Finding a holiday movie that actually feels like a real family—warts and all—is harder than it looks. Most Christmas flicks are just too glossy. Too perfect. But when Chandler Christmas Getaway dropped on UPtv back in 2018, it hit a different nerve. It wasn't just another cookie-cutter romance. It was about a family that actually argued.
The Chandler Christmas Getaway cast is the reason the movie works. Honestly, without this specific group of actors, the script could have easily fallen into "just another TV movie" territory. Instead, we got a story about the Chandler family heading to a cabin to escape a heatwave and rediscover the holiday spirit, only to find that you can't outrun family drama.
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Who is Who in the Chandler Christmas Getaway Cast?
If you've been following the Chandler family "cinematic universe"—yes, there are multiple movies featuring this crew—you know the chemistry is baked in. This wasn't their first rodeo.
Malinda Williams leads the charge as Marci. You probably know her from Soul Food, and she brings that same grounded energy here. Marci is basically the glue. She’s trying to manage everyone’s expectations while navigating her own stuff. Williams has this way of making "holiday stress" look incredibly relatable rather than just a plot device.
Then you have the legendary Victoria Rowell as Stephanie. Look, if you grew up watching The Young and the Restless, Rowell is royalty. In this movie, she’s sharp. She’s funny. She brings a level of sophistication (and a bit of tension) that keeps the "getaway" from being too sleepy.
The rest of the core family members include:
- GregAlan Williams as Donald. He’s the patriarch who often has to play referee.
- DeEtta West as Myra. She is the heart of the kitchen and the family's moral compass.
- Nadej K. Bailey as Denny. The younger generation’s perspective, often caught in the crossfire of the older folks' bickering.
- Karon Riley as Blair.
- Chrystale Wilson as Elizabeth.
The Real Dynamic Behind the Scenes
One thing people often miss is that this cast had already done several movies together by the time they filmed the getaway. They played these same characters in Marry Me for Christmas, A Baby for Christmas, and Merry Ex-Mas.
Because they had worked together for years, the "feuds" in the movie feel real. DeEtta West actually mentioned in an interview with Harlton Empire that a specific confrontation scene between the sisters was one of the hardest they’ve ever shot. They’ve done five movies together, and that scene pulled out more raw emotion and "real" tears than anything they’d done previously. It wasn't just acting at that point; it was years of built-up character history.
Why This Specific Cast Matters for the Plot
The plot is straightforward: The Chandlers want a "real" Christmas, so they ditch the hot weather for a snowy cabin. But cabins are small. Emotions are big.
The Chandler Christmas Getaway cast has to sell the idea that these people love each other but also kind of drive each other crazy. David Alexander, who plays Rick, adds a layer to the family dynamic that keeps the romantic subplots moving without feeling forced.
Director Rhonda Baraka’s Vision
Rhonda Baraka didn't just direct; she wrote the thing too. She knows these characters better than anyone. By keeping the same ensemble cast across multiple films, she created a sense of "Black excellence" in the holiday genre that often gets overlooked by the bigger networks.
The movie isn't just about decorations. It touches on:
- Old feuds: Stuff that happened years ago but gets brought up over eggnog.
- New feuds: Misunderstandings that happen when you're trapped in a cabin together.
- Healing: The eventual (and necessary) reconciliation that makes it a Christmas movie.
Where Can You Watch Them Now?
If you’re looking to catch the Chandler Christmas Getaway cast in action, it’s a bit of a hunt depending on the season. Since it was an UPtv original, that’s usually your best bet.
- UP Faith & Family: This is the primary streaming home for the Chandler saga.
- AspireTV: They often run marathons of the Chandler movies during the December lead-up.
- YouTube/Amazon: You can occasionally find it for rent or purchase, but the "complete collection" is usually scattered across different platforms.
The movie runs about 88 minutes. It’s a quick watch. It doesn't overstay its welcome, which is a blessing in an era of two-and-a-half-hour "epic" holiday dramas.
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Common Misconceptions About the Movie
People often confuse this with the Hallmark movie Christmas Getaway (starring Bridget Regan and Travis Van Winkle). It’s an easy mistake. Both involve cabins. Both involve snow.
But the Chandler version is part of a specific lineage. If you jump into this movie without knowing there are four others before it, you might feel like you're missing some context. You're not, really—the movie stands on its own—but the "history" the actors reference is actually documented in those earlier films.
What to Do Next
If you want the full experience, don't just watch the getaway. Start from the beginning of the series to see how the cast evolves.
- Step 1: Look for Marry Me for Christmas (2013). This is where the Chandler family is introduced.
- Step 2: Watch the movies in order (The Marry Me for Christmas franchise). This helps you understand why the sisters are so heated in the getaway.
- Step 3: Check UPtv’s holiday schedule early in November. They tend to drop these movies back-to-back.
Watching the Chandler Christmas Getaway cast perform is like attending a family reunion where you don't have to do any of the dishes. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s surprisingly heartfelt.