Hallmark Teams With Chicago Bears for Holiday Touchdown Movie

Hallmark’s heading back to the end zone this holiday season, and this time, it’s all navy and orange. The network’s officially teamed up with the NFL, Skydance Sports, and the Chicago Bears for the third installment in its Holiday Touchdown franchise.

If the last two films are anything to go by, this one’s set to dominate cable ratings—and probably a lot of cozy couches too. Titled Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, it’ll premiere during Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas event in 2026.

Football legacy, Midwest heart, and holiday romance—all bundled into one festive package. It’s a combo that somehow just works, isn’t it?

The Holiday Touchdown Franchise Is Becoming a Ratings Powerhouse

What started as a clever crossover between football fandom and feel-good storytelling has quickly turned into a holiday juggernaut. Hallmark struck gold in 2024 with Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, then did it again in 2025 with Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.

Both films landed among the top cable movies of their years. Apparently, America’s got plenty of room for both touchdowns and tinsel.

From Kansas City to Buffalo and Now Chicago

The formula? Simple, but it works. Take an iconic NFL franchise, add a diehard fan base, and mix in family traditions, community pride, plus a romance that blooms with game day energy.

The result is a movie that feels local but also somehow universal. Now, the Chicago Bears have officially joined this holiday universe.

The announcement had some flair—Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland revealed the news in a special video. Production kicks off this summer, filming in and around Chicago, with that unmistakable skyline and the diehard culture that defines Bears fans.

Why the Chicago Bears Are the Perfect Holiday Pick

Few NFL teams carry the kind of generational loyalty the Bears do. This is a team woven into the city’s fabric, from lakefront tailgates to snow-swept December games at Soldier Field.

For Hallmark, that kind of history and emotional investment is storytelling gold. Darren Abbott, president of Hallmark Media, said the goal after the first two films was to find another iconic franchise with a passionate fan base and a culture that goes beyond football.

Chicago checked every box. The Bears aren’t just a team—they’re a tradition, passed from grandparents to grandkids, Sunday after Sunday.

Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Chicago Bears, called the collaboration a chance to strengthen connections with fans while growing the team’s brand in creative ways. That says a lot.

This isn’t just about a holiday romance—it’s about merging sports, entertainment, and community into one shared experience.

Expect the finished film to lean heavily into:

• Iconic Chicago locations—skyline views, neighborhood staples, the whole deal
• Beloved team traditions only true fans understand
• The emotional bond between family, football, and the holidays

Skydance Sports and the NFL’s Expanding Entertainment Playbook

Behind the scenes, this partnership signals something bigger. Skydance Sports, the film’s executive producer, has been building a name for premium sports storytelling.

As the NFL’s exclusive content partner, Skydance is all about expanding programming across different formats. Jessica Matthews, SVP of film and TV at Skydance Sports, said the best sports stories live as much with fans as with athletes.

That fits right in with Hallmark’s approach. The games might be won on the field, but the real resonance happens in living rooms, sports bars, and family gatherings.

Professional sports leagues aren’t just doing documentaries and highlight reels anymore. They’re embracing scripted stories that humanize teams and invite new audiences in.

A Hallmark holiday movie might seem like an odd fit, but honestly, the ratings don’t lie.

Countdown to Christmas Just Got a Major Boost

Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas is already a seasonal tradition. Now in its 17th year, the event fills the holiday season with original films running from late fall through December.

Adding an NFL-backed romance to the lineup gives it a big cross-promotional edge. What makes Holiday Touchdown so clever is how it bridges two fiercely loyal groups.

Football Fans Meet Holiday Movie Lovers

On one side, you’ve got Hallmark fans who never miss a premiere. On the other, NFL fans who might not usually watch holiday romances, but will show up to see their team on screen.

The last two films proved the crossover works. They weren’t just niche experiments—they were top cable movies.

With Chicago in the mix, anticipation’s already building. Casting—playfully called the talent draft—will be announced later. If history repeats, expect a mix of Hallmark favorites and new faces who can bring both romantic chemistry and real fan energy.

What to Expect From A Bears Love Story

Specific plot details are still under wraps, but the title alone hints at a story rooted in team loyalty and personal connection. The Bears’ identity as gritty, resilient, and community-driven gives plenty of material to work with.

Romance in the Windy City

Picture snow swirling off Lake Michigan. Twinkling lights along Michigan Avenue. A family divided by circumstance, but united by their love for the Bears.

Maybe a chance meeting at a holiday charity event tied to the team? Those are the kinds of story beats that just feel right for Hallmark.

At its core, the Holiday Touchdown franchise thrives on a simple truth: sports fandom is emotional. It’s about belonging. It’s about tradition.

And during the holidays, those themes hit even harder. By filming entirely in and around Chicago, the production keeps things authentic.

This won’t be some generic backdrop with team colors slapped on. It’ll be unmistakably Chicago, with all the grit, warmth, and character that comes with it.

The Bigger Picture: A New Holiday Tradition in the Making

Three films in, Holiday Touchdown isn’t just a one-off experiment anymore. It’s quietly becoming a regular part of the Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Each year, there’s a new franchise. A fresh city. Another love story, always with football roots at its core.

If the Bears installment does even half as well as the last ones, I wouldn’t be shocked if more NFL teams start angling for their own holiday movie moment. These days, content rules, and brand partnerships are everywhere—this setup just makes sense.

Right now, though, it’s all about Chicago. Filming kicks off this summer, and they’re aiming for a 2026 holiday release.

Whether you’re dyed-in-the-wool Bear Nation or just someone who can’t pass up a cozy winter romance, here’s the truth: this Christmas, the end zone might just be the warmest place to be.