Eliza Hayes Maher Balances Motherhood and Magic on Haul Out the Halloween Set

When it comes to heartwarming stories, Hallmark rarely lets you down. Neither does actress Eliza Hayes Maher, honestly.

She’s the beloved star who plays Lacey Chabert’s spirited best friend in the *Haul Out the Holly* franchise. This time, she’s back for the latest installment, *Haul Out the Halloween*, which premieres October 11, 2025.

But here’s the twist—she brought her baby boy, Sully, along for the ride. Maher was less than three months postpartum when filming kicked off in Salt Lake City.

She dove straight back into work, juggling new motherhood with movie magic in a way that’s got fans seriously inspired. What happened on set? A whirlwind of friendship, family, and a lot of determination.

It’s a peek at how one working mom managed to pull it off—without missing a beat.

Eliza Hayes Maher’s Return to Evergreen Lane

Hallmark’s *Haul Out the Holly* movies have become a holiday tradition for so many. Festive competition, quirky neighbors, and the cozy charm of Evergreen Lane—what’s not to love?

When the network decided to turn the series into a trilogy with *Haul Out the Halloween*, Maher jumped at the chance. Her life had just been turned upside down with baby Sully’s arrival, but she couldn’t pass up the chance to reunite with her on-screen family.

She calls the cast and crew a *small family* that’s been together since the franchise began in 2022. That sense of closeness gave her the confidence to return to set as a new mom.

Balancing Baby Bottles and Movie Scripts

Maher admitted that cutting her maternity leave short was, in her words, *insane*. Still, she believed the project was worth it.

Filming lasted three weeks, so she made careful plans to make sure both her baby and her career stayed on track. *I am his food source,* she joked, explaining Sully had to come along for the adventure.

With a supportive team and a compassionate work environment, Maher found her groove. Director Maclain Nelson—one of her dearest friends—made sure she had the space and flexibility she needed.

Between scenes, Maher’s mom flew in for a week to help out during the night shoots. The rest of the time, her *Haul Out the Halloween* family stepped up—co-stars and crew all pitched in to make sure Sully was happy and cared for.

Even the wife of a sound technician offered to be a *set nanny*, doting on Sully while Maher worked. It really was a community effort, the kind you hope for but rarely see.

Mom Life Meets Movie Magic

Most new moms would probably find juggling a newborn and a film set pretty overwhelming. Maher, though, somehow turned it into a joyful experience.

The neighborhood where the movie was filmed was full of kindness. She found quiet spaces to nurse between takes, and the homeowners—now familiar faces after multiple productions—welcomed the cast and crew with open arms.

For Maher, it was *chaotic but supported*. That’s a rare combo, especially in an industry known for its relentless pace.

A Support System of Mothers on Set

One of the sweetest parts of Maher’s story is the sisterhood she found among her co-stars. Lacey Chabert, Melissa Peterman, and Ellen Travolta—all moms—rallied around her with encouragement and empathy.

Peterman even shared a now-viral social media video from the set, introducing Sully to the world in her signature comedic style. The bond between these women ran deeper than the script, filling the set with genuine care and laughter.

Maher talks about how *held* she felt during production. In an industry that often demands so much, she found a rare environment that celebrated both her artistry and her motherhood.

Taking the Show on the Road: From Halloween to Christmas

After wrapping *Haul Out the Halloween*, Maher kept the momentum going. She signed on for her sixth Hallmark project, *Grand Ole Opry Christmas*, filmed in Nashville and Kansas City later that year.

Sully came along again—by seven months old, he’d already logged seven flights. Maher laughed about how adaptable her son has become, saying he’s *incredibly comfortable meeting new people*.

It’s a side effect of a life that’s anything but ordinary.

Working with Familiar Faces and Family Vibes

For *Grand Ole Opry Christmas*, Maher reunited with director Clare Niederpruem and worked alongside Hallmark favorites Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha.

Both are parents, too, and their understanding of the balancing act made the experience even more rewarding. Maher said she felt *really held*, surrounded by people who respected her as both an actress and a mom.

She reflected on the bigger picture of her career. The entertainment industry’s been through tough times lately, with fewer productions and the effects of strikes still lingering.

She doesn’t take her opportunities for granted. *To be working at all is huge,* she said. Being able to do it with friends—and with her baby by her side—feels like an *embarrassment of riches.*

The Hallmark Spirit: Compassion, Community, and Connection

Maher’s story really does embody what Hallmark stands for: compassion, community, and connection. The network’s willingness to accommodate her as a new mom says a lot about its commitment to supporting its talent.

For viewers, it’s nice to know the warmth you feel on screen is real behind the scenes, too.

Lessons from a Working Mom in Hollywood

Maher’s journey sends a message to working parents everywhere. With the right support, you really can find a way to balance it all—though it’s never easy.

Her story also hints at how the entertainment industry can shift toward being more inclusive and family-friendly. It’s a reminder that even in fast-paced Hollywood, humanity still matters.

As Maher looks ahead to new projects, she carries lessons about resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of community. Her son might not understand it yet, but one day he’ll know his first months were spent surrounded by lights, laughter, and love on a Hallmark set.

What’s Next for Eliza Hayes Maher?

With two big Hallmark projects wrapped up in a single year, Maher’s not slowing down anytime soon. She’s juggling motherhood and a career that just keeps picking up steam.

Honestly, watching her handle it all with such positivity is kind of inspiring. The entertainment world isn’t always gentle, but she somehow keeps her spark.

When *Haul Out the Halloween* premieres on October 11 at 8 p.m. Eastern, viewers are in for a treat—there’s laughter, love, and a bit of the wild holiday energy that makes Evergreen Lane so fun. But let’s be real, knowing about the baby giggles between takes and those late-night feedings adds a whole new layer to the story.

Her friends’ support behind the scenes? That’s the stuff that makes the movie feel even warmer. And then, *Grand Ole Opry Christmas* drops on November 29, where Maher’s bringing her signature heart to the screen again.