Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story Comes to Hallmark in 2026

Hallmark’s heading back to the end zone for another heartstring-tugging romance, and this time, it’s straight to the Windy City. The network just announced the third installment in its wildly popular football-themed holiday franchise, and fans of both festive love stories and the NFL are already counting down the days.

Titled Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the film will spotlight one of the league’s most storied franchises, the Chicago Bears. It promises a blend of snowy Chicago charm, die-hard fandom, and swoon-worthy romance in one irresistible Christmas movie event.

The Franchise That Turned Football Into Festive Gold

What started as a clever crossover experiment has quickly become one of Hallmark’s buzziest holiday traditions. The Holiday Touchdown series merges America’s obsession with football and its equally passionate love affair with Christmas movies.

The first two films, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, leaned heavily into team culture and community loyalty. Both movies played up the emotional stakes that come with loving both a person and a franchise.

Why the Chicago Bears Are the Perfect Next Chapter

Choosing the Chicago Bears for the third installment feels almost inevitable. The Bears are one of the NFL’s most historic teams, with a legacy steeped in tradition, grit, and generational loyalty.

That kind of emotional backdrop is exactly what Hallmark thrives on. According to the official announcement, production begins this summer, and filming will take place entirely in and around Chicago.

Audiences can expect authentic city backdrops, from iconic skyline views to beloved local hangouts. Hallmark’s going all in on location shooting, so the city itself will practically become a character in the story.

What We Know So Far About Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story

Hallmark’s keeping specific plot details under wraps, but the franchise’s framework gives us some clues. Expect a heartfelt romance mixed with team pride, family traditions, and the magic of the holiday season.

The title alone hints at a love story that mirrors the resilience and loyalty of Bears fans. The announcement got a big boost when Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson and Tight End Colston Loveland popped up for a special reveal.

That level of team participation suggests more than just a logo in the background. Maybe we’ll see some cameos, behind-the-scenes access, or at least a deeply immersive football vibe.

Filming in Chicago Means Real Windy City Magic

Hallmark’s confirmed the movie will shoot entirely on location in Chicago and the surrounding areas. That’s a big win for authenticity.

Expect snowy lakefront scenes, bustling downtown holiday markets, and, if we’re lucky, a few shots outside Soldier Field. The production promises to showcase:

• Iconic Chicago landmarks
• Beloved local traditions
• The passion surrounding one of the NFL’s most storied franchises

For longtime Chicago residents and Bears fans, this could feel like a love letter to the city itself.

A Strategic Countdown to Christmas Move

The film is slated to premiere during Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas lineup, the network’s crown jewel event. Every year, Countdown to Christmas dominates cable ratings and social media, with viewers planning watch parties and ranking their favorite romantic leads.

By placing the Bears installment in this prestigious block, Hallmark’s showing real confidence. The network clearly sees Holiday Touchdown as more than a gimmick.

Christmas in July Keeps the Hype Alive

In the meantime, fans can revisit the earlier entries in the series. Both Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story and Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story are airing during Christmas in July on Hallmark Channel and streaming on Hallmark+.

That summer programming keeps the football-holiday crossover top of mind while production gears up in Chicago. It’s a smart move—football season may peak in the fall, but Hallmark knows holiday movie lovers are a year-round crowd.

The Bigger Picture: Hallmark’s NFL Playbook

This collaboration between Hallmark and the NFL is a fascinating evolution for both brands. The NFL gets access to a demographic that might not usually tune in for Sunday games, while Hallmark taps into one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports.

The formula works because it focuses on shared values:

• Community loyalty
• Family traditions
• Small-town or hometown pride
• Believing in something bigger than yourself

These themes translate easily from the gridiron to a glowing Christmas tree.

What About Casting and Premiere Date?

Right now, Hallmark hasn’t revealed casting details or an exact premiere date beyond its 2026 Countdown to Christmas slot. That mystery just makes people more curious.

Speculation will likely swirl for months about which familiar Hallmark faces might headline the film and whether any real Bears players will appear on screen. If previous installments are any clue, expect a mix of established Hallmark royalty and fresh talent, plus enough on-field authenticity to keep football fans happy.

Why Fans Are Already Marking Their Calendars

The mix of holiday romance and Chicago Bears football hits a surprisingly emotional sweet spot. Bears fans are known for unwavering dedication, braving frigid temps and tough seasons with equal parts hope and grit.

That kind of loyalty is exactly the emotional arc Hallmark loves to explore. A romance set against that backdrop almost writes itself—maybe a chance meeting at a holiday tailgate, family legacies tied to season tickets, or a big life decision unfolding just as playoff dreams hang in the balance.

Hallmark hasn’t confirmed any of these plot points, of course. But if the earlier films are a guide, expect heartfelt conflict, a few snowy misunderstandings, and a triumphant emotional touchdown just in time for Christmas.

The Countdown Starts Now

Production kicks off this summer, and Chicago’s about to get its close-up. Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated holiday films.

This isn’t just another Christmas romance. It’s a celebration of a city, a team, and honestly, that wild magic you get when love and tradition crash together.

For now, fans just have to hang tight for casting news and an official premiere date. But one thing feels certain—when Hallmark heads back to the end zone next Christmas, Bears fans will be watching, cocoa in hand, hoping to see their team score in a whole new way.