The “Mistletoe Murders” series returns with renewed intrigue: the holiday-mystery drama has just launched Season 2 and the latest updates promise deeper secrets, elevated stakes, and a fresh wave of suspense for U.S. audiences.
Latest Headlines: The show premiered its second season on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Hallmark Channel, with episodes streaming the following day on Hallmark+. Leading the cast are Sarah Drew as Emily Lane and Peter Mooney as Detective Sam Wilner. The season opens with a startling disappearance of a teacher in the small town of Fletcher’s Grove, setting off a chain of events rooted in Emily’s enigmatic past and a mysterious organization known as CH1M3RA.
What’s New in Season 2
Tighter Character Arcs
Emily Lane is no longer just a friendly Christmas-shop owner; her hidden identity and the choices she made before moving to Fletcher’s Grove are now central to the story. Meanwhile, Sam Wilner struggles with trust while investigating alongside Emily—and sometimes in spite of her.
A Grimmer Mystery Tone
Although the setting remains festive—with garlands, snow, and a year-round holiday shop—the murders are darker and more layered this season. The opening case involves a missing chess coach whose body is found buried in concrete, showing that the show is leaning harder into suspense than typical holiday fare.
Holiday Charm Meets High Stakes
The cozy small-town visuals remain: twinkling lights, seasonal décor, and community events. But under the mistletoe lie unspoken tensions, long-buried secrets, and a looming threat from CH1M3RA that may be the real killer in the story.
Structured Mystery Format
Season 2 continues to use a “one case per two episodes” format. Across the season you’ll get three major murder/disappearance stories interwoven with the bigger-picture arc of Emily’s identity and the shadowy group hunting her.
Quick Timeline of Events
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| October 31 2024 | Season 1 of Mistletoe Murders premiered on streaming. |
| March 2025 | Show was renewed for Season 2. |
| November 7 2025 | Season 2 premiered on Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET/PT. |
| November 2025 | Season 2 runs weekly, expected to wrap by late November. |
Why You Should Tune In
- It’s a rare hybrid: holiday warmth and serious mystery. The juxtaposition of festive décor with murder investigations gives it a unique flavor.
- The characters feel more developed. Emily’s past isn’t just teased—this season digs into why she moved to Fletcher’s Grove and what she’s running from.
- Production value and network support are strong. Hallmark is backing this as a cornerstone of its 2025 holiday lineup, signaling confidence in the show’s appeal.
- U.S.-friendly release and context. Although filmed in Canada, the show airs in the U.S. and aligns with American holiday-viewing habits, making it easy to follow.
Things to Know Before You Start
- If you missed Season 1, you may want to stream it first so you understand Emily’s mysterious arrival in Fletcher’s Grove and her relationship with Sam.
- Don’t expect pure “cozy” holiday fare. The murders and emotional stakes are real and there are moments of tension and danger that go beyond light-hearted fluff.
- Episodes drop weekly Friday evenings on the Hallmark Channel, with streaming access shortly afterward.
- The setting is stylized: a charming small town, a year-round Christmas shop—it’s not gritty realism but rather heightened holiday-mystery atmosphere.
What’s Next & What to Watch For
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on:
- How Emily’s secret identity unravels and what it means for her relationship with Sam.
- The influence and role of CH1M3RA—this mysterious group may prove the biggest threat, not just for Emily but for the entire town.
- Whether the series keeps up its three-case structure and how each case ties back to the main arc.
- Possible hints dropped in seemingly minor characters or town events—they may foreshadow big twists.
- Whether future seasons are on the horizon: given the current network investment, that’s looking likely.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of holiday mysteries or you’re new to the genre, Mistletoe Murders now delivers both seasonal charm and serious suspense. Let us know which twist surprised you or guess who the next culprit will be in the comments below.