Hallmark and Michaels Unveil Holiday Movie Tie-In, Workshops and Decor

Hallmark is taking its Christmas magic somewhere unexpected this year: the craft aisle. Michaels and Hallmark are joining forces for a holiday partnership built around Holiday Unplugged, a new Christmas movie starring Nikki DeLoach and Juan Pablo Di Pace. The premiere is only part of the story, though. Beginning November 1, fans can enjoy Hallmark-inspired crafting events, shop an exclusive holiday collection, and even meet Hallmark artists at two special store locations. If your ideal festive weekend involves handmade ornaments, a cozy movie, and a little less scrolling, this crossover deserves a spot on your calendar.

Hallmark Christmas Magic Is Heading to Michaels

For the first time, Michaels is partnering with Hallmark on a holiday movie, making its Hallmark movie debut in Holiday Unplugged. The collaboration connects the film’s screen-free Christmas theme with something audiences can actually do after stepping away from their devices.

The partnership doesn’t stop at an onscreen appearance. It also includes in-store workshops, on-demand classes, and exclusive merchandise. It feels like a natural match for two brands closely tied to creativity, celebrations, and family traditions.

Why This Pairing Makes So Much Sense

Research from Michaels and Morning Consult found that 8 in 10 parents are looking for screen-free, hands-on holiday activities. That gives this collaboration a practical purpose beyond promoting another Christmas premiere.

Michaels President and Chief Customer Officer Heather Bennett pointed to Hallmark’s knack for capturing holiday traditions, togetherness, and magic. Hallmark Media’s Senior Vice President of Ad Sales Chris Ward also highlighted the movie’s focus on connection, calling Michaels a natural partner.

The New Nikki DeLoach Movie Has an Emotional Christmas Twist

Holiday Unplugged premieres on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 7, at 8/7c as part of Countdown to Christmas. If you prefer streaming, you can watch it on Hallmark+ the following day.

DeLoach stars as Sally, an art teacher and widowed mother of two who’s ready to start dating again. Then home videos featuring her late husband go missing, taking her family’s holiday in an unexpected direction.

A Screen-Free Christmas With Something Deeper Underneath

Sally declares a screen-free Christmas while quietly searching for the original tapes. Damon, played by Juan Pablo Di Pace, helps as the family works to preserve cherished memories while making room for new ones.

That emotional setup gives the Michaels partnership more substance than a typical seasonal promotion. A story about reconnecting away from screens pairs naturally with activities that invite families to sit down, make something, and spend time together.

November 7 Is the Big Date for Hallmark Fans

The movie’s premiere day also brings the Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop. Fans can spend part of the day crafting, then settle in for the film that evening.

The workshop features two Hallmark-designed projects, with separate morning and afternoon sessions. One takes inspiration from the company’s archives, while the other gives holiday greetings a creative twist.

Two Projects Bring Hallmark Creativity to the Craft Table

• 10 a.m. to noon: Create dimensional paper ornaments inspired by Hallmark’s archives.
• 1 to 3 p.m.: Make custom holiday cards using paint-scraping techniques.

Handmade ornaments and personalized cards are holiday staples, but the Hallmark connection gives these projects a little extra appeal. Fans who love the brand’s artwork as much as its movies can enjoy that creativity beyond the television screen.

Hallmark Artists Will Appear at Two Special Locations

Hallmark artists will make special appearances on November 7 at two Michaels stores. Here are the locations to keep in mind if meeting the creative talent is part of your holiday wish list:

• Lenexa, Kansas: 9644 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215.
• New York City: 675 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10010.

The Lenexa appearance has a fitting connection: the city sits just outside Kansas City, Hallmark’s hometown. For fans nearby, the event brings the partnership close to the company’s creative roots.

The Crafting Calendar Goes Well Beyond Premiere Weekend

You don’t have to build your whole holiday around November 7 to take part. Michaels has announced seasonal activities running from the beginning of November through December 19.

Projects range from textured greeting cards to clay ornaments, and the lineup includes several Kids Club events. Here’s the schedule to keep handy as you plan your festive outings.

November Workshops Start the Season Early

• Sunday, November 1, 1 to 3 p.m.: Hand-Stitched Card, using yarn and foam to create a textured, embroidered holiday greeting.
• Saturday, November 7: Michaels x Hallmark Holiday Workshop, with paper ornaments from 10 a.m. to noon and holiday cards from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, November 8, 1 to 3 p.m.: Holiday Ornament, featuring foam and pom-poms or an opportunity to design your own decoration.
• Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. to noon: Kids Club Air-Dry Clay Figurines.
• Sunday, November 15, 1 to 3 p.m.: Cookie Cutter Clay Ornaments.

The November lineup offers a few ways to start making decorations before December arrives. It also gives families other options if premiere weekend is already packed.

December Adds More Handmade Holiday Fun

• Sunday, December 6, 1 to 3 p.m.: Hand-Knit Yarn Muff.
• Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to noon: Kids Club Painted Wood Ornaments.
• Sunday, December 13, 1 to 3 p.m.: Holiday Junk Journal.
• Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Kids Club Cookie Decorating.

If you can’t make it to a store, Michaels also offers on-demand Hallmark classes at Michaels.com/classes. The options include calligraphy and more holiday projects, so you can bring another part of the collaboration home.

There Is an Exclusive Hallmark Collection, Too

The partnership also includes a Hallmark holiday collection available exclusively at Michaels stores and online. The assortment includes baking and entertaining pieces, seasonal decor, plush, and more.

With more than 1,300 stores across 49 states and Canada, Michaels gives the collaboration a substantial footprint. Check Michaels’ Hallmark page for event and product details before planning your visit.

One of the best things about this crossover is how simple it is: watch a movie about making meaningful connections, then make a few of your own. November 7 offers the standout combination—Hallmark-inspired crafting during the day and a new Nikki DeLoach Christmas movie that night.