Peppermint Rally Celebrates East Aurora Premiere of Holiday Touchdown
It’s not every day that Hollywood magic lands in Western New York, but that’s exactly what’s happening in East Aurora this November. Main Street is about to get a serious makeover—think winter wonderland meets football mania—as the town gets ready for the Peppermint Rally.
This celebration marks the Hallmark Channel’s newest holiday film, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. Hosted by the Hallmark Channel, the Buffalo Bills, and the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the event promises a lively kickoff to the holiday season.
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There’s a little bit of everything: Christmas movie magic, Bills Mafia pride, and a whole lot of small-town spirit. Fans are encouraged to sport their Bills-themed holiday gear, take in the music, and cheer for the film’s stars as they parade through town before a private screening at the historic Aurora Theatre.
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The Peppermint Rally: Where Football Meets Festive Cheer
On November 13, East Aurora turns into a holiday hotspot as the Peppermint Rally takes over Main Street. The event is free and open to everyone, with the action happening between Pine Street/Olean Road and Elm/Riley Streets.
Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. DJ MILK will be spinning holiday tunes, while Hallmark elves hand out goodies—sounds like a pretty sweet prelude to the movie premiere. Local businesses are keeping their doors open, so expect a cozy, festive vibe with shopping, treats, and lots of Bills energy.
Leading the rally? The Buffalo Bills’ Stampede Drumline, of course. They’ll set the beat for a night that’s sure to be memorable.
As the movie cast makes their way down Main Street, you’ll get a blend of Hollywood sparkle and hometown pride. Later, there’s a private screening at the Aurora Theatre, where stars and special guests will settle in to watch the film that celebrates both the Bills and the season’s magic.
Traffic, Parking, and What to Know Before You Go
Heads up: East Aurora Police have announced road closures for the rally. Main Street will be closed from Elm/Riley Streets to Olean/Pine Streets, and Pine Street closes from East Fillmore Avenue to Main Street starting at 5 p.m.
Streets should reopen around 7:30 p.m. Watch for those no parking after 4 p.m. signs along the closed areas, plus on one side of Elm Street and Oakwood Avenue between Elm and Olean.
If you’re coming, get there early, dress in layers, and bring your Bills spirit. This rally is shaping up to be one of the season’s most festive nights—can’t imagine anyone wants to miss it.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story — A Buffalo Fairytale
When Hallmark Channel announced in March that it was teaming up with the Buffalo Bills, Skydance Sports, and Hallmark Media for a holiday movie, fans got pretty excited. By May, filming was underway, and the buzz around Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story just kept growing.
The movie was shot entirely in and around Buffalo—Highmark Stadium, Main Street in East Aurora, you name it. It captures Western New York’s spirit in that signature Hallmark way.
This is a story about love, community, and team pride, all wrapped up in holiday lights and the unmistakable energy of Bills Nation.
An All-Star Cast On and Off the Field
The film features a mix of Hollywood talent and Buffalo Bills favorites. Among the Bills players and alumni making appearances:
- Head Coach Sean McDermott
- Running Back Ray Davis
- Safety Damar Hamlin
- Offensive Tackle Dion Dawkins
- Tight End Dawson Knox
- Long Snapper Reid Ferguson
- Defensive Tackle DeWayne Carter
- Wide Receiver Joshua Palmer
Legendary alumni like Jim Kelly, Steve Tasker, Thurman Thomas, Scott Norwood, and Andre Reed also show up, bridging generations of Buffalo football greatness. You’ll even hear the familiar voice of Bills play-by-play announcer Chris Brown during the movie’s sports scenes.
Hollywood’s side of the roster includes Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario, Tracy Pollan, Caroline Aaron, Steve Schirripa, and Patti Murin. It’s a cast that brings both star power and heart to the story.
Behind the Scenes: Buffalo Becomes a Hallmark Wonderland
Filming happened all summer, turning Buffalo landmarks into movie backdrops. In June, East Aurora residents saw Main Street transformed into a snowy set—even though it was the middle of summer.
Locals watched as fake snow drifted across storefronts and the cast rehearsed scenes full of small-town charm. By July, the official trailer dropped, giving fans a first look at what’s sure to be a heartwarming holiday movie.
A Community Celebration Beyond the Screen
The excitement around Holiday Touchdown goes way beyond just the film. For Western New Yorkers, this project is something bigger—a celebration of local pride and the unique energy of Bills fans.
The collaboration between the NFL, Hallmark, and Skydance Sports has created a cultural moment that brings together sports fans and holiday movie lovers. Plus, it’s a nice boost for the local economy, drawing attention to East Aurora’s shops, restaurants, and historic spots as the holiday shopping season kicks off.
Some of the movie’s stars even got to experience their first Bills tailgate earlier this season, soaking in the traditions that make Buffalo football so special. Their reactions—everything from awe to pure joy—show just how contagious the Bills spirit really is.
Why This Premiere Matters
For longtime fans of both the Buffalo Bills and Hallmark holiday movies, Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story feels like more than just entertainment—it’s a love letter to Buffalo. It highlights the resilience, warmth, and humor that define the region, all while delivering that classic Hallmark feel-good storytelling.
The Peppermint Rally gives fans a chance to be part of that story, to celebrate their team and their town in one unforgettable night.
How to Make the Most of the Peppermint Rally
If you’re planning to go, why not make a full evening of it? Stop into one of East Aurora’s cozy cafés or restaurants before the rally, check out the local shops for unique holiday gifts, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Bring your Bills-themed Christmas gear—red, blue, snowflakes, whatever you’ve got—and get ready to cheer when the Stampede Drumline kicks things off. Whether you’re there for the stars, the music, or just to soak in the holiday spirit, this rally is bound to be a highlight of the season.
A Perfect Blend of Heart, Hometown, and Holiday Spirit
As the lights start to twinkle along Main Street, there’s this unmistakable buzz in the air. The sound of drums drifts through East Aurora, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little proud—this town just knows how to do the holidays right.
The *Peppermint Rally* isn’t your average movie premiere. It’s more like a love letter to Buffalo: community, resilience, and that deep-down loyalty to the Bills.
Fans come from all over, and for good reason. Sometimes, the best stories aren’t on the screen—they’re unfolding right on your own block.
So, maybe clear your schedule, pull out that warmest scarf, and get ready for a night that just feels like Buffalo. When the Hallmark Channel teams up with the Bills, you can bet it’ll be a *touchdown* for the holidays.
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.