Holly and the Hot Chocolate (2022) Movie Script
1
Good morning, Pine Falls.
It's December 1st, and that
means crack open the attic
and dig out the garland.
It's officially Christmas.
Beautiful, yeah?
I don't know about you,
but after I decorated my house,
I'm heading down to Town Square
to snag a cup of the best hot
chocolate on earth.
See you in line, Pine Falls.
Hey, darling.
Morning, Dad.
What?
Merry Christmas!
It's December 1st, Stephanie.
Okay, well,
that's technically Christmas.
And I know you like hate
Christmas or whatever.
I don't sound like that.
But I'm going to be at a dorm
next year, so I thought I would,
like, decorate the whole place,
and you're just
going to love it.
Hmm, you taking bets on that?
Look, I know I ask this,
like, every year, but...
Nope.
Please. Look, I promise
I'll take care of it.
No.
And I'll clean up after it,
and I'll make sure it...
Forget it. You're not getting
a real Christmas tree.
Rock, paper, scissors.
And if I win, I get a real
Christmas tree.
Best of one?
Okay.
God, do you think
I want to do this?
You think I want to beat my
daughter that badly every time.
Yeah, I miss Mom, too,
you know.
But I think she would want us
to decorate for Christmas.
I'd give anything to know
what Mom wanted right now.
All right,
you can get a tree.
Yeah? Yay!
Not before December 15th.
How about the 5th?
15th!
Anything before that is nuts.
Merry Christmas.
Coming through?
Lady with a baby.
Merry Christmas.
Sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Holly.
Mrs. Marcus.
As of last weekend,
it's Ms. Marcus.
Oh, good for you.
Good for my salsa instructor.
Okay.
Holly, could you
turn your sweater off
for a minute, please?
Oh.
No, still not.
It's not working.
Just forget it.
I read your review about the
cheese fries for
McKeever's Tavern.
Oh, yeah, they're amazing.
You have to try them.
Holly, at Effie magazine,
we strive to be on the cutting
edge of culinary experience.
We don't review cheese fries.
Well, yeah, I know
we generally review
the higher end stuff,
but my social media
following loves when I review
the sort of everyday
comfort foods, you know,
local businesses and all.
Our customers don't like
everyday foods.
They like elite,
the seemingly unattainable.
With all due respect
to Mrs. Marcus.
Ms. Marcus.
Wouldn't you agree that just
because something's fancy
doesn't mean
that it's necessarily good?
To our subscribers,
that's exactly what that means.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Oh, I have the day off,
remember? I'm going to Boston.
But first, I'm going to have
you review Chef Peter Lou's
new brunch restaurant downtown.
Oh, okay.
What's in Boston?
I'm visiting Tommy.
I'm meeting his parents.
Ah, yes. And how is Tommy?
He's good.
He's good?
You had nicer things to say
about the cheese fries.
Whoo!
Blue eyes, don't you
make my heart surrender
Just a victim of
everything that you do
Oh-oh
Merry Christmas!
Thank you.
Hey. Merry Christmas!
Yep.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah.
Merry Christmas!
Okay.
Merry Christmas!
Good.
Merry Christmas!
You're the best around
The best around
The best around
The best around
A little more.
A little more. A little more.
Hey, Sheryl, let's try more,
and then go a little more
when more is too much,
'cause, you know...
I can't wait for tonight.
I've been thinking about that
hot chocolate for 11 months.
I mean, me too.
Rudy, are you excited
about the hot chocolate too?
Rudy doesn't like
hot chocolate.
Steve.
Rudy, can you please
just say Mayor Hanks?
I'm performing an official duty.
I will never call you
Mayor Hanks, and look, it's not
that I hate the hot chocolate.
I just,
the line's always massive,
and I'm just, I'm not waiting
in line for anything anymore.
But that's my favorite part,
the anticipation
and the music and the people.
And this year, maybe,
some snow.
I bought a snow machine.
You got a snow machine
with taxpayer money?
Oh. Don't say it like that.
That makes it so...
This is exciting.
I want this town to have
a white Christmas.
It gets everybody in the spirit,
and you can use a little
Christmas spirit yourself, Rudy.
I bet it's because he misses
his wife,
Nora, you think that's it?
I bet that's it.
Of course that's it.
Rudy, sweetheart, there are
a lot of fish in the sea,
and the only way to catch one is
to keep your rod in the water.
Sheryl, do you have
any idea what you just said?
Yeah, that
came out weird, Sheryl.
Gosh, that's not
what I meant.
Hey.
Hey, babe.
Hi.
What's up, too?
Trying to get the place
ready for the weekend.
I'm pretty busy.
Now I'm on the phone.
Well, I'm excited
to meet your family.
Oh, yeah, look.
My parents, they're not really
into Christmas, so try not
to talk about it too much,
and maybe not wear so much
Christmas gear.
Okay, got it.
Don't be in a good mood.
No.
Look, I'm sorry
I'm being tense.
I just didn't get to work out
today, and the lady at the
coffee shop said I look 45.
You're 43. She was close.
It was insensitive.
And then I'm the one
that gets asked to leave
because I'm being too emotional.
Well, I'm sorry.
I think you look 35.
I think you look 35,
too, babe.
I am 35.
Okay. You hang up first.
Okay.
Well, I can't wait to see you.
Remember to bring
that avocado dish.
I already packed it.
Okay, in bubble wrap, right?
Yes.
Okay, good, because I got it
in Tijuana, Holly.
It's my guac dish, Holly.
I bubble wrapped it twice.
I duct-taped it.
It's got packing peanuts, Tommy.
I'm not going back
to Tijuana, Holly.
I'm not even allowed.
I'm staring at it, Tommy.
It's wrapped.
Can you take
a picture of the dish for me?
I...
Yes, I'll send the picture.
All right, all right.
Look, I got to go.
It's just stressing me out.
Hey, still haven't gotten
a pic of that dish.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
So this is our take on brunch.
You see, we prefer a healthier
version of the fluffy pancakes
and greasy bacon.
So here we have a charred and
flattened piece of asparagus.
Yeah.
Mm, balsamic
adds a nice note.
Yeah.
It's a little bit of sweet.
Who put this on?
I added it to the playlist.
I thought people would like it.
Nobody wants to hear
Christmas music, Claire.
Okay. Sorry.
Turn it off.
Totally.
Thank you.
I'm sorry about that. I hope
you brought your appetite.
I'm actually
very hungry, so...
Oh, well, guess what?
Scrambled quail eggs
with a question of chives.
A question?
Yes, you see, the flavor's
so subtle that it's not really
a hint of chives.
It's more of a question
of chives.
Like, was that chives?
And it is.
It's not. It's scallions,
which is fun, you know?
So I'll let you have at it.
Bay leaf. Very edible.
Stand up straight.
Stand up straight.
Sorry, we're out of
maple sausage.
Oh, it's okay.
I got some snacks
in the truck. Thank you.
What you looking at?
Just sports stuff.
Rudy. Rudy. Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Dale.
No. I said, Merry Christmas.
Right. Yeah. Merry Christmas.
Hello, everybody. Hello.
Hey, man.
How you doing?
Good.
Are you carrying these around
so people know you're the mayor?
No, you boob.
Yeah, you are.
I had a ribbon-cutting
ceremony at the new juice bar,
and I parked like three blocks
from here,
and I didn't want to walk.
Unbelievable.
You love the power, don't you?
You love it.
I get asked to cut ribbons
all the time. Banks, bakeries.
I cut the ribbon
at Dale's divorce settlement.
It did add a bit of fun
in the process.
I don't know, man.
I think you just want people
to know you're the mayor.
People would know I was
the mayor without the scissors.
Oh, yeah? Excuse me, miss.
Do you know who this is?
Yeah, you're the guy that
used all the taxpayer dollars
for your driveway, right?
What?
I don't even have a driveway.
I just bought a townhome.
Who paid for that?
Oh, my God. Are you kidding?
Everybody's saying it.
This is the rumor
going around.
I better nip this in the bud.
Let's talk about
something else,
because I do have very big news.
Pine Falls is in the running for
best Christmas town in the US.
The winner is going
to be featured on Mornings
with America.
Oh, boy, that is something.
Oh, boy,
it is something, Dale.
Well, Merry Christmas, Steve.
Merry Christmas, Dale,
but also,
that's the end of this.
Rudy, this is a big deal.
We get featured
on national television.
That's massive for tourism.
So you got to vote online.
Yeah, I totally will.
I'd just love to see
the other towns first.
Are these vacation homes
or real homes?
Vacation homes are
real homes, Steve.
You're moving.
Come on.
What the heck
are you doing that for?
I'm not moving yet.
Does Deb know? Does Deb know?
Hey, stop putting those
scissors at me, and no,
my mother does not know yet.
Okay?
Hey, hey, Steve,
stop running with fake scissors.
These are real scissors,
Rudy.
Chef Peter Lou's new French
restaurant is fantastic
if you don't like eating food.
Chef Peter Lou's new French
restaurant is wonderful
if you like portions
the size of American change.
Food that makes you feel
like a tiny baby mouse.
A question of chives.
Love it, 10 out of 10.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleight.
I wish there was
another option, Deb.
So, I want to get this right.
I don't have any money.
No. No, no, no.
You owe a lot of money,
more than you have, so no money
would be a good thing.
