If you’re tired of the usual Christmas films like Love Actually and The Holiday, then you’re in luck. This week, Netflix is releasing an ‘alternative’ Christmas film featuring a former Disney star
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
12:08, 24 Nov 2025
Netflix viewers are excited for the ‘alternative’ Christmas film (stock image)(Image: thethomsn via Getty Images)
As the nights draw in and the chill of autumn gives way to winter, many are turning to Netflix for their viewing pleasure. And what better way to embrace the festive season than with a Christmas film? If you’re tired of the usual suspects like Love Actually and The Holiday, then you’re in luck. This week, Netflix is releasing an ‘alternative’ Christmas film featuring a former Disney star.
Jingle Bell Heist stars Olivia Holt as Sophia, a quick-witted retail worker who plans to rob London’s most infamous department store on Christmas Eve. However, she faces competition from Nick (Connor Swindells), a down-on-his-luck repairman who has his sights set on the same target.
The pair find themselves in an uneasy alliance, and as secrets emerge and feelings intensify, both their relationship and the heist are put at risk.
American actress Olivia is best known for her roles as Kim Crawford on Disney XD’s Kickin’ It, Lindy Watson on the Disney Channel series I Didn’t Do It, and the lead role of Skylar Lewis in the Disney Channel Original Movie Girl vs. Monster.
She also appeared as Young Georgia in Shake It Up and lent her voice to characters in Ultimate Spider-Man and Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast.
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Meanwhile, Connor Swindells is recognised for his roles in the Netflix show Sex Education, the Barbie film, and the series SAS Rogue Heroes.
Many viewers are eager to see Olivia take on a new type of role and are intrigued by her collaboration with Connor.
Upon the trailer’s release, one viewer enthused: “Olivia Holt is a brilliant actress! She needs to be in more movies like this!”.
Another chimed in: “Anything Olivia holt is in I’m watching.”
A third fan declared: “Love to see the Olivia Holt resurgence!”.
A fourth admirer shared: “Ahhh I love Olivia Holt, been a fan since her Disney days and now I’m so excited to see her in this.”
Another viewer confessed: “I did not think that having these two act together was what I needed this year.”
While another echoed the sentiment: “OLIVIA AND CONNOR? ? ? NEVER IMAGINE”.
Jingle Bell Heist will hit Netflix UK on November 26th.
