Hallmark Christmas Experience 2026 Star Lineup and Tickets Revealed

Hallmark’s officially cranking up the holiday magic for 2026. They just dropped the full talent lineup, new ticket packages, and a bunch of expanded programming for the third annual Hallmark Christmas Experience at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

With themed weekends, more fan access, and what’s probably the most loaded celebrity guest list yet, this year’s event looks like the dream trip for Countdown to Christmas fans. Ever wanted to step inside a Hallmark movie? Maybe this is finally your year to do it.

The Hallmark Christmas Experience 2026 Is Bigger, Bolder, and More Immersive

The Hallmark Christmas Experience is back for four weekends, running from November 27 through December 20, 2026. This time, they’re going all in on fan immersion.

Crown Center transforms once again into a holiday village. There’ll be nightly light shows, a towering 100-foot Mayor’s Christmas Tree, live music, a Christmas market, festive snacks, and exclusive merch.

But 2026 isn’t just about twinkling lights and cocoa. Hallmark’s rolling out themed weekends and new programming that give fans a peek behind the scenes of some of their favorite franchises and upcoming premieres.

Themed Weekends and Behind-the-Scenes Access

This year, fans get deeper dives into beloved series and new holiday films. You’ll see special previews of Countdown to Christmas premieres like Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True and A Grand Biltmore Christmas, plus more programming around When Calls the Heart and Hope Valley: 1874.

Returning favorites include:

• Stars on Stage panels with celebrity interviews and Q&A
• Saturday Night Showcases featuring live entertainment
• Create and Learn workshops led by Hallmark’s own artists and writers
• Signature Dining Experiences for those who want a taste of festive culinary magic

And if you just want to wander and soak in the atmosphere, Crown Center Square stays free and open to the public. Honestly, it might be one of the most accessible holiday events out there.

Jonathan Bennett Returns — And the Star Power Is Off the Charts

Jonathan Bennett is back to host all four weekends. His energy and humor have become a big part of the event’s vibe.

The real headline, though, is the weekend-by-weekend guest lineup. Picking which weekend to go? That’s going to be tough.

Weekend One: November 27 to 29

Thanksgiving weekend opens with a lineup that’s basically a Hallmark all-star team. You’ll see Andrew Walker, Lacey Chabert, Tyler Hynes, Brooke D’Orsay, Erin Cahill, Nikki DeLoach, Taylor Cole, Hunter King, B.J. Britt, Melissa Peterman, and Scott Michael Foster.

If your go-to holiday movies are all about snowy towns and slow-burn romance, this weekend’s got you covered.

Weekend Two: December 4 to 6

Weekend Two keeps things rolling with Alison Sweeney, Brendan Penny, Emilie Ullerup, Heather Hemmens, Holland Roden, Kristoffer Polaha, Niall Matter, Rachel Boston, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Wes Brown, Nikki DeLoach, and Tyler Hynes.

This mix of Hallmark vets and newer faces is perfect for fans who want a little bit of everything.

Weekend Three: December 11 to 13

There’s already a buzz about Weekend Three. It’s a mini When Calls the Heart reunion, with Benjamin Ayres, Ben Rosenbaum, Bethany Joy Lenz, Chris McNally, Erin Krakow, Jack Wagner, Jill Hennessy, Kavan Smith, Kevin McGarry, Lachlan Quarmby, Lori Loughlin, Pascale Hutton, and Viv Leacock.

Bethany Joy Lenz is coming off the renewal of Hope Valley: 1874 Season 2, and Lori Loughlin’s joining too. This one could be the highlight of the whole season.

Weekend Four: December 18 to 20

The final weekend features Ashley Williams, Autumn Reeser, Catherine Bell, Holly Robinson Peete, James Denton, Kimberley Sustad, Lyndsy Fonseca, Paul Campbell, Robert Buckley, Victor Webster, and Will Kemp.

If you love witty romance, holiday mysteries, or family stories, this closing celebration is set to deliver a Hallmark-worthy finale.

New Ticket Packages Take Fan Access to the Next Level

Hallmark isn’t just adding more stars. They’re changing how fans experience the event.

The Be Merry and Find Magic packages are back, both with extra perks for 2026. But the big news is a brand-new premium tier.

Make Memories: The Ultimate Hallmark Fan Upgrade

The Make Memories package is being called the most immersive option they’ve ever offered.

Perks include:

• Designated seating at all Stars on Stage panels
• Entry to the Saturday Night Showcase
• An Exclusive Meet and Greet Breakfast with Hallmark stars
• A dedicated onsite service desk
• Access to the Make Memories lounge
• An Exclusive Inside Look at Hallmark—a closer, more intimate experience with the brand’s stories and creative process

If you’ve followed Hallmark for years, that behind-the-scenes access might be worth the splurge all by itself.

Mark Your Calendars: Presale and Early Bird Details

Thinking about making this your holiday adventure? You’ll want to act fast.

Presale tickets open May 14 at 10 a.m. Central. Public sales start May 18 at 10 a.m. Central.

Early bird pricing runs from May 14 through June 15, so there’s a short window to grab a deal before prices go up.

Presale codes will hit the inboxes of Hallmark+ subscribers, Gold Crown members, Keepsake Ornament Club members, previous attendees, and newsletter subscribers. Might want to check that spam folder—missing that code could mean missing out on the best seats.

Why 2026 Might Be the Year You Finally Go

I’ve covered Hallmark for three decades, and honestly, this year’s lineup just feels different. It’s not only about celebrity selfies or festive décor—there’s something deeper going on.

The Hallmark Christmas Experience has turned into a gathering spot for fans who’ve built real traditions around these movies and characters. Now they’re adding themed weekends, tighter franchise tie-ins, and some pretty tempting VIP perks.

Weekend Three might be getting the early buzz, but honestly, each weekend’s got its own draw. Maybe you’re into the romance icons of Weekend One, or you want the mix in Weekend Two, or you’re all about the Hope Valley takeover in Weekend Three.

There’s also the big ensemble for Weekend Four, which is hard to ignore. 2026 really does seem to have something for every Hallmark fan, no matter which corner of the fandom you call home.

Early bird pricing ends June 15, so waiting might not be the best move. If you’ve been debating the Kansas City trip, maybe this is your nudge.

The stockings are going up, the stars are lining up, and honestly, the Hallmark Christmas Experience 2026 could be the most magical one yet. Are you in?