🎄✨ Ash Tsai, Marshall Williams & Julia Reilly Star in a Heartwarming Holiday Tale, “A Belle Christmas,” on Great American Family

( Photo credit: Great American Media 2025 ) 

The latest Christmas movie news from Great American Family has arrived! Let's welcome their brand-new holiday film, “A Belle Christmas”!

Below, you’ll find all the merry details straight from the official Great American Media press release, and don’t stop there! At the end of this post, I’ve sprinkled in some heartwarming reactions from GAF fans on social media. So keep on scrolling, and be sure to share your thoughts, too, in the comments below! 


Great American Media Press Release:

Great American Media

Announces A Belle Christmas

New, Original Movie,

Starring Ash Tsai,

Marshall Williams,

and Julia Reilly,

Premiering on
Great American Family,

Streaming on
Great American Pure Flix,

Premiering on GFam+,

Part of 5th Anniversary

of Great American Christmas

NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2025 – Great American Media announced production is underway for the new, Original Movie, A Belle Christmas, starring Ash Tsai (Journey to Christmas), Marshall Williams (Jingle Bell Jubilee, “Glee”), and Julia Reilly (“County Rescue”). This film is currently being shot at Great Point Studios in Buffalo, New York, and is set to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary of GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS in 2025. The beloved programming event will begin airing in October on Great American Family, GFAM+, and streaming on Great American Pure Flix. A Belle Christmas joins a new, all-star lineup for Great American Christmas 2025, celebrating faith, family, love, joy, and hope. Christmas as it is meant to be.

In A Belle Christmas, Belle Carter (Tsai), dedicated but exhausted head of beloved local nonprofit, Bedford House, has devoted her whole life to making Christmas bright for those in need. But with the holidays just days away, donations are down, time is running out, and Belle feels her efforts are slipping away. When the town’s Mayor announces a new nonprofit consultant, Clara James (Reilly) will be joining Belle to help, Belle fears she’s being replaced in the role that has defined her for years. Annoyed at first, Belle unexpectedly finds space for joy she has long ignored. The season brings another surprise: the return of Marine Sgt. Will Mattinson (Williams) who is welcomed home from military service. As old feelings stir, Belle struggles to release responsibility and open her heart to possibility. With Christmas fast approaching and the community’s hopes hanging in the balance, Belle discovers believing in the best of people is the greatest gift of all.

A Belle Christmas is A Belle Christmas production. Tom Vitale and Bob Rich are executive producers. Mac Cappuccino produces. Oliver Friedman directs from an Original Screenplay by Summer Israel Johnson.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com

-------------------------

Social Media Reaction:

"Getting so excited to see all the new movies. GAF is my go to❤️🙏 Thanks for the best family and Christ centered tv❤️" - Janice (Facebook)

"Love all 3 Actors. Cannot wait to watch this. I am sure it will be another one of my favorites" - Annette (Facebook)

"Awesome. Looking forward to all the new movies ❤️ thank you GAF" - Julie (Facebook)

"So excited!" - actingash (Ash Tsai on Instagram)

"Awesome. I was wondering if @actingash would be doing another Christmas movie. She's becoming one of my new favorite actresses in recent yrs. I think she going be up there in the Jen Lilley, Danica, Candace" - jeff85owens15 (Instagram)

"Can’t wait" - juliagracereilly (Instagram)

"Can't wait to see this one, too! I'm really hoping @juliagracereilly will get to be the leading lady in a movie in 2026." - morelikeahopefulromantic (Instagram)

"More great news from GAF! I am counting down to Great American Christmas 2025!" - blessedgigi23 (Instagram)

"Great cast! This looks like a wonderful Christmas movie! I love that this story will honor our military and giving to those in need!🎄✨❤️🎬 Thank you @greatamericanfamily for celebrating the true ❤️ of Christmas!!!" 🎄 - itsawonderfulmovieblog (Instagram)

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And now I'd love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts on this movie or Great American Christmas in comments below!

Have a Blessed Day!

Net

Another Great American Family Christmas Movie Announcement is Coming...

( click here to enlarge image )

Great American Family has posted a new Christmas movie tease to their socials today, which promises another reveal coming tomorrow!

Do you recognize the Great American Family stars featured in the video below?

Watch the clip, and then read on for everything we know so far from this sneak peek…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Great American Family (@greatamericanfamily)

So... do you recognize all three stars seen in this video?

The first actress featured is Julia Reilly, who you may remember from Great American Family's "County Rescue" and A Little Women's Christmas.

Next is Ash Tsai, who has starred in two GAF Christmas movies, Journey to Christmas and Tails of Christmas.

And the clip ends with Actor Marshall Williams, of "When Hope Calls" Season One and Jingle Bell Jubilee.

According to IMDB, the name of this movie is A Belle Christmas, and Ash Tsai is playing the role of Belle. The cast is currently filming in Buffalo, New York.

