The historic courthouse and town square in Carlinville, Illinois, will soon serve as the backdrop for a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Hallmark named the historic Route 66 community its Merriest Christmas Town for 2026, choosing it from 25 finalists in the company’s first nationwide contest.
The surprise announcement came Oct. 15 at the Macoupin County Courthouse, where Hallmark stars Erin Cahill, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Brendan Penny and Jonathan Bennett joined company executives and residents.
Keeping the news under wraps took several weeks of planning in the town of about 5,500 people.
During a September scouting visit, Karin Doolin, executive director of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, suggested Hallmark representatives pose as a team from Midwest Living working on a feature about the town. Residents later gathered for what they believed was a photo shoot for the publication.
“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,” Doolin 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 town’s Hallmark profile highlights its locally owned shops, restaurants and businesses around the square, along with its historic architecture and Blackburn College.
But Carlinville’s appeal rests on more than its landmarks. Its contest entry describes a community where residents support local businesses, volunteer and find reasons to come together.
That spirit is also on display during Christmas in Carlinville, a holiday celebration held for more than 30 years. This year’s event is scheduled for Dec. 4-6.
A panel of judges selected Carlinville based on community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm and goodwill. Hallmark has not announced when the Christmas movie will be filmed or when it will premiere.
The other 24 towns in the running were:
- Ashland, Oregon
- Bemidji, Minnesota
- Berlin, Maryland
- Boerne, Texas
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Carolina Beach, North Carolina
- Chatham, Massachusetts
- Collierville, Tennessee
- Conway, South Carolina
- Corning, New York
- Cullman, Alabama
- Eureka Springs, Arkansas
- Hanover, Pennsylvania
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Lewisburg, West Virginia
- Marlborough, Connecticut
- Neenah, Wisconsin
- North Conway, New Hampshire
- Papillion, Nebraska
- Parkville, Missouri
- Placerville, California
- Portsmouth, Ohio
- Versailles, Kentucky
- Winter Garden, Florida
