When civic leaders in the small town of Carlinville, Illinois urged residents to come to the county courthouse for a festive photo shoot on Thursday, October 15, the community showed up in droves, thinking they were going to be featured in a Midwest Living magazine spread for the holidays.
But to their surprise, it was all a ruse to bring everyone together! Some of Hallmark Channel‘s biggest stars popped up instead to deliver the exciting news that Carlinville had been selected as the winner of Hallmark’s first-ever search for America’s “Merriest Christmas Town” after being named one of 25 finalists across the U.S. this summer.
Hallmark fan-favorites Erin Cahill, Jonathan Bennett, Tamera Mowry Housley, and Brendan Penny shocked residents by giving the town its new title and kicking off an epic celebration, complete with music, speeches, snacks, and photo ops with the stars.
Mayor Downey, Brendan Penny, Erin Cahill, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jonathan Bennett, and Michelle Vicary in Carlinville, Illinois for Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town” celebration on October 15, 2026.Hallmark Media
Doug Downey, Mayor of Carlinville, was blown away by the honor. He said in a statement, “What makes Carlinville so special is the people who call it home. From our charming historic downtown and beloved holiday traditions to the warmth and community spirit of our residents, Carlinville truly embodies the magic of a Hallmark Christmas movie.”
That’s perfect, because the town’s prize is becoming the backdrop for a 2027 Hallmark Christmas movie, to be filmed in the community of 5,500. But Downey said the title of “Merriest Christmas Town” is sure to do even more than that for his town. He called it “an incredible honor, and we hope this recognition brings new visitors, opportunities and excitement to our community for years to come.”
Hallmark Channel’s head of programming, Michelle Vicary said in a statement, “We knew instantly that Carlinville captures the widely adored Hallmark charm that brings our fans such joy and warmth year-round, and the scores of fans who voted for this cozy town clearly agree. It will set the stage for the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie and even better, we’re confident that we will create meaningful connections with the wonderful people of Carlinville while making it.”
Hallmark’s Erin Cahill, Jonathan Bennett, Tamera Mowry Housley and Brendan Penny in Carlinville, Illinois, on October 15, 2026.Hallmark Media
Videos posted to Hallmark Channel’s Instagram Stories showed Cahill, Bennett, Mowry Housley, and Penny celebrating with the crowd, including getting them pumped up from the stage, posing for photos with local youth, serving snacks, and guiding and dancing with a marching band and cheerleaders down the street, and leading a huge community “Merry Christmas” greeting.
More than 1,000 towns were nominated for the special distinction of being known as Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town,” and Hallmark execs narrowed it down to 25 finalists. From there, fans had several weeks to vote online for their favorites.
The big event in Carlinville on October 15 was the perfect precursor to Hallmark’s October 16 kick-off of Countdown to Christmas, with round-the-clock holiday fare airing through December 20 and 34 new, original movies premiering throughout.
Hence then, the article about hallmark channel stars pop up in small community just named america s merriest christmas town for top secret celebration was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Hallmark Channel Stars Pop Up in Small Community, Just Named America’s ‘Merriest Christmas Town,’ for Top Secret Celebration )
Also on site :
- Walmart’s Sparkling 18-Karat Gold-Plated Twist Hoops Shine Like Diamonds and Make the Most Luxe Under-$15 Gift
- Hilary Swank, 52, Is Pregnant Again—But the Best Part Is What She Said to a Woman Who Fears She May Never Become a Mom
- ‘Pillsbury Bake-Off Classic’ Returns to Primetime With Drew Barrymore as Host—Nearly 50 Years After She Starred in a Pillsbury Ad at Age 4