Winter Garden Named Top 25 Finalist for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest

The Central Florida community has been selected as one of 25 finalists in Hallmark Channel’s inaugural Merriest Christmas Towns Contest, putting Winter Garden in the running to be named America’s “Merriest Christmas Town.” Even more exciting, the winning town could have the chance to be featured in a future Hallmark original movie.

Winter Garden is the only Florida town to make the list of 25 finalists.

The nationwide contest comes as Hallmark Channel celebrates its 25th birthday. Towns were nominated by members of the public earlier this summer, with Hallmark reviewing submissions from communities across the country before selecting the 25 finalists.

Now, it’s up to the public to help Winter Garden make its case.

Vote for Winter Garden

Public voting is open through Sept. 4, and eligible U.S. residents who are 18 or older can vote once each day while voting is open.

After the public voting period concludes, a panel of judges will select the winning town based on four criteria: Community Spirit, Holiday Traditions, Neighborhood Charm and Goodwill.

For Winter Garden, those qualities are already a major part of the city’s holiday identity.

Every year, historic downtown Winter Garden transforms into a Christmas destination filled with lights, decorations, community events and plenty of opportunities to get into the holiday spirit. The city’s month-long holiday calendar includes beloved traditions such as Light Up Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Christmas Parade, the Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade, the Holiday Night Market and A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, among other events.

The festivities draw residents and visitors together throughout the season, creating the kind of small-town Christmas atmosphere that has become synonymous with Winter Garden during the holidays.

“We know how special Winter Garden is during the Christmas season, and we’re honored to have our community recognized by the Hallmark Channel,” said City of Winter Garden Mayor John Rees. “Our Christmas traditions bring residents and visitors together to make merry memories, and this recognition is a wonderful reflection of the pride our community takes in celebrating the season. We hope everyone who loves Winter Garden will cast their vote and share the news with friends and family.”

A Chance to Put Winter Garden on the Hallmark Map

While Winter Garden is already well known locally for its holiday celebrations, the Hallmark contest gives the city an opportunity to showcase its Christmas traditions to a national audience.

The grand-prize winner will be named America’s “Merriest Christmas Town” and will earn the opportunity to be featured in a Hallmark original movie.

For Winter Garden residents, supporting the hometown is as simple as casting a daily vote before the September 4 deadline and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

Ready to vote?

Vote for Winter Garden HERE.

To learn more about the contest and see all 25 finalist towns, visit Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns Contest.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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