A Grand Biltmore Christmas Brings Hallmark Magic to Asheville

The magic of Hallmark Christmas movies is about to get even bigger, grander, and honestly, a bit more time-bending as cameras roll at one of America’s most iconic landmarks. A new holiday romance, soaked in history and fantasy, is turning Asheville’s legendary Biltmore Estate into something straight out of a Christmas daydream.

It’s designed to capture hearts and, let’s be real, help bring some much-needed tourism back to Western North Carolina. There’s nostalgia, romance, and that irresistible pull of a stately house that already feels like it belongs in a holiday fairy tale.

A Hallmark Return to One of America’s Most Beloved Estates

Hallmark is heading back to Asheville with a fresh holiday feature, expanding the magical universe first introduced in 2023. This one’s a standalone, but it lives in the same world that viewers fell for just a few Christmases ago.

The goal now? Go bigger, dig deeper into history, and show off even more of the breathtaking Biltmore House. Filming kicked off in mid-January, with cast and crew braving those crisp winter days as the estate transformed into a living postcard from the turn of the 20th century.

Horse-drawn carriages, period costumes, and sweeping shots of the 250-room French château make for a setting that’s pretty much made for a Hallmark holiday epic.

A Story That Travels Through Time

The heart of the film is a romantic narrative that literally moves through different eras of Biltmore’s past and present. The story jumps between 1895, 1915, and modern day, using time travel as both a plot device and a love letter to the estate’s long, winding history.

Fans of the earlier movie will spot a familiar magical element making a comeback, once again serving as the bridge between centuries. This whimsical approach lets viewers experience Biltmore not just as a backdrop, but as a living character shaped by generations.

Star Power Meets Holiday Romance

The cast is packed with Hallmark favorites and a few surprises, blending romantic leads with a fan-favorite returning character. Their chemistry adds continuity, but there’s plenty here for new viewers too.

The Leads Bringing the Magic to Life

Holland Roden and Niall Matter play Elizabeth and Michael, two characters whose lives first cross at Biltmore as teenagers before fate pulls them apart. Two decades later, they meet again, with time itself apparently rooting for their second chance.

Roden, who’s a huge fan of historic homes, called filming at Biltmore a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming. Matter, seeing the estate for the first time, admitted he was floored by its sheer scale and beauty.

A Familiar Face Returns

Jonathan Frakes is back as Winston, and his return ties the two films together in a way that Hallmark fans will absolutely appreciate. It’s a little nod to continuity that gives the franchise its charm.

Inside the Biltmore House Like Never Before

This production is committed to showing off more of the Biltmore Estate than ever before. Previous films gave us glimpses of iconic spaces, but this one digs deeper into the house and the grounds.

Rooms, History, and Hidden Gems

Expect to see beloved spots like the Library, Banquet Hall, and Tapestry Gallery, plus a few areas that rarely get screen time. The production team worked with Biltmore historians to make sure the estate’s legacy is woven into the story, not just used as a backdrop.

One of the coolest locations? The long-empty indoor swimming pool. It hasn’t been filled in decades, but movie magic will restore it digitally so audiences can see it as it was back in Biltmore’s early days.

A Boost for Asheville and Western North Carolina

This film isn’t just about holiday feels. It’s a strategic move to shine a spotlight on Asheville and the surrounding region, especially after recent natural disasters hit tourism hard.

From Film Set to Tourist Destination

The previous movie introduced tons of viewers to Biltmore House, and plenty of them ended up visiting in person. Estate leaders are hoping this new production will spark even more interest.

Filming locations stretch beyond the estate, too, incorporating downtown Asheville landmarks like Pack’s Tavern and the Fine Arts Theatre. That kind of exposure really helps show off the city as a vibrant holiday destination.

• Increased visibility for Asheville during the Christmas season
• Economic benefits for local businesses and hospitality
• Renewed interest in historic tourism

Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Phenomenon

The production team is no stranger to success. With the same writer and producer returning, the creative vision stays familiar but gets a bigger canvas this time.

A Writer Who Knows the House

Screenwriter Marcy Holland returns, bringing her deep understanding of Biltmore’s story to the script. Her writing blends romance with real history, creating a narrative that feels dreamy but still grounded.

The director and producers describe the film as sweeping, romantic, and rich with historical texture. It’s classic Hallmark, but with an extra dash of cinematic ambition.

A Casting Call That Spanned the Globe

Interest in being an extra was off the charts—thousands of submissions poured in from across the U.S., and even from Japan and Germany. Casting calls had to close early, which says a lot about the film’s cultural pull and the magic of Biltmore as a filming location.

A Legacy of Hollywood at Biltmore

Biltmore House has a long history of hosting film productions. Lately, though, it’s finally getting to play itself on screen, instead of pretending to be somewhere else.

From Classic Films to Holiday Favorites

Over the years, the estate has welcomed legendary actors and filmmakers, leaving memories for the Vanderbilt family and staff. There are stories about visits from Robin Williams and Robert Redford—those are part of the estate’s Hollywood lore now.

It all adds another layer to Biltmore’s identity, blending historical significance with a bit of pop culture sparkle.

Why This Christmas Movie Matters

This Hallmark production isn’t just about romance or time travel. It’s about rediscovering wonder and honoring history.

It also reminds us why certain places feel timeless. As the film gets ready to premiere during Hallmark Channel’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas, it promises a visual feast and a heartfelt love story.

Plus, there’s a renewed spotlight on one of America’s most treasured estates. If you love holiday movies, historic homes, or just the magic of Christmas, this might be the one you look forward to every year.