Mariel, can you put
two green bowls on the bottom
left to balance that?
We're off just a hair there.
You got it.
I can't put this place up
for sale until New Year's.
What if you open
the restaurant back up?
Ugh.
I mean, technically this
is a bed and breakfast,
and some people may wonder
where the breakfast is.
We have muffins, and that
was my husband's restaurant
and no one else's.
I understand.
But it really would sell better
if it was
for sale during the holidays.
You know, really
sell that feeling.
All right,
I'll think about it.
Everything all right?
Yeah, I think so.
Hey, Steve.
Oh, oh.
Hey, Mom.
Hi, sweetie.
Everybody.
Do you need me to call
an ambulance, Steve?
No, I'm just out of breath.
Hey, he's moving.
What are you talking about?
No.
Is he serious?
Yes, I've been looking
into houses at South Carolina.
You're going to move
somewhere where it doesn't snow?
My plan was to wait until
after Christmas to tell you,
but I'm going to be
closer to Stephanie
when she's going to college.
Okay, maybe
you're just upset.
We're going to figure this out.
Maybe you're stressed.
You can't move away from here.
I mean, where are you
going to find this?
I don't want to
find this, Mom.
I want to move away from this.
Maybe you just need a girl.
Rudy, it's been 10 years.
Yeah, I know, and it's not
getting any easier.
I've tried. I've tried to put on
a happy face every year.
I've tried to date,
but there's just no one.
There's no one like Nora.
You have to stop
looking for her. She's gone.
But there could be
so many other people out there
looking for you.
Yeah, idiots.
Oh, shh.
Look, I made up my mind
about this. Okay?
I gotta get back to work.
Rudy, there's
somebody out there for you,
and they're lost, too.
Yes, I will take a cup
of coffee, anybody.
We wish you a merry
Christmas,
we wish you a merry Christmas,
we wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year.
Turn left.
Bonus fry.
How'd you get away from me.
Turn left.
Come here. Almost gotcha. Ha.
Turn left now.
There you go.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, how you doing?
Good, how you doing?
Two hot dogs, please.
You mean two Christmas dogs?
What's the difference?
Between what?
Two Christmas dogs, please.
Do you want Christmas ketchup
or Christmas mustard?
Ohh.
Oh.
Hi. Sorry.
I crashed my car in the woods,
and I can't find my phone,
and I could really
use some help.
Okay.
I'm Holly, by the way.
Rudy.
That hot dog looks awesome.
Oh, I was told these
are Christmas dogs. Yeah.
Do you want one?
Yes, I do.
You're a food critic?
Yeah.
It's harder than you think.
You know, I mean,
this hot dog, for example,
could you give it a review?
Me?
Sure. This hot dog is hot.
I don't know. What would you do?
In a country that basically
salutes the hot dog,
it's hard to stand out,
but Chef Rudy's inspired take
on this classic dish elevates it
to something more meaningful.
The prime ground pork,
bathed in salty brine
explodes with flavor,
and the zigzag pattern
of ketchup and mustard
gives this dog a flavor profile
that lingers long
after the last bite.
Wow.
I know I've already eaten
a hot dog, but I immediately
want another hot dog after this.
High praise.
Yes.
It's green.
Yeah.
There it is.
Sorry.
Not your fault.
Could I maybe borrow your phone
to call an Uber?
Oh, yeah, sure.
You know the number?
Is there like a hotel
in town?
No hotels.
But... There's this one place.
Great.
Mariel, you did a great job.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, it's beautiful.
Did the green balls
go in the right spot?
Yeah, no, see,
it balanced out really well.
Well, that was quick.
Mom, please.
This is your mom?
Stop. Stop it. stop it.
She broke down, she's going
to need a place to stay.
Oh, that's too bad.
Well, you came
to the right place.
This is great.
I'll get a room ready for you.
What is your name, hon?
Holly.
Oh.
Rudy, where'd you find her?
Oh, the woods, actually.
In the woods?
That's great. Mariel,
you got to buy some hiking gear.
Could I just borrow
your phone really quick?
We have one of those.
Rudy, show her where the...
It's in the kitchen.
Don't forget to dial out.
She doesn't have to dial out.
Oh, did they change that?
Yeah.
Yeah, they did
that last week.
No, they didn't.
They still have to dial out.
I don't think
you have to dial out anymore.
It's just a basic landline.
Yeah, we can kind of...
Oh, landline.
Dial nine first.
I'll show you the phone.
Okay.
Yeah.
Nice to meet you, Holly.
Nice to meet you as well.
Yeah?
Hey, it's me.
Where are you?
You said you'd be here by now.
I got into a little accident.
Oh, my God!
Did my dish break?
Did it break, Holly?
And... Are you okay too?
Yeah, I'm fine, you know.
Car is totally banged up.
My phone is now crushed.
But your dish is fine.
And I will be there tomorrow
night,
just in time for your parents.
Okay. Just don't be late.
My parents are kind
of serious people. Okay?
You got it.
Okay. All right.
Around to third.
Over to second...
Oh, it's fine.
This is a nice place.
Yeah. Wait, is...
Is this your restaurant?
Oh, no, no. It's my dad's.
It was my dad's.
Yeah, amazing chef. Yeah.
This place closed after he died.
Now it's less of a bed
and breakfast and more of a bed
and assortment of muffins.
Hey, I really appreciate
everything.
Oh, yeah.
It's rare we get new people
around here, so happy to help.
Oh, my gosh.
I totally forgot to pay you.
No, no, no, it's fine.
I have to pay you something.
No, no. Please.
I know what it's like to be
in a bind. It's okay. Really.
Well, that's
really nice of you.
Yeah.
So I'll swing by tomorrow to
take you to the auto body shop.
My buddy should have you
out of here in no time.
Thanks, Rudy.
Yeah. Sure thing.
Oh.
Oh. Do...
Do you like fireplaces?
Yeah.
Yeah, me too. You know,
especially when it's like cold
and it's just the fireplace.
Makes it warm.
Yes, yes. Yes, it does.
Oh, thank God.
Your room is ready.
Number two. Here we go.
Thanks.
Great. Good night, Holly.
Good night, Rudy.
Good night, son.
Right this way.
Number two, honey. Come on.
Here we are.
You make yourself right at home.
Thank you. Lovely.
Good, yeah.
So Rudy tells me
you are a food critic.
Yeah, that's something.
You should do a review
of the hot chocolate stand.
It's magical.
Maybe next year.
I have to leave pretty early
in the morning.
Meeting my boyfriend's parents.
Boyfriend.
Oh, here comes the man
in love. Look at that saunter.
Deb called me right away.
Emily sounds perfect.
It's Holly.
Even better,
I love that name.
Wait. Is that Rudy?
Oh, yeah, that's my Rudy.
Yeah. He and his dad would stand
in that hot chocolate line every
single night during Christmas.
Man.
My husband died right before
Rudy and Nora were married.
When she passed away,
he never took another sip and
never stood in that line again.
She's just somebody
who broke down, so I helped her.
I was doing my job.
You know, I think
she broke down right here.
Right in your heart, Rudy.
He seems like a good guy.
He is. And he's single.
Oh, I'm not single.
Remember I said I was meeting
my boyfriend's parents?
Vaguely. Yeah.
I like this.
I like her for you.
You look vigorous.
You got a smile on your face.
I haven't seen that in a decade.
Well, you have a good night.
Call down the front desk
if you need anything at all.
Okay.
Or if you happen to break up
with your boyfriend.
What?
Nothing. Good night.
Hey, you know what I think?
I think you're Pine Falling
for her.
That's the name of the town!
Hey, I only have like 15 minutes
to write this.
Okay.
And frankly,
I think you're required to laugh
at the jokes your mayor makes.
Fireplace. Awesome.
Yeah.
I could stay here forever.
Maybe you should.
Oh. Oh, no. I can't.
Oh, no, I was just...
I was just kidding.
You should probably go or stay.
The king of small
talk returns.
You want to ride to the shop?
Sure.
Monday?
Yeah.
Ugh.
I'm sorry.
It's just hard to get parts
like that on a Saturday.
It's okay. I'm supposed to be
in Boston tonight
visiting my boyfriend's parents.
You want a candy cane?
I feel like it always helps
with the bad news.
Sure.
Pick you up!
It's over an hour that way
and an hour back!
I don't know
how else I would get there.
Did she say boyfriend?
Steve told me you guys
were together.
What?
Yeah, he said you guys
fell in love or something.
I'm going to be outside.
This boyfriend is really
going to throw a monkey
wrench into things.
Uber?
They don't
really have that here.
Lyft?
Also no.
Uber Eats.
How would that even work?
I don't know,
you're the food critic!
Look...
You made me
swallow my toothpaste.
Look, my parents are going to be
really upset about this.
I can still be there Monday.
Fine. I'll see you Monday.
Well, looks like
I'm stuck here.
You know, I can
give you a ride.
No, that's okay.
Actually, could I bum a ride
back to the bed and breakfast?
Yeah, sure thing.
It's actually not
the worst town to be stuck in.
Oh yeah?
Yeah. People are nice.
It's really festive,
if you like that kind of thing.
It's safe. I don't know
if that bear eats strangers.
Oh, sorry.
Hey, Missile Towing.
Oh, hey, darlin'. Yeah? Okay.
