# Hallmark Merriest Christmas Town contest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hallmark-merriest-christmas-town-contest
> Updated: 2026-08-19T00:56:58.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Cape May, New Jersey, has been named a finalist in the Hallmark Channel’s ‘Merriest Christmas Town’ contest. As one of 25 selected communities, the Victorian seaside town is competing for the title of the official ‘Merriest Christmas Town,’ which would serve as the filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.

The contest is part of the network’s 25th-anniversary celebration. While all 25 finalists will receive the official designation, only one grand prize winner will be chosen as the filming location. Selection is determined by a combination of community voting and a judging panel that evaluates finalists based on neighborhood charm, holiday traditions, community spirit, and goodwill. Supporters can participate in the selection process by voting through September 4.

## Claims

- Hallmark is hosting the Merriest Christmas Town contest to find communities with significant holiday spirit. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The winner of the contest will serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark Christmas movie. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cape May, New Jersey, has been named as one of the 25 finalists in the contest. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Public voting for the contest is open through September 4. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Twenty-five towns will be named Hallmark Christmas Towns, with one designated as the Merriest Christmas Town. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Cape May named finalist in Hallmark Christmas Town contest

Cape May, New Jersey, is a finalist in Hallmark’s ‘Merriest Christmas Town’ contest, competing for the chance to become a filming location for a future holiday movie.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cape-may-is-a-finalist-in-hallmarks-christmas-town-contest

### 2026-08-07: Newburgh Nominated for Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town Contest

Newburgh, NY, is entered in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest; nominations close 10 Aug 2026, with public voting in August‑September and a chance to become a Hallmark movie filming location.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/newburgh-nominated-for-hallmarks-merriest-christmas-town-contest

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Cite as: Hallmark Merriest Christmas Town contest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hallmark-merriest-christmas-town-contest