Hallmark Debuts A Newport Christmas Premiere Date and How to Watch
Hallmark’s at it again. This time, they’ve picked one of New England’s most iconic seaside towns for their latest holiday romance.
*A Newport Christmas* is set to premiere November 2, 2025, as part of the beloved *Countdown to Christmas* lineup. It’s already making waves for being the first Hallmark holiday movie filmed and set in Newport, Rhode Island.
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The film mixes the city’s rich history and sparkling coastal charm with a heartwarming time-travel twist. With leads Wes Brown and Broadway’s Ginna Claire Mason, and a story that blends romance, history, and a little holiday magic, *A Newport Christmas* could be one of Hallmark’s most enchanting films in years.
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The Magic of Newport at Christmas
Newport, Rhode Island, is famous for its stunning mansions, historic wharves, and that classic seaside vibe. During the holidays, the town transforms—twinkling lights, festive decorations, and an almost storybook feel.
Hallmark picking Newport just feels right. The old-world charm here fits perfectly with the romantic, nostalgic tone they’re known for.
Filming happened at Bowen’s Wharf, one of Newport’s most picturesque spots. Social media posts from the set showed a massive Christmas tree, glowing lights, and actors bundled up in winter coats bringing the holiday spirit to life.
Interestingly, Bowen’s Wharf is the only Newport location in the film. Other scenes were shot in Buffalo, New York, before production moved to Rhode Island.
Why Newport is the Perfect Hallmark Setting
Hallmark usually goes for cozy small towns or snowy mountain villages, but Newport brings something new. Its Gilded Age history and coastal beauty make it stand out.
The time-travel plotline ties nicely into Newport’s heritage, letting viewers experience the city in 1905 and today.
The Storyline: Romance, History, and a Dash of Magic
At the heart of *A Newport Christmas* is Ella, played by Ginna Claire Mason. She’s a spirited socialite in 1905, dreaming of using her wealth for good in Newport.
But her father wants her to marry a stranger at the Christmas Eve ball. Feeling trapped, Ella escapes for a nighttime sail and makes a wish as a comet passes overhead.
She wakes up in 2025 Newport. There, she meets Nick, a sailor and local historian played by Wes Brown.
As Ella tries to make sense of this new world, she starts to fall for Nick. But her presence in the present could erase her legacy and change Newport’s history.
She has to choose: stay with Nick in 2025, or go back to 1905 and preserve her family’s legacy?
A Unique Twist on the Hallmark Formula
Hallmark’s known for its comforting formulas—big city folks finding love in small towns, snow, holiday miracles. But *A Newport Christmas* throws in a time-travel twist.
By weaving together two eras, the film explores questions of destiny, legacy, and the choices that shape us. It’s a bold move for Hallmark, and honestly, I’m curious to see how fans respond.
The Cast and Crew Behind the Magic
Wes Brown, a Hallmark favorite, leads alongside Ginna Claire Mason, who’s wowed Broadway audiences in *Wicked*. Together, they bring a blend of charisma and depth that should make Nick and Ella’s romance feel real.
The script comes from Joie Botkin, a Hallmark veteran known for heartfelt, character-driven stories. Executive producer Andrew Gernhard, who worked on *Mystic Christmas* in Connecticut, brings his knack for authentic New England charm.
Behind-the-Scenes Filming Details
Filming started in Buffalo, New York, before moving to Newport in April 2025. Locals loved seeing Bowen’s Wharf dressed up for the holidays, with garlands, wreaths, and sparkling lights everywhere.
The production not only showed off Newport’s beauty but also brought real excitement to Rhode Islanders. It’s been a while since their state got the Hallmark Christmas spotlight.
Why This Movie Matters for Rhode Island
For Rhode Island, *A Newport Christmas* is more than just another holiday film. It’s a cultural moment.
The state’s often overlooked as a filming spot, and this movie puts Newport on the national stage. Hallmark fans love visiting real-life filming locations, and Newport’s charm might just make it a top holiday destination.
The Return of Rhode Island to the Hallmark Spotlight
The last time Hallmark set a Christmas movie in Rhode Island was over twenty years ago with *A Season for Miracles*. Since then, the state’s been mostly left out of national holiday productions.
By coming back to Rhode Island, Hallmark’s not just celebrating the state’s beauty—they’re also mixing things up beyond the usual Vermont or Colorado settings.
How to Watch *A Newport Christmas*
You won’t have to wait long to see Newport on screen. The premiere is set for 8 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, on the Hallmark Channel.
It’s part of the *Countdown to Christmas* lineup, so it’ll join a bunch of other new holiday films. With its unique setting and story, though, it should stand out.
If you miss the premiere, don’t stress. Hallmark tends to re-air its most popular titles throughout the season.
Plus, streaming might be available on the Hallmark Movies Now app, so you can catch it whenever you want.
Why You Should Tune In
If you’re into holiday romances, coastal New England charm, or just want to see a fresh spin on the Hallmark formula, give *A Newport Christmas* a shot. It’s got history, a little magic, and plenty of heart.
And if you’re from Rhode Island, you’ll finally get to see your Newport shine on the national stage. That’s something worth tuning in for, don’t you think?
Final Thoughts
*A Newport Christmas* isn’t just another Hallmark movie—it’s honestly more like a love letter to Newport itself. There’s something about the way it weaves together history and that holiday magic that feels, well, kind of special.
The cast? Surprisingly talented, and the setting is just gorgeous. You might find yourself wanting to book a trip to Rhode Island after watching.
If you’re already a Hallmark fan, you’ll probably want this one on your list. And if you just love a cozy Christmas romance, it’s worth checking out.
So, maybe grab some hot cocoa, wrap up in your favorite blanket, and let yourself get whisked away to Newport’s sparkling shores for a couple of hours. Hallmark’s really given us a little gift this year.
*A Newport Christmas* premieres November 2. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype—I’m honestly looking forward to it.
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