Everything bagel? Check. Uh-huh.
Cream cheese. Right. Toasted.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
It's my daughter.
Daughter?
You seem surprised.
I am a little, to be honest.
You just... you struck me
as a guy who lives with two
big dogs with old man names.
Like Bert and Coffee.
I can see that. But no.
Her name's Stephanie. She's 17.
She's very, very cool.
She's also really
nice and smart.
So, you know,
usually I spend most of my days
feeling a mix of dumb and proud.
Yeah. Those are great
dog names, by the way.
Yeah.
Also, did you say the name of
the company was Missile Towing?
That's so cute.
Oh, no, no.
It's like missile, like...
It's because I get there fast
and, you know,
missiles are pretty awesome.
But it gets a little
confusing around Christmas,
but the rest of the year,
it's pretty cool.
What? You don't think missiles
are cool?
No, no, no. I think missiles
are super cool, Rudy.
So...
you want to get a bagel?
Another finalist for Best
Christmas Town in America
is Pine Falls.
This cozy little town outside
of Boston has big holiday spirit
and a delicious hot chocolate
the locals can't stop
raving about.
To find out the winner,
tune in this Monday on Mornings
with America.
Stephanie?
Hi.
Hi, I'm Holly.
It's nice to meet you.
Are you guys, like,
is this a thing or...
Oh, haha, no.
She's a drifter.
My car broke down last night
and your dad and grandma
helped me out.
Yeah, that sounds
about right.
Have you had that chocolate yet?
No.
Man, this is hot chocolate
is the talk of the town.
Oh, my God,
it'll change your life.
Maybe she could try it
next year or a year after that,
or who knows, maybe Holly
will never come back.
Nice dad.
You look all dressed up.
You heading out?
Yeah, dad, it's the Bonanza Cup.
Oh, that's tonight?
Bonanza Cup?
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's a Skee-Ball tournament
at Mel's Lodge,
like everybody in town goes.
Oh, my gosh, I love
Skee-Ball.
You do?
Yeah.
Oh my God.
Excuse me.
Oh. Missile Towing.
Hey, Rudy, guess what?
I found the part
for that lady's car.
Oh.
She's good to go.
The car's ready.
Okay, great.
It was right here in the shop
the whole time. It must have
been here for years.
I walked by it, like, every day.
Funny, isn't it?
Yeah, yeah, I'll tell her.
All right, talk to you later.
Bye-bye.
I got some bad news
about your brakes.
Is everything okay?
Yeah. So Skee-Ball?
Yes!
Oh!
I mean,
clearly she's cheating.
Okay.
By being better than you.
Has anyone tested the weight
of these balls? What's the date
of the last inspection?
Hey!
Whoa, that's you?
Yeah.
You have, like,
over 200,000 followers?
You gotta review
the hot chocolate stand.
Oh.
Yeah.
That would be huge
for this town.
Soon to be number one
Christmas town in the US.
Wait, on Mornings
with America?
Yes!
And a producer just called me.
He said,
start getting the stuff ready.
So it's so exciting.
I gotta go sit down.
He's a sweetheart.
Yeah.
So Philadelphia, huh?
Mm-hmm.
That's gotta be pretty cool.
Oh, it is.
I mean, but this...
This is incredible.
Yeah.
Feels like I visited
Christmas.
Yeah. You know, Pine Falls
is without a doubt the best
place on Earth for Christmas.
Mm-hmm.
You know, my dad
just seems to be the only one
who doesn't think so. You know?
I'm beginning to
get that impression.
Yeah. Well, you should
see him the rest of the year.
He's like a barrel of fun
11 months out of the year.
You should see our house
at Halloween. It is decorated
like you would not even believe.
But, you know,
when Christmas comes around,
he's just not there.
I never knew my dad.
He left when I was young.
But my mom was incredible.
She used to have to work
double shifts at the department
store every Christmas,
because, I mean, no one else
wanted to, obviously.
And since we couldn't afford
a sitter, I basically lived
at the mall every year.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
That actually sounds
kind of awesome.
It was.
Yeah.
I mean, and she knew
everybody there.
So I would just go from store
to store to store all day long.
I mean, Christmas music
blasting 24-7.
Yeah.
And everyone there was just
so bright and happy and cheerful
and filled with
the Christmas spirit.
But the best part out of all of
this was that I got to spend
all that time with my mom.
And for someone who had
to work pretty much non-stop
on Christmas,
I truly did love it.
Seems like a great dad.
Yeah, the best.
Let's see if we can't shake
a little spirit out of him.
Yeah.
Let's go.
What?
I think they're
making fun of you.
Anyway, back to my point,
I'm not corrupt.
What?
You're in the championship.
I am?
Yeah.
Who am I playing? Oh, no.
Let's skate.
Oh, boy.
Yes!
Okay.
I'm the best. I'm the best.
Oh! In your face!
Yeah, yeah.
So you got one ball left.
All right. You need 50 points.
He needs 10. So if you just sink
the 50, you're good.
I could get 50 with one ball.
You got it. It's actually
extremely difficult.
You got it.
Holly.
Yeah! Oh yeah! Boom!
Yeah.
Do you know where I would love
to go right now?
Where?
I'm excited
for this hot chocolate.
Just one?
Everybody! I just got
off the phone with the producer
from Mornings with America
and he said to expect
a very big call tomorrow.
That's awesome.
I mean, it's great.
No, it's not definite.
But it's definitely a probably.
Okay.
It's huge!
That's awesome. Yeah.
What a wonderful
thing you all have here.
I mean, it's like a line full of
people who actually enjoy being
in a line full of people.
They do.
Sheryl here hasn't missed
a Sunday since Dave's mom
opened the place.
Isn't that right, Sheryl?
That's right.
Bob and I are here every Sunday.
We love it.
Dale, you met your wife here.
Oh, oh, yeah. The new one.
Not the divorced one.
No, the divorced one...
Hey, you're still here.
Well, yeah. You have my car.
Oh! No, you know, I just...
What?
Oh, look, I think we're up.
You got it. Bye.
Sorry, folks. We're all out.
You've got to be kidding me.
That's how it works.
When he's out...
He's out.
What is it
about this hot chocolate
that makes it so special?
Well, I'd like to think that
it's the chocolate that I use,
or maybe it's the anticipation
of Christmas in the air
or the spirit of the crowd
waiting in line. Who knows?
One thing I can tell you for
sure, like my mother before me,
every cup of hot chocolate
has a secret ingredient.
The secret ingredient is love.
You see, because no cup
is truly enjoyed,
unless it's served
in the presence of love.
You folks have a good evening,
and maybe I'll see you
in a while.
Now I want hot chocolate.
This is for you.
Thank you.
You bet.
It will be ready
in just a sec, okay?
Got it. Okay.
Your mom was beautiful.
Yeah, she was.
You know, it's funny.
The same reason that he hates
Christmas is kind of the reason
I love it.
You know, I was so young when
she died that I only have, like,
these short memories of her.
You know, like,
like flashes of happiness.
They were always,
always around Christmas.
And every year, like, out of
nowhere, a new memory pops up.
That's why I love Christmas.
Because once in a while,
she comes back.
But, you know,
dad on the other hand,
well, he kind of disappears.
Second dinner is ready.
Wow. Look at the knife skills
on Rudy.
Yeah, my dad taught me
how to cook. You still haven't
watched me make anything.
Now I'm a master grill
cheese maker.
Listen, you'd be surprised
how the simplest recipes...
Whoa! That's not just
any grilled cheese.
No, it's not.
It's grilled brie with cranberry
chutney and thyme.
Stephanie's favorite.
Speaking of...
I'm going to bed.
Okay, good night.
I'm not kidding, Rudy.
This is really
something special.
Maybe next time I'm in town,
I can review your all grilled
cheese restaurant.
Next time?
Well, I think that sounds nice.
Maybe we can chitchat more
about fireplaces.
I'm not sure how your boyfriend
would feel about that.
Yeah.
Yikes. Sorry. Really.
Whoa, I'm no good at this, am I?
No, you are not.
Not great.
It's okay, really.
It suits you.
It's charming in its own way.
Oh, good.
You know, it's been
really nice breaking down here.
Yeah.
Best Christmas in a while.
Hey, can I crash on your couch?
Well, don't crash.
I'll have to tow you
out of there. Oh, boy.
It's getting worse, isn't it?
Right, okay. Stupid.
It's okay.
Merry Christmas.
For sale?
Yep. I made up my mind.
I wanted to wait,
but my financial guy said
I'd get more money for it if
I put it up during the holidays,
so I'm going to do it?
Mom, this place has been
in our family for 50 years.
Yeah, yeah, I know that.
You know, what do you care
anyway? You're moving, right?
What if I didn't?
I don't know, mom.
I'm on the fence.
Is it that girl, maybe?
No.
Maybe. I don't know. All I know
is you can't sell this place.
I can't make the money
up here, okay?
Well, why don't you open
the restaurant back up?
I don't know how to run
a restaurant.
Besides, that was your father's
restaurant.
We made a million memories
in that place.
You were just a little kid.
You'd stand there and you'd
watch him cook in that kitchen.
I'm not going to let some
schmuck come in off the street
and turn it into something else.
I won't do it.
Who's living in the past now?
The difference is I've tried.
