Hallmark Channel is developing a sequel to its 2023 hit A Biltmore Christmas, set for release in 2026. The new film stars Holland Roden and Niall Matter, with Jonathan Frakes reprising his role. Production will return to the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
The original A Biltmore Christmas, released in 2023, featured Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha as leads and was filmed entirely at the Biltmore House, highlighting locations such as the Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiard Room, and Library. The story involved time travel sparked by a magical hourglass in the library, blending Gilded Age romance with modern-day elements.
Building on that success, the sequel reunites the production team with director Dustin Rikert, known for Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story and The Christmas Quest. Screenwriter Marcy Holland, who penned the first film, returns for this installment, with David O’Donnell executive producing. Filming is scheduled to begin in January 2026 at the Biltmore Estate and additional Asheville sites, including the Fine Arts Theatre, Pack’s Tavern, and downtown areas. The sequel will expand to showcase more estate features, such as the Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room, Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery.
The plot follows 13-year-old Elizabeth, a holiday guest at Biltmore House on Christmas Eve 1895, who befriends trespassing teen Michael. After he vanishes, they reunite 20 years later at a Christmas gala, only for Elizabeth to be transported to the present day via the same hourglass. There, she navigates modern life with Michael, now a tourist, while grappling with family expectations from her era. As she adapts to 21st-century Christmas traditions, their bond deepens, forcing Elizabeth to choose between her predetermined path in 1915 or a future in the present.
Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media, praised the project: “When A Biltmore Christmas premiered, it immediately became a fan favorite and an instant classic. Marcy Holland has created another captivating romance set in this unique and special place. We can’t wait for viewers to travel back to Biltmore and fall for this new love story as much as they did the first one.” The film joins Hallmark’s 2026 Countdown to Christmas lineup, continuing the network’s tradition of feel-good holiday tales rooted in real historic settings.
