Hallmark Teams With Chicago Bears for 2026 Holiday Touchdown Movie

Hallmark Channel is officially teaming up with another NFL giant, and this time, the holiday magic’s heading to the Windy City. The network just announced that the Chicago Bears will be the focus of its third Holiday Touchdown movie, continuing a football-meets-romance franchise that’s already won over sports fans and Christmas movie diehards alike.

The 2026 film is set to premiere during Hallmark’s beloved Countdown to Christmas event. People are already buzzing—could this be the coziest kickoff of the season?

The Holiday Touchdown Franchise Scores Again

What started as a pretty unexpected crossover has quickly turned into one of Hallmark’s most talked-about seasonal series. By mixing football with heartwarming romance, the network found a formula that brings together audiences in a way most holiday films just don’t.

From Chiefs Kingdom to Bills Mafia

The Holiday Touchdown saga kicked off in 2024 with Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, starring Hunter King and Tyler Hynes. Set in the heart of Kansas City football culture, the movie proved touchdowns and tinsel can totally work together.

Fans loved the blend of sweet romance, team spirit, and festive vibes. In 2025, Hallmark kept things rolling with a Buffalo Bills-themed movie starring Holland Roden and Matthew Daddario.

That second film leaned into emotional storytelling, community, and the fierce loyalty of Bills fans. At that point, it was clear—this franchise wasn’t just an experiment. It was fast becoming a holiday tradition.

Why the Chicago Bears Are the Perfect Fit

The Chicago Bears aren’t just another NFL team. They’re a legacy—decades of history, legendary players, and fans who bleed navy and orange.

For Hallmark, all that tradition means rich storytelling territory. Darren Abbott, President and Chief Brand Officer of Hallmark Media, pointed out how important it is to pick a team whose culture runs deep, way beyond the field.

He mentioned the Bears’ passionate supporters and storied history, saying it makes them a perfect match for a feel-good holiday story.

A Franchise Built on Loyalty and Tradition

Few teams capture generational loyalty like the Bears. Soldier Field isn’t just a stadium—it’s where families gather and memories get passed down.

That emotional connection is right in Hallmark’s wheelhouse, with their stories always circling back to:

• Family bonds
• Community pride
• Second chances
• Love found in unexpected places

Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, said the team’s honored and excited to work on a project that brings fans closer and grows the brand in creative ways. He’s looking forward to celebrating football, family, and the holidays all at once.

What We Know About Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story

They’re keeping casting details quiet for now, but a few key things are already out there—and it’s enough to get fans talking.

Countdown to Christmas 2026 Premiere

The movie will air during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas in late 2026. For longtime viewers, this is the event that marks the real start of the holidays.

By putting the Bears movie front and center in this lineup, Hallmark’s making it clear this one’s a big deal.

Real Bears Figures Involved

Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland showed up in the announcement video, hinting at genuine team involvement from the jump. Their cameo suggests the movie might have real football elements mixed into the romance.

If the past films are any clue, expect things like:

• On-location stadium scenes
• Team-inspired traditions
• Nods to iconic Bears history
• A romance that unfolds alongside football season drama

The Business Behind the Romance

This partnership is part of a bigger trend—cross-brand storytelling that goes beyond the usual. Hallmark’s not just teaming up with the Bears, but also Skydance Sports and NFL Films.

That collaboration takes the project up a notch. For the NFL, these movies reach new fans who might not watch a game but will tune in for a love story with a football twist.

For Hallmark, working with powerhouse teams brings fresh energy to a genre that sometimes gets called out for being too predictable.

A Smart Play for Expanding Audiences

The Holiday Touchdown idea connects with overlapping groups:

• Football fans curious about behind-the-scenes culture
• Hallmark devotees looking for something a bit different
• Couples and families who want a movie everyone can enjoy

It turns the football field into a romantic stage but keeps it real. That’s a tricky balance, but so far, Hallmark’s pulled it off pretty well.

Who Will Star in the Bears Installment?

The big question now—who’s getting cast? The earlier movies had Hallmark favorites and actors with strong followings. Chiefs fans got Hunter King and Tyler Hynes; the Bills film brought in Holland Roden and Matthew Daddario.

So odds are, Hallmark will land some recognizable names for the Bears story. Maybe expect:

• A fan-favorite Hallmark leading man
• A charismatic actress with crossover appeal
• Chemistry that can compete with the on-field drama

And honestly, Chicago itself could steal the show. Think snow-dusted skylines, festive markets, and those classic city landmarks—pretty easy to imagine this movie looking and feeling different from the earlier ones.

The Growing Holiday Touchdown Universe

What started as a one-off experiment now feels like the start of something much bigger. With three teams in three years, fans are already guessing which franchise might be next.

Maybe the Packers for some small-town charm? Cowboys for Texas flair? Or a coastal team for a beachy winter romance? Honestly, the options are wide open.

A New Holiday Tradition in the Making

Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas has always been a seasonal staple. The Holiday Touchdown series, though, brings a new kind of anticipation that goes beyond the usual romance plots.

Now, viewers aren’t just wondering who’ll fall in love. They’re also curious about which team will be in the spotlight next.

By mixing the excitement of football with the warmth of holiday stories, Hallmark has found a sweet spot. It’s a blend that somehow feels both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.

With 2026 on the horizon, Chicago is about to get all the attention. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears fan or just someone who loves a good winter romance, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story looks set to bring snowflakes, sparks, and a whole lot of team pride.