Berlin, Maryland, is one of 25 Official Christmas Towns named by Hallmark after the network received roughly 1,500 submissions from communities across the United States. The Eastern Shore town, already known for its historic downtown and small-batch holiday charm, will now get a national spotlight courtesy of the cable network synonymous with snowy rom-coms and mistletoe mishaps.
According to baysideoc.net, Hallmark will feature Berlin on its website, giving the town, its independent businesses and its holiday traditions a burst of national attention. The designation also comes with an official title seal that Berlin can use in its marketing materials for the next two years. Berlin made the cut as a top-25 finalist in Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town contest back in August, drawing national attention even before the final honors were announced.
No Extra Events, No Extra Staff
Town officials noted that the honor comes with no additional events or staff time. Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said the Hallmark title involves no additional events and will not require additional staff time, per the same baysideoc.net account. In other words, Berlin doesn't need to build a new float or hire a seasonal coordinator to cash in on the recognition — the existing decor, shops and seasonal events that already define the town's holiday season did the heavy lifting.
The Illinois Times reports that Hallmark's national contest combined weeks of public voting with a judging evaluation of community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm and goodwill. That same selection process, according to NBC Chicago, was built around finding communities that bring the spirit of Christmas to life — a mix of public enthusiasm and a panel of judges weighing in on the 25 finalists.
Carlinville, Not Berlin, Lands the Movie Crown
Berlin's honor comes with one caveat worth clarifying: the town did not win Hallmark's overall Merriest Christmas Town contest. That title, along with the accompanying bragging rights, went to Carlinville, Illinois, which NBC Chicago reports was named the official Hallmark Christmas Town for 2026 after winning the nationwide competition outright. The Illinois Times adds that Carlinville was described as Hallmark's first-ever Merriest Christmas Town, selected from the same pool of 25 finalists that included Berlin.
Carlinville's win comes with a perk Berlin didn't receive. Per baysideoc.net, Hallmark did not select Berlin as a movie location — that honor went to Carlinville, Illinois. The Illinois Times reports Carlinville will get exposure through Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas promotion and the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark Christmas movie, a bonus that remains specific to the Illinois town rather than Berlin.
A Town With Its Own Hollywood Résumé
Berlin isn't exactly a stranger to the spotlight, movie cameras or otherwise. The town previously served as the primary filming location for the 1999 romantic comedy Runaway Bride and the 2002 fantasy-drama Tuck Everlasting, giving it a backdrop that already reads like a movie set even without a new Hallmark production attached to its name.
Local reaction to the designation has been enthusiastic. The Town of Berlin Main Street & Arts and Entertainment District shared a Facebook post about Hallmark featuring Berlin's story, and the group commissioned local author Stephanie Fowler, who is associated with Salt Water Media, to write a tribute to the town. Forgotten 50 Distilling celebrated the news in an Oct. 22 Facebook post, saying Berlin's community feels like a Hallmark movie — sentiment echoed as community members and local businesses celebrated the accomplishment online.
The Town of Berlin said Hallmark noticed the town's holiday decor, events and shopping. For a town already carrying a Hollywood résumé, the new title seal is one more reason for Berlin to lean into its holiday identity.
