Hallmark & Star Trek Collide in Time-Traveling Christmas Flick

Hallmark is expanding its holiday offerings by merging Christmas movie tropes with science fiction elements, notably featuring actors from the "Star Trek" franchise. The 2023 film, "A Biltmore Christmas," saw screenwriter Lucy visit the Biltmore Estate for inspiration, where a magical hourglass sent her back to 1947.

During her time travel, Lucy encountered studio head Robert Picardo, known for his role as the Doctor in "Star Trek: Voyager." Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," also starred in the film. Frakes noted that creator Gene Roddenberry's atheism meant Christmas was not a prominent theme in "Star Trek."

Despite the seemingly disparate worlds, Frakes suggested a connection through shared themes of family loyalty and relationships, which are central to both "Star Trek" and Hallmark's storytelling. This successful blend of time travel, Christmas magic, and "Star Trek" talent has led to a sequel, "A Grand Biltmore Christmas."

The sequel is slated to premiere on December 5th as part of the 2026 Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas. Jonathan Frakes is confirmed to return for this new installment, although Robert Picardo will not be reprising his role. The sequel promises to maintain the beloved elements of time travel and holiday enchantment that defined the original film.