Brookfield hosts a Christmas festival as one of three contenders in Harper's Bazaar's search for America's #1 Country Christmas Town. The entire town is preoccupied with creating the essence of Christmas for the photojournalist's lens, though, behind the scenes, residents are not living the spirit of the season. In the midst of the fuss, a stagecoach appears, and out steps Abigail Stanton and her son, Cody, who have brought a troubled boy to Lillian's orphanage.

Photojournalist Paul Franklin is wrapping his stay in Brookfield. By now, he blends in as the town prepares for Christmas Eve. Lillian, the orphans, and Gabriel are running out of options to restore the troubled boy's hope for better times. Just when all seems lost, a secret Santa appears to fulfill all holiday wishes, and Abigail has a profound conversation with a dear friend from the past. Meanwhile, Paul's lens is recording every miraculous moment.

When Nora, an out-of-town lawyer, arrives in Brookfield led by an unexpected family connected, the town welcomes her along with new Mountie, Michael Fletcher. Sam returns from prospecting for gold and meets Maggie's parents who have come to visit.

Nora helps Charlotte find the missing foal and Maggie's parents offer her an early birthday present as she contemplates if Sam is more than a friend.

Nora and Mountie Fletcher set out together and run into trouble; Hannah Lawrence returns to town and clashes with Wyatt, the foreman of her uncle's ranch. Tess eyes a new opportunity. Sam tries his hand at ranching.

Nora helps a new orphan acclimate. Maggie's baking causes a dilemma for Sam. Hannah holds an auction. Someone from Tess' past arrives.

Nora and Mountie Fletcher track down a dubious claim. Hannah and Wyatt have a tough decision to make. Maggie tends to the orphans. Trouble brews for the ranchers.

The town celebrates. Love blooms. The Mounties and ranchers team up to protect the ranchers' livelihood.