Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story

Name: Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story
Genre: Christmas, Urban, Santa Appears, Miracle, Strangers
Released: 2026-01-01
Duration: 1 h 24 min
Cast: Lyndsy Fonseca, Robert Buckley, Marsha Mason, Barbara Alyn Woods, Khary Payton

Not yet rated20261h 24mChristmasWeirdness 3/10Bingo card

Hallmark premiere: October 17, 2026 · Hallmark announcement

Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story poster

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The premise

Reporter Avery returns to Chicago and profiles a Bears supporter approaching her 500th game. The assignment brings her closer to the woman's grandson Matt.

Themes:second chances family traditions resilience through hardship finding home community and belonging work-life balance

How unusual is it?

Mostly classic comfort-watch, give or take Santa himself and an actual miracle.

Who’s in it

Our Girl

Lyndsy Fonseca

as Avery Clark

The Lead

Robert Buckley

as Matt Donnelly

Alongside them

Show all 43 cast

Behind the camera

Show

Directed by

Dustin Rikert

Written by

Julie Sherman Wolfe

Wait, what?

The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.

A grandmother's 500th Chicago Bears game becomes the centerpiece of a full stadium tribute.
The family treats a Christmas cornhole tournament with the intensity of professional sports.

Every trope, all in one place

Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 15 to find more movies that do the same thing.

How it all plays out

Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.

Full story (spoilers)

On the day of Darlene's 500th game, she is delayed while helping her friend Betty attend the game after Betty's caregiver is called to the hospital. Matt and the family use a fire truck to bring Darlene to Soldier Field, where she is surprised by her loved ones, former Bears stars, and the stadium-wide celebration. Afterward, Matt admits that he does not want their relationship to end, and Avery reveals that she has accepted a full-time position at the Herald. She stays in Chicago, embraces Matt and her family's new traditions, and joins them for Christmas as the city begins to feel like home.

Beat by beat

Opening
Avery returns to Chicago for Christmas and reconnects with her mother Sarah, stepfather Ron, and the city's football-centered holiday culture, despite being more interested in journalism than the Bears.
Inciting incident
The Chicago Herald assigns Avery to profile Darlene Donnelly, a longtime Bears fan preparing to attend her 500th game, and Avery meets Darlene's grandson Matt at his fire station.
Rising action
Matt helps Avery follow Darlene through community events, holiday traditions, charity work, family gatherings, and a competitive cornhole tournament, bringing Avery and Matt closer.
Midpoint
Darlene shares the emotional history of her ticket album, her cancer diagnosis, and Bernie's message of hope, giving Avery the heart of her article and a deeper understanding of the Donnelly family's resilience.
Conflict escalates
Avery considers a permanent job at the Herald while Matt fears that her stay is temporary and that their connection will end when she leaves Chicago. Darlene is also unexpectedly delayed on the day of her milestone game.
Climax
Matt and the family bring Darlene to Soldier Field in a fire truck, where the Bears honor her 500th game with a surprise celebration, video tribute, and recognition as a beloved fan.
Resolution
Matt declares that he wants their relationship to continue, Avery accepts the Herald position, and she chooses to stay in Chicago, joining her family for a new Christmas tradition.

Where this one fits

The corners of the catalog Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.

BINGOA charming local cafe or dinerSomeone apologises and means itA cup of cocoa, coffee or ciderA misunderstanding nearly ruins everythingSomeone races to catch the other before they leaveSomeone changes career for love or familyA first impression that turns out completely wrongA pep talk that changes everythingA warm hug that lingersThe lead works as a freelance reporterA family reconcilesA shared meal around a crowded table★Someone gets flustered during small talkA heart-to-heart on a porch or benchA scenic spot becomes their meeting placeA calendar reminder raises the stakesA wise elder dispenses adviceA big event everyone is preparing forA change of heart by the final actA character is hiding a secretThe story travels to another countrySomeone cooks or bakes on screenA cosy interior full of warm lightingA meaningful look held a beat too long

Hallmark Bingo

Your Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story card is dealt.

Twenty-four squares pulled from this movie’s own quirks — the cosy classics, a few only-in-this-one curveballs, and a couple of decoys. Mark them as you watch.

Open your card

Lines worth quoting

The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.

“All the impossible can seem within reach when we have someone in our corner.”
“Avery, I really like you. And I don't want whatever this is to end.”
“It turns out this is home.”

Meet the characters

Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.

Avery Clark
Lead
Freelance reporter who becomes a Chicago Herald staff reporter
independentobservantempatheticrestlessambitious
Matt Donnelly
Love interest
Chicago firefighter and lieutenant candidate
Darlene's grandson and Avery's romantic partner
warmdutifulcompetitivefamily-orientedhesitant
Darlene Donnelly
Supporting
Longtime Bears fan, community volunteer, and local shop worker
Avery's profile subject and Matt's grandmother
spiritedresilientoptimisticgenerousromantic
Sarah
Supporting
Sports bar co-owner and manager
Avery's mother
affectionateupbeatadaptablesupportive
Ron
Supporting
Former sales professional and sports bar co-owner
Avery's stepfather
enthusiasticsupportivemeticulousplayful
Shaun
Supporting
Chicago Herald city desk journalist
Avery's former boyfriend, friend, and professional contact
friendlyperceptivecareer-mindedrespectful
Bernie Donnelly
Supporting
Unknown; deceased Bears fan
Darlene's late husband whose memory shapes Avery's story
devotedhopefulresilientencouraging
Nicole Bower
Supporting
Chicago Bears head of event planning
Helps Avery arrange Darlene's stadium tribute
organizedgenerouscommunity-minded