It's Christmas in July Thanks To Crown Media: Viewing Guide Here

By Behind the Scenes in Hollywood Archives
Cover image for  article: It's Christmas in July Thanks To Crown Media: Viewing Guide Here

Summer is officially upon us, and that means one thing - - Christmas - - that's according to Crown Media's Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Christmas celebrations in July have long been a tradition for both networks, with the annual programming events highlighting some network premieres. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, things will be a little different this year. As new production is still on the back-burner, both Hallmark Channel, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, are delving into their extensive libraries and re-airing some fan-favorite Christmas movies. Starting on Monday, June 29 at 5 p.m., Hallmark Movies & Mysteries kicks things off with their Gold Crown programming event; presenting three heartfelt Christmas tales each weeknight that culminates in Double Feature Fridays, pairing original movies of the same franchise. Hallmark Channel's Keepsake Christmas, begins July 10 and runs through July 27, where it'll be all Christmas, all the time. Given the current state of world affairs, there isn't a better time for some poolside, yuletide, cheer. Over the years, MediaVillage has been fortunate to chat with many of both networks biggest talents, so as we jolly up for Gold Crown and Keepsake Christmas', we delved into our library to revisit what made some of the projects included special for its stars (click on the included links for the full story and SCROLL DOWN for the complete Viewing Schedules or check your local listings for the full programing rundown).

On July 4 Hallmark Movies and Mysteries pays homage to our Veterans, with military-themed holiday movies. When we chatted with A Veteran's Christmas (airing at 5:00 p.m.) star Sean Farris, he recalled how reuniting with his Christmas with Holly (2012) co-star Eloise Mumford sealed the deal in doing this movie. "Having done a Hallmark Christmas movie together, we knew what was going on with each other," he shared. In Veterans, Farris portrays Joe Peterson, a restless/benevolent sleepy town judge who offers honorably discharged Marine Captain Grace Garland (Mumford), a place to stay. Through her eyes, he rediscovers the joys of small-town life.

Hallmark Channel's Keepsake Christmas launches Friday, July 10 at noon with Christmas at Dollywood starring Danica McKellar, Niall Matter, and Dolly Parton (pictured at top). The project was special for McKellar as it was based on her original idea and incorporated Parton's 'Imagination Library', which McKellar's book 'Goodnight Numbers' is a part of. Working with the legendary Parton was a bonus. "I'm still not totally in touch with the fact that I did a movie with Dolly Parton!" she laughed. But you'll have to read the full interview to find out what had her, "Holding my breath."

Sunday, July 12, has a host of films with some of our favorite interviewees. Jingle Around the Clock (8:00 a.m.) stars Michael Cassidy in his first project for Hallmark. It was also his first Christmas movie, and he was a little overwhelmed by the experience admitting, "I've never seen so much Christmas!" At Noon catch The Christmas Club starring Home & Family host Cameron Mathison. In his revealing interview, Mathison opened up about how the film's, "Paying attention to signs and following [them]", theme saved his own life when after completing it, he received a cancer diagnosis. Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2:00 p.m.) was a special project for its star Jessica Lowndes, an accomplished singer, who got to perform 'Oh. Holy Night' in the film. "I loved being able to include another of my passions," she said of the experience.

On Monday, July 13, enjoy Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays (at 6 a.m.) starring Kaitlin Doubleday, Adrian Grenier, and Priscilla Presley. Doubleday experienced a new appreciation for The King (Elvis Presley), after filming at the legendary Graceland estate, and working with Presley was an experience she will never forget. "Priscilla is like the sweetest woman alive," she recalled. "It was very special." At 8 a.m. Hallmark Channel favorite Lacey Chabert stars opposite Brendan Penny in Pride, Prejudice & Mistletoe. The film marked Chabert's 16th movie for the network and at the time she had high hopes it would become a Christmas tradition for viewers - - looks like her wish came true.

For Merritt Patterson, shooting Christmas at the Palace (July 14, at 6 a.m.) in Romania was like returning home. I shot [Hallmark's] A Royal Winter there so it was my second time," she said. "I love Romania and had such a great experience the first time, so I was looking forward to going back."

Christmas at Graceland (4:00 a.m., July 16) was the first in the series of Graceland themed Hallmark Channel Movies. It stars Kellie Pickler and featured an appearance by Priscilla Presley. We caught up with Pickler for the movies, sequel Wedding at Graceland, where she happily reminisced about making this one and returning to Memphis, a place she calls, "One of my favorite cities."

Despite having a long association with Crown Media, Christmas at Holly Lodge (July 17, 6:00 a.m.) star Alison Sweeney (pictured above) revealed this was, surprisingly, her first Christmas movie. We chatted with Sweeney for her second (Time for You to Come Home for Christmas) for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries where she laughed, "I'm definitely aware that I've only done two Christmas movies, and I want to do more!" At 2:00 p.m. the star-studded Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy is telecast. We chatted with Paul Greene, who was thrilled to join the franchise's third installment, and re-team with his My Favorite Wedding co-star Maggie Lawson revealing, "She's one of my favorite people to work with." At 6:00 p.m. Kelly Pickler returns for The Mistletoe Secret, her second Christmas film, where she beamed about working with Dallas star Patrick Duffy. "He was a great mentor, she shared. Then at 8:00 p.m. catch Mingle all the Way, Brant Daugherty's initiation into Hallmark Christmas." I didn't realize how much of a club it was," he laughed at the time. "I'm honored and happy to be a part of Hallmark."

Rounding out our interviewees, on Thursday, July 23, catch Jodie Sweetin (pictured below) in Finding Santa (4:00 a.m.) It was her first for Hallmark and one she said her dear friend, and fellow Hallmark alum, Candace Cameron Bure offered advice on – only you'll have to read the interview for what that was.

Photos courtesy of Hallmark

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