Is your hometown the kind of place where neighbors gather to light a towering Christmas tree, storefronts glow with thousands of lights, and the holiday spirit seems to last well beyond December? If so, Hallmark wants to hear from you. The company has officially launched its 2026 Search for America’s Merriest Christmas Town, inviting communities across the country to compete for a title that celebrates the joy, warmth, and traditions that define the holiday season. Nominations are open from July 1 through August 10, 2026, giving Christmas lovers plenty of time to rally behind their favorite hometowns. Rather than focusing solely on dazzling decorations, Hallmark says it’s looking for communities that embody kindness, connection, generosity, and the unmistakable feeling of Christmas.
“Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest is our way of saying thank you to the most passionate fanbase in television while celebrating the towns and communities that embody our core values of comfort, joy, and connection, especially during the Christmas season,” said Darren Abbott, Hallmark Media president.
The contest is about much more than picturesque main streets and oversized Christmas trees. Hallmark is asking participants to share the unique traditions that make their communities special, whether it’s an annual Christmas parade, a beloved tree lighting ceremony, neighborhood caroling, toy drives, Christmas markets, or volunteer efforts that brighten the season for others. The goal is to showcase the communities where Christmas is celebrated not simply as a date on the calendar, but as a way of bringing people together.
The search arrives as Hallmark continues to expand its year-round Christmas offerings. In addition to its annual Countdown to Christmas movie lineup, the company is once again celebrating Christmas in July, preparing for the return of the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City, and growing its collection of holiday-themed events and programming. The Merriest Christmas Town campaign fits naturally alongside these initiatives.
For Christmas enthusiasts, this contest offers more than just bragging rights. It is an opportunity to shine a national spotlight on hometown traditions that have often been cherished for generations. From New England villages and mountain towns to coastal communities and small Midwestern cities, every corner of America has its own way of celebrating the season. Twenty-five towns will be recognized as “Official Hallmark Christmas Towns” and receive an official seal, along with promotional assets to help celebrate and share the designation. One grand prize-winning town will earn the opportunity to be featured in a Hallmark original movie.
If you think your hometown deserves the title, now is the time to make your case. Gather your favorite holiday photos, rally friends and neighbors, and tell Hallmark what makes your community unforgettable during the Christmas season. Who knows? The next iconic Hallmark Christmas setting may not be a movie set at all. It could be your hometown.
