It feels like just yesterday that A Biltmore Christmas was released, and we fell in love with that movie. The movie starred Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha, and remains one of our favorite Countdown to Christmas movies. Hallmark crushed 2023 with that movie, and it’s still a movie that we stop and rewatch every single time that it is on.
We never expected a return to The Biltmore Estate, but Hallmark surprised us with the news that they would be – indeed – returning to the estate for Countdown to Christmas 2026. The same enchanting place, a different era.
Holland Roden and Niall Matter will lead the movie. The newest movie will also have Jonathan Frakes returning. If you watched A Biltmore Christmas you will remember him as Biltmore employee Winston, who showed Lucy (Bethany Joy Lenz) around.
“When A Biltmore Christmas premiered it immediately became a fan favorite and an instant classic,” began Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming, Hallmark Media. “Marcy Holland, who wrote the original movie, has created another captivating romance set in this unique and special place. We can’t wait for viewers to travel back to Biltmore and fall for this new love story as much as they did the first one.”
Production begins in January at the historic Biltmore Estate as well as Asheville’s Fine Arts Theatre, Pack’s Tavern and in downtown Asheville. Dustin Rikert (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, The Christmas Quest) will direct from a script by Marcy Holland (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest).
In the 2023 movie, the beauty, charm, and history of Biltmore House were showcased in the original movie, with the story taking place in locations including the Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiard Room, and the Library, which was the home of the hourglass responsible for the characters’ time-traveling adventures.
Don’t think that we are not getting new places, too. New rooms and locations such as the Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room, and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, allowing the viewer to further explore the house. Additionally, filming will take place in other locations on Biltmore Estate, including The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery. During filming at these locations, the set will be closed to the public.
We’re really excited for this one. We love that The Hallmark Channel is making some franchise movies and partnering with such prestigious places and organizations.
We can not wait to see what happens next.
About The 2026 Movie: As Biltmore House opens for the first time on Christmas Eve 1895, 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family are holiday guests. When she notices Michael, a fellow teen caught trespassing by the staff, Elizabeth comes to his rescue by claiming to know him, much to his relief. The two share an instant connection and set out to explore Biltmore but Michael inexplicably vanishes. Twenty years later, Elizabeth is spending Christmas at Biltmore and this time is accompanied by James, a suitor her Aunt Maysilee, is keen for her to wed.
When a stranger asks Elizabeth to dance at the Christmas gala she’s shocked to discover it’s Michael. Thrilled to reunite with her friend, she throws herself into his arms. But the world around her changes in an instant when Elizabeth is transported into the modern world with Michael, a tourist from the present day who had traveled to the past 20 years prior with the help of a magical hourglass in Biltmore’s library.
Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to send her back to her time, while not arousing the suspicion of Michael’s mother and sister during their family vacation. As Elizabeth experiences life and Christmas in the 21st century, she and Michael become close. When the time comes for her to return to 1915, Elizabeth must decide whether she’ll resume the life that’s been chosen for her or if her heart will lead her down a new path in the present.