Rudy, you gave up. I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.
No, you're right. Sell it.
I'm moving.
This one's my favorite.
You have to come see it.
He's so smart.
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
Oh, my God.
You okay?
Grandma Deb's selling the bed
and breakfast.
Can I ask you just...
What are we doing?
Right? What is this?
We're just killing time
until the car's fixed.
Yeah, here's the thing.
Your car's already fixed.
Really?
Yeah, it was ready yesterday
before we went to Skee-Ball.
Darryl called me. He told me
that the part was ready.
And you didn't tell me?
Well, I was going to.
I wanted to,
but we were having a good time
and I didn't want it to end.
Dad, that's
basically kidnapping.
No, well,
romantic kidnapping.
Okay, somehow
that sounds way worse.
Look, I just...
Last night was,
I had so much fun.
It was like the most fun
I've had in years.
I mean, I had
so much fun too.
That's the thing, right?
I mean, the truth is,
it's all going to end, right?
And we're going to get hurt.
And at the end of the day,
you got a boyfriend still.
And I'm moving anyway.
What? You're moving where?
I've been looking at houses
in South Carolina. I was waiting
for the right time to tell you.
So you just decided to lump
that in with the whole
like kidnapping thing?
Would you please stop
saying that?
I'm sorry, I lied to you.
You're a really great person,
but whatever this is,
it's over, right?
Yeah.
Of course.
Right.
That would be crazy, right?
Yeah, I'm glad
we're on the same page.
Of course, yeah.
I mean, not that I didn't...
No, and me too.
Of course, I can't.
Sure.
Yeah.
Well, I should go
pick up my car.
Right.
Bye, Stephanie.
Bye.
It was so good meeting you.
Yeah, you too.
We had a fun time.
Yeah.
You know, with meeting
you and, uh...
Sorry.
Yeah.
Okay. Best of...
Good, safe travels to you.
Really?
Thanks, Rudy.
Hey.
I think you have something
really special here, Rudy. Bye.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about the moving thing earlier.
Um...
I'm just going to go for a walk.
This is the one,
this is the one.
Mayor Hanks!
Ah, no, I get it. I get it.
Thank you for calling.
I really appreciate
your hospitality.
You are very welcome.
It's really been lovely
having you.
And I'm really sorry
you didn't get a chance
to try that hot chocolate.
Maybe next year.
Yeah, I hope so.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
Mom and I would walk by here
when I was little.
She said this is where I'd get
my dress for prom.
We'd just sit here and, like,
pick out which ones we wanted.
Yeah. Just remembered
that this morning.
She'd have been
so proud of you.
You know, Holly's nice.
And I think you guys
would be a good couple.
I just...
I can't picture myself
with anyone else.
I can't either.
I think we should try.
What would mom think?
You like bah-hum-bugging around.
You know, being miserable.
Not decorating.
I could help you
pick out a dress.
Yeah, right. Probably
make me wear sweatpants.
Well, they make
nice sweatpants.
Dad.
Mom would want you to be happy.
And I want you to be happy.
Oh, okay. Fine.
Where are you going?
Where are you going?
I'm going to find Holly.
Correction, we are going
to go find Holly.
Yeah. Yeah.
I think I'm going to come too.
Duh. You're driving.
Hey, Steve. You okay, bud?
We didn't win the Mornings
of America contest.
Oh. I'm sorry, pal.
They're going to give it
to some town in Connecticut
with like the oldest Santa Claus
or something.
I told everybody last night
we were a shoo-in.
It's pretty embarrassing.
Oh, Steve, I never see
you sad like this.
Well, I get sad a lot.
You know, everybody sees me
as this happy-go-lucky guy
with narrow
but muscular shoulders.
And sometimes I get sad enough
that I just want to run away.
You remember when I campaigned
against that guy two years ago
who just kept saying...
Don't trust a guy with a face
like a puppet.
Shades of that.
Anyway, I knew
I had to beat that guy.
I mean, no matter how sad
all those posters made me feel,
I had to stay
and fight for this town.
Because it matters to everyone
that you try.
Even if you fail, just the act
of trying can inspire others
to do the same.
And that's what this town needs.
And that's what I try to be for.
Where are you going?
I thought you were done.
I was wrapping up.
No, you sounded like you were
at the end,
like there's a period.
Pause isn't done.
Well...
We're going to get Holly.
Where's Holly?
Dad made her leave town.
You finally find a girl
and stop acting like a sad
donkey and you kick her out?
We're going to find her,
okay?
Well, then
I'm coming with you.
This is my favorite part
of every movie.
All right, here we go.
She left through the garage.
Okay, I'm going to find her.
Oh, also,
I'm buying the restaurant.
You are? Wait!
I'm coming too. This is good.
It's great. Let's go.
Double time.
I'm going to need my coat.
My winter coat's upstairs.
It's right there. That's a
perfectly good coat. Let's go.
That's a light jacket.
It's cold out.
This one's not very warm.
Give me this one.
Guys, I'm double
parked right now.
Put this arm down.
You're going to pull something.
Okay, there you go.
You're good enough.
80% is done. Let's do it.
Here we go. Here we go.
How many stop signs are there
in this town? A lot.
Steve, can you do something
about this?
You wouldn't believe the
amount of people that complain
about the lack of stop signs.
Yeah, okay.
If people in this town
had their way, it'd be nothing
but speed bumps and stop signs.
There's a sign right here.
Stop right in the back there.
All right, go ahead.
Get in there.
What are you doing?
I can't get
the seat belt off.
Somebody move the coat!
Somebody help! Come on!
You got to move.
I think you're sitting on it.
I told you to get
a new truck.
You're sitting on it.
Now move, move, move.
Watch your fingers.
I definitely loosened that.
You know,
I didn't vote for you, Steve.
[ Machinery whirring
I really thought that was
going to end differently.
Sorry, Rudy.
She was a sweet girl.
Son,
were you serious about reopening
your father's restaurant?
I was. I am.
All right, see you guys.
You know, I don't want
to point fingers as to why
we missed her, but...
Deb. Deb's why we missed her.
Hi.
Are you looking for Tommy?
No. Uh...
Could you just tell him Holly
stopped by and that it's over?
Oh, wait.
Could you not open the door,
please?
Tommy, so good to see you.
Holly, I can't believe
you're in town.
Right now.
Right here.
Oh man, it's great
to see you.
I brought your dish.
Oh, thank you so much.
You got it.
Bye.
You can't stay
in the car all night.
You want to get out? Yeah?
Yeah.
Why don't you just call her?
Never got her number.
You're so old.
Yeah, well, in my defense,
I ran over her phone, so there
wasn't really much point.
And yeah, I'm not really
much of a phone guy.
Oh yeah.
Hey, you want to watch
Love Actually?
Really?
Seriously, Love Actually?
Yeah, I always like that one.
My father, watching Love
Actually. Okay.
What?
Okay. You're like...
How do I put this gently?
A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Not like rom-com...
Don't even...
I'm changing it up.
Okay. Okay.
Let me change it up.
You want to get that?
Hello?
This is Missile Towing.
Oh no. Oh yeah.
Yeah, that sounds serious.
Okay, he'll be right over.
Someone broke down
on the town square.
All right.
Would it be okay
if I came with you?
Yeah, sure.
Okay.
Hey!
Get out! Go after her!
I thought you left.
Well, I couldn't leave town
without trying
the hot chocolate.
Wow.
Yeah, that's good.
Yes.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about your car.
I just... I was having
a good time with you
and I didn't want you to go
and it's... I know that's weird
and then I got weird and then...
I tried to come find you,
but you went to see
your boyfriend and I just...
I did.
Yeah.
And yeah, I left to go see
my ex-boyfriend.
Oh.
And it turned out
he had another girlfriend.
Darn it. That's...
I'm sorry, but that's...
It makes me smile a lot.
Look, I'm just glad I got
to see you again and tell you
that I had a really good time
with you and whatever this is,
it's kind of cool.
Well, I'd like to
tell you something then.
What's that?
I think I'm
Pine Falling for you.
Yikes.
Yeah?
Oh boy.
Yeah.
Oh boy.
Yeah. You know,
Steve told me to say that.
Okay, that tracks.
Thought it'd go better,
honestly.
But the sentiment.
Okay.
I think I'd like
to stick around. If that's okay.
Yeah, I'd like that.
I think I will too.
I'd like that.
Kiss her.
I'd like that.
You're crying?
Oh my God, Steve.
Good one, huh?
Yeah.
Oh!
Geez Louise, is this made
out of sea kelp?
I've been reviewing the
culinary world for years now.
High-end restaurants
and talented chefs.
And while I've enjoyed most
of them, I realized something
while standing in line on the
cheerful streets of Pine Falls.
Sometimes, the things that make
something special can't
be manufactured in a kitchen.
Looking pretty good in here,
Chef Rudy.
They have to be experienced.
They become special because of
shared moments
and ingredients that don't show
up in the written recipe.
Like joy, laughter,
and sometimes even love.
I'm not saying there's something
in the hot chocolate
at David's Hot Chocolate Stand.
I'm just saying drinking it
is a magical experience.
So if you find yourself
in Pine Falls, hop in line.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Ten out of ten.
Good morning, Pine Falls.
It's December 1st, and that
means crack open the attic
and dig out the garland.
It's officially Christmas.
Beautiful, yeah?
I don't know about you,
but after I decorated my house,
I'm heading down to Town Square
to snag a cup of the best hot
chocolate on earth.
See you in line, Pine Falls.
Hey, darling.
Morning, Dad.
What?
Merry Christmas!
It's December 1st, Stephanie.
Okay, well,
that's technically Christmas.
And I know you like hate
Christmas or whatever.
I don't sound like that.
But I'm going to be at a dorm
next year, so I thought I would,
like, decorate the whole place,
and you're just
going to love it.
Hmm, you taking bets on that?
Look, I know I ask this,
like, every year, but...
Nope.
Please. Look, I promise
I'll take care of it.
No.
And I'll clean up after it,
and I'll make sure it...
Forget it. You're not getting
a real Christmas tree.
Rock, paper, scissors.
And if I win, I get a real
Christmas tree.
Best of one?
Okay.
God, do you think
I want to do this?
You think I want to beat my
daughter that badly every time.
Yeah, I miss Mom, too,
you know.
But I think she would want us
to decorate for Christmas.
I'd give anything to know
what Mom wanted right now.
All right,
you can get a tree.
Yeah? Yay!
Not before December 15th.
How about the 5th?
15th!
Anything before that is nuts.
Merry Christmas.
Coming through?
Lady with a baby.
Merry Christmas.
Sorry.
Merry Christmas.
Holly.
Mrs. Marcus.
As of last weekend,
it's Ms. Marcus.
Oh, good for you.
Good for my salsa instructor.
Okay.
Holly, could you
turn your sweater off
for a minute, please?
Oh.
No, still not.
It's not working.
Just forget it.
I read your review about the
cheese fries for
McKeever's Tavern.
Oh, yeah, they're amazing.
You have to try them.
Holly, at Effie magazine,
we strive to be on the cutting
edge of culinary experience.
We don't review cheese fries.
Well, yeah, I know
we generally review
the higher end stuff,
but my social media
following loves when I review
the sort of everyday
comfort foods, you know,
local businesses and all.
Our customers don't like
everyday foods.
They like elite,
the seemingly unattainable.
With all due respect
to Mrs. Marcus.
Ms. Marcus.
Wouldn't you agree that just
because something's fancy
doesn't mean
that it's necessarily good?
To our subscribers,
that's exactly what that means.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Oh, I have the day off,
remember? I'm going to Boston.
But first, I'm going to have
you review Chef Peter Lou's
new brunch restaurant downtown.
Oh, okay.
What's in Boston?
I'm visiting Tommy.
I'm meeting his parents.
Ah, yes. And how is Tommy?
He's good.
He's good?
You had nicer things to say
about the cheese fries.
Whoo!
Blue eyes, don't you
make my heart surrender
Just a victim of
everything that you do
Oh-oh
Merry Christmas!
Thank you.
Hey. Merry Christmas!
Yep.
Merry Christmas!
Yeah.
Merry Christmas!
Okay.
Merry Christmas!
Good.
Merry Christmas!
You're the best around
The best around
The best around
The best around
A little more.
A little more. A little more.
Hey, Sheryl, let's try more,
and then go a little more
when more is too much,
'cause, you know...
I can't wait for tonight.
I've been thinking about that
hot chocolate for 11 months.
I mean, me too.
Rudy, are you excited
about the hot chocolate too?
Rudy doesn't like
hot chocolate.
Steve.
Rudy, can you please
just say Mayor Hanks?
I'm performing an official duty.
I will never call you
Mayor Hanks, and look, it's not
that I hate the hot chocolate.
I just,
the line's always massive,
and I'm just, I'm not waiting
in line for anything anymore.
But that's my favorite part,
the anticipation
and the music and the people.
And this year, maybe,
some snow.
I bought a snow machine.
You got a snow machine
with taxpayer money?
Oh. Don't say it like that.
That makes it so...
This is exciting.
I want this town to have
a white Christmas.
It gets everybody in the spirit,
and you can use a little
Christmas spirit yourself, Rudy.
I bet it's because he misses
his wife,
Nora, you think that's it?
I bet that's it.
Of course that's it.
Rudy, sweetheart, there are
a lot of fish in the sea,
and the only way to catch one is
to keep your rod in the water.
Sheryl, do you have
any idea what you just said?
Yeah, that
came out weird, Sheryl.
Gosh, that's not
what I meant.
Hey.
Hey, babe.
Hi.
What's up, too?
Trying to get the place
ready for the weekend.
I'm pretty busy.
Now I'm on the phone.
Well, I'm excited
to meet your family.
Oh, yeah, look.
My parents, they're not really
into Christmas, so try not
to talk about it too much,
and maybe not wear so much
Christmas gear.
Okay, got it.
Don't be in a good mood.
No.
Look, I'm sorry
I'm being tense.
I just didn't get to work out
today, and the lady at the
coffee shop said I look 45.
You're 43. She was close.
It was insensitive.
And then I'm the one
that gets asked to leave
because I'm being too emotional.
Well, I'm sorry.
I think you look 35.
I think you look 35,
too, babe.
I am 35.
Okay. You hang up first.
Okay.
Well, I can't wait to see you.
Remember to bring
that avocado dish.
I already packed it.
Okay, in bubble wrap, right?
Yes.
Okay, good, because I got it
in Tijuana, Holly.
It's my guac dish, Holly.
I bubble wrapped it twice.
I duct-taped it.
It's got packing peanuts, Tommy.
I'm not going back
to Tijuana, Holly.
I'm not even allowed.
I'm staring at it, Tommy.
It's wrapped.
Can you take
a picture of the dish for me?
I...
Yes, I'll send the picture.
All right, all right.
Look, I got to go.
It's just stressing me out.
Hey, still haven't gotten
a pic of that dish.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
So this is our take on brunch.
You see, we prefer a healthier
version of the fluffy pancakes
and greasy bacon.
So here we have a charred and
flattened piece of asparagus.
Yeah.
Mm, balsamic
adds a nice note.
Yeah.
It's a little bit of sweet.
Who put this on?
I added it to the playlist.
I thought people would like it.
Nobody wants to hear
Christmas music, Claire.
Okay. Sorry.
Turn it off.
Totally.
Thank you.
I'm sorry about that. I hope
you brought your appetite.
I'm actually
very hungry, so...
Oh, well, guess what?
Scrambled quail eggs
with a question of chives.
A question?
Yes, you see, the flavor's
so subtle that it's not really
a hint of chives.
It's more of a question
of chives.
Like, was that chives?
And it is.
It's not. It's scallions,
which is fun, you know?
So I'll let you have at it.
Bay leaf. Very edible.
Stand up straight.
Stand up straight.
Sorry, we're out of
maple sausage.
Oh, it's okay.
I got some snacks
in the truck. Thank you.
What you looking at?
Just sports stuff.
Rudy. Rudy. Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Dale.
No. I said, Merry Christmas.
Right. Yeah. Merry Christmas.
Hello, everybody. Hello.
Hey, man.
How you doing?
Good.
Are you carrying these around
so people know you're the mayor?
No, you boob.
Yeah, you are.
I had a ribbon-cutting
ceremony at the new juice bar,
and I parked like three blocks
from here,
and I didn't want to walk.
Unbelievable.
You love the power, don't you?
You love it.
I get asked to cut ribbons
all the time. Banks, bakeries.
I cut the ribbon
at Dale's divorce settlement.
It did add a bit of fun
in the process.
I don't know, man.
I think you just want people
to know you're the mayor.
People would know I was
the mayor without the scissors.
Oh, yeah? Excuse me, miss.
Do you know who this is?
Yeah, you're the guy that
used all the taxpayer dollars
for your driveway, right?
What?
I don't even have a driveway.
I just bought a townhome.
Who paid for that?
Oh, my God. Are you kidding?
Everybody's saying it.
This is the rumor
going around.
I better nip this in the bud.
Let's talk about
something else,
because I do have very big news.
Pine Falls is in the running for
best Christmas town in the US.
The winner is going
to be featured on Mornings
with America.
Oh, boy, that is something.
Oh, boy,
it is something, Dale.
Well, Merry Christmas, Steve.
Merry Christmas, Dale,
but also,
that's the end of this.
Rudy, this is a big deal.
We get featured
on national television.
That's massive for tourism.
So you got to vote online.
Yeah, I totally will.
I'd just love to see
the other towns first.
Are these vacation homes
or real homes?
Vacation homes are
real homes, Steve.
You're moving.
Come on.
What the heck
are you doing that for?
I'm not moving yet.
Does Deb know? Does Deb know?
Hey, stop putting those
scissors at me, and no,
my mother does not know yet.
Okay?
Hey, hey, Steve,
stop running with fake scissors.
These are real scissors,
Rudy.
Chef Peter Lou's new French
restaurant is fantastic
if you don't like eating food.
Chef Peter Lou's new French
restaurant is wonderful
if you like portions
the size of American change.
Food that makes you feel
like a tiny baby mouse.
A question of chives.
Love it, 10 out of 10.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way.
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleight.
I wish there was
another option, Deb.
So, I want to get this right.
I don't have any money.
No. No, no, no.
You owe a lot of money,
more than you have, so no money
would be a good thing.
Mariel, can you put
two green bowls on the bottom
left to balance that?
We're off just a hair there.
You got it.
I can't put this place up
for sale until New Year's.
What if you open
the restaurant back up?
Ugh.
I mean, technically this
is a bed and breakfast,
and some people may wonder
where the breakfast is.
We have muffins, and that
was my husband's restaurant
and no one else's.
I understand.
But it really would sell better
if it was
for sale during the holidays.
You know, really
sell that feeling.
All right,
I'll think about it.
Everything all right?
Yeah, I think so.
Hey, Steve.
Oh, oh.
Hey, Mom.
Hi, sweetie.
Everybody.
Do you need me to call
an ambulance, Steve?
No, I'm just out of breath.
Hey, he's moving.
What are you talking about?
No.
Is he serious?
Yes, I've been looking
into houses at South Carolina.
You're going to move
somewhere where it doesn't snow?
My plan was to wait until
after Christmas to tell you,
but I'm going to be
closer to Stephanie
when she's going to college.
Okay, maybe
you're just upset.
We're going to figure this out.
Maybe you're stressed.
You can't move away from here.
I mean, where are you
going to find this?
I don't want to
find this, Mom.
I want to move away from this.
Maybe you just need a girl.
Rudy, it's been 10 years.
Yeah, I know, and it's not
getting any easier.
I've tried. I've tried to put on
a happy face every year.
I've tried to date,
but there's just no one.
There's no one like Nora.
You have to stop
looking for her. She's gone.
But there could be
so many other people out there
looking for you.
Yeah, idiots.
Oh, shh.
Look, I made up my mind
about this. Okay?
I gotta get back to work.
Rudy, there's
somebody out there for you,
and they're lost, too.
Yes, I will take a cup
of coffee, anybody.
We wish you a merry
Christmas,
we wish you a merry Christmas,
we wish you a merry Christmas
and a happy new year.
Turn left.
Bonus fry.
How'd you get away from me.
Turn left.
Come here. Almost gotcha. Ha.
Turn left now.
There you go.
Merry Christmas.
Hey, how you doing?
Good, how you doing?
Two hot dogs, please.
You mean two Christmas dogs?
What's the difference?
Between what?
Two Christmas dogs, please.
Do you want Christmas ketchup
or Christmas mustard?
Ohh.
Oh.
Hi. Sorry.
I crashed my car in the woods,
and I can't find my phone,
and I could really
use some help.
Okay.
I'm Holly, by the way.
Rudy.
That hot dog looks awesome.
Oh, I was told these
are Christmas dogs. Yeah.
Do you want one?
Yes, I do.
You're a food critic?
Yeah.
It's harder than you think.
You know, I mean,
this hot dog, for example,
could you give it a review?
Me?
Sure. This hot dog is hot.
I don't know. What would you do?
In a country that basically
salutes the hot dog,
it's hard to stand out,
but Chef Rudy's inspired take
on this classic dish elevates it
to something more meaningful.
The prime ground pork,
bathed in salty brine
explodes with flavor,
and the zigzag pattern
of ketchup and mustard
gives this dog a flavor profile
that lingers long
after the last bite.
Wow.
I know I've already eaten
a hot dog, but I immediately
want another hot dog after this.
High praise.
Yes.
It's green.
Yeah.
There it is.
Sorry.
Not your fault.
Could I maybe borrow your phone
to call an Uber?
Oh, yeah, sure.
You know the number?
Is there like a hotel
in town?
No hotels.
But... There's this one place.
Great.
Mariel, you did a great job.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, it's beautiful.
Did the green balls
go in the right spot?
Yeah, no, see,
it balanced out really well.
Well, that was quick.
Mom, please.
This is your mom?
Stop. Stop it. stop it.
She broke down, she's going
to need a place to stay.
Oh, that's too bad.
Well, you came
to the right place.
This is great.
I'll get a room ready for you.
What is your name, hon?
Holly.
Oh.
Rudy, where'd you find her?
Oh, the woods, actually.
In the woods?
That's great. Mariel,
you got to buy some hiking gear.
Could I just borrow
your phone really quick?
We have one of those.
Rudy, show her where the...
It's in the kitchen.
Don't forget to dial out.
She doesn't have to dial out.
Oh, did they change that?
Yeah.
Yeah, they did
that last week.
No, they didn't.
They still have to dial out.
I don't think
you have to dial out anymore.
It's just a basic landline.
Yeah, we can kind of...
Oh, landline.
Dial nine first.
I'll show you the phone.
Okay.
Yeah.
Nice to meet you, Holly.
Nice to meet you as well.
Yeah?
Hey, it's me.
Where are you?
You said you'd be here by now.
I got into a little accident.
Oh, my God!
Did my dish break?
Did it break, Holly?
And... Are you okay too?
Yeah, I'm fine, you know.
Car is totally banged up.
My phone is now crushed.
But your dish is fine.
And I will be there tomorrow
night,
just in time for your parents.
Okay. Just don't be late.
My parents are kind
of serious people. Okay?
You got it.
Okay. All right.
Around to third.
Over to second...
Oh, it's fine.
This is a nice place.
Yeah. Wait, is...
Is this your restaurant?
Oh, no, no. It's my dad's.
It was my dad's.
Yeah, amazing chef. Yeah.
This place closed after he died.
Now it's less of a bed
and breakfast and more of a bed
and assortment of muffins.
Hey, I really appreciate
everything.
Oh, yeah.
It's rare we get new people
around here, so happy to help.
Oh, my gosh.
I totally forgot to pay you.
No, no, no, it's fine.
I have to pay you something.
No, no. Please.
I know what it's like to be
in a bind. It's okay. Really.
Well, that's
really nice of you.
Yeah.
So I'll swing by tomorrow to
take you to the auto body shop.
My buddy should have you
out of here in no time.
Thanks, Rudy.
Yeah. Sure thing.
Oh.
Oh. Do...
Do you like fireplaces?
Yeah.
Yeah, me too. You know,
especially when it's like cold
and it's just the fireplace.
Makes it warm.
Yes, yes. Yes, it does.
Oh, thank God.
Your room is ready.
Number two. Here we go.
Thanks.
Great. Good night, Holly.
Good night, Rudy.
Good night, son.
Right this way.
Number two, honey. Come on.
Here we are.
You make yourself right at home.
Thank you. Lovely.
Good, yeah.
So Rudy tells me
you are a food critic.
Yeah, that's something.
You should do a review
of the hot chocolate stand.
It's magical.
Maybe next year.
I have to leave pretty early
in the morning.
Meeting my boyfriend's parents.
Boyfriend.
Oh, here comes the man
in love. Look at that saunter.
Deb called me right away.
Emily sounds perfect.
It's Holly.
Even better,
I love that name.
Wait. Is that Rudy?
Oh, yeah, that's my Rudy.
Yeah. He and his dad would stand
in that hot chocolate line every
single night during Christmas.
Man.
My husband died right before
Rudy and Nora were married.
When she passed away,
he never took another sip and
never stood in that line again.
She's just somebody
who broke down, so I helped her.
I was doing my job.
You know, I think
she broke down right here.
Right in your heart, Rudy.
He seems like a good guy.
He is. And he's single.
Oh, I'm not single.
Remember I said I was meeting
my boyfriend's parents?
Vaguely. Yeah.
I like this.
I like her for you.
You look vigorous.
You got a smile on your face.
I haven't seen that in a decade.
Well, you have a good night.
Call down the front desk
if you need anything at all.
Okay.
Or if you happen to break up
with your boyfriend.
What?
Nothing. Good night.
Hey, you know what I think?
I think you're Pine Falling
for her.
That's the name of the town!
Hey, I only have like 15 minutes
to write this.
Okay.
And frankly,
I think you're required to laugh
at the jokes your mayor makes.
Fireplace. Awesome.
Yeah.
I could stay here forever.
Maybe you should.
Oh. Oh, no. I can't.
Oh, no, I was just...
I was just kidding.
You should probably go or stay.
The king of small
talk returns.
You want to ride to the shop?
Sure.
Monday?
Yeah.
Ugh.
I'm sorry.
It's just hard to get parts
like that on a Saturday.
It's okay. I'm supposed to be
in Boston tonight
visiting my boyfriend's parents.
You want a candy cane?
I feel like it always helps
with the bad news.
Sure.
Pick you up!
It's over an hour that way
and an hour back!
I don't know
how else I would get there.
Did she say boyfriend?
Steve told me you guys
were together.
What?
Yeah, he said you guys
fell in love or something.
I'm going to be outside.
This boyfriend is really
going to throw a monkey
wrench into things.
Uber?
They don't
really have that here.
Lyft?
Also no.
Uber Eats.
How would that even work?
I don't know,
you're the food critic!
Look...
You made me
swallow my toothpaste.
Look, my parents are going to be
really upset about this.
I can still be there Monday.
Fine. I'll see you Monday.
Well, looks like
I'm stuck here.
You know, I can
give you a ride.
No, that's okay.
Actually, could I bum a ride
back to the bed and breakfast?
Yeah, sure thing.
It's actually not
the worst town to be stuck in.
Oh yeah?
Yeah. People are nice.
It's really festive,
if you like that kind of thing.
It's safe. I don't know
if that bear eats strangers.
Oh, sorry.
Hey, Missile Towing.
Oh, hey, darlin'. Yeah? Okay.
Everything bagel? Check. Uh-huh.
Cream cheese. Right. Toasted.
Okay, I'll see you soon.
It's my daughter.
Daughter?
You seem surprised.
I am a little, to be honest.
You just... you struck me
as a guy who lives with two
big dogs with old man names.
Like Bert and Coffee.
I can see that. But no.
Her name's Stephanie. She's 17.
She's very, very cool.
She's also really
nice and smart.
So, you know,
usually I spend most of my days
feeling a mix of dumb and proud.
Yeah. Those are great
dog names, by the way.
Yeah.
Also, did you say the name of
the company was Missile Towing?
That's so cute.
Oh, no, no.
It's like missile, like...
It's because I get there fast
and, you know,
missiles are pretty awesome.
But it gets a little
confusing around Christmas,
but the rest of the year,
it's pretty cool.
What? You don't think missiles
are cool?
No, no, no. I think missiles
are super cool, Rudy.
So...
you want to get a bagel?
Another finalist for Best
Christmas Town in America
is Pine Falls.
This cozy little town outside
of Boston has big holiday spirit
and a delicious hot chocolate
the locals can't stop
raving about.
To find out the winner,
tune in this Monday on Mornings
with America.
Stephanie?
Hi.
Hi, I'm Holly.
It's nice to meet you.
Are you guys, like,
is this a thing or...
Oh, haha, no.
She's a drifter.
My car broke down last night
and your dad and grandma
helped me out.
Yeah, that sounds
about right.
Have you had that chocolate yet?
No.
Man, this is hot chocolate
is the talk of the town.
Oh, my God,
it'll change your life.
Maybe she could try it
next year or a year after that,
or who knows, maybe Holly
will never come back.
Nice dad.
You look all dressed up.
You heading out?
Yeah, dad, it's the Bonanza Cup.
Oh, that's tonight?
Bonanza Cup?
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
It's a Skee-Ball tournament
at Mel's Lodge,
like everybody in town goes.
Oh, my gosh, I love
Skee-Ball.
You do?
Yeah.
Oh my God.
Excuse me.
Oh. Missile Towing.
Hey, Rudy, guess what?
I found the part
for that lady's car.
Oh.
She's good to go.
The car's ready.
Okay, great.
It was right here in the shop
the whole time. It must have
been here for years.
I walked by it, like, every day.
Funny, isn't it?
Yeah, yeah, I'll tell her.
All right, talk to you later.
Bye-bye.
I got some bad news
about your brakes.
Is everything okay?
Yeah. So Skee-Ball?
Yes!
Oh!
I mean,
clearly she's cheating.
Okay.
By being better than you.
Has anyone tested the weight
of these balls? What's the date
of the last inspection?
Hey!
Whoa, that's you?
Yeah.
You have, like,
over 200,000 followers?
You gotta review
the hot chocolate stand.
Oh.
Yeah.
That would be huge
for this town.
Soon to be number one
Christmas town in the US.
Wait, on Mornings
with America?
Yes!
And a producer just called me.
He said,
start getting the stuff ready.
So it's so exciting.
I gotta go sit down.
He's a sweetheart.
Yeah.
So Philadelphia, huh?
Mm-hmm.
That's gotta be pretty cool.
Oh, it is.
I mean, but this...
This is incredible.
Yeah.
Feels like I visited
Christmas.
Yeah. You know, Pine Falls
is without a doubt the best
place on Earth for Christmas.
Mm-hmm.
You know, my dad
just seems to be the only one
who doesn't think so. You know?
I'm beginning to
get that impression.
Yeah. Well, you should
see him the rest of the year.
He's like a barrel of fun
11 months out of the year.
You should see our house
at Halloween. It is decorated
like you would not even believe.
But, you know,
when Christmas comes around,
he's just not there.
I never knew my dad.
He left when I was young.
But my mom was incredible.
She used to have to work
double shifts at the department
store every Christmas,
because, I mean, no one else
wanted to, obviously.
And since we couldn't afford
a sitter, I basically lived
at the mall every year.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
That actually sounds
kind of awesome.
It was.
Yeah.
I mean, and she knew
everybody there.
So I would just go from store
to store to store all day long.
I mean, Christmas music
blasting 24-7.
Yeah.
And everyone there was just
so bright and happy and cheerful
and filled with
the Christmas spirit.
But the best part out of all of
this was that I got to spend
all that time with my mom.
And for someone who had
to work pretty much non-stop
on Christmas,
I truly did love it.
Seems like a great dad.
Yeah, the best.
Let's see if we can't shake
a little spirit out of him.
Yeah.
Let's go.
What?
I think they're
making fun of you.
Anyway, back to my point,
I'm not corrupt.
What?
You're in the championship.
I am?
Yeah.
Who am I playing? Oh, no.
Let's skate.
Oh, boy.
Yes!
Okay.
I'm the best. I'm the best.
Oh! In your face!
Yeah, yeah.
So you got one ball left.
All right. You need 50 points.
He needs 10. So if you just sink
the 50, you're good.
I could get 50 with one ball.
You got it. It's actually
extremely difficult.
You got it.
Holly.
Yeah! Oh yeah! Boom!
Yeah.
Do you know where I would love
to go right now?
Where?
I'm excited
for this hot chocolate.
Just one?
Everybody! I just got
off the phone with the producer
from Mornings with America
and he said to expect
a very big call tomorrow.
That's awesome.
I mean, it's great.
No, it's not definite.
But it's definitely a probably.
Okay.
It's huge!
That's awesome. Yeah.
What a wonderful
thing you all have here.
I mean, it's like a line full of
people who actually enjoy being
in a line full of people.
They do.
Sheryl here hasn't missed
a Sunday since Dave's mom
opened the place.
Isn't that right, Sheryl?
That's right.
Bob and I are here every Sunday.
We love it.
Dale, you met your wife here.
Oh, oh, yeah. The new one.
Not the divorced one.
No, the divorced one...
Hey, you're still here.
Well, yeah. You have my car.
Oh! No, you know, I just...
What?
Oh, look, I think we're up.
You got it. Bye.
Sorry, folks. We're all out.
You've got to be kidding me.
That's how it works.
When he's out...
He's out.
What is it
about this hot chocolate
that makes it so special?
Well, I'd like to think that
it's the chocolate that I use,
or maybe it's the anticipation
of Christmas in the air
or the spirit of the crowd
waiting in line. Who knows?
One thing I can tell you for
sure, like my mother before me,
every cup of hot chocolate
has a secret ingredient.
The secret ingredient is love.
You see, because no cup
is truly enjoyed,
unless it's served
in the presence of love.
You folks have a good evening,
and maybe I'll see you
in a while.
Now I want hot chocolate.
This is for you.
Thank you.
You bet.
It will be ready
in just a sec, okay?
Got it. Okay.
Your mom was beautiful.
Yeah, she was.
You know, it's funny.
The same reason that he hates
Christmas is kind of the reason
I love it.
You know, I was so young when
she died that I only have, like,
these short memories of her.
You know, like,
like flashes of happiness.
They were always,
always around Christmas.
And every year, like, out of
nowhere, a new memory pops up.
That's why I love Christmas.
Because once in a while,
she comes back.
But, you know,
dad on the other hand,
well, he kind of disappears.
Second dinner is ready.
Wow. Look at the knife skills
on Rudy.
Yeah, my dad taught me
how to cook. You still haven't
watched me make anything.
Now I'm a master grill
cheese maker.
Listen, you'd be surprised
how the simplest recipes...
Whoa! That's not just
any grilled cheese.
No, it's not.
It's grilled brie with cranberry
chutney and thyme.
Stephanie's favorite.
Speaking of...
I'm going to bed.
Okay, good night.
I'm not kidding, Rudy.
This is really
something special.
Maybe next time I'm in town,
I can review your all grilled
cheese restaurant.
Next time?
Well, I think that sounds nice.
Maybe we can chitchat more
about fireplaces.
I'm not sure how your boyfriend
would feel about that.
Yeah.
Yikes. Sorry. Really.
Whoa, I'm no good at this, am I?
No, you are not.
Not great.
It's okay, really.
It suits you.
It's charming in its own way.
Oh, good.
You know, it's been
really nice breaking down here.
Yeah.
Best Christmas in a while.
Hey, can I crash on your couch?
Well, don't crash.
I'll have to tow you
out of there. Oh, boy.
It's getting worse, isn't it?
Right, okay. Stupid.
It's okay.
Merry Christmas.
For sale?
Yep. I made up my mind.
I wanted to wait,
but my financial guy said
I'd get more money for it if
I put it up during the holidays,
so I'm going to do it?
Mom, this place has been
in our family for 50 years.
Yeah, yeah, I know that.
You know, what do you care
anyway? You're moving, right?
What if I didn't?
I don't know, mom.
I'm on the fence.
Is it that girl, maybe?
No.
Maybe. I don't know. All I know
is you can't sell this place.
I can't make the money
up here, okay?
Well, why don't you open
the restaurant back up?
I don't know how to run
a restaurant.
Besides, that was your father's
restaurant.
We made a million memories
in that place.
You were just a little kid.
You'd stand there and you'd
watch him cook in that kitchen.
I'm not going to let some
schmuck come in off the street
and turn it into something else.
I won't do it.
Who's living in the past now?
The difference is I've tried.
Rudy, you gave up. I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have said that.
No, you're right. Sell it.
I'm moving.
This one's my favorite.
You have to come see it.
He's so smart.
Hey, Dad.
Hey.
Oh, my God.
You okay?
Grandma Deb's selling the bed
and breakfast.
Can I ask you just...
What are we doing?
Right? What is this?
We're just killing time
until the car's fixed.
Yeah, here's the thing.
Your car's already fixed.
Really?
Yeah, it was ready yesterday
before we went to Skee-Ball.
Darryl called me. He told me
that the part was ready.
And you didn't tell me?
Well, I was going to.
I wanted to,
but we were having a good time
and I didn't want it to end.
Dad, that's
basically kidnapping.
No, well,
romantic kidnapping.
Okay, somehow
that sounds way worse.
Look, I just...
Last night was,
I had so much fun.
It was like the most fun
I've had in years.
I mean, I had
so much fun too.
That's the thing, right?
I mean, the truth is,
it's all going to end, right?
And we're going to get hurt.
And at the end of the day,
you got a boyfriend still.
And I'm moving anyway.
What? You're moving where?
I've been looking at houses
in South Carolina. I was waiting
for the right time to tell you.
So you just decided to lump
that in with the whole
like kidnapping thing?
Would you please stop
saying that?
I'm sorry, I lied to you.
You're a really great person,
but whatever this is,
it's over, right?
Yeah.
Of course.
Right.
That would be crazy, right?
Yeah, I'm glad
we're on the same page.
Of course, yeah.
I mean, not that I didn't...
No, and me too.
Of course, I can't.
Sure.
Yeah.
Well, I should go
pick up my car.
Right.
Bye, Stephanie.
Bye.
It was so good meeting you.
Yeah, you too.
We had a fun time.
Yeah.
You know, with meeting
you and, uh...
Sorry.
Yeah.
Okay. Best of...
Good, safe travels to you.
Really?
Thanks, Rudy.
Hey.
I think you have something
really special here, Rudy. Bye.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about the moving thing earlier.
Um...
I'm just going to go for a walk.
This is the one,
this is the one.
Mayor Hanks!
Ah, no, I get it. I get it.
Thank you for calling.
I really appreciate
your hospitality.
You are very welcome.
It's really been lovely
having you.
And I'm really sorry
you didn't get a chance
to try that hot chocolate.
Maybe next year.
Yeah, I hope so.
Take care.
Bye-bye.
Mom and I would walk by here
when I was little.
She said this is where I'd get
my dress for prom.
We'd just sit here and, like,
pick out which ones we wanted.
Yeah. Just remembered
that this morning.
She'd have been
so proud of you.
You know, Holly's nice.
And I think you guys
would be a good couple.
I just...
I can't picture myself
with anyone else.
I can't either.
I think we should try.
What would mom think?
You like bah-hum-bugging around.
You know, being miserable.
Not decorating.
I could help you
pick out a dress.
Yeah, right. Probably
make me wear sweatpants.
Well, they make
nice sweatpants.
Dad.
Mom would want you to be happy.
And I want you to be happy.
Oh, okay. Fine.
Where are you going?
Where are you going?
I'm going to find Holly.
Correction, we are going
to go find Holly.
Yeah. Yeah.
I think I'm going to come too.
Duh. You're driving.
Hey, Steve. You okay, bud?
We didn't win the Mornings
of America contest.
Oh. I'm sorry, pal.
They're going to give it
to some town in Connecticut
with like the oldest Santa Claus
or something.
I told everybody last night
we were a shoo-in.
It's pretty embarrassing.
Oh, Steve, I never see
you sad like this.
Well, I get sad a lot.
You know, everybody sees me
as this happy-go-lucky guy
with narrow
but muscular shoulders.
And sometimes I get sad enough
that I just want to run away.
You remember when I campaigned
against that guy two years ago
who just kept saying...
Don't trust a guy with a face
like a puppet.
Shades of that.
Anyway, I knew
I had to beat that guy.
I mean, no matter how sad
all those posters made me feel,
I had to stay
and fight for this town.
Because it matters to everyone
that you try.
Even if you fail, just the act
of trying can inspire others
to do the same.
And that's what this town needs.
And that's what I try to be for.
Where are you going?
I thought you were done.
I was wrapping up.
No, you sounded like you were
at the end,
like there's a period.
Pause isn't done.
Well...
We're going to get Holly.
Where's Holly?
Dad made her leave town.
You finally find a girl
and stop acting like a sad
donkey and you kick her out?
We're going to find her,
okay?
Well, then
I'm coming with you.
This is my favorite part
of every movie.
All right, here we go.
She left through the garage.
Okay, I'm going to find her.
Oh, also,
I'm buying the restaurant.
You are? Wait!
I'm coming too. This is good.
It's great. Let's go.
Double time.
I'm going to need my coat.
My winter coat's upstairs.
It's right there. That's a
perfectly good coat. Let's go.
That's a light jacket.
It's cold out.
This one's not very warm.
Give me this one.
Guys, I'm double
parked right now.
Put this arm down.
You're going to pull something.
Okay, there you go.
You're good enough.
80% is done. Let's do it.
Here we go. Here we go.
How many stop signs are there
in this town? A lot.
Steve, can you do something
about this?
You wouldn't believe the
amount of people that complain
about the lack of stop signs.
Yeah, okay.
If people in this town
had their way, it'd be nothing
but speed bumps and stop signs.
There's a sign right here.
Stop right in the back there.
All right, go ahead.
Get in there.
What are you doing?
I can't get
the seat belt off.
Somebody move the coat!
Somebody help! Come on!
You got to move.
I think you're sitting on it.
I told you to get
a new truck.
You're sitting on it.
Now move, move, move.
Watch your fingers.
I definitely loosened that.
You know,
I didn't vote for you, Steve.
[ Machinery whirring
I really thought that was
going to end differently.
Sorry, Rudy.
She was a sweet girl.
Son,
were you serious about reopening
your father's restaurant?
I was. I am.
All right, see you guys.
You know, I don't want
to point fingers as to why
we missed her, but...
Deb. Deb's why we missed her.
Hi.
Are you looking for Tommy?
No. Uh...
Could you just tell him Holly
stopped by and that it's over?
Oh, wait.
Could you not open the door,
please?
Tommy, so good to see you.
Holly, I can't believe
you're in town.
Right now.
Right here.
Oh man, it's great
to see you.
I brought your dish.
Oh, thank you so much.
You got it.
Bye.
You can't stay
in the car all night.
You want to get out? Yeah?
Yeah.
Why don't you just call her?
Never got her number.
You're so old.
Yeah, well, in my defense,
I ran over her phone, so there
wasn't really much point.
And yeah, I'm not really
much of a phone guy.
Oh yeah.
Hey, you want to watch
Love Actually?
Really?
Seriously, Love Actually?
Yeah, I always like that one.
My father, watching Love
Actually. Okay.
What?
Okay. You're like...
How do I put this gently?
A Nightmare Before Christmas.
Not like rom-com...
Don't even...
I'm changing it up.
Okay. Okay.
Let me change it up.
You want to get that?
Hello?
This is Missile Towing.
Oh no. Oh yeah.
Yeah, that sounds serious.
Okay, he'll be right over.
Someone broke down
on the town square.
All right.
Would it be okay
if I came with you?
Yeah, sure.
Okay.
Hey!
Get out! Go after her!
I thought you left.
Well, I couldn't leave town
without trying
the hot chocolate.
Wow.
Yeah, that's good.
Yes.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about your car.
I just... I was having
a good time with you
and I didn't want you to go
and it's... I know that's weird
and then I got weird and then...
I tried to come find you,
but you went to see
your boyfriend and I just...
I did.
Yeah.
And yeah, I left to go see
my ex-boyfriend.
Oh.
And it turned out
he had another girlfriend.
Darn it. That's...
I'm sorry, but that's...
It makes me smile a lot.
Look, I'm just glad I got
to see you again and tell you
that I had a really good time
with you and whatever this is,
it's kind of cool.
Well, I'd like to
tell you something then.
What's that?
I think I'm
Pine Falling for you.
Yikes.
Yeah?
Oh boy.
Yeah.
Oh boy.
Yeah. You know,
Steve told me to say that.
Okay, that tracks.
Thought it'd go better,
honestly.
But the sentiment.
Okay.
I think I'd like
to stick around. If that's okay.
Yeah, I'd like that.
I think I will too.
I'd like that.
Kiss her.
I'd like that.
You're crying?
Oh my God, Steve.
Good one, huh?
Yeah.
Oh!
Geez Louise, is this made
out of sea kelp?
I've been reviewing the
culinary world for years now.
High-end restaurants
and talented chefs.
And while I've enjoyed most
of them, I realized something
while standing in line on the
cheerful streets of Pine Falls.
Sometimes, the things that make
something special can't
be manufactured in a kitchen.
Looking pretty good in here,
Chef Rudy.
They have to be experienced.
They become special because of
shared moments
and ingredients that don't show
up in the written recipe.
Like joy, laughter,
and sometimes even love.
I'm not saying there's something
in the hot chocolate
at David's Hot Chocolate Stand.
I'm just saying drinking it
is a magical experience.
So if you find yourself
in Pine Falls, hop in line.
Maybe I'll see you there.
Ten out of ten.