Coverage dated October 16, 2026

Hallmark Names Carlinville Its Merriest Christmas Town of 2026

Headline from River Bender

CARLINVILLE — Carlinville has been named Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town of 2026, winning a nationwide contest that will bring a Hallmark Christmas movie production to the central Illinois community for a 2027 release.

River Bender's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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2 articles, oldest first.

NBC Chicago
Illinois town named Hallmark's ‘Merriest Christmas Town' of 2026 (opens NBC Chicago)
Published Oct 16, 2026
NBC Chicago's feed description
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.
River Bender
Hallmark Names Carlinville Its Merriest Christmas Town of 2026 (opens River Bender)
Published Oct 16, 2026
River Bender's feed description
CARLINVILLE — Carlinville has been named Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town of 2026, winning a nationwide contest that will bring a Hallmark Christmas movie production to the central Illinois community for a 2027 release.