Want more recommendations for your family?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration
Christmas in the City
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sweet but cliched story about regaining Christmas spirit.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Christmas in the City
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Report this review
What's the Story?
Wendy (Ashley Williams) is desperately trying to prevent the looming financial collapse of her dead father's beloved little candy story as CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY opens. With her mother and 5-year-old daughter, Grace (Kylie Price), Wendy lives in the cozy town of her childhood, but realizes that she must take a temporary job in "the city" to make enough money to save the store. She and Grace move in with childhood friend Angie (Shanola Hampton), who is supporting her acting dreams with a day job selling toys at Wolman's, a large department store that is having its own money troubles. Sunny Wendy, a woman full of Christmas spirit, immediately catches the eye of Tom Wolman (Jon Prescott), a decent man who is number two in charge of the store. In the face of financial setbacks, the store's board has hired Teanna (Ashanti), a ruthless, scheming, money-obsessed consultant who is dismantling the store's old-fashioned Christmas vibe and replacing it with intrusive rap videos denouncing Santa and touting the power of buying. Will Christmas be ruined? Rest assured that all ends well.
Is It Any Good?
This is a pleasant but utterly generic movie about vanishing Christmas spirit and the few who still feel the real spirit in their hearts. Dear, sweet people who love caroling and drinking hot cider triumph against evil souls promoting Christmas' commercial side. Some version of this unsurprising movie has been shown on Hallmark and/or Lifetime channels for decades. The good news is that it's kid-friendly, with no language, behavior, or sexuality (save a few guys without shirts) to offend anyone, unless what offends you is complete lack of originality. The actors are mostly competent and likable. Watch for Christmas in the City's highlight, in which two characters who are falling in love sit at a piano and sing a startlingly beautiful version of "Noel."
For city-dwellers who have lots of Christmas spirit, the movie may seem condescending as it implies that only small-towners know the real meaning of Christmas. In any case, from the moment the plot conflicts establish themselves, there will be no doubt as to how this movie ends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Christmas spirit means to them. Christmas in the City suggests that we get when we give. What do you think that means?
Why do you think children love Santas in stores? Do you think kids enjoy having a grown-up listen to their dreams?
The movie portrays the department store Santa as the real Santa, a figure with magical powers. Do you think the magic fit in with the rest of the movie's message?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 7, 2013
- Cast: Ashley Williams , Jon Prescott , Ashanti
- Director: Marita Grabiak
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Lifetime
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Holiday Movies for Kids
Best Holiday TV Specials
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate