Hulu Sets Christmas Dating Comedy for November

Lucy Hale stars as a shop owner who must go on 12 dates in 12 weeks before Christmas Eve.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Romance

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single red ornament hanging beside one empty chair at a small table, in warm muted tones evoking a quiet holiday romance. — Hulu's romantic comedy The 12 Dates of Christmas, starring Lucy Hale, premieres Friday, November 6, following a shop owner's twelve-week dating challenge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Hulu has released the trailer for The 12 Dates of Christmas, which premieres on Friday, November 6. Lucy Hale and Ian Harding lead the romantic comedy as Christina Walker and Peter Grant.

Why it matters

The film follows Christina after another Christmas Eve spent single with her parents, prompting her to commit to changing her dating life. It offers a seasonal romantic comedy option for streaming viewers ahead of the holidays.

The film centers on a 12-date, 12-week challenge that Christina must complete before Christmas Eve. Its premiere date is Friday, November 6, on Hulu, though the trailer does not indicate whether the film will also release theatrically.

The players

Hulu

Hulu is a streaming service owned by Disney that produces and distributes original series and films.

Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale is an American actress best known for her role on the television series Pretty Little Liars.

Ian Harding

Ian Harding is an American actor known for playing Ezra Fitz on Pretty Little Liars.

The details

Christina's best friend Molly proposes the challenge, and Christina meets Peter Grant during it. Several dates go awry, including one who orders her food and offers an edible, another who attempts to livestream their time together, and one suitor who is arrested during the challenge.

Christmas Eve (prior year): Christina spends the holiday single with her parents and promises to change her dating life.
Nine months later: Molly reminds Christina of the approaching holidays and the challenge begins.
Friday, November 6: Hulu premieres The 12 Dates of Christmas.

Season Trajectory

The film joins a long line of holiday romantic comedies that have become a fixture of seasonal programming, particularly on cable networks like Hallmark. Its streaming premiere reflects the genre's migration from linear television to subscription platforms.

The film premieres exclusively on Hulu on Friday, November 6, so viewers need a Hulu subscription to watch it. The trailer does not indicate whether a separate rental or purchase option will be available.

The takeaway

Seasonal romantic comedies often rely on the appeal of a clear goal and a deadline, which gives viewers an easy hook. The film's structure of a time-limited challenge offers a familiar but accessible frame for holiday viewing.