18 November, Guarding Stars will bring a romantic storyline to the line-up. The film stars Leighton Meester as a no-nonsense bodyguard assigned to protect a charming action star, played by Padalecki, during the holidays. As the pair navigate secrets and unexpected romantic feelings, their professional relationship becomes increasingly complicated. The film is directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum and is based on Katherine Center’s novel The Bodyguard.

The final release, In a Holidaze, is scheduled for 2 December. Ziegler stars as a directionless young woman who finds herself trapped in a Christmas time loop after making a major romantic mistake. Forced to relive the holiday at her family’s cabin, she must work out what truly makes her happy. Rob Lowe also stars in the film, which is directed by Tiffany Paulsen and based on the novel by Christina Lauren.

The teaser offers brief glimpses of the films, including romantic moments between Meester and Padalecki, scenes featuring Ziegler and her co-stars, and Barrino alongside gospel performers. It also includes a glimpse of a Corgi riding a Roomba, adding a playful touch to the festive preview.

Netflix is expected to release longer trailers and additional behind-the-scenes details throughout the week, giving viewers a closer look at the upcoming films ahead of their premieres.

Alongside the new titles, the teaser features clips from previous Netflix Christmas favourites, including Falling for Christmas, Family Switch, The Merry Gentlemen, Hot Frosty, Best Christmas Ever!, The Princess Switch 3 and My Secret Santa.

With its 2026 festive line-up, Netflix is bringing together established Hollywood stars, rising performers and celebrated gospel artists across four films designed to appeal to different holiday viewing tastes.