Massachusetts Town Named Finalist for Hallmark’s ‘Merriest Christmas Town’ Contest

The seaside community of Chatham, Massachusetts is getting into the holiday spirit a bit early this year, as it is among the finalists to become “Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town” for 2026.

The Cape Cod town is among 25 communities across the country that hope to take home the title and the possibility of becoming a filming location for an upcoming Hallmark movie.

Per the rules, applicants had to submit an application, photos and a letter showcasing "the location’s holiday traditions and community celebrations, demonstrate the location’s embodiment of the spirit of Hallmark Christmas, describe why your location deserves to be recognized as Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town, or information about the location’s history, character and/or resilience."

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What It Takes to Win Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town

The top 25 finalists will be judged on the following criteria:

• Community spirit
• Holiday traditions
• Neighborhood charm
• Goodwill

READ MORE: Massachusetts and Rhode Island's Most Hallmark-Like Locations

Here is what the town submitted:

"Few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like Chatham, Massachusetts. Throughout the holiday season, our charming Cape Cod town comes alive with beautifully decorated storefronts, festive events, local shopping, the beloved Christmas by the Sea Stroll, and a warm sense of community that welcomes visitors year after year. Every corner of town embraces the season, creating an unforgettable New England Christmas experience."

 

The Magic of Chatham Bars Inn’s Overnight Holiday Transformation

 

"At the heart of the celebration is Chatham Bars Inn, where one of the resort's most cherished traditions takes place overnight on Thanksgiving. Beginning at midnight, more than 50 dedicated employees, affectionately known as our elves, work through the night to transform the entire property. By 7:00 a.m., guests wake to discover that the Inn has magically become a winter wonderland.

 

The transformation includes 10 beautifully decorated Christmas trees ranging from 7 to 12 feet tall, each with its own unique theme, from Coastal Christmas to Old World and The Giving Tree. The historic Main Inn is adorned with 75 illuminated wreaths, more than 150 handmade bows, 80 light poles wrapped in fragrant balsam garland and 45,000 twinkling lights stretching nearly four miles across the property. Guests are welcomed by towering nutcrackers, a century old Santa chair and sleigh, a North Pole mailbox for children's letters to Santa and a whimsical Vermont Teddy Bear Holiday Room where more than 100 teddy bears create delightful holiday scenes."

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Festive Experiences and Community Traditions on Cape Cod

 

"Beyond the decorations, the Inn offers countless festive experiences that bring families together. Guests can enjoy wreath decorating workshops, gingerbread house decorating, Santa's Workshops, holiday mixology classes, wine tastings, Teddy Bear Tea Parties, Christmas Storytime, Carolers & Cocoa, Elf Storybook & Cookie Deliveries, live winter music and beautifully decorated guest rooms. Each season, hundreds of guests participate in our wreath making workshops alone, creating lasting memories and treasured traditions.

 

Together, the Town of Chatham and Chatham Bars Inn create something truly extraordinary. It's more than festive decor or holiday activities. It's a place where community, tradition and genuine hospitality come together to create lifelong memories. Whether strolling through Chatham's charming downtown or waking to the surprise of an overnight holiday transformation at Chatham Bars Inn, visitors experience the wonder of Christmas in a way that can only be found here.

 

For these reasons, we are proud to submit Chatham, Massachusetts, as the Merriest Christmas Town."