Steamy Holiday Screen Sizzle: Christmas Movies Turn Up the Heat

This holiday season, several Christmas movies are turning up the heat, offering viewers some steamy escapes from the winter chill. Streaming services are showcasing a variety of romantic storylines with a touch of sizzle, including Chad Michael Murray in Netflix's "The Merry Gentlemen," Lacey Chabert in "Hot Frosty," and the Lifetime offering, "A Carpenter Christmas Romance."

"The Merry Gentlemen"

Chad Michael Murray, known for his role in "One Tree Hill," showcases his dancing skills and physique in Netflix's "The Merry Gentlemen." Playing Luke, a key performer in an all-male Christmas revue designed to save a small-town bar, Murray steps outside his usual roles. He discussed the balance required to make the film lighthearted and fun without crossing the line into overly suggestive territory, expressing pride in the final product, which he described as appropriate for family viewing. Murray's wife, actress Sarah Roemer, was reportedly very supportive of his role. The actor also emphasized his commitment to prioritizing family and faith, even if it means passing on certain roles.

Chad Michael Murray shirtless wearing jeans holds on to his hat while dancing in a still from "The Merry Gentelmen"

Chad Michael Murray in a black hat and black suspenders dances on stage in a still from "The Merry Gentlemen"

"Hot Frosty"

Lacey Chabert stars in Netflix's "Hot Frosty," a story about a woman who magically brings a snowman to life. This icy hunk, played by Dustin Milligan, helps Chabert's character, Kathy, rediscover joy and love after the loss of her husband. Milligan discussed the challenges of filming shirtless scenes, acknowledging his own body image concerns and the need to overcome them to portray the character authentically.

Lacey Chabert as Kathy Barrett in "Hot Frosty." (Netflix)

Hot Frosty. Dustin Milligan as Jack Snowman in Hot Frosty.

Dustin Milligan admitted he had some "insecurities" when he starred as the often shirtless Jack Snowman in "Hot Frosty." (Netflix)

"A Carpenter Christmas Romance"

Lifetime's "A Carpenter Christmas Romance" features Sasha Pieterse as a novelist seeking inspiration on her family farm during the holidays. A reunion with her ex, played by Mitchell Slaggert, adds a romantic twist to the story. Both actors expressed their positive experiences filming the movie, despite challenging conditions.

Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert star in Lifetime's "A Carpenter Christmas Romance." (A+E Networks)

still from "A Carpenter Christmas Romance"

Mitchell Slaggert says filming "A Carpenter Christmas Romance" was "Truly a memorable experience." (A+E Networks)