Hallmark Channel is getting an early start on the holiday season. As part of the network’s 25th anniversary celebration, Hallmark has announced premiere dates for three of its biggest original Christmas movies of 2026, giving fans their first chance to start planning this year’s Countdown to Christmas viewing schedule.
While Hallmark premieres dozens of holiday movies every year, these three projects clearly sit at the top of the list. Leading the way is the network’s first-ever collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort, followed by the return to one of its most beloved recent originals and another football-themed romance that kicks off the entire season.
Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True
The biggest announcement is easily Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, which premieres Saturday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel before streaming the following day on Hallmark+.
The film marks the first collaboration between Hallmark Media and Walt Disney World Resort, bringing the romance and holiday traditions Hallmark fans expect into what Disney calls “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Lacey Chabert stars alongside Travis Van Winkle, with Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander joining the cast. Patrick Renna also appears in a cameo role.
Considering Chabert has become one of Hallmark’s signature stars over the years, pairing her with Disney for the network’s first project of this kind feels like one of the season’s biggest events before a single frame has even aired.
A Grand Biltmore Christmas
One week later, on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark returns to one of its recent fan favorites with A Grand Biltmore Christmas.
Rather than simply revisiting the Biltmore Estate, the new film introduces Holland Roden and Niall Matter in a story that connects the Gilded Age with the present day. Fans of the original 2023 movie will also be happy to see Jonathan Frakes reprise his role.
The original A Biltmore Christmas quickly became one of Hallmark’s most talked-about holiday films thanks to its time-travel premise and stunning location. Returning to that world makes plenty of sense, especially with Frakes helping bridge the two stories.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story
Before either of those films arrive, Hallmark’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas officially begins Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story.
The movie continues Hallmark’s football-inspired holiday romance series, this time partnering with the Chicago Bears after previous installments centered around other NFL franchises. Like the rest of Hallmark’s original movies, it will stream on Hallmark+ the day after its television premiere.
A head start on the holidays
Announcing premiere dates this far in advance is unusual, but it also shows how important these films are to Hallmark’s holiday plans. Between a landmark Disney collaboration, a return to Biltmore Estate, and another NFL-themed romance kicking off the season, the network is clearly putting some of its biggest titles front and center as it celebrates 25 years on the air.
Bottom line
Hallmark’s holiday season officially begins Oct. 16, but fans now have three dates worth circling on the calendar. Whether you’re excited for Disney magic, another visit to Biltmore Estate, or the latest football-inspired romance, the network has already revealed some of its biggest gifts for this year’s Countdown to Christmas.
