Hallmark Teams Up With Chicago Bears for New Christmas Romance

Hallmark’s heading back to the end zone this holiday season, and this time, the romance is blowing into the Windy City.

After scoring big with two NFL-inspired Christmas films, the network’s teaming up with one of football’s most storied franchises for its next festive love story.

If you thought small-town bakeries and snowy inns were peak Hallmark, think again.

The Chicago Bears are stepping into the spotlight for what might just be one of the buzziest additions to the 2026 Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Hallmark and the Chicago Bears: A Holiday Power Play

In a move that feels both strategic and sentimental, Hallmark Media has announced a brand-new original film: Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.

This project marks the third in Hallmark’s growing lineup of NFL-themed Christmas romances, and expectations are already sky-high.

Darren Abbott, Hallmark Media’s president and chief brand officer, emphasized the excitement around the partnership.

The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, bring decades of tradition, community pride, and unmistakable Midwestern grit.

For Hallmark, that emotional connection is storytelling gold.

Why the Bears Are the Perfect Fit

The Bears are more than just a football team—they represent a culture.

From tailgates at Soldier Field to multigenerational fandoms braving icy lakefront winds, the team embodies the kind of heart and heritage Hallmark holiday films thrive on.

This collaboration is expected to showcase:

• Authentic Chicago traditions woven into the storyline
• Iconic city backdrops that elevate the romance
• A passionate fan community that adds emotional stakes
• A festive football atmosphere just in time for Christmas

It’s pretty easy to imagine snowy stadium scenes, heartfelt halftime confessions, and family gatherings where Bears loyalty runs as deep as the love stories themselves.

Following Two Major Holiday Touchdowns

This isn’t Hallmark’s first time blending football with festive feels.

The network previously struck ratings gold with its earlier NFL-themed romances, and each one seemed to build on the last.

The Chiefs Kicked It Off

In 2024, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story debuted as part of the Countdown to Christmas lineup.

The film followed Alana, a devoted Kansas City Chiefs superfan determined to prove her family deserved the coveted Fan of the Year title.

Enter Derrick, the team’s director of fan engagement. Sparks flew, holiday hijinks ensued, and viewers embraced the unexpected mashup of pigskin and peppermint.

The movie became a breakout hit, proving sports-centered holiday romances can resonate just as strongly as Hallmark’s traditional small-town formulas.

Then Came the Bills

Not one to fumble a winning formula, Hallmark followed up with Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.

This standalone sequel centered on lifelong friends Morgan Quinn, a pediatric doctor, and Gabe DeLuca, the Bills’ vice president of stadium development.

Together, they worked to give their football-obsessed families a Christmas to remember.

What We Know About A Bears Love Story So Far

While specific plot details are still under wraps, a few key elements have already been confirmed.

And honestly, they’re enough to get fans buzzing months ahead of its premiere.

Filming Will Take Over Chicago

The movie will film entirely in the Chicago area, so viewers can expect an authentic Windy City vibe—not just a soundstage dressed up to look like one.

From downtown architecture to neighborhood charm, the setting itself will likely function as a character in the story.

There are also strong hints that scenes will be shot at the real-life Soldier Field.

A snowy stadium backdrop during a pivotal romantic moment? It practically writes itself.

For local residents, there’s even more reason to get excited.

Yes, You Could Be in the Movie

Hallmark has a history of recruiting local extras during production, and Chicagoans may get the chance to appear on screen.

Casting calls are expected to pop up on local news outlets and social media as filming ramps up this summer.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starring in a Hallmark movie—even just in the background, wearing a Bears scarf and clutching hot cocoa—this could be your moment.

Countdown to Christmas 2026 Just Got Bigger

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is officially slated to premiere during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event in December 2026.

The exact premiere date isn’t out yet, but fans probably won’t be left guessing for long.

Mark Your Calendars for September

Hallmark typically unveils its full holiday lineup in September, complete with premiere dates and film summaries.

That announcement has become an event in itself, sparking social media buzz and meticulous viewing schedules from devoted fans.

This year’s reveal will be especially anticipated, with the Bears-themed romance and dozens of other original holiday films all vying for a spot in your festive plans.

Why Sports-Themed Romances Are Winning

At first glance, pairing professional football with cozy Christmas storytelling might seem like an odd combo.

But honestly, it’s a surprisingly natural fit.

Both football and holiday films revolve around:

• Community and tradition
• Family loyalty
• Underdog victories
• Emotional, last-minute saves

The emotional beats of a fourth-quarter comeback mirror the climactic airport dash or grand romantic gesture that Hallmark fans adore.

Add twinkling lights and a dusting of snow, and you’ve got a formula that feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar.

By tapping into established NFL fan bases, Hallmark’s also broadening its audience.

Devoted football fans may tune in for their team and stick around for the romance.

Longtime Hallmark viewers get a new setting that adds scale and spectacle to the traditional holiday love story.

What to Expect This December

If the last two films are anything to go by, you can probably count on a heartfelt story about family pride and team spirit. There’s bound to be an unexpected romance that pops up when you least expect it.

Picture cozy winter outfits, a few emotionally messy misunderstandings, and—of course—a big, triumphant moment at the end that’ll leave you grinning. That’s just how these things go, right?

Get ready for plenty of Bears fanfare and little Chicago winks that only true fans will catch. Whether the leads are old friends, rivals at work, or total strangers tossed together by some wild holiday contest, you can bet love’s going to be the real winner here.

Consider this your heads up: December 2026 might just belong to the Chicago Bears, but this time, they’re not just playing for the trophy—they’re playing for hearts, too.