Hallmark Seeks Merriest Christmas Town for New Movie

Hallmark Channel is marking a pretty big milestone, and honestly, it’s doing it in the most Hallmark way possible. As the network celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s shining a light on the very communities that have fueled its cozy, feel-good empire.

This year, Hallmark’s launching a nationwide search to find the Merriest Christmas Town in America. The prize? The winning town gets to be the filming location for an upcoming Countdown to Christmas movie—talk about a holiday dream.

Hallmark’s 25th Anniversary Comes With a Holiday Twist

For a network that lives and breathes twinkling lights, charming town squares, and heartwarming holiday romances, this celebration just fits. Instead of just throwing a party, Hallmark’s inviting its loyal viewers to actually be part of its storytelling legacy.

The Merriest Christmas Towns Contest isn’t just a marketing gimmick. It’s a love letter to the small towns and close-knit communities that make Hallmark movies feel like home: comfort, joy, and connection.

This time, the magic won’t just be on screen. It could be happening right on your Main Street.

What the Merriest Christmas Towns Contest Is All About

Hallmark’s encouraging fans everywhere to submit their hometowns for the Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. Twenty-five towns will get named Official Hallmark Christmas Towns, but only one will snag the ultimate prize: serving as the filming spot for a future Countdown to Christmas movie.

Imagine your local diner, those snow-dusted storefronts, and that old gazebo suddenly becoming the backdrop for a Hallmark holiday romance. That’s the kind of stuff that’s defined the brand for years.

The contest is really about celebrating communities that live and breathe Christmas spirit, even before the cameras show up. It’s not about having the tallest tree or the flashiest parade—it’s about heart.

How Your Town Can Enter and Win

If your town turns into a winter wonderland every December, now’s your chance to show it off. Hallmark wants to see why your community deserves the title of one of the merriest places in America.

But don’t expect to just fill out a quick form and call it a day. Hallmark’s asking for passion, creativity, and real proof of community spirit.

What You Need to Submit

To enter, towns need to send in a heartfelt letter explaining what makes their Christmas season special. Hallmark’s been clear: authenticity is everything.

• Write a heartfelt letter about your town’s spirit and holiday traditions.
• Share photos or videos that show off your festive celebrations and how your community comes together.
• Include articles or awards if your town’s already been recognized for its holiday magic.
• Get the community involved and explain what Christmas really means where you live.

The more creative and emotionally real your submission is, the better. This is Hallmark, after all—they know a good story when they see one.

The contest runs from July 1 through August 10. That’s not a ton of time, so towns will need to pull together their best moments fast. Entries go through HallmarkChannel.com/Merriest, where everyone can officially throw their snow-covered hats in the ring.

Why This Contest Is a Genius Move for Hallmark

For 25 years, Hallmark Channel has built a world of idyllic towns that sometimes seem too perfect to be real. Now, it’s letting real places step into the spotlight.

By inviting actual towns to compete for a spot in a future film, Hallmark’s making its connection with viewers feel even more personal. It’s about more than just ratings—it’s about belonging.

A Celebration of Comfort, Joy, and Connection

Hallmark Media president Darren Abbott called the contest a way to thank the network’s passionate fans and honor the communities that live out its core values, especially during Christmas.

Comfort, joy, and connection aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the heart of every snowy kiss, every rekindled romance, and every small business saved by holiday magic in Hallmark’s movies.

By selecting 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns, the network’s making sure even towns that don’t win the grand prize still get a bit of national recognition. For a lot of small towns, that spotlight can mean more visitors, more pride, maybe even a little economic boost.

The Countdown to Christmas Just Got More Real

Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas has become a full-on cultural event. Each year, millions tune in for a lineup of original holiday movies, familiar faces, and all those comforting tropes we secretly love.

Now, imagine watching one of those movies and spotting your own town square on screen. Wild, right?

From Local Landmark to Movie Magic

The winning town won’t just get bragging rights. It’ll be a real filming location for a future Countdown to Christmas movie.

That means cast and crew rolling in, decorations going up earlier than ever, and a buzz around town that only Hollywood can bring. For locals, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. For businesses, it could be a game-changer. For viewers, it makes the stories feel just a little more real.

This fits perfectly with Hallmark’s big anniversary plans. The network also announced that 21 of its biggest stars will appear together at a 25th anniversary event in New York City, making 2026 look like a landmark year for the brand.

Christmas in July Is Just the Beginning

The contest announcement dropped during Hallmark’s annual Christmas in July event, when the network re-airs fan favorites and debuts new holiday originals months before real snow even shows up.

For Hallmark fans, Christmas isn’t just a date. It’s a whole state of mind—and honestly, who could argue with that?

A Chance to Be Part of Television History

For any town thinking about entering, this contest is more than just festive fun. It’s a shot at joining Hallmark’s storytelling legacy as the network celebrates its 25th year.

Imagine it: your town getting crowned as one of the Official Hallmark Christmas Towns. Suddenly, it’s splashed across promotional materials and maybe even becomes the backdrop for a film that’ll air every December for who knows how long.

Families all over could gather to watch scenes filmed right on your own streets. Pretty wild, right?

Hallmark’s always been about selling the fantasy of the perfect Christmas town. Now, they’re basically saying: show us those towns are real.

If your community shines a little brighter in December, if neighbors pitch in to decorate and celebrate, and if your town square looks straight out of a holiday movie—well, this could be your shot.

This year, Hallmark isn’t just making up holiday stories. It’s out there searching for the real-life place where the next one could start.