10 Ways to Channel Your Hallmark Obsession During the Holidays

There are two kinds of people in this world: Hallmark people … and everyone else. And if you’re firmly in the Hallmark camp, there are lots of ways to satisfy your obsession here in New Jersey. Here’s our must-see list for every true fan:

1. Get tickets to Christmas Con – stat! The New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison becomes a winter wonderland every December, welcoming dozens of Christmas movie actors from Hallmark (and also Great American Family and Lifetime) for you to meet, take selfies and share your movie memories. It’s become an annual tradition that includes panels with the actors, behind-the-scenes looks at movies, exclusive screenings, a Christmas tree lighting, a huge marketplace and holiday crafts. The Weekend and VIP passes are sold out, but you can still get single-day passes for December 12-14.

   

2. Visit a Hallmark-inspired New Jersey town. Places like Westfield, Princeton, Cape May, Cranford and Madison have beautiful architecture and walkable downtowns filled with cafés, restaurants and shops.

   

3. Catch Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark Channel. If you missed Christmas in July, all-new Christmas movies start airing this month. We can’t wait for this year’s Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, Melt My Heart This Christmas, and We Met in December.

   

4. Get dressed up. Get some Hallmark Channel-inspired merch like blankets, slippers, Bingo boards and popcorn bowls. PJs and throws (plus a Hallmark mug filled with hot chocolate) are all you need for a cozy movie night in. Lacey Chabert, known by fans as the Queen of Christmas Movies, debuts a new collab with Hallmark this season. Or check out Dressing Festive, whose owner Jenny creates tees with famous quotes from Hallmark movies and slogans like, “Dear Santa, All I Want For Christmas is a Hallmark Hunk.” (Side note: she sells her products during Christmas Con.)

   

5. Join Tyler Hynes’s Boot Shot Tradition. Tyler is known for his love of whiskey, so he came up with a boot-shaped shot glass that he sells in a four-pack so you can share it with three loved ones. During the Christmas season, he’ll jump on Instagram Live to chat with fans, and everyone takes a shot together. It’s become a tradition during his meet-and-greets, too.
6. Raise the Reel. Jen Lilley co-founded Christmas is Not Cancelled during the pandemic to make sure kids in need were able to celebrate; it involved Instagram Lives, virtual celebrity games and toy donation drives. Although it closed, her new venture is Raise the Reel, a crowdfunding platform that helps directors fund their movies while giving you a chance to have a walk-on role in the movies you love.
7. And raise a glass. Hallmark Channel has its own label of wines, ranging from Jingle cabernet sauvignon to Christmas at Graceland Elvis Zinfandel to Joy Sauvignon Blanc to Sparkle sparkling wine. You know the mug we mentioned earlier? No one will know if it’s filled with vino.
8. Trim your tree. Decorate your tree with Hallmark’s Keepsake Ornaments. Did you know Hallmark offers an ornament club that previews its stock every summer? The collection includes movie characters, sci-fi scenes, gaming items, and beloved classics.
9. Get write to it. Hallmark has the best selection of greeting cards for handwritten holiday notes. A text on Christmas morning just doesn’t have the same feel.
10. Plan a Hallmark vacation. 2025’s Hallmark Christmas Cruise already took place, but add the 2026 sail to your list for Santa. The stars were prepping for Experience Hallmark Christmas, taking place on weekends from November 28 to December 21 at Hallmark’s HQ in Kansas City, where there will be a festive square with more meet-and-greets, vendor shopping, Christmas activities and movie magic.

Here’s a look at Christmas Con from 2023 and 2024. Stay tuned to njfamily.com for coverage of the 2025 fan fest.

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Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Attractions in NJ, NY and PA
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Christmas Markets In and Around New Jersey to Visit This Season