Hallmark’s ‘A Grand Ole Opry Christmas,’ Featuring Music by Brad Paisley, Premieres This Year
“Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done,” Paisley teased.
Grand Ole Opry; Photo by Chris Hollo; Brad Paisley; Conner Petersen
Two of our favorite things, Hallmark Christmas movies and the Grand Ole Opry, are coming together for what is sure to be an epic holiday event.
On Monday, the Hallmark Channel and the Grand Ole Opry announced the brand-new original holiday movie, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas. Starring Nikki DeLoach (Curious Caterer Mysteries, Our Holiday Story) and Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest), the movie will premiere this year during the Hallmark Channel’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas.
Production for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas launches later this month and will include many iconic locations, including the Grand Ole Opry House. The movie will also feature a few familiar faces from the Opry cast, who will be announced at a later date.
“As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together,” Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark, shared. “Nikki and Kris are fan favorites and we know they will beautifully bring to life this emotional and heartfelt story that is sure to become an instant classic.”
“Our goal in this milestone year is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before,” Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Opry’s parent company, added. “Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story.”
Along with the movie announcement, it was revealed that longtime Grand Ole Opry member Brad Paisley will not only write original music for the film and perform during it, but also pen and record the official anthem for the network’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas campaign.
“The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays,” Paisley shared. “We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it’s a major part of the atmosphere for us. I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring.”
Additionally, Hallmark is debuting an exclusive line of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products, from greeting cards and apparel to accessories, jewelry, and gifts, offering fans the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with a country flair. The collection will be available later this year at Hallmark.com, Shop.Opry.com, The Opry Shops, and the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City.
A premiere date for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas will be announced at a later date.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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