Proving that it's never too early to start planning for Christmas, the Hallmark Channel has already started filming their very first holiday movie for the 2023 season. A Biltmore Christmas will star network regulars Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha as a time-traveling screenwriter and her new leading man. And just like the title suggests, it’s being filmed on-location at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Nort Carolina. Between this and its intriguing storyline, the Elf Squad is already looking forward to this movie.
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
Known as America’s Largest Home for the Holidays, the Biltmore Estate has hosted many classic Christmas celebrations since 1895. Visitors can stay in stunning on-site guestrooms, enjoy the on-site exhibits, and even visit the restaurant and winery.
It’s no surprise that many films were shot at this National Historic Landmark, including Forrest Gump and Last of the Mohicans. Still, this new Hallmark movie marks the first time the estate has been used as the actual setting for the story. And according to Samantha DiPippo, the senior vice president of development at Hallmark Media, that only heightens the excitement for all their viewers.
"Each year we look for ways to create exciting, new holiday viewing experiences for our audience. We know fans will love being transported back in time and the iconic, beautiful Biltmore Estate is the perfect setting to help fans get into the holiday spirit."Samantha DiPippo, Hallmark Media
A Holiday Through Time
Lucy Collins (Lenz) is a screenwriter who lands the job of a lifetime when she's hired to write the script for a remake of the beloved holiday movie 'His Merry Bride!' First filmed in 1947 at the beautiful Biltmore House, it has long been considered a Christmas classic. As Christmas approaches, Lucy travels to Biltmore Estate for research. She joins a guided tour of the grounds where she gets insights into the history of the location and the filming of 'His Merry Bride!', and once inside the house, she's drawn to a beautiful hourglass. When Lucy accidentally knocks it over, she finds herself transported back in time to 1946 -- the Golden Age of Hollywood -- as cast and crew prepare to film 'His Merry Bride!' at Biltmore.
Lucy does her best to navigate an unfamiliar place as a woman out of time, charming some and raising suspicions of others. It's not long before Lucy catches the eye of the film's dashing lead Jack Huston (Polaha), and although she initially rebuffs his advances, their connection soon becomes undeniable. Lucy's sudden appearance sets off a chain of events that puts the production in jeopardy. Before she can return to the present, she must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever. Lucy has one chance to go home but must say goodbye to the man who might be her soulmate unless some Christmas magic can keep the curtain from closing on their love story.
Ms. Lenz has been a Hallmark regular since her run as Halley in One Tree Hill ended in 2012. Viewers last saw her 2021’s An Unexpected Christmas, while her co-lead, Pohala, starred in 2022’s Haul Out the Holly and We Wish You a Married Christmas. He also made appearances in Wonder Woman 1984 and Jurassic World: Dominion. John Putch (A Holiday Spectacular) will direct this new production, with Marcy Holland (Time For Him to Come Home For Christmas) writing the script. Andrew Gerhard and Dustin Rikert serve as producer and executive producer respectively.
While it will still be a while before we see any footage from this highly anticipated Halmark Christmas Movie, you can catch a sneak peek at some of the holiday decorations on display in this promotional video for the Biltmore Estate.
A Biltmore Christmas will premiere during the annual Countdown To Christmas celebration on the Hallmark Channel in November 2023.
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