Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2, Episode 8: Crowning Mr. Christmas
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2, Episode 8 including who won Finding Mr. Christmas.
We’ve officially reached the finale of Finding Mr. Christmas, and after weeks of festive face-offs, emotional breakthroughs, and an aggressive amount of Balsam Hill decor, it all comes down to this. What started with ten hopeful hunks competing for Hallmark glory has narrowed to three very different finalists, each bringing their own mix of heart, humor, and leading-man energy to the table. The season has delivered plenty of highs along with a few wobblier moments (questionable eliminations and single hair tuck that launched a thousand group chats), culminating in a finale full of big feelings, bigger kisses, and exactly one man walking away with the title.
Listen to Girls Gone Hallmark’s Recap of Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2, Episode 8
The Morning of the Finale: Feelings, Flashbacks & Faux Coffee
Finale morning opens in the kitchen, where the remaining three are doing what all great Hallmark leading men do before a big day: drinking coffee and emotionally processing. Well, two of them are drinking coffee. Craig casually mentions he doesn’t drink it. Okay, superhero.
Rustin, meanwhile, is fully in his feels. Bright-eyed, excited, and clearly soaking it all in, he points out the three stockings hanging neatly side by side. And listen – if you’ve been listening to the podcast, you already know we have talked this stocking situation to death. Are the producers telling us something? Was this foreshadowing? We may never know. But yes, the stockings are absolutely hanging together, and yes, we all noticed.
Craig reflects on how proud he is of opening up and showing more of who he is – which is promptly followed by a greatest-hits montage of his journey. The vulnerable moments. The big swings. The slow realization that, oh wow, Craig has layers and we’ve been watching them unfold all season.
Rustin talks about growth, learning from failures, and bringing the truest version of himself into every scene – which tracks, because that has been his entire arc. Angel rounds it out by confidently describing himself as flirtatious and charismatic and sharing how badly he wants to prove he belongs as a leading man.
The moment ends the only way it possibly could: a group hug and a lovingly edited Balsam Hill product montage, because contracts must be honored.
Kristoffer Polaha Has Entered the Chat
Just when the nerves are starting to creep in, Jonathan Bennett swings by Balsam Hill House™ with a “special guest,” and suddenly Kristoffer Polaha is standing in the living room like he wandered in from a perfectly lit Hallmark third act. Baseball cap. Denim jacket. Effortlessly handsome in that casual, leading-man-who-knows-his-lighting way. This is a man who has made 18 Hallmark movies in the last decade and looks like he could calmly explain emotional vulnerability while chopping firewood.
Rustin is visibly starstruck the moment Kris starts talking shop – and when A Biltmore Christmas comes up, his excitement hits a level that can only be described as spiritually relatable. Same, Rustin. It’s the best Hallmark movie ever made, hands down.
Polaha, to his credit, is generous, grounded, and annoyingly good at encouragement. He talks nerves, preparation, and connection, then very casually drops that his first-ever Hallmark scene partner was Meghan Markle. He reminds the guys that the job is never just about them – it’s about their scene partner, the moment, and staying present when the pressure hits.
Jonathan Bennett, clearly overcome with pride, follows this up with what can only be described as a full Proud Papa Speech – the kind that feels less like hosting a competition and more like sending three sons off to summer camp with affirmations and misty eyes.
And with that, the pep talks end, the nerves settle just enough, and it’s officially time to go make some Hallmark magic.
The Final Star Quality Challenge: Next Stop, Love!
Our three finalists pile into a bright red truck and head out for their last challenge, and when they arrive, it’s immediately clear the show has chosen drama. They pull up to an actual train station, where JB and Melissa Peterman are waiting in full period costume.
This is the final Star Quality Challenge, and it’s as Hallmark as it gets. The guys aren’t just acting, they’re living out the network’s most sacred third-act ritual: chasing the girl, laying their heart on the line, and sealing it all with a holiday kiss. No pressure.
They won’t be doing it alone. Acting opposite them are Jonathan Bennett, Melissa Peterman, Kristoffer Polaha, and Erin Krakow – with Maclain Nelson calling the shots. Each finalist gets two takes in three scenes, and how they absorb direction matters just as much as what ends up on camera. Presence and chemistry matters.
All Aboard: The First Final Scene
The first scene drops the men straight into classic Hallmark chaos: the train is about to leave, the girl is slipping away, and emotions must be expressed loudly and immediately. Angel goes first, and he’s instantly thrown into the deep end when Melissa starts improvising. To his credit, Angel rolls with it, leaning into the heightened energy and even sneaking in a “milady” callback that viewers will absolutely clock from an earlier episode. Maclain Nelson’s feedback is clear: less action hero, more rom-com desperation. Play the comedy. Play the urgency. Be willing to embarrass yourself in public for love. Angel’s second take hits harder, but you can tell he walks away wondering if he did enough to truly stand out. Sweet Angel. Always overthinking. Always charming.
Craig is up next, and if there’s one thing he proves immediately, it’s that Melissa’s chaos does not rattle him. He keeps pace, stays present, and somehow manages to ground the scene without losing the humor. By the second take, he’s loose, confident, and completely in his element – the kind of performance that makes you forget this is a competition and not just…a Hallmark movie in progress.
