Bears-Themed Hallmark Christmas Movie Films in Chicago

Christmas is coming early to the Windy City, and this year it’s dressed in navy and orange. Hallmark has kicked off production on Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the newest chapter in its NFL-themed holiday movie lineup.

Chicago’s already buzzing. Movie trailers have popped up near NBC Tower, and a casting call has fans — and their dogs — scrambling for a shot at screen time.

This festive football romance might just be one of 2026’s most talked-about holiday releases.

Chicago Bears Fever Meets Hallmark Holiday Magic

The idea almost feels tailor-made for tugging at your heartstrings. Take one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, add twinkling lights and snowy city streets, and throw in a wholesome love story for Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas.

That’s exactly what Hallmark Media is doing by drafting the Chicago Bears for its third football-inspired holiday film.

Filming is already underway downtown. Crews have been spotted around City Front Plaza and Columbus Drive.

NBC Chicago photographer George Mycyk caught several trailers parked near NBC Tower. Looks like this is more than your average made-for-TV flick.

The scale suggests something bigger — a full embrace of Chicago’s energy, architecture, and diehard fan culture.

A Franchise That Keeps Expanding

This isn’t Hallmark’s first dance with football romance. The network previously scored with holiday movies about the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills.

Those films leaned into team pride, hometown traditions, and the emotional pull of fandom at Christmastime. Now, it’s the Bears’ turn in the spotlight.

Darren Abbott, president and chief brand officer for Hallmark Media, pointed to the Bears’ rich history and fiercely loyal fans as reasons for choosing Chicago. The team’s cultural footprint goes way beyond the field.

So, what should fans expect? Probably snowy tailgates, heartfelt locker room speeches, and maybe even a mistletoe moment at midfield. Wouldn’t that be something?

Want to Be in the Movie? Here’s Your Shot

If you’ve ever dreamed of popping up in a Hallmark holiday film — even just for a second — this might be your golden ticket. A casting company recently put out a call for extras, and they’re hunting for a very specific type of Chicagoan.

The Casting Call Details

The notice says producers are looking for:

• Football fans who can bring real Bears energy to crowd scenes
• Women of all ages to fill out community and festive moments
• Adults with a golden-retriever-type dog — because, let’s face it, no Hallmark romance is complete without a cute, four-legged scene-stealer

Yep, you read that right. If you’ve got a friendly, camera-ready dog with golden retriever vibes, you might just have an edge.

Hallmark knows its audience. Nothing melts hearts faster than a lovable pup bounding through fake snow.

Commercials for the film started shooting midweek, with principal filming stretching through Friday for this first phase. Not every extra will end up in a memorable scene, but even a split-second cameo in a Hallmark Christmas movie? That’s a bragging right for the holidays.

What We Know About the Story So Far

Hallmark’s keeping most plot details under wraps. But the title — Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story — gives you the gist.

Expect romance woven with team traditions, community pride, and the emotional stakes of football season colliding with Christmas.

The film is the third entry in the Holiday Touchdown series. It’s produced with Skydance Sports and NFL Films.

That means viewers can expect authentic team branding, real stadium footage, and maybe even appearances by current or former Bears players.

Will There Be Player Cameos?

The cast hasn’t been announced yet. But previous films in the franchise featured team-related cameos that fans loved.

If the trend continues, don’t be shocked if a few familiar Bears faces pop up — maybe offering advice to the movie’s leads or showing up in key game-day scenes.

NFL Films’ involvement suggests a more immersive football vibe, not just a generic sports backdrop. For diehard Bears fans, that kind of authenticity could make this a must-watch holiday movie.

A Strategic Play for the Bears Brand

This project isn’t just cozy entertainment. It’s also a clever brand move for the Chicago Bears.

Team president and CEO Kevin Warren voiced excitement about the partnership with Hallmark, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films. He framed the movie as a meaningful way to connect with fans and reach new audiences worldwide.

The Bears are one of the NFL’s original franchises, founded in 1920. Their legacy includes legendary players, iconic rivalries, and a fan base that sticks around through thick and thin.

By stepping into Hallmark’s sentimental spotlight, the team taps into a whole new group of potential fans.

Think about the crossover appeal:

• Football diehards curious about a romantic spin on their team
• Hallmark fans ready for a sports-flavored twist on Christmas tradition
• Casual viewers drawn in by the novelty of an NFL-backed love story

It’s a marketing touchdown before the movie even airs.

When Will It Premiere?

Circle late 2026 on your calendar. There’s no official air date yet, but Hallmark confirmed the film will debut during its annual Countdown to Christmas event.

For Hallmark fans, that programming block is practically sacred — months of original films that dominate ratings and social media every year.

Adding the Bears to that lineup guarantees buzz, especially in the Midwest. Expect watch parties, themed merch, and a sea of festive navy-and-orange once the date is set.

Why This One Feels Different

Hallmark movies follow a comforting formula, sure, but setting this love story against the backdrop of one of the NFL’s most storied teams brings an extra layer of emotion.

Football in Chicago isn’t just a pastime — it’s a tradition that runs deep. Pair that with holiday nostalgia, and you’ve got the recipe for something genuinely heartfelt.

There’s also something oddly charming about the visual contrast. Imagine the grit of pro football softened by falling snow, glowing Christmas trees, and romantic twists. That alone makes Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story one of the most intriguing Hallmark releases on the horizon.

The Bottom Line

Maybe you bleed blue and orange, or maybe you just can’t resist a Hallmark movie marathon. Either way, this film’s got you covered.

It’s a mix of football, family, and that festive vibe. Plus, there’s a love story in there—perfect for curling up on a cold night.

If you’re from Chicago, have a goofy golden retriever, and live for the Bears, well, your holidays might get a little brighter this year. Imagine: fake snow, twinkling lights, and you, just maybe, in the background of a Hallmark classic.