With the holiday season at hand, single mom Nicky Talbot is unemployed and struggling to afford a nice Christmas with her 8-year-old daughter. Hearing that Cartwright’s Department Store is hiring temporary holiday help, Nicky rushes in to apply, but is rejected by Senior VP Fiona Aldrich, who considers Nicky a threat to the relationship she hopes to have with Bill, a charming and handsome store manager. In a whimsical turn of events, Harry Osbourne, claiming to be a consultant from corporate headquarters, encourages Nicky to dress up and begin working as Cartwright’s store Santa Claus. With the magical help of Harry, Nicky keeps the job, but nobody knows Cartwright’s Santa Claus is a woman. Will she be able to keep her job if her secret gets out?
Elizabeth gets a surprise bouquet of flowers, which has the town wondering who left them. Rosemary and Lee organize Jesse & Clara's Bachelor & Bachelorette parties.
Elizabeth develops a new method of teaching. Nathan goes undercover. A familiar face returns to Hope Valley with an unlucky heiress in tow. Lucas and Lee face their differences.
Elizabeth has finished her manuscript. A visitor causes trouble for Nathan and Allie. Rosemary and Lee cut their trip short. Faith arrives back from medical school. Clara and Jesse haven't been getting along.
A wedding in Hope Valley leads every couple to evaluate their relationships. Rosemary discovers there is more happening in Hope Valley than everyone realizes, and she decides to get to the bottom of it.
When Allie and Oliver discover a threat, Rosemary invites the kids to debate Lucas on the radio. Bill interrogates a suspect with an old friend's help. Elizabeth fights a cold.
Cassie has made a checklist for the wedding, which includes finding a dress and Sam finding the right tuxedo. She has already asked Abigail to do the flowers, who has agreed to take the job.
After a foolish comment, Carson must admit that he cares more about Faith. The charming new saloon owner, Lucas Bouchard, causes a stir. Elizabeth teaches self-confidence, and Abigail takes a risk on the stock market with Gowen.
