Hallmark Media is making spirits bright with a brand-new holiday celebration, The Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Christmas Special, and fan-favorite Lacey Chabert, who starred as Bianca on All My Children, is taking center stage in one of the night’s biggest reveals. Premiering Saturday, December 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, the festive special promises dazzling performances, major programming announcements, and a holiday atmosphere only Hallmark can create. From an unforgettable Kansas City tree lighting to exclusive first looks at 2026 Countdown to Christmas magic, this event is shaping up to be an instant seasonal tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Lacey Chabert will unveil an exclusive announcement about her 2026 Countdown to Christmas movie.
- The special premieres December 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.
- Benjamin Ayres hosts from the Christmas Experience at Crown Center in Kansas City.
- Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton deliver festive musical performances during the countdown to the tree lighting.
- Hallmark stars, including Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad, and B.J. Britt, will appear with first-look holiday previews.
Merry & Bright
Hosted by Benjamin Ayres from the Christmas Experience at Crown Center—home of Hallmark’s headquarters—the special delivers all the warm, nostalgic charm fans crave each holiday season. But all eyes will be on Lacey Chabert, the reigning queen of Countdown to Christmas, as she steps forward to share an exclusive announcement about her upcoming 2026 Hallmark holiday movie. Known for beloved classics like Haul Out the Holly, Chabert’s reveal is expected to be one of the evening’s standout moments.
To elevate the holiday cheer even further, country superstars Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton will help ignite the spirit of the season with musical performances during the exciting countdown to the tree lighting. Paisley—who collaborated with Hallmark Channel for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas and the network’s official Countdown to Christmas anthem—will bring his signature heart and warmth to the festivities, while Guyton adds her soaring vocals to the magical night.
Hallmark favorites, including Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad, and B.J. Britt, will also appear, offering viewers exclusive first looks at upcoming holiday programming. With surprises, star power, and unforgettable holiday charm, A Hometown Holiday Christmas Special is poised to become must-see TV for every Hallmark fan. You can check out holiday-themed interviews with Andrew Walker here, Kimberly Sustad here, and B.J. Britt here.
About Lacey Chabert
Chabert first captured daytime viewers’ attention with her memorable run on All My Children, where she played young Bianca Montgomery, the daughter of Erica Kane (Susan Lucci), from 1992 to 1993. Her work on the beloved ABC soap helped launch her into the spotlight, leading to a series of award nominations that recognized her early promise.
Chabert went on to receive multiple Young Artist Award nominations throughout the 1990s, ultimately winning the 1997 award for Best Performance in a Voiceover for her role in the animated classic Anastasia. She continued to build an impressive résumé, earning another Young Artist Award in 1998 for her performance in Party of Five, solidifying her status as one of the standout young talents of her generation.
As her career expanded, Chabert transitioned seamlessly from child star to leading lady, becoming one of the most cherished faces in television movies. Her partnership with Hallmark Channel has been especially impactful, turning her into a cornerstone of the network’s annual Countdown to Christmas event.
With fan-favorite films like Haul Out the Holly, The Christmas Waltz, and A Merry Scottish Christmas, Chabert has become synonymous with holiday storytelling, blending warmth, charm, and heartfelt emotion in every performance. Her Hallmark projects consistently rank among the network’s most popular features, making her a defining figure of modern holiday entertainment.
Are you looking forward to cozying up with a hot chocolate while watching this year’s holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel? Who is your favorite Hallmark actor?
