Country Legends and Hallmark Stars Unite: Nikki DeLoach and Kris Polaha Bring Christmas Magic to the Opry

Get ready to deck the halls and jingle all the way—Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” is back! The beloved network is rolling out its 16th annual holiday extravaganza, and honestly, it looks more magical than ever.

This year’s lineup has heartwarming stories, romantic escapades, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. There’s a mix of new movies, returning favorites, and even some TV shows in the works. If you’re a fan of festive feels, it’s going to be a season to remember.

Let’s take a look at what Hallmark’s got planned for us this Christmas.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story

First up: Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. If you remember last year’s Chiefs-themed movie, this one brings a new NFL team into the Hallmark Christmas universe.

Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Holland Roden) and the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development, Gabe DeLuca (Matthew Daddario), are at the heart of this story. They’ve been friends for years, but Gabe’s been quietly in love with Morgan all along.

There’s a mysterious benefactor and a Christmas surprise orchestrated by Gabe. It all sets the stage for a holiday romance that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings. Sounds like a touchdown to me.

A Newport Christmas

Next is A Newport Christmas with Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown. This one’s got a bit of a time-travel twist.

Ella, a lively socialite from 1905, suddenly finds herself in 2025. With help from Nick, a Newport historian and sailor, she’s got to figure out how to get back to her own time before Christmas Eve.

Of course, as they work together, sparks fly and things get complicated. It’s a charming blend of history, romance, and a dash of Christmas magic.

Key Highlights:

• Stars: Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown
• Plot: A socialite from 1905 is swept into 2025 and must return before Christmas Eve.
• Romantic Twist: Unexpected feelings complicate their mission.

Flight of a Lifetime

Erin Krakow and Tyler Hynes team up for Flight of a Lifetime. This one’s a modern spin on a classic holiday tale.

Krakow plays a workaholic CEO who’s trying to skip Christmas by flying to Australia. But as fate would have it, she’s haunted by her past, present, and future during the flight.

Three quirky spirits show up, plus a surprise reunion with her ex (played by Hynes). Maybe she’ll rediscover the magic of Christmas—and a love she thought was gone.

Why You Should Watch:

• Stars: Erin Krakow and Tyler Hynes
• Plot: A CEO is visited by Christmas spirits on a flight to Australia.
• Emotional Journey: Rediscovering love and the holiday spirit.

Naughty or Nice

Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker star in Naughty or Nice. Chabert plays Isabel, a Naughty or Nice inspector tasked with evaluating an 11-year-old troublemaker named Charlie Duncan.

Things get interesting when Isabel falls for Charlie’s widowed dad, Jason (Walker). With Christmas approaching, she’s torn between following the holiday algorithm or her own heart.

Notable Aspects:

• Stars: Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker
• Plot: An inspector falls for the father of the child she’s evaluating.
• Heartwarming Decision: Balancing duty and love.

Three Wise Men: The Third Installment

The Brenner brothers are back for round three in the Three Wise Men franchise. Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Andrew Walker return to their roles, though details about the plot are still under wraps.

Expect more brotherly antics and holiday shenanigans—fans know the drill by now.

What We Know So Far:

• Stars: Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Andrew Walker
• Plot: Still a secret, but the Brenner brothers are back.

Christmas Baking Championships

If you love a good bake-off, Christmas Baking Championships is returning with Tamera Mowry-Housley as host. Ten pairs of home bakers will compete in a family-recipe showdown.

They’ll bring their heritage, stories, and secret family recipes into the mix. The prize? $50,000 and the title of Christmas Baking Champions. Not too shabby.

Competition Highlights:

• Host: Tamera Mowry-Housley
• Format: Ten pairs compete with family recipes.
• Prize: $50,000 and the championship title.

Mr. Christmas Reality Competition

Jonathan Bennett is back to host season 2 of the Mr. Christmas reality competition. This time, a new group of actors will compete for the chance to be crowned “Mr. Christmas” and land a role in a Countdown to Christmas movie.

There’ll be festive challenges and, honestly, plenty of holiday chaos. For Hallmark fans, it’s a must-see.

Season 2 Details:

• Host: Jonathan Bennett
• Objective: Actors compete for the “Mr. Christmas” title and a Hallmark movie spot.

Christmas Sleuthing with Emily Lane

Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney star in a new series where Christmas store owner Emily Lane puts her sleuthing skills to work as she investigates local murders. Detective Sam Wilner develops feelings for her, but Emily’s mysterious past makes things complicated.

If you’re into mysteries with a festive twist, this one’s probably up your alley.

Series Highlights:

• Stars: Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney
• Plot: A Christmas store owner investigates murders while navigating romance and suspicion.

The 12 Dates of Christmas

And finally, there’s The 12 Dates of Christmas starring Mae Whitman, Mary McDonnell, and Jane Seymour. Whitman plays Kate, who lives in the cozy village of Blexford, England. Her best friend signs her up for a holiday matchmaking program.

As Kate goes through these carefully planned yuletide dates, she meets someone who brings a new spark to her life. It’s sweet, a little bit magical, and honestly, probably a fan favorite in the making.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Stars: Mae Whitman, Mary McDonnell, and Jane Seymour
• Plot: A woman joins a holiday matchmaking program and stumbles into unexpected love.

Hallmark’s *Countdown to Christmas* 2025 lineup looks more varied and fun than ever. There are heartwarming romances, festive competitions, and even a few mysteries thrown in.

Honestly, there’s probably something for just about anyone. Grab some hot cocoa, curl up by the fire—why not get swept up in the holiday spirit with Hallmark?