Benjamin Ayres Hosts Hallmark’s 2025 Christmas Special Behind the Scenes

Hallmark Channel fans just got an early Christmas gift, and it’s wrapped in twinkling lights, laughter, and a whole lot of holiday magic. The network’s beloved star Benjamin Ayres stepped into the spotlight again to host the new event, The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Special.

Airing December 6, this one-hour celebration gives viewers a front-row seat to the first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience weekend in Kansas City. It’s a festive wonderland featuring nearly a dozen of the network’s biggest stars, live music, and even a surprise announcement from Lacey Chabert.

Ayres, who fans know from A Christmas Angel Match and his popular Romance University community, called the production a whirlwind. But it’s the kind of whirlwind filled with joy, chaos, and those heartwarming moments that just feel so Hallmark.

The Magic Behind Hallmark’s Biggest Holiday Event Yet

Less than a week after Hallmark’s Kansas City extravaganza wrapped, fans learned Ayres had been secretly filming the behind-the-scenes special. The event gathered an all-star lineup: B.J. Britt, Robert Buckley, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Rhiannon Fish, Tyler Hynes, Jessy Schram, Kimberley Sustad, Andrew Walker, and Jonathan Bennett.

The special teases a special announcement from Lacey Chabert—a moment Hallmark fans are already buzzing about online. For Ayres, hosting the event was both exhilarating and exhausting as he juggled filming, fan meet-and-greets, and live panels all weekend.

Ayres compared the experience to making an indie movie, where unpredictable weather and bustling crowds kept everyone on their toes. He praised the crew for their dedication, saying they worked tirelessly to capture the magic, even when things went sideways.

The end result? A dynamic, authentic glimpse into the heart of Hallmark’s festive world, with plenty of laughter, music, and a few surprise cameos thrown in.

Benjamin Ayres: From Leading Man to Holiday Host

Ayres has long been a fan favorite for his charming roles in Hallmark romances, but lately, he’s become one of the network’s most versatile talents. Through his Romance University community—Instagram Lives, in-person events, you name it—he’s built a genuine connection with fans who love his humor and down-to-earth vibe.

Hosting The Hallmark Christmas Experience let him blend that authenticity with his on-screen charisma, making a special that feels both personal and larger-than-life. He described the weekend as beautiful chaos—the kind of creative whirlwind he actually thrives in.

Between filming segments in the town square until midnight and greeting fans at live panels, he barely had a moment to breathe. But honestly, that’s part of the fun for him.

“It’s kind of like making an indie film,” he said, emphasizing how much he enjoys adapting to the unexpected energy of live events. That spontaneity, he believes, is what makes the special so magical.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Holiday Cheer

No Hallmark event would be complete without its signature blend of celebrity sparkle and heartfelt moments. The special features cozy scenes of Ayres sipping hot cocoa with fans, chatting with fellow Hallmark stars at an outdoor ice rink, and sharing laughs that remind you why these actors have become synonymous with holiday joy.

The chemistry among the cast is undeniable. Fans can expect plenty of playful banter and emotional moments that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie.

To top it off, the special includes live performances from country music powerhouses Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton. Their music brings a soulful, festive soundtrack to the event, leading up to the grand finale: the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree outside Hallmark’s headquarters.

It’s a cinematic moment—a glowing symbol of warmth, community, and celebration—that just feels right for the season.

Inside the Hallmark Christmas Experience

The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City wasn’t just a TV event. It was a full-scale holiday festival, drawing fans from across the country to meet their favorite stars, attend themed panels, and explore a winter wonderland of lights, music, and festive décor.

Ayres was everywhere, from the red carpet to the game shows, even hosting a hilarious segment of the Hallmark Dating Game that had fans in stitches. His energy and charm helped make the weekend unforgettable for everyone there—and for the millions who’ll watch from home.

For Hallmark, the event also marked a new chapter in how the network connects with its audience. The combination of live fan experiences and behind-the-scenes storytelling is a fresh, interactive approach to holiday programming.

By blending the intimacy of fan engagement with the polish of a TV special, Hallmark is showing it can evolve while staying true to its roots.

The Joy of Creative Chaos

Ayres admitted the weekend was anything but calm, describing it as “navigating the unpredictable nature of big crowds, sounds, weather, and lights.” Yet he embraced the chaos. For him, that unpredictability is where the real magic happens.

“I quite enjoy and thrive in creative chaos like that,” he shared. The spontaneity gave the production a raw, genuine energy that fans will feel when they watch.

What Fans Can Expect When They Tune In

When The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Special premieres, viewers can expect a blend of behind-the-scenes fun, heartfelt interviews, and musical performances that will instantly put them in the holiday spirit. Highlights include:

• Exclusive footage from the Kansas City event, giving fans a peek at how the magic came together.
• Star appearances from Hallmark favorites like Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker, and Kimberley Sustad.
• Live music from Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton, setting the perfect festive tone.
• A surprise announcement from Lacey Chabert that could hint at what’s next for the Hallmark universe.
• The grand tree lighting outside Hallmark’s headquarters—a moment guaranteed to bring on the holiday feels.

And if you miss the live broadcast, don’t worry—the special will be available to stream on Hallmark+ the next day. Nobody has to miss out on the celebration.

Benjamin Ayres and the Heart of Hallmark

At the core of this production is Ayres himself—a performer who keeps evolving within the Hallmark family. His knack for balancing humor, warmth, and authenticity makes him the perfect host for a show that’s really about connection.

Whether he’s acting in a romantic comedy or leading a live holiday event, Ayres brings the same genuine energy fans have come to love. Through Romance University and his growing presence as a host, he’s become a bridge between the stars and the fans—someone who really embodies the heart of Hallmark’s mission: bringing people together through stories of love, laughter, and hope.

A Holiday Tradition in the Making

*The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Special* might just be the start of a fresh holiday tradition. This event brings together live fan moments, celebrity faces, and festive performances.

There’s honestly a bit of something for everyone—whether you’re a devoted *Heartie* or just curious about what all the Hallmark fuss is about. It’s all about celebrating what makes the season feel special: community, creativity, and, honestly, a touch of that Christmas magic that’s hard to put into words.

Ayres described the weekend as wild, beautiful, and full of heart. That’s pretty much what you can expect when you tune in.

So, maybe grab some cocoa, find your coziest blanket, and settle in for some Hallmark holiday vibes. Let’s be real—nobody does Christmas quite like Hallmark, right?