Holidate

Year: 2020

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: John Whitesell

ComedyRomance

Two strangers, Sloane and Jackson, despise the holidays and the pressure to be in a relationship during those times. To avoid unwanted family gatherings and awkward encounters, they make a deal to be each other's "holidate" for a year. This arrangement, initially devoid of romantic intention, sees them attending festive events as a couple. As the year progresses and they navigate increasingly absurd holiday situations, an unexpected connection begins to develop, potentially leading them to find something they didn't anticipate.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Holidate yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Holidate (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Holidate (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Main Characters – Holidate (2020)

Meet the key characters of Holidate (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Major Themes – Holidate (2020)

Explore the central themes of Holidate (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

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Fake Relationship Movies Like Holidate

Stories where a practical arrangement unravels into genuine feelings.If you enjoyed the 'fake dating' trope in Holidate, explore more movies like it. This collection features romantic comedies and light dramas where characters start with a practical arrangement—be it as holidates, fake fiancés, or marriage contracts—and find themselves on a journey toward authentic love, filled with comedic mishaps and heartwarming realizations.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a structured progression: a deal is struck for mutual benefit, leading to a series of shared events that test the arrangement. Initial disdain or indifference gives way to camaraderie, then deeper affection, culminating in a crisis where the 'fake' nature of the relationship is exposed, forcing a choice between the safety of the deal and the risk of real love.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared 'contract-to-love' plot structure. They consistently blend light comedy with a steady, predictable romantic arc, creating a comforting viewing experience where the focus is on the 'how' and 'when' of the characters falling in love, rather than 'if'.

Holiday Romance Comedies Similar to Holidate

Lighthearted love stories set against a backdrop of chaotic holiday celebrations.For viewers who liked the festive, year-long journey of Holidate, this section features similar movies that use holidays as a narrative engine. These films are light, upbeat rom-coms filled with seasonal cheer, family gatherings, and the predictable but delightful tension that leads to a happy, heartwarming ending perfect for a cozy watch.

festiveupliftingheartwarmingcomfysillyromanticcelebratory

Narrative Summary

The narrative is often episodic, using holidays as natural chapter breaks to advance the central relationship. The tone is consistently light, using holiday-specific traditions and family pressures as sources of both comedy and character growth. The conflict is generally low-stakes social anxiety or romantic misunderstanding, resolved neatly by the final celebration.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific vibe: the combination of romantic comedy conventions with the warm, familiar aesthetics of holidays. The pacing is steady, the emotional weight is light, and the experience is designed to be uplifting and comfortably predictable, like a favorite seasonal tradition.

Unlock the Full Story of Holidate

Don't stop at just watching — explore Holidate in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Holidate is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Holidate Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Holidate, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Holidate Timeline

Track the full timeline of Holidate with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Holidate Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Holidate that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Holidate

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Holidate: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Holidate

Discover movies like Holidate that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.