Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet but predictable romance has suggestive bits, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A California Christmas: City Lights
What's the Story?
In A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS: CITY LIGHTS, Callie (Lauren Swickard) and Joe (Josh Swickard), have spent a year living happily on their dairy farm and winery. When Joe finds out that his mother has run away with her yoga instructor, he's called back in to help save his father's business. He and Callie relocate temporarily to San Francisco to settle his business affairs and plan their Christmas Eve wedding, but old acquaintances and the push and pull of their two distinct lives might come between them.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet romance is easy to watch, but there's not much new added to the formula of its predecessor, and the result is both predictable and a little dull. Still, the appealing real-life starring couple have obvious chemistry, and A California Christmas: City Lights offers positive messages about giving and love that are hard to critique. That said, there's very little subtlety in the delivery of those messages, particularly the use of a nativity play to remind viewers that Jesus didn't need red carpets or limousines. The highlight of the cast is, once again, David Del Rio in the role of farmhand Manny. This time he gets a romance of his own, and his wannabe sexy dance while washing a pick-up truck is very funny.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the choices Joe has to make in A California Christmas: City Lights. Do you agree with his decisions? Why, or why not?
The stars of this film are married in real life. How do you think that impacts their acting?
The film is a sequel to an earlier movie in which the characters first meet. How does the ending of this one open up possibilities for another sequel?
What role does drinking/alcohol play in the storyline? How might the movie be different in another kind of setting?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 16, 2021
- Cast : Josh Swickard , Lauren Swickard , David Del Rio
- Director : Shaun Paul Piccinino
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some suggestive material
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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