Rustin closes out the first scene with his usual steady confidence. He handles the improv smoothly, connects emotionally, and delivers a performance that feels natural and sincere. The only note Maclain Nelson gives him is about hitting his mark – a technical hiccup that feels almost unfair given how solid everything else is. Both takes land, and Rustin walks away glowing, looking very much like a man who believes he belongs exactly where he is.
Scene 2: Run, Boys, Run
If the first scene was about emotional urgency, this one is about physical chaos. JB appears in full conductor mode, shouting “ALL ABOARD” with the authority of a man who has been waiting his entire life to wear that hat, while Polaha stations himself directly in the path of oncoming romance. His role? A human obstacle radiating pure “you go, Glen Coco” energy – supportive, amused, and perfectly in the way.
Angel takes the first crack at it, charging into the scene with a little too much action-movie intensity. It’s fast, it’s focused, it’s…not quite Hallmark. Maclain Nelson gently steers him away from “mission impossible” and back toward “man joyfully risking dignity for love.” The note is clear: this isn’t about speed, it’s about heart. Angel recalibrates, softens the edges, and brings more rom-com delight into his second take.
Rustin steps in next, and for the first time all episode, he admits he’s nervous. That nervousness, however, somehow translates into momentum, because his first run through the obstacle course has Melissa openly wow-ing from the sidelines. Nelson gives him a handful of notes – bigger physicality, clearer intention, really sell the madness of the moment – and Rustin takes them in stride. His second take lands confidently, the nerves settling just enough to let the scene shine.
Craig brings a very different energy, and the second he starts moving, it’s obvious why. Former D1 football player meets Hallmark obstacle course, and suddenly he’s juking luggage like he’s back on the field. It’s impressive…maybe a little too impressive. Maclain clocks it immediately, encouraging Craig to dial back the action-hero instincts and lean harder into romance. Craig adjusts on the fly, and his second take hits exactly where it needs to – so much so that Maclain and Melissa are visibly fist-pumping by the end. When the scene wraps, Craig looks like someone who just realized he might actually win this thing.
Scene 3: The Erin Krakow Moment
If Finding Mr. Christmas had an acting final exam – the kind that determines whether you pass, fail, or immediately get handed a multi-picture deal – this would be it. No spectacle. No running. No obstacles. Just a scene partner who happens to be Hallmark royalty and a moment that lives or dies on connection.
Rustin goes first, and from the jump, his performance feels the most natural and grounded. He listens. He’s present. He feels like someone you’ve already watched in three Christmas movies and didn’t even question. That said, his first take runs into a technical snag when he misses an important mark, throwing off the rhythm just enough. The second take smooths everything out – emotionally rich, honest, and steady. Melissa singles out his “I love you” as particularly powerful, and she’s not wrong. The only thing holding it back for me personally? The kiss. It’s soft. Gentle. A whisper of a kiss. A kiss muse. A kiss suggestion. Earnest, yes – but restrained.
Craig is up next, and you can feel the weight of the moment on him. He knows this scene matters. Erin delivers exactly what you’d expect – present and elevating everyone around her. Craig leans fully into his signature whisper acting, and then – before Erin even finishes her final line – he goes in for the kiss. The notes that follow are about adding more excitement, not fixing fundamentals. Erin praises both takes, the chemistry feels real, and the kiss? Confident. Solid. Very much there.
Angel closes out the scene with a connection that feels instantly personal. Before cameras roll, he and Erin bond over their dogs, which somehow tracks perfectly for Angel’s energy. His first take is deeply emotional – maybe a little too deep. Maclain Nelson gently redirects him, noting that when emotion overwhelms the moment, it pulls focus away from the scene partner. Angel adjusts beautifully. His second take is softer, more open, and grounded in vulnerability rather than sadness. The kiss doesn’t sweep you off your feet, but it’s sincere and fitting – a quiet landing to an emotionally open performance.
By the end of the scene, it’s clear why the judges look rattled. Each man brought something different, each one had a case, and suddenly the crown feels very much up for grabs.
The Judges Weigh In
With the final scenes wrapped, the energy shifts. The adrenaline fades, the men step away, and suddenly it’s just the panel – quietly processing what they’ve just seen. Erin Krakow is first to speak, and she doesn’t hesitate: all three were strong. No qualifiers. No hedging. Just affirmation. Accurate.
Melissa zeroes in on Craig, calling him a true leading man – a label that carries real weight this late in the competition. JB builds on that, pointing to the touch of comedy Craig brought to his performance and the ease that made it feel lived-in rather than labored. And while I understand what they’re responding to – his confidence, his presence, his ability to stay relaxed under pressure – I’ll be honest: outside of that first scene playing off Melissa’s improv, I didn’t really clock much comedy in these final moments. What I did see was solid, grounded work and a super hot kiss but the comedic praise feels a little more like potential than proof in this particular challenge.
