Hallmark Christmas Sequel Films at Biltmore Estate in 2026

Hallmark fans, history buffs, and Christmas romantics just got a surprise wrapped in garland and nostalgia. A much-loved holiday favorite is getting a sequel, and it’s heading back to one of the most magical real-life locations ever used in a Christmas movie.

Filming is set to begin in early 2026. The details hint at a blend of old-world charm, time travel, star power, and festive spectacle that feels like it was made for Hallmark Channel’s most devoted viewers.

If you thought the original story was enchanting, this next chapter looks to be even bigger and more emotionally irresistible.

A Christmas Sequel That Was Practically Inevitable

The first film really struck a chord by mixing a sweeping historic setting with whimsical time-travel romance. Audiences wanted more, and now Hallmark Media has confirmed that production on the sequel to A Biltmore Christmas will begin in January 2026.

They’re bringing cameras back to Asheville, North Carolina, and the iconic Biltmore Estate. That’s a pretty big deal for fans who fell in love with the original’s atmosphere.

This isn’t just another holiday sequel quietly slipped into the schedule. The network is making it a marquee event, planning to debut it during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming.

That alone says a lot about their confidence in the project and its ability to charm viewers all over again.

Why the Biltmore Estate Is the Ultimate Christmas Backdrop

The Biltmore Estate is more than just a filming location—it’s almost a character itself. With its grand architecture and lavish interiors, plus deep ties to American history, the estate brings a level of authenticity and visual richness that’s hard to beat.

This time, filming won’t stop at the estate. Production will also take over several well-known Asheville spots, making the story feel even more rooted in a real, vibrant place.

• Biltmore Estate – The historic centerpiece and emotional heart of the story
• Fine Arts Theatre – Adding vintage charm and local flavor
• Pack’s Tavern – A nod to Asheville’s rich social history
• Downtown Asheville – Bringing modern contrast to the time-travel narrative

These locations will be closed to the public during filming. It’s a small price to pay for turning real-life landmarks into Christmas movie magic, don’t you think?

The Creative Team Returning to Spread the Holiday Magic

Fans can breathe easy knowing the creative DNA of the original film is still here. The returning voices behind the camera mean the sequel won’t lose the tone or emotional beats that resonated the first time.

Dustin Rikert is back in the director’s chair. He’s got a knack for balancing romance, spectacle, and those heartfelt moments that make holiday movies stick with you.

A Writer Who Knows the Story’s Soul

Marcy Holland, who wrote the original, is also returning. Her involvement means the sequel should feel like a natural continuation, not just a detached follow-up.

Holland gets the characters and the stakes. She knows how to handle the time-travel twist that made the story stand out in the first place.

New Leads, Familiar Faces, and Fan-Favorite Returns

Casting news always gets people talking, and this sequel delivers. Two familiar Hallmark and TV favorites are stepping in as the new romantic leads, bringing both fresh energy and reliable chemistry.

• Holland Roden – Known for her work in holiday films and genre TV, she brings emotional depth and relatability
• Niall Matter – A Hallmark staple whose charm and sincerity make him a natural fit for a sweeping Christmas romance

Jonathan Frakes is also returning to reprise his role from the original film. His presence ties both movies together and gives longtime fans a little something extra.

Why This Casting Choice Matters

Hallmark audiences are loyal, no doubt about it. Mixing new leads with familiar faces is a formula that works—it welcomes new viewers while reassuring fans that the sequel respects its roots.

This careful balance could end up being one of the film’s biggest strengths.

A Story That Blends History, Fantasy, and Romance

The sequel keeps the time-traveling love story at its core. The narrative stretches across decades, weaving together historical moments and modern-day wonder through a magical device hidden within the Biltmore Estate.

It all begins in 1895, as Biltmore House opens its doors for the first time on Christmas Eve. A young Elizabeth, just 13, meets Michael, a mysterious teen who disappears as suddenly as he appears.

Their brief connection sets off a chain of events that will echo across time. There’s something haunting about those chance meetings, isn’t there?

Twenty Years Later, Everything Changes

Jump ahead twenty years. Elizabeth returns to Biltmore for Christmas, this time with a suitor chosen by her well-meaning aunt.

She seems destined for a life planned out by tradition and expectation. But, in true Hallmark fashion, fate steps in.

A dance at the Christmas gala brings her face-to-face with Michael again. Suddenly, the past collides with the present.

Elizabeth is whisked into the modern world, where she discovers Michael is actually a tourist from the future. He traveled back in time using a magical hourglass hidden in Biltmore’s library.

Fish-Out-of-Water Fun Meets Emotional Choices

Much of the sequel’s charm comes from Elizabeth experiencing life—and Christmas—in the 21st century. These moments promise plenty of humor, wonder, and those little heartfelt reflections as she navigates modern customs and tries not to raise suspicion with Michael’s family.

Beneath all the festive sparkle, though, there’s a tough question: Should Elizabeth return to her life in 1915, or follow her heart into an uncertain future?

Why This Story Resonates So Strongly

Time-travel romances shine when the fantasy highlights real human dilemmas. This story does just that, asking viewers to consider destiny, choice, and the courage it takes to rewrite your own future.

Set against Christmas—a season already tied to reflection and transformation—the themes hit even harder. Maybe that’s why these movies stick with us long after the credits roll.

Countdown to Christmas Just Got Bigger

The sequel’s set to premiere on Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas in 2026. With that, it’s shaping up to be one of the season’s flagship films.

There’s the iconic location. The creative team is back, along with a high-profile cast and a storyline that’s packed with emotion.

Fans of the original get to revisit a world that felt timeless and magical. If you’re new, it’s a lush introduction to a story that mixes history, fantasy, and romance—classic Hallmark.

Cameras are rolling behind the closed gates at the Biltmore Estate. When this movie finally premieres, it won’t just blend in with other Christmas films—it’ll be an event.