Introduction – A Busy Year for Alexandra Breckenridge
If you’ve followed Virgin River then you know how much the character Mel Monroe (played by Alexandra Breckenridge) means to fans—her journey, her heart, her ups and downs. But 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger for Alexandra. She’s not only diving back into Virgin River for its upcoming season 7, but she’s also stepping into a brand-new role in the holiday film My Secret Santa for Netflix. That means new challenges, new character arcs, and a lot more for her and for us to watch. In this article we’ll dig into what she’s teased about Season 7, what this new holiday movie is, how the two connect (or don’t), and what it all means for her career—and for you as a viewer.
What We Know About Virgin River Season 7
Mel’s New Chapter Begins
Alexandra recently gave a peek behind the scenes of season 7 of Virgin River. She shared that the cast had begun table reads, she’s back filming, and there’s a fresh buzz around the show. It means Mel’s story isn’t over—it’s evolving.
What’s Changing for Mel?
While specific plot details are scarce, the fact that Alexandra is emphasizing “exciting updates” suggests we’ll see Mel in new scenarios: maybe new conflicts, deeper stakes, or a shift in her everyday life. Since Season 7 is filming and Abby (her actress) is ready, it signals that the showrunners want to elevate Mel’s arc, not just replicate prior seasons.
Where Filming Is Happening
Production is back in Vancouver for season 7, which hints that the familiar setting will remain—but the tone may shift. Enough familiarity to comfort fans, but enough newness to keep things fresh.
Introducing My Secret Santa – A Whole New Role for Alexandra
The Premise That Turns Heads
In My Secret Santa, Alexandra plays Taylor, a single mom who disguises herself as an older male Santa at a luxury ski resort in order to afford her daughter’s snowboarding camp. It’s kind of a twist on classic disguise‐comedy with a heart.
Release Date & Details
The movie drops globally on Netflix on December 3, 2025. Directed by Mike Rohl, written by holiday rom-com veterans Ron Oliver and Carley Smale, and co-starring Ryan Eggold and Tia Mowry.
Filming & Location
They filmed in Canada, specifically around Kamloops and the Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia—nice snowy backdrop for the holiday vibe.
Comparing the Two Projects – Why Both Matter
Same Actress, Very Different Hats
On one hand, Alexandra continues as Mel Monroe—familiar, grounded, in the world viewers already know and love. On the other hand, she’s Taylor in a completely new dimension—a holiday romance/disguise comedy. It shows range.
How They Reflect Different Career Moves
Virgin River season 7 is about deepening an existing story. My Secret Santa is a chance for Alexandra to break outside her comfort zone, experiment with a fresh genre, character, tone. This dual strategy can expand her audience and remind fans of her versatility.
What It Means for Fans of Mel
For fans of Mel and Virgin River: There’s comfort in knowing Mel’s journey isn’t over, but also a chance to see the actress in a new light. It can re-energize interest not only in the show but also in Alexandra’s brand.
What Alexandra Has Teased About Her Roles
On Virgin River
She’s hinted that filming has started, that she’s back in character, and that there’s something “exciting” unfolding. While not revealing major plot spoilers, it signals that the creative team is primed for change.
On My Secret Santa
She described the role as “something that people normally wouldn’t approach me for… but I was extremely flattered.” She also mentioned the prosthetics and full Santa‐suit process being intense, and that she embraced the challenge.
What We Should Look For in Virgin River Season 7
Character Growth for Mel
Will Mel take on new responsibilities? Face new conflicts? Perhaps her professional life changes, her relationship reaches new depth, or her personal history catches up. The tease suggests growth, not stagnation.
New Relationships or Shifts
The show might bring new characters, or existing ones may change roles. Watching how Mel interacts with these shifts will be telling.
Tone & Setting Tweaks
While the show remains Virgin River, filming updates and Alexandra’s comments hint at some tonal or narrative shifts—maybe more drama, maybe more real-life stakes.
What to Expect from My Secret Santa
Humor + Heart
Disguise comedies tend to lean slapstick or silly—but this film promises emotional weight: a mother doing whatever it takes for her child, identity questions, romance. That combo elevates it beyond “cute holiday flick.”
Visual & Location Appeal
Snowy ski resort, cozy holiday setting, transformation visuals—all ingredients for holiday movie magic.
Message & Themes
Single parent resilience, self-discovery, opening to love again—all themes that resonate. It’s not just about the Santa suit; it’s about what it means underneath.
Why Both Projects Are Smart Moves
For Alexandra Breckenridge
She’s strengthening her anchor role (Mel) while diversifying into holiday rom-com terrain. That’s career savvy: keep your base while expanding your range.
For Netflix and the Studio
Holiday movies are highly consumable, collectible, shareable. My Secret Santa adds to holiday catalogue. Meanwhile, Virgin River remains a strong streaming franchise. Investing in both keeps the momentum.
For Viewers
Get variety: stay invested in Mel’s story, and try something fresh with Alexandra’s Christmas turn. It’s win-win.
Potential Risks and What to Watch
Overexposure?
Doing two major projects in one year risks fatigue—but if handled well, it becomes a showcase rather than a saturation.
Tone Mismatch
If the holiday movie is too lightweight compared to Virgin River’s emotional depth, fans might not crossover. But the unique genre mix might actually attract new fans.
Character Expectations
Virgin River fans have expectations for Mel—and holiday movie fans have expectations too. Navigating both successfully means satisfying two different audiences.
Final Thoughts – Why This Year Matters
2025 is a pivotal year for Alexandra Breckenridge. With Virgin River season 7 and My Secret Santa, she’s positioning herself at a sweet spot between beloved franchise character and holiday movie star. For fans, it means plenty to look forward to: deepened storylines for Mel and a fun, heartwarming new role to enjoy. It’s a savvy blend of consistency and surprise, reliability and novelty—just like the best holiday gifts and the best TV seasons.
Stay tuned, because when December rolls around and Virgin River’s new episodes drop, plus Taylor’s transformation into Santa hits Netflix, you’ll want to be part of the conversation.
FAQs
1. When does My Secret Santa release on Netflix?
It’s scheduled to premiere globally on December 3, 2025.
2. Has Virgin River season 7 begun filming and when can viewers expect it?
Yes—filming has kicked off, and Alexandra has confirmed it via behind-the-scenes updates. Release date is not officially confirmed yet.
3. Is Alexandra Breckenridge playing the same type of role in My Secret Santa as she does in Virgin River?
No. In Virgin River she is Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner in a small town. In My Secret Santa she plays Taylor, a single mom who disguises herself as a male Santa at a ski resort—a very different setup.
4. What kind of tone can viewers expect from My Secret Santa?
Expect humor, transformation, holiday warmth, romance, and themes of sacrifice and self-discovery—so yes, comedy and heart combined.
5. Why is this dual project year important for Alexandra’s career?
Because it shows range—she maintains the anchor role in a beloved series while branching out into holiday film territory. It strengthens her brand and opens new opportunities.
