Hallmark Names 25 Finalists for America’s Merriest Christmas Town, and now You Can Vote to help pick the winner
Holiday tourism campaigns are ramping up across the country as cities compete for year-end visitors and national attention. Hallmark has now entered that space with a nationwide Christmas town contest that highlights 25 finalists from around the U.S. Public voting is open, and the company said one winning town will earn the 2024 title of America’s Merriest Christmas Town.
Hallmark launches voting for 25-town finalist field
Hallmark announced on November 12 that 25 towns were selected as finalists for America’s Merriest Christmas Town. The company said the list spans communities known for holiday lights, seasonal events, and downtown celebrations. Voting is being handled through Hallmark’s campaign, and the winning town is scheduled to be revealed in December 2024.
The finalist total matters because Hallmark narrowed the field to 25 communities nationwide, not a broader open-ended list. The company confirmed that public votes will help determine the winner. Hallmark also tied the promotion to its broader holiday programming, which typically draws national attention during the Christmas season.
For travelers, the contest turns small-town holiday traditions into a national travel spotlight. Hallmark said the campaign is designed around destinations that already host established Christmas events. That means the contest is not creating new festivals, but elevating places that already draw seasonal visitors each year.
What the finalist list means for local tourism
The most immediate local impact is visibility for the 25 towns Hallmark named. Being included in a national holiday contest can raise interest in local main streets, lodging, and Christmas events during November and December. Hallmark has confirmed the finalist count, but it has not released any broader economic estimate tied to the campaign.
What is known is that each finalist town now has a defined window to attract votes and attention during the 2024 holiday season. What is not yet known is how much extra visitor traffic any one town may see before the winner is announced in December. Hallmark also has not publicly detailed how close the vote is or released interim standings.
For residents and travelers, the practical takeaway is straightforward. The 25 finalists are now receiving national exposure at the start of peak Christmas travel planning, and one town will ultimately be named the winner. Hallmark said the result will be announced in December, which gives the contest a clear timeline for communities watching the outcome.
Why Hallmark is spotlighting Christmas destinations now
The timing lines up with Hallmark’s larger holiday business cycle. November is when Hallmark’s Christmas programming and seasonal branding are at full scale, and the company’s town contest fits that annual push. By naming 25 finalists in mid-November, Hallmark is aligning the campaign with the part of the calendar when holiday travel decisions are actively being made.
The broader context is that Christmas tourism has become a strong seasonal draw for many small cities and downtown districts across the U.S. Hallmark’s announcement reflects that demand by focusing on places that already market themselves around lights, parades, and seasonal attractions. The company has framed the contest as a celebration of existing holiday traditions rather than a standalone event.
For customers and residents, that means the contest mainly adds recognition rather than changing local operations. Travelers can expect the finalist towns to continue running their scheduled 2024 holiday events while voting remains open. Hallmark has said only that the winning town will be announced in December, which is the next confirmed milestone in the campaign.
