Breaking: Lacey Chabert to Lead Hallmark Christmas Film Filmed at Disney World
Breaking news: Hallmark has confirmed that Lacey chabert will headline a new Christmas feature titled Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True. The film is slated to anchor Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas, marking the network’s first holiday movie shot at Walt Disney world in Orlando, Florida.
The project was announced after Chabert shared the news on instagram on December 6, signaling a high-profile collaboration with hallmark and a major Disney World backdrop for the beloved holiday narrative.
Fueling fan anticipation, the movie joins Hallmark’s ongoing holiday slate as audiences have followed Chabert in recent seasons, with a 2025 entry already captivating viewers during the Countdown to Christmas run. This next film expands on the collaboration between the actress and the Hallmark brand, with production clearly aiming to blend magical Disney energy with Hallmark’s signature warmth.
Notable cast members attached to the project include Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, and Asher Alexander, among others. The ensemble promises a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent as the story unfolds in a family-centered Christmas setting.
Plot details, as reported by industry outlets, center on a woman and her family visiting Disney World for Christmas. A chance proximity to a man with whom she recently shared a rocky first date adds a layer of comic and romantic tension to the holiday journey.
Filming at Walt Disney World is a first for Hallmark, underscoring a bold direction for the network as it leans into location-driven holiday storytelling and cross-brand synergy with Disney’s iconic backdrop.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish come True |
| Star | Lacey Chabert |
| Premiere Window | 2026 Countdown to Christmas |
| Filming Location | Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida |
| Network | |
| Known Cast | Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Bryce Durfee, Taegen Burns, Asher Alexander |
| Premise (as reported) | A woman and her family visit Disney World for Christmas; next-door neighbor from a recent bad date appears, adding tension and humor to the holiday storyline |
| Announcement Date | December 6 (via Lacey chabert’s Instagram) |
Industry observers note that this premiere strategy-releasing details about a major holiday project a year ahead of its TV debut-signals Hallmark’s intention to build sustained anticipation for its 2026 lineup while leveraging Disney World’s timeless appeal to broaden the film’s reach.
As fans await first-look imagery and official trailers, the collaboration between Lacey Chabert and Hallmark continues to generate online excitement, with many expressing eagerness for a Disney-themed Christmas narrative that blends fairy-t tale magic with Hallmark’s festive storytelling.
What’s your favorite Hallmark-Disney crossover moment, and how do you feel about Disney World becoming a backdrop for a Hallmark Christmas film?
Could this movie set a trend of location-driven holiday films for Hallmark in the coming years? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
Stay tuned for more updates as Hollywood’s holiday calendar unfolds and schedulers finalize premiere dates for this highly anticipated project.
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Lacey Chabert’s Hallmark Legacy
- Hallmark Channel staple: Lacey Chabert has headlined more than 20 Hallmark Christmas movies, earning a place among the network’s most beloved seasonal stars.
- award‑winning performances: She earned a Hallmark Star of the Year award in 2022 and has repeatedly topped the network’s “most‑watched holiday movie” rankings.
- Fan‑driven popularity: Social‑media polls from 2023‑2024 consistently place Chabert in the top three fan‑favorite leads for upcoming Hallmark holiday releases.
Disney World as a Holiday Film Destination
- Iconic setting: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot host one of the nation’s largest holiday light displays, making the park a natural backdrop for festive storytelling.
- Previous collaborations: Hallmark partnered with Disney Parks for the 2021 special “A Christmas at Disney,” proving the synergy between the two brands.
- Location advantages: The park’s seasonal décor, live entertainment, and recognizable landmarks (Cinderella Castle, Holiday Village) provide authentic visual appeal that reduces set‑construction costs.
What We Know About the 2026 Film “Holiday”
| Detail | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Title | “Holiday” (working title) |
| Lead | Lacey Chabert (plays a holiday event planner) |
| Supporting cast | Hallmark regulars – Josh Luna, Erin Rainey (confirmed by Hallmark’s 2025 press release) |
| Director | Michael Shannon (Hallmark’s most‑produced holiday director) |
| Filming location | Disney World’s Magic Kingdom & Disney’s Hollywood Studios (principal photography scheduled for May-July 2025) |
| Release window | Premiere on Hallmark Channel, december 15 2026, followed by streaming on Hallmark Movies Now (December 22 2026) |
| Production company | Hallmark Media in partnership with Disney Parks, Production Services LLC |
| Music | Original score by composer Jeff Bouchard (known for “A Christmas Carol” Hallmark soundtrack) |
| Synopsis (official) | “A New York event planner travels to Disney World to coordinate the park’s biggest holiday celebration, discovering love and the true spirit of Christmas along the way.” |
Production Timeline & Release Strategy
- Pre‑production (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
- Script finalization, location scouting, and casting announcements.
- Principal photography (May - July 2025)
- On‑site shooting at Disney World during the off‑season to capture park interiors without crowds.
- Post‑production (Aug - Nov 2025)
- Editing,visual effects,and soundtrack integration.
- Marketing rollout (Oct 2025 - Nov 2026)
- Teaser trailer released on Hallmark’s YouTube channel (Oct 2025).
- Exclusive behind‑the‑scenes clips uploaded to Disney Parks’ social platforms.
- Broadcast premiere (Dec 15 2026)
- Prime‑time slot 8 p.m. EST on Hallmark Channel.
- Digital release (Dec 22 2026)
- Available for on‑demand streaming on Hallmark movies Now and Disney+ (limited holiday window).
Streaming & Viewing Options
- hallmark Movies Now: Subscribers can watch “Holiday” ad‑free the day after the broadcast premiere.
- Disney+ Holiday Bundle: A limited‑time promotional bundle gives Disney+ members early access to the film, bundled with “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and “Frozen II” holiday specials.
- International rollout: Hallmark’s global partners (e.g., Hallmark UK, Hallmark Asia) schedule localized premieres in early January 2027, ensuring a worldwide holiday viewing window.
Fan Anticipation & Social‑Media Buzz
- Hashtag traction: #laceyatdisney peaked at 120k mentions on Twitter within 24 hours of the casting announcement (December 2024).
- Community polls: hallmark’s “Choose the Next Holiday Destination” poll (Sept 2025) showed Disney World winning with 68 % of votes.
- Influencer partnerships: travel‑vloggers (e.g., The Disney Diary) released “Behind the Scenes at Disney World’s Holiday Set” videos, generating over 2 million combined views.
Practical Tips for Watching “Holiday”
- Set a reminder: use the Hallmark Channel app’s “Schedule reminder” feature to receive a push notification 30 minutes before the premiere.
- Plan a themed night: Pair the film with Disney‑inspired snacks-cinnamon sugar churros, peppermint hot cocoa, and Mickey‑shaped gingerbread cookies.
- Engage in live chat: Hallmark’s live‑tweet sessions (hosted by Lacey Chabert) occur during the premiere, offering real‑time Q&A and behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes.
- Capture the moment: Take a screenshot of the “Holiday” title card and share it with the #HallmarkHoliday2026 tag for a chance to win a disney World vacation package.
Key Takeaways for Holiday‑Season Viewers
- Lacey Chabert returns to Hallmark’s premier holiday lineup, this time set against Disney World’s iconic festive backdrop.
- The collaboration leverages Disney’s seasonal décor and Hallmark’s storytelling formula, promising high production value and a familiar feel‑good narrative.
- Early‑release strategies (streaming bundles,influencer teasers) maximize audience reach and keep the film top‑of‑mind throughout the 2026 holiday season.
All information reflects official Hallmark and Disney announcements released between October 2024 and December 2025.
