Hallmark Films New Biltmore Christmas Movie in Asheville for 2026

The magic of Hallmark Christmas movies is about to get a lavish, time-traveling upgrade. This time, romance returns to one of the most breathtaking real-life locations ever featured on the network.

A brand-new sequel set at the iconic Biltmore Estate is officially happening. Filming kicks off in January 2026, and the early details hint at a story that’s bigger, bolder, and even more enchanting than the fan-favorite original.

From returning characters to new rooms inside the historic mansion, this production is shaping up to be one of Hallmark’s most ambitious holiday projects yet. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see more of that place?

The Return to Biltmore: Why This Sequel Matters

Hallmark struck gold in 2023 with A Biltmore Christmas, blending old-fashioned romance, a bit of fantasy, and a real American landmark into a holiday classic. The sequel’s return to the Biltmore Estate isn’t just about a pretty backdrop—it’s a statement.

This estate, decked out with thousands of holiday lights and steeped in Gilded Age history, has basically become a character itself. With Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas heading into its 17th year, expectations are, honestly, sky-high.

The network knows viewers crave comfort, spectacle, and that emotional payoff during the holidays. Revisiting Biltmore delivers all three in a way few places could.

A Historic Setting With Cinematic Power

The Biltmore Estate offers something no soundstage can fake: authenticity. Built back in the late 1800s, the mansion lets the film visually transport viewers to another era without relying on heavy digital effects.

This sequel leans into that strength, setting key moments during Christmas Eve of 1895—the very year Biltmore House first opened its doors. It’s a detail that feels almost too perfect.

New Faces, Familiar Energy: Meet the Cast

The original film starred Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha. This time, the sequel introduces new romantic leads while still paying tribute to its roots.

Holland Roden and Niall Matter headline the new love story. Both are well-known to Hallmark fans and have proven themselves in the world of holiday storytelling.

Johnathan Frakes is also back, reprising his role as Winston. That link to the original film’s universe gives longtime fans a nice sense of continuity, while the story moves forward.

Why These Casting Choices Work

Hallmark casting is its own kind of art, and this lineup really nails it. Roden brings emotional warmth and a classic charm, while Matter’s grounded, sincere style fits the romantic lead perfectly.

Together, they anchor a story that stretches across centuries but somehow keeps its heart intact. It’s a tricky balance, but these two might just pull it off.

A Time-Travel Love Story With a Twist

The sequel’s plot builds on the magical hourglass from the original, taking the time-travel element even further. The story starts with a 13-year-old Elizabeth on Christmas Eve, 1895, who stumbles upon Michael—a teenage boy caught trespassing at Biltmore.

What begins as a simple act of kindness soon becomes something deeper as they explore the grand house together. Then, just as mysteriously as he arrived, Michael disappears.

Twenty Years Later, Everything Changes

Two decades pass. Elizabeth returns to Biltmore for Christmas, now with a suitor she’s expected to marry.

When a stranger asks her to dance, she’s stunned to realize it’s Michael—completely unchanged by time. The reunion sets off the hourglass again, whisking Elizabeth into the modern world alongside Michael, who turns out to be a present-day tourist drawn to the past by the enchanted artifact tucked away in Biltmore’s library.

Exploring More of the Biltmore Than Ever Before

One of the sequel’s biggest draws is its expanded access to the estate. While the original film featured iconic spaces like the Conservatory and Library, this new movie opens doors to rooms never before seen on screen.

Newly Featured Locations Include:

• The Rooftop and Pergola, with those sweeping cinematic views
• The Indoor Swimming Pool and Bowling Alley, showing off the estate’s opulence
• The Main Kitchen and Breakfast Room, grounding the story in daily life
• The Music Room and Oak Sitting Room, adding some intimacy and elegance
• Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, for a deeper historical touch

During filming, these areas will be closed to the public. That just makes the whole production feel even more exclusive.

Behind the Camera: A Proven Creative Team

Dustin Rikert is directing—he’s a seasoned Hallmark filmmaker who knows how to balance sentiment with spectacle. The screenplay is by Marcy Holland, who also wrote the original film after being inspired by her own visit to the estate.

This kind of creative continuity means the sequel shouldn’t feel like a cash grab. Instead, it’s a carefully crafted continuation of a story that really resonated with viewers.

Why Hallmark Is Betting Big on This Story

According to Hallmark’s leadership, A Biltmore Christmas became an instant classic. That kind of reception is rare, even for Hallmark’s crowded holiday lineup.

The sequel isn’t just about repeating that magic—it’s about aiming even higher. And honestly, who could blame them?

The Race to Be an Extra: Holiday Stardom Beckons

One of the most fascinating parts of this production is just how many people want to be involved. For the first film, more than 8,000 folks applied to be extras, but only 300 got the call.

Producers expect even more interest this time, thanks to the expanded scope and a growing fanbase. For locals, getting a bit part in a Hallmark Christmas movie at Biltmore has become a holiday dream all its own.

A Holiday Event in the Making

Filming kicks off in January 2026. The premiere is already slotted for the 2026 holiday season.

This sequel’s shaping up to be the highlight of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. Picture the estate glowing with thousands of twinkling lights and characters in lavish costumes.

There’s a love story that seems to leap straight out of another era. Honestly, it’s got all the makings of a seasonal obsession.

If you’re into holiday romance or historical fantasy, this return to Biltmore might just be what you’ve been waiting for. It’s more than a movie—it’s a spectacle, maybe even the next Hallmark classic folks will keep coming back to.