Hallmark Channel’s third NFL-focused Christmas movie is set in Chicago.
The network announced this on Thursday Holiday Touchdown: A Love Story for Bears would premiere as part of the 2026 Countdown to Christmas event. The film – whose cast has not yet been announced – will follow 2024’s Holiday Touchdown: A Love Story for the Chiefs And 2025 Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.
Chicago Bears team up with Hallmark for Christmas movie
Bears head coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland shared the news in an Instagram video.
“This one is for fans and everyone who rides with us in Bear Nation,” Loveland said.
In a statement, Kevin Warren, president and CEO of the Chicago bearssaid the team was “honored, grateful and excited” to work with Hallmark, Skydance Sports and NFL Films on the upcoming film.
“As we continually look for ways to further connect with our passionate Chicago Bears fans and strengthen our global brand in creative ways, we will offer our club and our fans the opportunity to grow together by creating a special, meaningful film,” he said.
“Few fans carry their team’s history with them the way Chicago carries the Bears, a commitment passed down from generation to generation,” said Jessica Matthews, SVP of film and TV at Skydance Sports.
Fans have suggestions for the plot of Hallmark’s next NFL movie
Reactions to the film announcement on social media were mixed. On the Hallmark official InstagramSome commenters said they were excited.
“The Bears AND a Hallmark movie?! Christmas dreams come true,” one person wrote.
But others took the opportunity to criticize the Bears’ plans to leave their old home at Soldier Field for a new stadium.
“I hope it’s a story about a player who falls in love with a council member and she saves SOLDIER FIELD and Christmas,” one person wrote.
The Bears have made it clear they plan to vacate the iconic but outdated facility on Lake Michigan just south of downtown. (Soldier Field is the oldest stadium in the NFL and has the second-smallest capacity.) The team had planned to build a new stadium on land it owns in the suburb of Arlington Heights, but that project has stalled due to a dispute over tax incentives. Recently, the team threatened to leave Illinois entirely for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, about 20 miles from downtown Chicago. The debate has been dragging on for months, much to the frustration of fans.
“Was this filmed in Hammond?” one person joked.
Some joked that the situation should be worked into the plot of the new film.
“Star-crossed lovers: she’s from Arlington Heights and he’s from Hammond,” one person wrote.
“He runs a Christmas tree farm on top of a slag heap in Hammond,” another suggested. “She returns home from her corporate law job in Arlington Heights. Her office is working on the eminent domain case to take his land for the Bears’ new stadium. Will true love and Christmas cheer prevail?!”
Others just wanted their beloved team to stay in the Windy City.
“The love story we all want: falling in love again with the city and the skyline that loves you,” said one.
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