The presence of the crew marks an update in the film that was first announced by coach Ben Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland<\/a> on June 25 and put out casting calls shortly after. Hallmark previously sent out a call for extras to film at Soldier Field on July 7 and 8 for football fans at least 18 years old, adding that extras must be willing to wear \u201cwinter attire\u201d while filming during the daytime this month.<\/p>\n Filming is set to take place entirely at locations in and around the city, \u201cshowcasing iconic locations, beloved traditions and the passion that surrounds one of the NFL\u2019s most storied franchises,\u201d according to the Hallmark Channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Multiple areas both above and below Michigan Avenue are designated as film locations blocked off by \u201cNO PARKING\/TOW ZONE\u201d warnings, including parts of North Water Street, Lower Water Street, Illinois Street, and Lower St. Clair Street According to a notice around the trailers, filming started in the area on Wednesday and is set to go through Friday night.<\/p>\n Those areas appeared to be quiet from filming Thursday morning, however. Apparent wardrobe pieces for the film \u2014 some decked out in the Bears\u2019 colors of orange, navy, and white \u2014 could be seen inside one trailer, including jackets and shirts hung on racks. Other crew members arrived with more costumes in garment bags as the morning progressed.<\/p>\n Other movie hints also popped up around Cityfront Plaza and the Tribune Tower, where \u201cholding area,\u201d \u201cset,\u201d \u201cbreakfast,\u201d and \u201clunch\u201d signs were accompanied by arrows pointing people in different directions. Mannequins dressed in Bears memorabilia and merchandise could be seen through the windows on the bottom floor of 401 N. Michigan Ave., where crew and production members appeared to mingle, some arriving with suitcases.<\/p>\n The Tribune reached out for more information on filming details but did not immediately get a response. The Hallmark Channel announced<\/a> part of the film\u2019s cast<\/a> in an \u201con set\u201d video posted on its social media account Thursday afternoon, with the actors featured on the grass at Soldier Field with the Chicago skyline visible in some clips.<\/p>\n The post did not include any Bears team members, though the two previous \u201cHoliday Touchdown\u201d franchise films \u2014 which centered around the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills \u2014 featured cameos from people and players involved with the organizations, including Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Bills safety Damar Hamlin and former quarterback Jim Kelly.<\/p>\n A release date has not yet been announced for the film, but it is set to come out in 2026 as part of Hallmark Channel\u2019s 17th annual \u201cCountdown to Christmas\u201d event.<\/p>\n Chicago Tribune\u2019s Sean Hammond contributed to this report.<\/p>\n \t\t\t![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/CTC-L-bears-movie02_264597219.jpg\")
A Chicago Bears jacket and clothing inside a building near the set of a Bears-themed Hallmark holiday movie on July 9, 2026. (Antonio Perez\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n