The festive spirit is set to dominate the airwaves as the Hallmark Channel launches its 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event on October 17, 2023. This year, the network is introducing a robust lineup featuring nearly 80 hours of new holiday content over a span of ten weeks. With the premiere of 24 original movies and additional holiday series, Hallmark is expanding its offerings to include both scripted and unscripted programming for the first time.
Familiar faces will grace the screen throughout the season, including stars such as Mae Whitman, Tamera Mowry-Housley, and Lacey Chabert. The network continues its partnership with the NFL, showcasing cameos from various members of the Buffalo Bills organization. New films will air every Saturday and Sunday night, while series will debut on Fridays and Mondays. Viewers can also catch the programming on Hallmark+ the following day.
Season Highlights and Premieres
The season kicks off with “Mistletoe Murders,” a holiday crime series featuring Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney. It makes its Hallmark Channel debut after previously streaming on Hallmark+. The show follows Emily Lane, the owner of a Christmas shop, who teams up with Detective Sam Wilner to solve local murders. Two episodes will air weekly through October 31.
As the week progresses, viewers can look forward to “A Royal Montana Christmas” on October 18, where Princess Victoria, played by Fiona Gubelmann, finds romance while vacationing in Montana. The following day, “A Christmas Angel Match” features Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres as two Christmas angels tasked with helping soulmates fall in love.
The programming continues with “Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper!” on October 25, starring Robert Buckley, who returns to his hometown determined to turn his holiday luck around. Additionally, “Finding Mr. Christmas,” hosted by Jonathan Bennett, returns for its second season on October 27, featuring ten aspiring actors competing for a leading role in an upcoming film.
Special Features and New Series
Hallmark is committed to providing a diverse array of programming this season. “Baked With Love: Holiday,” hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley, invites ten pairs of home bakers to compete for $50,000 and the chance to feature their recipes in a Countdown to Christmas movie. This series will air weekly through December 15.
On November 1, “Christmas on Duty” brings a lighthearted rivalry to the screen as two former classmates, played by Janel Parrish and Parker Young, find themselves on the same team during a holiday party gone awry. Meanwhile, “A Newport Christmas,” set in 1905, follows socialite Ella as she grapples with unexpected romantic interests.
As the season progresses, Hallmark will showcase a range of themes, from familial bonds in “Three Wisest Men” on November 15 to a unique blend of holiday traditions in “Oy to the World!” on December 14. Each film features beloved stars and heartwarming narratives designed to engage audiences of all ages.
In total, Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas promises a delightful mix of entertainment, nostalgia, and festive cheer, making it a must-watch for fans looking to embrace the holiday spirit early this year.
