An Illinois town has been named the official Hallmark “Christmas Town” for 2026.
Carlinville, Illinois, won the contest of “merriest Christmas towns” across the U.S. following a nationwide search by Hallmark.
“Carlinville is the kind of small town that reminds you what you love about small towns in the first place. Located along historic Route 66, at the heart of our community is a beautiful town square surrounded by locally owned shops, restaurants and businesses, where you can spend an afternoon exploring and still find people who stop to say hello,” the description for the town read on Hallmark’s guide.
The U.S. search looked for “communities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life through their traditions, celebrations and community spirit.”
Carlinville had previously been named a finalist, along with several other Midwest cities. After public voting, a panel of judges evaluated the 25 finalists and crowned “Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town of 2026.”
Located between Springfield and St. Louis, Carlinville was recognized for its historic square, which hosts a light-filled holiday ceremony and for the town’s many festivities, which make it a “holiday destination.”
“For years, we’ve heard visitors say Carlinville looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie, so to have Hallmark itself recognize our town in this way is incredibly exciting,” Karin Doolin, executive director of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “We’re proud of the traditions and community spirit that helped get Carlinville here, and we hope this gives even more people a reason to come experience our town for themselves.”
The central Illinois town is home to the world’s largest continuous collection of original Sears catalog homes in a single neighborhood. Each winter, it hosts a Christmas market and a series of holiday-themed events and experiences.
Other Midwest towns to make the list of finalists were Bemidji, Minnesota; Neenah, Wisconsin; Parkville, Missouri; and Portsmouth, Ohio.
The winning location may be used as a filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.
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