Countdown to Christmas is already taking shape as Hallmark kicks off another festive summer with exclusive previews, new films and fan favourites.
Written 28th July 2026 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
For Christmas movie fans, one of the biggest signs that the festive season is getting closer has officially arrived.
Hallmark has begun unveiling the first films for its highly anticipated 2026 Countdown to Christmas event, giving viewers an early look at the movies they'll be enjoying later this year. The announcements come as part of the network's annual Christmas in July celebration, a month-long event that keeps the Christmas spirit alive throughout the summer.
What is Countdown to Christmas?
Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas has become one of the world's most popular festive television events.
Launched in 2009, the annual programming block features dozens of original Christmas films packed with romance, family traditions, snowy small towns, festive celebrations and plenty of holiday magic. Every autumn, millions of viewers tune in as brand-new premieres air throughout the run-up to Christmas, making it a tradition for countless families.
The First Films Have Been Revealed
Hallmark has already started teasing several of this year's original movies.
One of the latest announcements is Christmas Delivered, starring Hallmark favourites Autumn Reeser and Wes Brown. Set in a cosy Canadian town, the story follows Ben, a Christmas tree farmer launching a Christmas tree delivery app. When tech expert Kimberly visits her grandmother for the holidays, she discovers problems with the app and offers to help. As the pair work together, friendship soon turns into romance—classic Hallmark style.
Other films already receiving first-look trailers and previews include:
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The Nights Before Christmas, starring Tyler Hynes and Laci J Mailey. It features a Groundhog Day-style time loop plot where the male lead gets stuck repeating Christmas Eve
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A Grand Biltmore Christmas, featuring Holland Roden, Niall Matter, Andie MacDowell and Jonathan Frakes.
The film serves as a follow-up/sequel to the 2023 hit A Biltmore Christmas and is set to premiere during the 2026 "Countdown to Christmas" event, with next-day streaming on Hallmark+
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Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, marks the first collaboration between Hallmark Channel and Disney. Starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle, the festive romance was filmed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and will premiere as part of Hallmark's 2026 Countdown to Christmas season.
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Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is another exciting addition to Hallmark's 2026 Countdown to Christmas line-up. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Robert Buckley, the festive romantic comedy combines football with holiday romance and marks the third film in Hallmark's NFL partnership, following previous football-themed Christmas favourites.
- The Nights Before Christmas, starring Tyler Hynes and Laci J Mailey.
- A Grand Biltmore Christmas, featuring Holland Roden, Niall Matter, Andie MacDowell and Jonathan Frakes.
- Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle, filmed at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the latest film in Hallmark's NFL-inspired Holiday Touchdown series, this time celebrating the Chicago Bears.
Hallmark is expected to announce many more titles over the coming weeks as the full Countdown to Christmas schedule continues to grow.
Christmas in July Keeps the Magic Going
Before the main festive season begins, Hallmark's annual Christmas in July event gives fans plenty to enjoy.
This year's celebration features classic Christmas films alongside four brand-new movie premieres, including Christmas Under Construction, O Little Christmas Market, Snowbound for the Holidays and Love Under the Mistletoe. New films premiere every Saturday during July, with many also becoming available to stream on Hallmark+ the following day.
The event has become a summer tradition for Christmas enthusiasts, helping keep the festive spirit alive while offering sneak peeks of the movies still to come later in the year.
Christmas Fans Are Already Counting Down
The first trailers have already generated excitement among Hallmark fans, many of whom have taken to social media to share their anticipation for another season of heartwarming Christmas stories.
With new films being announced, more trailers expected throughout the summer and Countdown to Christmas edging ever closer, one thing is clear...
The festive movie season has officially begun. 🎄
