Alexandra Breckenridge Opens Up About Virgin River Season 7 and Her Festive New Netflix Film My Secret Santa

Alexandra Breckenridge, beloved for her role as Mel Monroe in Netflix’s Virgin River, is stepping into a new holiday adventure while also teasing what fans can expect from the highly anticipated Virgin River Season 7. In a recent exclusive interview, the actress opened up about balancing heartfelt drama and festive cheer, revealing how her upcoming Christmas film My Secret Santa offers a refreshing change of pace — and why Mel’s story in Season 7 will be her most emotional journey yet.

The actress, who has become synonymous with warmth, resilience, and quiet strength, says she’s thrilled to explore both worlds this year. “I love that I get to live in two emotional spaces,” Alexandra explains. “Virgin River is about love, healing, and overcoming life’s hardest moments, while My Secret Santa is pure joy — it’s about rediscovering the magic of the holidays.”

A Holiday Story Full of Heart

In My Secret Santa, Breckenridge stars as Claire Matthews, a hardworking single mom and event planner who has lost touch with the spirit of Christmas. When she’s unexpectedly drawn into a community “Secret Santa” gift exchange, her life takes a heartwarming turn. One anonymous gift after another begins to rekindle her hope, eventually leading her to a mysterious benefactor who might just be her second chance at love.

“It’s funny, it’s romantic, and it’s got that cozy, nostalgic feeling people crave during the holidays,” Alexandra shares with a smile. “The movie reminded me why I love Christmas movies so much — they give people hope, and they make you believe in simple, beautiful things again.”

Filmed in Vancouver, My Secret Santa reunites Breckenridge with several familiar faces from the Netflix family, including Firefly Lane’s Ben Lawson and Sweet Magnolias’ Carson Rowland. The chemistry between the cast reportedly made filming feel effortless. “We laughed every day,” she says. “There were moments between takes when we’d all just sit there drinking cocoa and watching the snow fall. It was the most peaceful set I’ve ever been on.”

Returning to Virgin River

Of course, no conversation with Alexandra Breckenridge would be complete without talking about Virgin River. Season 6 ended with several emotional cliffhangers — from Mel’s discovery of her biological father’s identity to Jack’s uncertain future after facing shocking revelations. Fans have been speculating non-stop about what’s next for the couple, and Breckenridge confirms that Season 7 will take Mel and Jack into new, deeply personal territory.

“Season 7 is going to feel very different,” Alexandra admits. “Mel has always been the heart of the series — her compassion, her strength, her grief — but this season, we’ll see her questioning everything she thought she knew about her past. It’s about family, identity, and forgiveness in a way we haven’t explored before.”

She hints that the emotional tone will be balanced with moments of levity and romance. “We’ve earned some lighter moments,” she says. “After everything Mel and Jack have gone through, they deserve peace — even if it doesn’t come easily.”

When asked whether Season 7 could be the show’s final chapter, Breckenridge remains diplomatic but hopeful. “That’s up to Netflix,” she laughs. “But I think there’s still more story to tell. Virgin River has always been about community, and as long as there are stories of love and loss and second chances, there’s a reason to keep going.”

Finding Balance Between Drama and Joy

For Breckenridge, jumping between emotionally heavy material in Virgin River and the lighthearted charm of My Secret Santa was both a challenge and a relief. “Playing Mel takes a lot out of me emotionally,” she admits. “So to go from crying on set one day to wrapping presents and drinking hot chocolate the next — it was exactly the balance I needed.”

She adds that both projects carry a similar message at their core: hope. “Whether it’s Christmas magic or the quiet beauty of small-town life, both stories remind us that healing takes time, but love always finds a way back to you,” she says softly.

The Power of Connection

One of the things Breckenridge loves most about both roles is how deeply they resonate with viewers. “I get messages from fans all the time saying Virgin River helped them through grief or loneliness,” she shares. “And that means the world to me. With My Secret Santa, I hope people feel joy — that kind of warm, fuzzy feeling that makes you want to call your family and say, ‘I love you.’”

She’s also quick to credit the people around her for making these stories come to life. “I’ve been lucky to work with the most amazing teams. The writers, directors, and co-stars — they all pour their hearts into these projects,” she says. “And I think that’s why audiences connect so strongly. There’s a lot of love behind the scenes.”

What’s Next for Alexandra Breckenridge

Looking ahead, Breckenridge says she’s open to new challenges — possibly even stepping behind the camera. “I’d love to direct someday,” she reveals. “I’ve learned so much from watching how Virgin River is made. There’s something beautiful about being part of storytelling from a different perspective.”

But for now, she’s focused on giving fans two unforgettable experiences — one steeped in holiday magic and one filled with the emotional intensity that Virgin River is known for. “I just hope both projects bring people comfort,” she says. “Life can be chaotic, but when you watch something that makes you feel understood — that’s the best gift of all.”

As My Secret Santa prepares to make its debut this winter and Virgin River Season 7 nears its release, Alexandra Breckenridge stands at the heart of Netflix’s most beloved worlds. Whether she’s helping Mel Monroe navigate heartbreak in the misty woods of Northern California or rediscovering Christmas joy in a snowy small town, Breckenridge continues to remind viewers why she’s one of television’s most captivating stars — a performer whose warmth and authenticity make every story shine just a little brighter.