Hallmark’s Star-Studded Grand Ole Opry Christmas Movie: Meet the All-Star Cast Including Sharon Lawrence and James Denton!

Hallmark Channel just dropped some big news for its “Countdown to Christmas” lineup: A Grand Ole Opry Christmas is coming. This is the first time Hallmark and the Grand Ole Opry have teamed up, and the cast is stacked—Sharon Lawrence, James Denton, Rob Mayes, and Luke Benward, to name a few.

Set in Nashville, the movie leans into nostalgia, music, and a bit of Christmas magic. Nikki DeLoach leads as Gentry Wade, daughter of the late country star Jett Wade, and she’s on a journey to face her past and maybe find a bit of herself along the way.

There’s original music by Brad Paisley, plus cameos from country legends. It’s shaping up to be a holiday movie people will talk about.

The Plot: A Journey Through Time and Music

At its core, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas follows Gentry Wade (Nikki DeLoach). Gentry’s father, Jett Wade, was a country music legend who died in a car accident 30 years back.

Jett was half of the iconic duo Winters & Wade, with Von Winters. James Denton plays Von in the present, and Luke Benward takes on the younger version.

Gentry’s Struggle and Redemption

After her father’s death, Gentry walked away from both his legacy and her own dreams of songwriting. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor Jett at their centennial Christmas event, she’s not exactly eager to revisit old memories.

Her friends, including Mac (Kristoffer Polaha), a country music manager and her lifelong buddy, nudge her to go anyway. So, she heads back to the Opry, unsure what she’ll find.

A Magical Twist

While sitting in one of the Opry’s classic oak pews, something wild happens—Gentry gets whisked back to 1995. Suddenly, she’s got time with her dad she thought she’d lost forever.

That unexpected trip gives her the spark she needs to finish the song she started as a teen. Along the way, she uncovers answers about her father that have lingered for years.

The Star-Studded Cast

This film really brings together a strong group of actors. Here are the main faces you’ll see:

• Nikki DeLoach as Gentry Wade
• James Denton as Von Winters (present day)
• Luke Benward as Von Winters (past)
• Rob Mayes as Jett Wade
• Kristoffer Polaha as Mac
• Sharon Lawrence as Rita, Jett Wade’s cousin

Supporting Roles and Cameos

Sharon Lawrence plays Rita, who’s stayed close with Gentry and pushes her to accept the Opry invitation. There are also cameos from a bunch of country stars:

• Bill Anderson
• Rhett Akins
• Megan Moroney
• Jamey Johnson
• Dailey & Vincent
• Drew Baldridge
• Maggie Baugh
• Suzy Bogguss
• Mickey Guyton
• Pam Tillis
• Riders in the Sky
• Tigirlily Gold

The Music: A Melody of Christmas Magic

A Christmas movie without a killer soundtrack? Not happening here. Country superstar Brad Paisley is writing original music for the film and will perform, too.

It’s safe to say the music will be a major part of the movie’s charm. Expect the soundtrack to really set the festive mood.

Brad Paisley’s Contribution

Brad Paisley’s involvement is a big draw for country fans. His songs are bound to hit the right holiday notes and add some emotional punch.

Honestly, his performance in the film is one of those things you just don’t want to miss.

Production and Release

Filming for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas just kicked off in Nashville. That’s pretty perfect, considering the Opry is at the heart of the story.

The movie is set to premiere during Hallmark’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas. Fans look forward to this tradition every year, and this new film should make the lineup even more interesting.

Celebrating the Opry’s 100th Year

There’s a special angle here: the movie marks the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th year. That’s a huge milestone for both the Opry and Hallmark.

The centennial celebration gives the film a nice touch of history, especially for anyone who loves country music or holiday movies.

Why You Should Watch

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas mixes heart, a bit of magic, and plenty of music. Here’s what makes it stand out this holiday season:

• Star-Studded Cast: Nikki DeLoach, James Denton, Rob Mayes, and Luke Benward bring real depth to their roles.
• Musical Performances: Brad Paisley’s songs and those country cameos? That’s a soundtrack worth hearing.
• Nostalgia and Magic: The time-travel twist lets the story explore family and legacy in a really touching way.
• Historical Significance: The Opry’s 100th year is a big deal, and the film tips its hat to that history.

Perfect for the Holiday Season

If you love country music, Christmas movies, or just a good story, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas might be right up your alley. There’s music, magic, and enough heart to make it a great pick for a cozy night with friends or family.

Final Thoughts

Hallmark Channel keeps rolling out the holiday cheer with its annual Countdown to Christmas. A Grand Ole Opry Christmas really stands out this time around.

The cast is packed with stars, and the original music by Brad Paisley adds something special. There’s a warmth to the story, stretching across decades, that just feels right for this season.

If you’re looking for something to bring a little magic, or maybe just a touch of nostalgia, this film might hit the spot. Maybe mark your calendar and see if it sweeps you up, too.