CARLINVILLE, Ill. — A central Illinois town long praised for its holiday atmosphere is now in the running to become a backdrop for a Hallmark movie.
Carlinville was selected as one of 25 finalists nationwide in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest, the company announced in mid-August. The winning community will be offered the opportunity to serve as the filming location for an upcoming Hallmark movie, a boost that could bring increased attention and visitors during the holiday season.
Voting and how the town can win
Hallmark’s contest allows eligible U.S. residents age 18 and older to vote once per calendar day for their favorite town. Voting opened on Aug. 14 and runs through Sept. 4. Organizers and local leaders are urging daily participation to move Carlinville up the list.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Voting period | Aug. 14–Sept. 4 |
| Who can vote | U.S. residents, age 18+ (once per day) |
| Prize | Chance to be filming location for a future Hallmark movie |
Karin Doolin, executive director of the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, framed the campaign as a community effort.
"Carlinville has always been a town that shows up," Doolin said, urging supporters to select the town every day through Sept. 4.
Why Carlinville is in the running
The selection criteria focused on communities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life through local traditions, seasonal celebrations and visible civic involvement. Carlinville is known for a historic downtown square, small locally owned businesses and well-preserved architecture — features that often draw visitors during the holidays.
Local merchants and civic groups have in recent years invested in holiday decorations and events that create the sort of small-town look and feel often associated with seasonal television films. That combination of built environment and community programming appears to have helped Carlinville stand out in the nomination process.
Local impact and what victory could mean
Winning the title and hosting a Hallmark production could provide multiple benefits: short-term economic activity from a film crew, promotion that could boost winter tourism, and long-term exposure for local businesses and historic sites. Film productions can also create paid temporary jobs and spotlight local vendors and locations.
Even without a victory, organizers said the campaign has value as a rallying point. Mobilizing votes can raise awareness about downtown businesses and community traditions and reinforce civic pride heading into the holiday season.
How readers can help
Carlinville residents and supporters elsewhere in Illinois and nationwide are being asked to participate daily. Practical steps include:
- Visiting the Hallmark contest page and selecting Carlinville once per calendar day through Sept. 4.
- Sharing voting reminders on social media and with family and friends to multiply daily votes.
- Engaging local businesses to promote the voting campaign in-store and online.
Chamber leaders are coordinating outreach efforts and encouraging anyone with a fondness for small-town Christmas traditions to lend their daily vote.
Carlinville sits roughly 60 miles northeast of St. Louis and has long been described by visitors and residents as having a picture-postcard quality during the holidays. The town’s nomination and subsequent push for votes underscores how communities across the country are leveraging seasonal identity to attract attention and economic activity.
Results of the contest will be announced after the voting period closes. Until then, local organizers say they'll continue pressing the case — and asking supporters to "show up" for Carlinville each day.
For more information on how to vote, visit the Hallmark contest page linked by the Chamber of Commerce.
