The Hallmark Channel and Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry are set to share the holiday stage with the release of a Christmas film featuring original music by Grammy-winning country singer Brad Paisley.
“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” will debut later this year during Hallmark’s 16th annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event, the network announced on Monday.
In the film, actress Nikki DeLoach, known for her role in MTV’s comedy-drama series “Awkward,” plays Gentry Woods—the daughter of late country artist Jett Woods—who abandoned her dream of becoming a songwriter and distanced herself from her father’s legacy after his tragic death 30 years earlier.
“When the Grand Ole Opry invites her to represent Jett at their centennial celebration at Christmas, she’s hesitant to return to the place steeped in bittersweet memories,” a synopsis reads. “Encouraged by her good friends, Gentry visits the Opry and, while seated in one of the vaunted venue’s oak church pews, is suddenly transported to 1995.”
“Mad Men” actor Kristoffer Polaha portrays Gentry’s lifelong friend Mac, a country music talent manager who also finds himself back in the 1990s.
“Thanks to some Christmas magic, Gentry gets precious time with her father, creative inspiration to finish the song she began decades earlier as a teen, and learns surprising answers to questions about her father that have followed her for the last three decades,” the synopsis concludes.
Production begins later this month, and a variety of scenes are slated to be filmed at the Grand Ole Opry.
Some of the live music venue’s regular performers will make appearances in the holiday movie, including Opry member Paisley, who has also been tapped to write and record the official anthem for the Hallmark Channel’s 2025 “Countdown to Christmas” lineup.
Paisley—who released his debut album “Who Needs Pictures” in 1999—said in a statement that the family-oriented television network plays a major role in infusing the joy and spirit of the holiday season into his household.
“I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done.”
An exclusive collection of Hallmark and Opry co-branded products will also launch in conjunction with the film, including a selection of apparel, jewelry, and greeting cards.
“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” is part of the Opry’s centennial celebration, which the prestigious institution has been commemorating all year long.
Country music’s biggest stage will officially mark its 100th anniversary on Nov. 28. In a statement, Opry executive Colin Reed said the company’s goal during its milestone year “is to put the Opry, its artists and the rich songwriting traditions that have made country music a global sensation in front of more people than ever before.”
“As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday this year, this is the perfect time for us to partner with this beloved, iconic American institution and create Christmas magic together,” said Darren Abbott, Hallmark’s chief brand officer.
“Having the incredibly talented Brad Paisley write and perform original music for the movie is what Christmas dreams are made of. And we’re equally excited to have him write and record an original song that will be the soundtrack of our on-air campaign throughout the season.”
