Holiday TV fans planning their viewing this year face a new question: where to watch. Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 lineup has 34 original movies. Many new releases stream on Hallmark+ the day after they air, so the schedule may also involve a subscription.
Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 began Friday, October 16, 2026. The lineup includes 34 original holiday movies. Premieres run each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern time, through December 20, unless a listing says otherwise. The lineup includes Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, the third film in Hallmark’s NFL partnership, and Eight Nights for Love, a Hanukkah-themed movie.
Viewers without Hallmark Channel on cable or satellite may need an active Hallmark+ subscription to watch new releases the day after they air.
How to Watch the 2026 Schedule
Think of the schedule like a weekly TV series with a fixed time slot. Each movie has a set air date. If you miss it on TV, the next chance to see it is on Hallmark+, where many new releases arrive the following day.
New films premiere on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through December 20. Hallmark also schedules extra premieres for Thanksgiving week, starting Thursday, November 26.
When does Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 2026 start? It began Friday, October 16, 2026, and runs for 10 weeks with 34 original movies.
The run starts on October 16, before Halloween.
Recap: Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 began October 16 and runs with 34 new original movies. Films premiere on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8 p.m. Eastern time through December 20, unless a listing says otherwise. Many new releases stream on Hallmark+ the next day. Check the official schedule before you plan your viewing.
