Hallmark is returning to the Biltmore.
Holland Roden and Niall Matter will lead a new love story set at the Biltmore Estate as “gilded age acquaintances who have become something more than friends in the modern era.” Jonathan Frakes, who played Winston in A Biltmore Christmas, will reprise his role from the original 2023 film. The new film is set to be part of the countdown to Christmas 2026.
Production will begin next month at the Biltmore Estate, as well as Asheville’s Fine Arts Theater, Pax Tavern and Downtown. The film will be directed by Dustin Rickert, who also directed “Holiday Touchdown: Bill’s Love Story” and “A Christmas Quest.” The screenplay was written by Marcy Holland, who also wrote “A Biltmore Christmas.” David O’Donnell will serve as executive producer.
“When ‘A Biltmore Christmas’ premiered, it quickly became a fan favorite and an instant classic,” said Michelle Vicary, Head of Programming, Hallmark Media. “Marcy Holland, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, has created another captivating romance set in this unique and special place. We can’t wait for viewers to return to the Biltmore and fall in love with this new love story just as they did in its predecessor.”
The first film, helmed by Bethany Joy Lentz and Christopher Polaha, was shot entirely at Biltmore House and featured the Conservatory, Winter Garden, Tapestry Gallery, Banquet Hall, Billiards Room, and Library. The latter is where the hourglass used to send the characters back in time.
In addition to the locations listed above, the sequel will also feature the Biltmore rooftop, pergola, pool, bowling alley, breakfast room, oak living room, main kitchen, music room, and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom. Other filming locations include the Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and Biltmore Winery.
Below is a description of the next installment of “A Biltmore Chirstmas.”
When Biltmore House first opened on Christmas Eve 1895, 13-year-old Elizabeth and her family arrived as holiday guests. Upon noticing a teenage boy, Michael, who has been captured by officials for trespassing, Elizabeth claims to know him and comes to his aid, much to Michael’s relief. The two hit it off immediately and set out to explore the Biltmore, but Michael mysteriously disappears. Twenty years later, Elizabeth is spending Christmas at the Biltmore, this time accompanied by her suitor, James, whom Aunt Macily is eager to marry. When a stranger asks Elizabeth to dance at a Christmas party, she is shocked to discover it is Michael. Excited to be reunited with her friend, she throws herself into his arms. But when Elizabeth is transported to the modern world with Michael, a tourist from the present day who travels back in time 20 years using a magical hourglass in the Biltmore library, the world around her changes instantly. Now, Elizabeth and Michael must find a way to return her to her time while avoiding arousing the suspicions of Michael’s mother and sister during a family vacation. As Elizabeth experiences 21st century life and Christmas, she and Michael grow closer. When the time comes to return to 1915, Elizabeth must decide whether to resume the life she has chosen or whether her heart will lead her on a new path in the present.
