Hallmark Returns to Biltmore for New Christmas Sequel

Hallmark’s bringing audiences back to one of its most beloved holiday worlds. This time, the stakes, romance, and time-travel twists are even bigger.

A sequel to the fan favorite A Biltmore Christmas is heading into production. It promises a sweeping new love story set across centuries, with lavish locations inside America’s most famous estate, and a fresh cast ready to step into the glow of an instant Hallmark classic.

There are new leads, some returning favorites, and an ambitious story that bridges the Gilded Age and the modern day. This follow-up is already shaping up to be one of Hallmark’s most anticipated Countdown to Christmas events of 2026.

The Magic of Biltmore Returns for a New Holiday Romance

When A Biltmore Christmas debuted in 2023, it quickly became a modern Hallmark legend. Viewers fell for its blend of period romance, festive wonder, and just enough time-travel magic to keep things unforgettable.

Now, Hallmark’s doubling down on everything that worked, while expanding the story’s scope and emotional depth. The sequel transports viewers back to the iconic Biltmore Estate, once again using the historic mansion not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing character within the narrative.

From candlelit galas to secret passageways and magical artifacts hidden within its walls, Biltmore remains the beating heart of this franchise. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better setting for this kind of story.

Why Biltmore Is the Ultimate Hallmark Setting

Few filming locations offer the grandeur, history, and cinematic appeal of Biltmore House. The estate’s real-life legacy as a Gilded Age masterpiece makes it a perfect stage for stories that blend romance, nostalgia, and a bit of fantasy.

In the sequel, production will once again showcase a breathtaking array of spaces throughout the estate. Fans will feel fully immersed in both the past and present.

• Returning locations: Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiard Room, and the iconic Library.
• Newly featured spaces: Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room, and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom.

Additional filming will also take place at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and the Biltmore Winery. That means even more reasons to escape into this world.

A New Love Story Spanning Centuries

This time, the sequel introduces a whole new romance—one that echoes the themes of fate, choice, and timeless connection. The story begins on Christmas Eve in 1895, the very night Biltmore House opens its doors for the first time.

Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth is visiting with her family when she encounters Michael, a teenage boy caught trespassing by staff. Acting on instinct, Elizabeth claims to know him, sparking a moment that quietly changes both their lives.

From Innocent Meeting to Life-Altering Reunion

Elizabeth and Michael’s brief adventure through Biltmore ends abruptly when Michael vanishes. Twenty years later, Elizabeth returns to the estate for Christmas again, now an adult and accompanied by James, a suitor her aunt is eager for her to marry.

At a glittering Christmas gala, Elizabeth accepts a dance from a mysterious stranger—only to discover it’s Michael, unchanged and just as she remembers him. Before she can process this reunion, everything shifts.

Elizabeth is suddenly transported into the modern world, where she learns the truth: Michael is a tourist from the present day who traveled to the past decades earlier using a magical hourglass hidden in Biltmore’s library.

Time Travel, Family Secrets, and a Choice of the Heart

Once Elizabeth finds herself in the 21st century, the story leans into the emotional and comedic possibilities of a woman from the early 1900s experiencing modern Christmas traditions. Watching her navigate technology, customs, and social norms is honestly half the fun.

Elizabeth must also avoid raising suspicion from Michael’s mother and sister, who think she’s simply another guest on their family vacation. There’s a lot to juggle, and it’s not all smooth sailing.

The Central Conflict That Drives the Romance

At its core, the sequel is about choice. Elizabeth has to decide whether to return to the life laid out for her in 1915, or follow her heart into an uncertain future with Michael.

The magical hourglass only offers limited chances to set things right, so every shared moment in the present brings Elizabeth closer to a decision that’ll define her existence. No pressure, right?

A Fresh Cast with Hallmark Favorites

Leading this chapter are Holland Roden and Niall Matter, two actors who know their way around a romantic storyline. Their chemistry anchors the film, balancing period elegance with modern warmth.

Jonathan Frakes returns as Winston, reprising his role from the original film. His presence helps bridge the two stories and reinforces the idea that Biltmore itself remembers every love story within its walls.

Behind-the-Scenes Talent Elevates the Sequel

The creative team behind the sequel is another reason expectations are high. Director Dustin Rikert brings a proven track record of heartfelt holiday storytelling, while writer Marcy Holland returns after penning the original film.

With David O’Donnell as executive producer, the project keeps a strong connection to what made the first movie resonate with fans.

Why This Sequel Could Be a New Hallmark Classic

Sequels often struggle to recapture the magic of the original, but this one seems designed to expand the universe rather than just repeat it. New characters, a different time period, and fresh emotional stakes keep things feeling alive.

At the same time, it honors what audiences loved most:

• A lavish historic setting that feels almost enchanted
• A romance shaped by destiny
• A touch of fantasy grounded in heartfelt emotion
• Christmas as a catalyst for transformation and hope

A Countdown to Christmas Event Fans Won’t Want to Miss

Slated to premiere as part of Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas lineup, the sequel arrives with built-in anticipation. The original film’s status as a fan favorite means viewers will be tuning in with high expectations—and probably a box of tissues close by.

The Verdict Before the First Snow Falls

The A Biltmore Christmas sequel doesn’t just pick up where the last film left off. With its ambitious story and those gorgeous locations, it feels more like the next chapter in a growing holiday saga.

There’s a certain emotional depth here too. The film gets that Christmas movies are about more than tinsel and romance—they’re about the choices that shape us, and the moments we decide who we want to be.

Now that production is rolling and the countdown’s officially started, one thing’s for sure. Hallmark is going all-in on Biltmore again, and honestly, fans seem eager to step through time for another Christmas adventure.