Jonathan Bennett Set to Host All Four Weekends of Hallmark Christmas Experience 2026

Hallmark Channel's beloved Hallmark Christmas Experience is making its triumphant return for a third consecutive year, and organizers have now revealed the extensive lineup of celebrity guests who will grace the Kansas City event.

Jonathan Bennett will anchor the festivities as host across all four weekends of the celebration, which runs from late November through mid-December. The event transforms the Hallmark universe into an interactive experience for fans, featuring Stars on Stage panel discussions, celebrity meet-and-greets, workshops led by Hallmark creative talent, special dining opportunities, and a festive Christmas marketplace at Crown Center Square. Kansas City holds special significance as the hometown where Hallmark was established in 1910.

The four-weekend schedule breaks down as follows: November 27-29, December 4-6, December 11-13, and December 18-20, with each weekend showcasing a different roster of talent. Fan favorite Tyler Hynes will make appearances during two separate weekends.

The third weekend carries particular star power, as When Calls the Heart and Hope Valley: 1874 take center stage with cast members from both series headlining the programming.

Weekend One (November 27-29) features Andrew Walker, B.J. Britt, Brooke D'Orsay, Erin Cahill, Hunter King, Lacey Chabert, Melissa Peterman, Nikki DeLoach, Scott Michael Foster, Taylor Cole, and Tyler Hynes. The Saturday Night Showcase presentation, titled "From First Kiss to Forever: 25 Years of Hallmark Magic," will offer behind-the-scenes insights into Lacey Chabert and Scott Michael Foster's upcoming film, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World® Wish Come True.

Weekend Two (December 4-6) brings together Alison Sweeney, Brendan Penny, Emilie Ullerup, Heather Hemmens, Holland Roden, Kristoffer Polaha, Niall Matter, Nikki DeLoach, Rachel Boston, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Tyler Hynes, and Wes Brown. The Saturday Night Showcase, "Welcome to Biltmore: A Gilded Age Affair," welcomes Holland Roden and Niall Matter, stars of A Grand Biltmore Christmas.

Weekend Three (December 11-13) features an impressive ensemble including Benjamin Ayres, Ben Rosenbaum, Bethany Joy Lenz, Chris McNally, Erin Krakow, Jack Wagner, Jill Hennessy, Kavan Smith, Kevin McGarry, Lachlan Quarmby, Lori Loughlin, Pascale Hutton, and Viv Leacock. The Saturday Night Showcase centers on "Christmas in Hope Valley."

Weekend Four (December 18-20) rounds out the celebration with Ashley Williams, Autumn Reeser, Catherine Bell, Holly Robinson Peete, James Denton, Kimberley Sustad, Lyndsy Fonseca, Paul Campbell, Robert Buckley, Victor Webster, and Will Kemp. The final Saturday Night Showcase presents "Jingle Bell Jam."

Ticketing details have been finalized for interested attendees. A pre-sale begins May 14, followed by general public availability starting May 18. Early bird pricing extends through June 15, offering the lowest rates for those who purchase during this window.

Three ticket tiers are available. The returning "Be Merry" and "Find Magic" packages continue from previous years, while a brand-new premium option called "Make Memories" debuts this year. The Make Memories package provides reserved seating for all Stars on Stage presentations and the Saturday Night Showcase, an exclusive breakfast meet-and-greet with Hallmark performers, a dedicated service desk, lounge access, and an intimate session called "An Exclusive Inside Look at Hallmark" that explores the brand's stories, heritage, and creative vision.