‘Charm of a Hallmark movie town square’: Immersive Christmas event to debut in KC

Lisa Gutierrez
·4 min read

If you wear special socks while watching Hallmark Christmas movies or own a hot chocolate mug emblazoned with “Hallmark Channel is my love language,” Merry Christmas early.

Hallmark will recreate the warm, fuzzy feelings of one of its Christmas movies at the Hallmark Christmas Experience, a new holiday event coming to Crown Center this holiday season.

The free event will run every weekend on the Crown Center Square from Nov. 29 through Dec. 23, Hallmark announced Wednesday.

More than 35 stars of Hallmark movies are also coming for ticketed events, where they will take pictures with fans, share behind-the-scenes stories of all those festive flicks and compete in holiday-themed challenges.

Andie MacDowell, who starred in ”Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Groundhog Day” and the Hallmark Channel drama series “The Way Home,” will attend Hallmark’s new Christmas Experience at Crown Center later this year.
Andie MacDowell, who starred in ”Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Groundhog Day” and the Hallmark Channel drama series “The Way Home,” will attend Hallmark’s new Christmas Experience at Crown Center later this year.

“We often hear from our fans that they wish they could step into the world of our movies and get a peek behind the curtain of card making, and more,” Lindsey Roy, Hallmark’s senior vice president of brand development, told The Star in a statement.

“This event brings all things Hallmark to life in an immersive way we haven’t done before, and what better place to host than our hometown.

“Plus, Kansas City’s central location makes it a great place for those who travel in for the event. We love our hometown and are excited to share it with all of our Hallmark fans.”

Hallmark’s creative team designed an “immersive experience” that will take place near the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.

“Kansas City has been the home of Hallmark since the company’s beginning, for 114 years,” Roy said. “And right outside the heart of Hallmark headquarters is Crown Center, which has brought joy and holiday traditions to holiday visitors for over 50 years.

“We wanted to take it to the next level for the Kansas City community and Hallmark fans nationwide.”

Visitors can shop in a Christmas market featuring one-of-a-kind gifts made by Hallmark artisans, products exclusive to the event and other seasonal offerings.

There will be food, themed drinks and skating on the Crown Center Ice Terrace, which opens Nov. 1. Guests can also send holiday cards and contribute to a Crayola Community Mural.

And of course, just like in many Hallmark Christmas movies, there will be nightly lightings of the Mayor’s Christmas tree.

“Imagine an evening with family or best girlfriends, watching a magical tree lighting show, sipping on your favorite holiday beverage and shopping for the perfect gift from our unique marketplace,” said Roy.

“Children are ice skating and laughing in the background, and the lights are glowing from our light walk. Doesn’t this sound like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie?”

Logo for the new Hallmark Christmas Experience.
Logo for the new Hallmark Christmas Experience.

Tickets for a variety of special events, ranging from $5 to $99, will go on sale this summer, Hallmark said.

Tickets to limited, exclusive VIP weekend packages go on sale Thursday:

  • A “Be Merry” package ($259) includes two behind-the-scenes screenings with Hallmark stars, a food and beverage voucher, commemorative memorabilia and a discount on Hallmark merchandise at the event.

  • The “Find Magic” package ($699) includes everything from the “Be Merry” package, plus access to VIP areas, exclusive afternoon access to the Hallmark Christmas Chalet: A Pop-Up Bar, Sunday access to the Home Sweet Hallmark Movie-Thon, a creative workshop with Hallmark artists, first access to elevated dining and themed hotel rooms at The Westin and concierge service to help plan the weekend.

“Hallmark is the ultimate holiday viewing destination,” Roy said. “With compelling storytelling where love is always at the core, elevated humor and heart, a growing family of stars who our fans know and love, our Christmas movies have become a pop culture sensation and mark the beginning of the season for millions of people each year.”

Here are the Hallmark actors scheduled to appear:

  • Nov. 29 -Dec. 1: Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Cindy Busby, Erin Cahill, Warren Christie, Tyler Hynes, Kristoffer Polaha, Jessy Schram and Ashley Williams.

  • Dec. 6-8: Benjamin Ayres, B.J. Britt, John Brotherton, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach, Heather Hemmens, Ginna Claire Mason, Kimberley Sustad and Andrew Walker

  • Dec. 13-15: Pascale Hutton, Erin Krakow, Viv Leacock, Chyler Leigh, Crystal Lowe, Andie MacDowell, Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally, Brendan Penny and Kavan Smith

  • Dec. 20-23: Rachel Boston, Brooke D’Orsay, Brennan Elliot, Aimee Garcia, Niall Matter, Barbara Niven and Victor Webster

For tickets, and information about free and ticketed events, go to experiencehallmarkchristmas.com.