On a state assignment to locate and secure a Christmas tree for the annual tree lighting ceremony in Maine’s capital, Charlie Freemont Shawn Ahmed travel to the seaside town of Camden and quickly zero in on an ideal tree, found on the property of the Beltrans, owners of a century‑old Christmas goods business. The Beltrans receive a consultant’s report that outlines several ideas to modernize the family business, a plan that Alma Beltran [Elise Bauman] rebuffs, since she and her parents are retiring at the end of the year. Charlie formally meets Alma at her friend Marie’s pâtisserie, and the two hit it off, sparking an unexpected connection between the two women.
Charlie and Rohan visit the Beltrans to discuss the tree, not realizing that Alma Beltran [Elise Bauman] is their daughter. While her parents show cautious enthusiasm for the plan, Alma disagrees with cutting down the tree. She texts Charlie to decline the offer, and later Charlie shows up at Alma’s business where the two spend time together. Alma’s mother tells Charlie about Camden’s annual gingerbread decorating competition, and Charlie enters, pairs with Alma, and they win the event. Afterward, Charlie presses Alma to reconsider the tree decision, but Alma remains firm in her stance.
The following day, Charlie invites Alma on a date to the pâtisserie, and the two share a kiss. After the date, Alma learns that the consultant’s recommendations include moving the Beltrans’ warehouse to Arizona, while Charlie discovers that legally she only needs Alma’s parents’ signatures to obtain the tree. She plans to tell Alma about these developments but chooses not to after they spend more time together admiring the tree. During a party that night, Rohan tells Sonal Sonia Dhillon Tully that they have not yet secured the tree, and mistakenly relays the news that Alma’s signature might not be required.
Sonal arrives in town the next day, and Charlie protests, insisting she is still pursuing alternatives. When Alma happens to pass by, Sonal pushes Charlie to reveal the truth: they can take the tree without Alma’s permission. Alma leaves angrily, and Charlie and Rohan retreat to a nearby reforestation project area, following the hoots of an owl Charlie saved the previous year. The two share a tearful goodbye as they realize the personal and professional stakes are high.
The next day, Charlie receives the trophy she and Alma won in the gingerbread contest, a reminder of the connection they forged. At the Camden tree lighting ceremony, Alma tells her parents she will not relocate the company to Arizona. Charlie arrives and reveals that she has found a new tree and plans to apply to be the executive director of the reforestation project, signaling a hopeful turn in both their lives. The two decide to try a relationship in Camden, and the Beltrans invite Charlie onstage as part of their family to light the tree together.
