The Chicago Bears have officially entered the holiday film circuit, as the NFL and Hallmark Channel announced a partnership to feature the franchise in the 2026 installment of the “Holiday Touchdown” movie series. The film, which marks the third entry in the collaborative franchise between the league and the network, will be filmed at Soldier Field and other locations across Chicago, according to an official statement released by the NFL.
The Evolution of the Holiday Touchdown Franchise
This partnership continues a strategic marketing bridge between professional football and seasonal entertainment. The “Holiday Touchdown” series, which debuted in 2024, is designed to integrate NFL branding into the Hallmark Channel’s established holiday programming. While the 2024 film focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and the 2025 iteration featured the Buffalo Bills, the 2026 project shifts the spotlight to the Chicago Bears, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the league.
According to league officials, the selection of the Bears was based on the team’s historic significance and its deep-rooted connection to the Chicago community. Production is slated to begin during the 2026 NFL offseason, allowing for the inclusion of team facilities and stadium infrastructure without disrupting the team’s regular-season schedule.
Production Logistics and Chicago Filming
Filming in Chicago presents a distinct aesthetic for the production, which typically relies on winter-themed visuals to align with Hallmark’s brand identity. The choice of Soldier Field provides a backdrop that league representatives suggest will offer a different visual tone compared to the previous films set in Kansas City and Buffalo. The production team plans to utilize local crew members and extras, a standard practice for large-scale film projects in the city.
While the script remains under development, the film is expected to follow the established formula of the series: a narrative centered on a fan-focused story that intersects with the daily operations of an NFL team. Past films have featured cameos from players, coaches, and front-office personnel, though specific casting for the 2026 production has not yet been confirmed by the team or the network.
Why NFL-Hallmark Collaborations Matter
The NFL’s involvement in scripted entertainment represents a broader effort to reach demographics outside of the traditional sports-viewing audience. By leveraging the Hallmark Channel’s high viewership during the fourth quarter, the league maintains a presence in the cultural conversation during the holidays, even for fans who may not follow the weekly standings or playoff race as closely.
Market analysts often point to these partnerships as a way to soften the “hard” image of professional football, presenting the league as a family-friendly entertainment entity. For the Chicago Bears, the partnership serves as a high-visibility opportunity to engage with a multi-generational audience. This strategy aligns with the team’s ongoing efforts to expand its brand footprint beyond the Midwest.
What to Watch for in 2026
As the project moves from the announcement phase to pre-production, the focus will shift to casting announcements and potential cameos. Fans of both the NFL and Hallmark should expect updates throughout the 2026 season regarding the specific release date, which traditionally falls in late November or early December to coincide with the network’s “Countdown to Christmas” programming block.
For those tracking the franchise’s off-field business operations, this film serves as a secondary revenue stream and a significant promotional vehicle. The Bears have not yet disclosed whether the film will include specific plot points related to team history or the current roster, but the inclusion of Soldier Field suggests the stadium will play a central role in the narrative arc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the first time the Chicago Bears have been featured in a movie?
While the Bears have appeared in various documentaries and sports-focused media, this is their first integration into the Hallmark “Holiday Touchdown” scripted film series.
When will the film be released?
The network has scheduled the premiere for the 2026 holiday season. An exact date is typically announced by Hallmark in late summer of the release year.
Will current players appear in the movie?
The NFL has not confirmed specific player appearances. Previous films in the series have featured brief cameos from league personnel, but the primary cast consists of professional actors.
The next confirmed checkpoint for this project will be the announcement of the lead actors and the official production schedule, expected in early 2026. Readers can follow the official Chicago Bears website and the Hallmark Channel press portal for further updates as filming dates approach.
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