This Illinois Town Could Become the Star of a Hallmark Christmas Movie

One Illinois town has officially made it into the Top 25 of Hallmark’s 2026 Merriest Christmas Towns contest, and honestly, I can totally see why.

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Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Full disclosure: I am 100 percent the kind of person who lives for the holiday season.

I love all the decorations, lights, music, and joy that the Christmas season brings. Honestly, I've already been chomping at the bit for my favorite time of the year to arrive, and news like this makes me want to pull the Christmas decorations out of storage in August.

Illinois Town Could Be Named Hallmark's 'Merriest Christmas Town'

Until now, I have never heard about the small town of Carlinville in Illinois, and after looking at pictures of it, it appears my Christmas-loving heart has really been missing out!

Located around three and a half hours south of Rockford, Carlinville, Illinois has often been described as looking like it belongs in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Now, it could actually become part of one.

Hallmark’s 'Merriest Christmas Town' Contest

In honor of its 25th anniversary, Hallmark has launched a 'Merriest Christmas Towns' contest that invited towns across the country to show off what makes their community feel like it belongs in a Christmas movie.

Out of all the entries received, 25 towns have been selected as Official Hallmark Christmas Towns, and Carlinville is one of the towns chosen to compete for the ultimate prize: the chance to have a Hallmark original Christmas movie filmed in their town!

Now comes the fun part: voting.

Karin Doolin, Executive Director of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, recently told FOX 2 News in St. Louis:

 We’re asking anyone who has a soft spot for small towns, Christmas traditions and communities that still come together to show up for Carlinville. Select us each day through September 4 and help us show the country just how much Christmas spirit can fit into one small town.

Public voting for the 25 finalists runs through September 4, 2026, and anyone 18 and older can vote for Carlinville once per day here.

Come on, Illinois. Let's get Carlinville that movie!