Home for Christmas: Netflix’s Charming Norwegian Rom-Com Returns for a Festive Season 3 Marathon

Just in time for the holiday season, Netflix’s delightful Norwegian romantic comedy Home for Christmas (original title Hjem til jul) has made its full three-season run available globally, inviting viewers to cozy up with a marathon of heartfelt laughs, awkward dates, and seasonal sparkle. Created by Per-Olav Sørensen and launched in 2019, the series has become a beloved international hit for its relatable take on modern dating pressures amid Christmas cheer. Season 3, released in December 2022 but resurfacing as a timely binge in 2025, wraps up the story of Johanne, a 30-year-old single nurse navigating family expectations and her quest for love with wit, warmth, and just the right amount of chaos.

At its core, Home for Christmas is a character-driven gem revolving around Johanne (Ida Elise Broch), a compassionate yet perpetually single nurse tired of the incessant “When are you settling down?” questions from family and friends. In Season 1, facing another Christmas dinner interrogation, Johanne impulsively lies about having a boyfriend—sparking a hilarious, frantic search to produce one before the holidays. What follows is a parade of disastrous dates, unexpected connections, and self-discovery, all set against Norway’s snowy landscapes and festive traditions like julebord parties and gingerbread baking. Broch’s portrayal is effortlessly charming, blending vulnerability with sharp humor as Johanne stumbles through blind dates, office flings, and a charming neighbor who might be more than meets the eye.

Season 2 deepens the romance and drama, exploring Johanne’s evolving relationships while she grapples with vulnerability and independence. The ensemble shines: Gabrielle Leithaug as her supportive best friend, Dennis Storhøi as the meddling but loving father, and a rotating cast of suitors adding comedic flair. By Season 3, Johanne’s journey reaches poignant reflection—balancing career ambitions, family dynamics, and the elusive spark of true connection—without rushing to fairy-tale endings. The show’s strength lies in its authenticity: No villains, just flawed humans navigating life’s messiness, with Christmas as the perfect backdrop for hope and heartbreak.

Critics and audiences adore its light touch on heavy themes—singleness stigma, societal pressure, self-worth—wrapped in Scandinavian hygge. With short 30-minute episodes (six per season), it’s an ideal binge: Funny, flirty, and feel-good, yet grounded enough to resonate. Rotten Tomatoes scores hover at 85%, praising its “refreshing honesty” and “infectious charm.” Fans call it “Norway’s answer to Love Actually,” blending rom-com tropes with cultural nuances like aquavit toasts and midnight sun melancholy.

Streaming globally on Netflix, Home for Christmas is perfect for holiday marathons—pair it with gløgg and blankets for a weekend escape. Whether new or rewatching, Johanne’s story reminds us: Love isn’t always on schedule, but the journey’s worth the detours. As Christmas approaches, dive in—this Norwegian delight won’t disappoint.