Stay tuned for more details!

Have a Merry Day,

Net

image credit: Medium, IMDB, and itsmarshallw.com

🔔 "Do You Hear What I Hear? 🔔 Jon McLaren and Alicia Josipovic to Star in Great American Family's "Christmas in Midnight Clear"

( Photo: Courtesy of Great American Media 2025 )

 * Christmas Movie revealed! *

Actor Jon McLaren will star in Christmas in Midnight Clear with Mystery By the Book actress Alicia Josipovic.

Get the full details on this new film, which celebrates faith, family, and love in the press release below...

Great American Media

Announces 

Christmas in Midnight Clear,

New, Original Movie,

Starring Alicia Josipovic 

and Jon McLaren,

Stream on 

Great American Pure Flix,

Premieres on

Great American Family

and GFam+,

Part of 5th Anniversary

of Great American Christmas

NEW YORK, NY – August 12, 2025 – Great American Media announced production is underway for the new, Original Movie, Christmas in Midnight Clear, starring Alicia Josipovic (“Degrassi: The Next Generation,” Mystery by the Book) and Jon McLaren (“Crossroad Springs,” “When Hope Calls”).

This film is currently in production and is set to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary of GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS in 2025. The beloved programming event will begin airing in October on Great American Family and GFAM+ and streaming on Great American Pure Flix.

Christmas in Midnight Clear joins a new, all-star lineup for Great American Christmas 2025, celebrating faith, family, love, joy, and hope. Christmas as it is meant to be.

In Christmas in Midnight Clear, Hillary Shaw (Dea Josipovic), successful corporate real estate developer, arrives in the economically struggling town with decisive plans to acquire every possible property, declare the rest eminent domain, and to modernize the town from the inside out. But when Hillary encounters Daniel Porter (McLaren), local pastor and multi-generational pillar of the community, her vision faces more than legal challenges. As Hillary and Daniel’s worldviews spark conflict, something deeper begins to blossom.

Christmas in Midnight Clear is a Midnight Clear Production. Suzanne Degagne and William Tom Fielek are executive producers. Anthony Fankhauser is producer. Nicholas Humphries directs an Original teleplay by Riley Weston.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts and entertains with content that you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include, Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures and Pure Flix TV, FAST channels (free ad-supporting streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
pamslay@gacmedia.com
media@crosswindpr.com


------------------


My Quick Take:

I’m really looking forward to seeing Jon McLaren in a Christmas movie on Great American Family this year, especially with him portraying a pastor. What a meaningful character for the Christmas season.

This is Jon's first lead role on Great American Family; he previously starred in the UPtv Christmas movie, Sappy Holiday and had supporting roles in Christmas on Windmill Way, The Great Christmas Switch, Double Holiday, etc...

I truly appreciate how GAF is continuing to share more stories that reflect faith and family values during the holidays. It’s refreshing to see more and more of that kind of programming.

Also, this is third Christmas movie announced for GAF that stars someone from the cast of "When Hope Calls." I must say, I'm still hoping for more news on that series soon!

And don't forget... Be sure to look for Jon McLaren in "Crossroad Springs," premiering on Great American Family - Saturday, August 30th.

May Your Day 

Be Merry & Bright!

Net

🎄🍪 Great American Family Teases New Christmas Movie Starring "When Hope Calls" Actor, Jon McLaren

More Fun Christmas Movie News!🎄

Great American Family just shared a festive little tease on social media, a video clip featuring "When Hope Calls" star Jon McLaren chatting with a mystery actress (only seen from the side!) as they talk about… making Christmas cookies! 🍪✨

Here's the scene...



Who is the actress? And what holiday magic might be baking behind the scenes?

Well, the actress’s name and the movie title have been spotted on a production website… but I’m not spoiling the surprise before Great American Family’s official press release drops.

Do you have any guesses on who the actress might be? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The photo at the top is from Jon McLaren’s very first day on set for this Christmas movie- snapped from his (now automatically deleted) Instagram stories on Friday.

Have a Merry Day!

Net

🎸🎄"A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" - Hallmark Channel’s New *Countdown to Christmas* Movie is in Perfect Harmony with Nikki DeLoach, Kristoffer Polaha & Country Singer, Brad Paisley

Hallmark heads to the Grand Ole Opry for a Magical, Musical Christmas Story this holiday season!

The Hallmark Channel is bringing nostalgia, time-travel, and country music to *Countdown to Christmas* this year with "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas," a brand-new Christmas movie starring Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha!

The story follows Gentry Woods (played by Nikki DeLoach), the daughter of late country music legend Jett Woods. Once an aspiring songwriter herself, Gentry walked away from the music world after her father’s tragic car accident thirty years ago. But when the Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor her father at its centennial Christmas celebration, an unexpected twist of Christmas magic transports her back to 1995.