Maclain shifts the focus to Angel’s emotional bravery. The judges consistently note how present and emotionally available he is – unafraid to go there, unguarded in a way that’s rare and genuinely compelling. That openness has been one of his greatest strengths all season. Our director offers an important distinction, though, explaining that when a performance leans too emotional, it can start to pull focus away from the scene partner rather than supporting them. It’s not a criticism of Angel’s instincts – which are strong – but a reminder of the balance Hallmark scenes require, where connection matters more than emotional volume.
Then our lead judges flag something we haven’t really seen all season: Rustin faltering. And again, I have questions. Rustin missing a mark after weeks of consistently steady, emotionally honest performances feels less like a true stumble and more like finale-level nitpicking.
At this point, watching it all unfold, it really feels like the competition has narrowed to two. Angel remains compelling and emotionally open, but the crown suddenly looks like it’s coming down to Craig and Rustin – two very different energies, two strong cases, and one final decision that’s about to split opinions.
Elimination Cave: The Final Judging
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2, Episode 8 including who won Finding Mr. Christmas.
The three finalists step into the Elimination Cave for the last time, and the vibes are exactly what you’d expect: heavy, hopeful, and emotionally flammable. Rustin talks about community, purpose, and what it would mean to belong to the Hallmark world. Craig reflects on a decade of grinding, auditioning, and waiting for a moment just like this one. Angel, meanwhile, looks like his heart is actively trying to exit his body. Lots of deep breaths from all three guys.
The judges take their time, and when they speak, it’s all affirmation. JB and Erin Krakow give the men their well-earned flowers, while Melissa beams with the unmistakable pride of an elementary school teacher watching her students absolutely nail the holiday talent show.
Then come the final evaluations. Rustin is praised for his adaptability, grounded presence, and emotional steadiness – the kind of performer you trust to show up every time. Craig is celebrated for his heart, humor, and that unmistakable sparkly-eyed depth that reads leading man without trying too hard. Angel is recognized as empathetic, intuitive, and emotionally accessible – a performer who isn’t afraid to feel things deeply and let the audience feel them too.
And then…the moment.
Jonathan Bennett delivers the final words: Craig is crowned Mr. Christmas 2025. Rustin immediately turns to him in celebration proving that he’s a Hallmark man in spirit, if not yet in contract. Angel is just as gracious, all warmth and support, wrapping Craig up in congratulations.
Craig, understandably stunned, takes it all in. There’s hugging and a heartfelt promise to “do good in the world,” which is essentially the Hallmark oath of office, recited under falling fake snow.
We close out with Craig’s winning scene – a great smooch, a hint of comedy, and clear potential shining through. He is a leading man.
Now, let’s talk about what Craig actually won, because this is where things get… interpretive. Last season, the prize was a clear, bold, capital-L Leading Role – no footnotes, no qualifiers, no need for clarification. This year, however, the prize appears to be a co-star / lead-adjacent opportunity. Craig is set to be part of Make or Break Holiday alongside Hunter King and Evan Rodrick, which is exciting and absolutely counts as a win – but the exact shape of that win remains delightfully undefined. It’s less “here is your starring role” and more “congratulations, you are now entering the Hallmark ecosystem at a higher altitude.”
All season long, Finding Mr. Christmas has been a total highlight for Girls Gone Hallmark – the rare kind of show that balances genuine heart with chaos, humor, and just enough unpredictability to keep things fun. We love how seriously it takes its people without ever taking itself too seriously, and it’s been a joy to watch week after week. We’ll now be waiting in a state of low-level nervous anticipation, refreshing Hallmark’s socials and pretending we’re totally normal about a Season 3 announcement.
Finding Mr. Christmas Season 2 Reunion Special Premieres Saturday, December 20 10/9c!
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Hi ladies,
Stumbled unintentionally on your website looking for a decent recap of FMC. And boy–what a find! Your insights are clever, and many of your comments are not only spot on, but very funny as well.
The show has aged well, and I think they’re smart to put the winner in a second stringer role, and not the “leading” man role, as that asks too much of a newcomer to the Hallmark family. Ezra, last year’s winner, had a leading role at first–he was OK, but seemed like a fish out of water. They gave him a minor follow up role recently, and sorry, but his acting wasn’t that great–the little girl who played his daughter was much better.
As to Craig winning–he was good, and seems to fit the “Hallmark” stereotype–nice looking, as a beginner can act a bit, and has a pleasant demeanor. Rustin was too sexy, and bless his heart, but Angel was just too sweet and had to tone down his accent as well. I was hoping Davey would do better, but I swear I just saw him in a Lands End catalogue, so he’s not exactly hurting for work.
I, too, will be low key anxious to see if they do a third season. It’s a fun show, I love JB and MP (when they both dial it down a bit), the exercises they make them do are hilarious (especially the one where they had to deliver the Christmas presents and not make a sound–I was laughing really hard over that one), and of course, the all encompassing angst over their abilities facing this possibly life changing experience.
Thanks for your devotion to all things Hallmark! And excuse me now, as I’m going to immediately signup for your newsletter/emails about…..all things Hallmark!
Happy holidays!