Elizabeth Thatcher, a young school teacher from a wealthy Eastern family, migrates from the big city to teach school in a small coal mining town in the west.

Hundreds of years from now, the last surviving humans discover the means of sending consciousness back through time, directly into people in the 21st century. These "travelers" assume the lives of seemingly random people, while secretly working as teams to perform missions in order to save humanity from a terrible future.

Sisters Lillian and Grace open an orphanage in the 1916 Western town of Brookfield. Caught between the traditions of cattle ranchers and the ambitions of a growing town, the duo strive to find romance and happiness while overcoming the challenges of helping the children in their care.

Buddy Dobbs, a slacker on the run from a loan shark, steals a man's identity and ends up posing as a small town's new gay pastor.

Hope Valley is buzzing from the introduction of the Wishing Tree, with all the townspeople eagerly placing their wishes on its branches in the hopes they will be granted. Elizabeth wishes for Jack's return. Meanwhile, Abigail spearheads the town's first Christmas parade, featuring an energetic band, led by Bill. Abigail's newly adopted son, Cody, tries to make their first Christmas together special, connecting her past with their future. Rosemary and Lee discover the importance of Christmas traditions and treasured memories. Meanwhile, Doctor Carson Shepherd exhibits faith and resilience in trying to heal and inspire a guarded woman who has given up on the spirit of Christmas. Also, disgraced former mayor, Henry Gowen, gets a second chance at redemption.

After a one-night stand with her son's attractive teacher, a troubled wife finds herself stalked by the dangerously obsessed man.

An intriguing peddler comes to Hope Valley selling the townspeople his wares and teaching them valuable lessons about joy and giving. When the townspeople realize that the recently displaced settlers in the area will not have a proper Christmas, they come together to create a special holiday celebration — including a Nativity presentation from the schoolchildren — that will infuse everyone with the true spirit of Christmas.

When Harper's Bazaar chooses Brookfield to be featured for its "Country Christmas" magazine piece, the residents all band together to make the town into a Christmas wonderland. Meanwhile, old flames are fanned, new romances are sparked, and some unexpected visitors show up just in time for the holidays.

A fresh start for Jack and Elizabeth, a surprise guest for Abigail, an adventure for Rosemary and Lee, an unwanted visitor from Pastor Hogan's past, and new beginnings for the town makes this the most unforgettable New Year's celebration Hope Valley has ever seen.