In the past, she crosses paths with her best friend Mac (played by Kristoffer Polaha), a country music talent manager who is also swept back in time. Together, they face old wounds, rediscover lost dreams, and uncover long-buried truths about Gentry’s father, finding healing and hope in the process.

Adding even more star power, country superstar Brad Paisley is writing and performing original songs for the film, including the theme for this year’s *Countdown to Christmas*.

Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott calls the project a perfect pairing of heartfelt storytelling with the Opry’s 100th anniversary, and filming will take place in real Opry locations to give the movie an authentic Nashville feel.

With this amazing cast and storyline, "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" promises to strike all the right chords this Christmas!



Check out the official press release from Hallmark Media below...

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, 

HALLMARK AND THE 

GRAND OLE OPRY 

SHARE THE HOLIDAY STAGE 

IN CELEBRATION OF 

THE OPRY'S CENTENNIAL YEAR

CHRISTMAS AND COUNTRY 

COMBINE TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC 

WHEN NIKKI DELOACH 

AND KRISTOFFER POLAHA 

STAR IN 

"A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS" 

DEBUTING THIS YEAR 

DURING HALLMARK CHANNEL'S 

16TH ANNUAL COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING EVENT

GRAMMY(R) AWARD-WINNING 

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR 

AND OPRY MEMBER BRAD PAISLEY 

TO WRITE AND PERFORM 

ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR THE MOVIE

Paisley will Also Write and Record the Anthem for Hallmark Channel's 2025 Holiday Campaign

Grand Ole Opry Superstar Members Set to Appear

Production Begins Later This Month at Iconic Locations Including the Grand Ole Opry House

Exclusive Collection of Hallmark and Opry Co-Branded Products to Celebrate the Brand Partnership Available This Holiday Season

STUDIO CITY, CA and NASHVILLE, TN - August 11, 2025 - Hallmark Channel, the perennial, undisputed #1 destination for holiday movie viewing and the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous, are setting the stage for a magical trip across time with A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, a new, original movie starring Nikki DeLoach (Curious Caterer Mysteries, Our Holiday Story) and Kristoffer Polaha (A Biltmore Christmas, The Christmas Quest), premiering this year during Hallmark Channel's 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming event. Production begins later this month at iconic locations including the Grand Ole Opry House. The movie will feature familiar faces from the Opry's star-studded cast, with artists to be announced at a later date.

The network also announced that GRAMMY(R) Award-winning country music superstar and Opry member Brad Paisley will write original music for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas and will also perform. Additionally, Paisley will write and record the official anthem for the network's 2025 Countdown to Christmas on-air campaign.

"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," remarked Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. "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," said Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, the Opry's parent company. "Our partnership with Hallmark brings these elements to life this holiday season through a creative and uplifting take on a uniquely Nashville story."

"Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of," Abbott continued. "And we're equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season."

"The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays," said Paisley. "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."

Hallmark is launching an exclusive collection of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products including greeting cards, apparel, accessories, jewelry and gifts - the perfect way for fans to celebrate Christmas in country style. The collection will be available to shop later this year at Hallmark.com, Shop.Opry.com, The Opry Shops and at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City.

ABOUT A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS

Gentry Woods (DeLoach), daughter of late country music icon Jett Woods - half of the famed duo Winter and Woods - abandoned her dream of a songwriting career and distanced herself from her father's legacy following his tragic car accident 30 years prior. When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she's hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories. Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue's oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995. Gentry's lifelong friend Mac (Polaha) a country music talent manager, finds himself in 1995 as well. Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades.

ABOUT OPRY 100

The Opry 100 celebration pays tribute to the artists, fans and songs that have cemented the Opry as the cultural heart and home of country music since its debut on WSM radio in 1925. For more information, please visit Opry.com.

# # #

ABOUT HALLMARK MEDIA

Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment's leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company's subscription streaming service and membership program, Hallmark+ offers a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies, next-day access to Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery premieres, plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark Gold Crown retail stores. For more information, please visit www.corporate.hallmarkmedia.com.

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country's past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry's members are country's most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music's top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee - Music City, USA - to experience one of the 3-7 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on Circle Country. The Grand Ole Opry is part of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).


**********************


My Quick Take:

I'm absolutely thrilled that the Hallmark Channel is paying tribute to the Grand Ole Opry in its 100th anniversary year! As a longtime fan of country music’s rich roots, I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing about all of the talented singers featured, along with Brad Paisley, in this exciting movie project.

And I’m especially excited to see Kristoffer Polaha time-travel once again since he truly stole our hearts with his role in "A Biltmore Christmas"!

Hallmark has also celebrated country music through these notable holiday movies: "A Nashville Christmas Carol," "It's Christmas, Eve," "Christmas at Graceland," "Wedding at Graceland," "Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays," "A Homecoming for the Holidays," all of the "Time to Come Home for Christmas" films, and more! I can’t wait to add this new film to the list!

Stay "tuned," everyone,

for more

festive movie news!

Net🎄