Hallmark’s Bears Christmas Movie Brings NFL Magic to Chicago
Hallmark Channel’s at it again, giving football fans another festive romance—this time, with the Chicago Bears in the spotlight. Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is joining the Countdown to Christmas lineup, following earlier NFL-inspired films about the Chiefs and Bills.
The full plot’s still a mystery, but the cast list, real Bears cameos, and those iconic Chicago locations are already stirring up excitement. You can just feel the anticipation, even before the holiday season kicks off.
Find the best accommodations and airfares
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Hallmark Is Heading to Chicago for Its Next Big Holiday Romance
There’s just something extra charming about Hallmark’s latest football collab. It’s not just a few Bears jerseys and some crowd shots—the movie was actually filmed in Chicago, including scenes at Soldier Field.
For fans, that means this Christmas romance could deliver the rare combo of twinkling lights, snowy city streets, game-day energy, and one of the NFL’s most recognizable backdrops. That’s not something you see every day in a holiday movie.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is part of a strategy that’s quickly become one of Hallmark’s most buzzed-about holiday traditions. The network previously teamed with the Chiefs for Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story in 2024, then followed up with Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.
Both movies really leaned into their teams’ fan bases and featured appearances from team personalities. Turns out, football and holiday romance can actually be a pretty irresistible mix.
The Bears version will likely do the same, tapping into the team’s long history and die-hard following. Pairing a classic Hallmark love story with the Bears’ larger-than-life identity? That’s got “highly anticipated” written all over it.
A Bears-Sized Lineup of Familiar Faces
This movie’s not just about the scenery—it’s packed with people who are actually part of the Bears family. Bears head coach Ben Johnson is showing up, along with tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet.
That means we’ll probably get a fun peek at current Bears culture woven into the holiday plot. But it doesn’t stop with today’s roster.
Hallmark is bringing in some serious Bears legends, too—names that carry a ton of weight in Chicago football history. Mike Singletary, Charles “Peanut” Tillman, and Dan Hampton are all set for cameos, which should hit fans right in the nostalgia.
- Ben Johnson, Bears head coach
- Colston Loveland, Bears tight end
- Cole Kmet, Bears tight end
- Mike Singletary, legendary Bears linebacker
- Charles Peanut Tillman, former Bears cornerback
- Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame Bears defensive lineman
- Connie Payton, wife of Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton
- Staley Da Bear, the team’s beloved mascot
Connie Payton’s appearance is especially touching, since it connects the movie to Walter Payton’s lasting legacy. And honestly, what’s a Bears celebration without Staley Da Bear?
The mascot’s expected to show up, too, which should add some playful moments for families watching at home. It’s those small touches that keep things fun.
The Cast Is Packed With Hallmark Favorites and Veteran Talent
Football’s a big draw, sure—but Hallmark’s making sure the romance is in good hands. Lyndsy Fonseca, Robert Buckley, Marsha Mason, Barbara Alyn Woods, and Khary Payton are all on board.
That group brings the familiar Hallmark vibe, some dramatic chops, and the kind of warm chemistry people expect from these movies. There’s a comfort in seeing those faces together.
Other cast members include Tamera Mowry-Housley, Marilu Henner, Jake Connelly, and Dyon Mojo Brooks. With so many familiar names, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story looks like it’ll be more than just a football gimmick.
It’s shaping up to be a full-on ensemble holiday event—with room for romance, family moments, laughs, and plenty of Bears pride. That’s the kind of mix Hallmark fans love.
What Is the Movie Actually About?
Right now, Hallmark hasn’t dropped any official plot details, which only seems to add to the hype. The title makes it clear the Bears are central, but will the main characters be players, staff, lifelong fans, or just Chicago locals caught up in the holiday magic?
What’s certain is the movie will take full advantage of its setting. Chicago’s always been a cinematic city, and its winter scenery practically begs for a Christmas romance.
Soldier Field, passionate Bears fans, and the emotional pull of football tradition—Hallmark’s got a strong foundation for a story that could reach way beyond the usual holiday crowd. There’s a lot of potential here.
The lack of plot info also leaves room for surprise cameos and emotional nods to Bears history. If the Chiefs and Bills movies are any clue, expect the film to really celebrate the team’s personality—not just stick a love story next to a football field.
Why Hallmark and the NFL Make Such a Surprisingly Perfect Match
Honestly, on paper, mixing cozy Christmas romance with pro football sounds a little odd. But when you think about it, it kind of works.
Both Hallmark holiday movies and NFL fandom are built around tradition, loyalty, family gatherings, and the comfort of coming back to something you love every year. One crowd tunes in for mistletoe and meet-cutes, the other for touchdowns and rivalries, but both get the value of shared rituals.
Hallmark’s been getting more creative lately, looking beyond its usual small-town holiday setups. The network’s also dipped into the music world, like with the Mickey Guyton-inspired Heaven Down Here.
Blake Shelton’s been involved with several Hallmark Christmas movies, including Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas. And movies like Christmas at Dollywood and Five More Minutes have shown how country music and sentimental stories can fit right in with Hallmark’s signature style.
The Countdown to Christmas Schedule Just Got More Exciting
There’s still no official premiere date for Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story. What we do know is it’s locked in for Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas lineup later this year.
This annual event already draws in folks who start their holiday celebrations before most people even think about December. The Bears movie could easily steal the spotlight as one of the main attractions.
If you’re a Chicago fan, it’s hard not to get excited. You’ll get to see your team, your city, and Soldier Field in a whole new way.
Hallmark regulars can look forward to another cozy seasonal romance, but this time with a quirky football twist. And honestly, if you’re into both football and Christmas movies, maybe this is exactly the kind of holiday touchdown you didn’t even realize you wanted.
Hallmark hasn’t spilled the details on the central romance yet. Still, fans can start gearing up for what’s shaping up to be a festive mashup of Bears fandom and holiday spirit.
One thing’s for sure: Soldier Field’s going to look downright magical decked out in Christmas lights.
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.