Hallmark Media has greenlit a sequel to its 2023 hit A Biltmore Christmas, starring Holland Roden and Niall Matter with Jonathan Frakes reprising his role as Winston. Directed by Dustin Rikert and written by Marcy Holland, production begins in January 2026 at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and other local sites, for a premiere during the network's Countdown to Christmas lineup.
The original A Biltmore Christmas (2023), starring Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha, was filmed entirely on location at Biltmore House, featuring sites like the Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiard Room, and Library. Its time-travel romance, triggered by a magical hourglass, became a fan favorite.
The sequel picks up the story on Christmas Eve 1895, as 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family visit the newly opened Biltmore House. She meets trespassing teen Michael, whom she rescues by claiming to know him; they bond while exploring the estate before he vanishes. In 1915, adult Elizabeth returns with suitor James and Aunt Maysilee for a Christmas gala, reunites with Michael, and is transported to the present via an embrace—where he is a tourist who had previously time-traveled to 1895 using the library hourglass. They navigate modern Christmas amid his family, as Elizabeth faces returning to her era or staying with him.
Holland Roden (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, Teen Wolf) and Niall Matter (We Met in December, This Time Each Year) lead, with Rikert (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, The Christmas Quest) directing. Holland, inspired by a visit to the estate, returns to write, with David O’Donnell executive producing.
Filming will utilize new Biltmore areas including the Rooftop, Pergola, Swimming Pool, Bowling Alley, Breakfast Room, Oak Sitting Room, Main Kitchen, Music Room, and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, plus the Fine Arts Theatre, Pack's Tavern, downtown Asheville, The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery. Some sites will close to the public during production.
"When A Biltmore Christmas premiered, it immediately became a fan favorite and an instant classic," said Michelle Vicary, head of programming at Hallmark Media. "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."
