Lawrence Shankland was at the double to end Kilmarnock's reign as kings of Tynecastle today.
The Rugby Park men had won on each of their previous five visits to Gorgie and not lost in the maroon half of Edinburgh for six years.
But Robbie Neilson's men got back to winning ways at home against this particular opposition as the Premiership returned following its World Cup winter break.
First-half goals from Josh Ginnelly and Shankland had the Jambos on easy street but Ash Taylor pulled one back to give Killie a fighting chance of salvaging a point.
However, Shankland was on the mark again with a penalty late-on to send Hearts up to fourth place just a point behind Aberdeen.
For Derek McInnes' troops, a 10th league defeat of the season could be mulled over on the bus journey home with Killie remaining second-bottom of the table.
There was drama just minutes before kick-off with Killie striker Innes Cameron helped up the tunnel after injuring himself during the warm-up.
It was cruel luck for the 22-year-old whose only goal of the season so far had come at Tynecastle in a 1-0 League Cup success back in August.
A quick reshuffle saw youngster Bobby Wales promoted from the bench to lead the line with Oli Shaw swapping a seat in the main stand for a place among the substitutes.
There was little to get excited about early on as both teams eased their way back into action although Andy Halliday stung the palms of Killie keeper Sam Walker in the 11th minute.
Hearts were, however, the busier side and their endeavour on a cold but sunny afternoon in the capital brought the warmth of the opening goal in the 19th minute.
It was very much Route One. A long ball forward was horribly misjudged by centre-back Joe Wright who headed straight up in the air, lost his footing and then observed helplessly as Ginnelly skipped away and planted a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The former Aston Villa prospect certainly wouldn't have expected such generosity when he opened his Advent calendar this morning but it is the season of giving, after all.
It would soon be 2-0. From the far corner of the box, Robert Snodgrass delivered a delicious left-footed free-kick into the box for Shankland whose downward header was too much for Walker.
An assistant referee's flag would rescue Killie in the 35th minute. Great play set up Alex Cochrane who finished in style but he had strayed offside and there would be no VAR reprieve.
As the interval approached, Hearts embarked on a swift counter after Killie gave the ball away cheaply. Barrie McKay found Shankland who laid off for Ginnelly and his effort flashed just wide.
Yet the East Ayrshire side could have reduced the deficit before the break. A Kerr McInroy corner found the unmarked Wright who guided a header inches past the back post.
There would be changes at half-time as McInnes plotted a way back into proceedings. McInroy and Liam Polworth both exited stage left with Ben Chrisene and Christian Doidge getting a chance to work up a sweat.
Within two minutes of the restart, Walker produced a great diving save to deny Halliday before Killie came close again from another set-piece.
Danny Armstrong's free-kick found Wright whose header was blocked by keeper Craig Gordon with Taylor guiding the rebound wide from close range.
In the 68th minute, there were two more Killie substitutions which included a special moment for Scott Robinson who returned for his first action in almost a year after a serious foot injury.
The 30-year-old replaced Wales while ex-Hibernian midfielder Fraser Murray came on for Rory McKenzie.
Time was ticking away but Killie knew one goal would set up a grandstand finish and it arrived in the 73rd minute.
To be fair to Killie, their set-pieces into the area had caused Hearts problems and it was from a free-kick that Armstrong found Taylor who thundered home his fourth goal of the season at the back post.
However, with three minutes remaining, hopes of a comeback were extinguished as the Jambos made it 3-1 to send the travelling support streaming for the exits.
Referee Willie Collumn awarded a penalty for handball, seemingly against Wright, which VAR upheld and Shankland sent his spot-kick straight down the middle to ensure pre-Christmas cheer for Hearts.
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
