Our Christmas Blog

It's getting to be that time of year again! The rumors of new original 2021 Christmas movies are starting to swirl about!

Some of the early info has been confirmed so far, some is probably likely true, and some info is nothing but speculation at this point.

The most interesting news to come out so far may be the announcement of the newly formed GAC Media Network. This new network is being led by Bill Abbott, the former CEO of Hallmark. The GAC Family channel will launch on Sept 27, and will be focused on family friendly original movies, including Christmas movies!

The only confirmed movie news so far from GAC is, "Royally Wrapped for Christmas", starring Jen Lilley. Is GAC following in the Hallmark tradition of royal Christmas movies?

As far as Hallmark is concerned, there have been a few official releases so far, and a whole lot of unconfirmed news.

"Christmas in My Heart" will star Heather Hemmens and Luke Macfarlane. In this movie, Heather Hemmens plays Beth, a concert violinist who recently lost her mom, and Luke Macfarlane portrays Sean, a country music star still grieving his wife's death. Sheryl Lee Ralph will portray Luke Macfarlane's mother-in-law, Ruthie.

"The Christmas Promise" stars Torrey DeVitto, Dylan Bruce and Patrick Duffy In the movie, Nicole (Torrey DeVitto) learns to deal with grief, with the help of her grandfather (Patrick Duffy) and Joe (Dylan Bruce), the carpenter she hires to renovate the home that was once meant for her and her fiance.

Also confirmed is "A Christmas Treasure" with Jordin Sparks and Michael Xavier.
After opening a 100-year-old time capsule and finding her grandfather's old journal, Lou (Jordin Sparks) questions whether she should move to New York after Christmas to further her writing career, or stay in Pine Grove to carry on her family's local newspaper. Charming chef, Kyle (Michael Xavier), is also at a crossroads, visiting Pine Grove for the holidays. When Lou and Kyle meet, they both have doubts about their future, but the magic of the holiday season and the connection they have, helps each of their journeys.

Then, in something a little different and special, we will have 2 movies where real-life sisters Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Ashley Williams, will portray sisters in "Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday" and "Sister Swap: Christmas in the City." Mark Deklin, Susan Yeagley, and Kevin Nealon also star.

Jennifer (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) and Meg Swift (Ashley Williams) are sisters who couldn't be closer despite living hours apart. Jennifer is in Salt Lake City, running a successful restaurant she started with her late husband, and raising her teenaged son Simon. Meg stayed in their hometown of Hazelwood, helping their parents run the local bakery. This Christmas is the family's first since the passing of Uncle Dave (Kevin Nealon) who owned the town's beloved theater, The Madison, where many memories were made over the years. When Jennifer and Simon return home for the holiday, they become wistful for one more Christmas at The Madison, despite that it's for sale and in need of repairs. Meanwhile, Meg is helping Jennifer's restaurant staff in Salt Lake prepare for a Christmas competition among local restaurants with the winner earning money for the charity of its choice. With the sisters switching cities leading up to the holiday, they find a new sense of purpose and discover what they both truly need in life and in love.

The two movies will take place in the same time-frame, and will be interconnected and share some scenes, but you will not need to necessarily watch both of them to follow the story line. Should be an interesting concept.

Now for some other unofficial news I have heard, but so far no confirmation from Hallmark.

There is reportedly a new movie currently filming in Connecticut and the cast will include Erika Slezak from the soap opera "One Life to Live". The working title for this movie is "Next Stop Christmas".

"The Nine Kittens of Christmas" starring Kimberly Sustad and Brandon Routh - which is the long-awaited sequel to the 2014 fan favorite "The Nine Lives of Christmas".

"The Search for Christmas" starring Erin Cahill and Wes Brown. Rumor has it that this movie was filmed in Natchez, Mississippi - a change from Hallmark's typical Canadian filming locations.

Of course, it looks like there will be a new Hallmark royal movie this year. Fan favorite Lacey Chabert has been in Ireland filming her new movie, "Christmas at Castle Hart".

And speaking of fan favorites... According to their social media accounts, both Brennan Elliott and Candace Cameron Bure are working on new Christmas movies for this year. Both of them say that their costar is someone they have never worked with before, and Candace Cameron Bure says she is working with her "dream costar". Could they be filming a movie together? We'll have to wait for the official word to find out.

One last bit of very important information to share - Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 2021 will start on Friday, October 22. It just can't come soon enough for me!

Over the next few weeks, I expect that much more news will be available, and you can be sure to find it here!

PS... I have seen some very unofficial and unconfirmed information that this could be another year where Hallmark is planning for a total of somewhere around 40 or 45 movies between both of their channels!