Results are being tallied for the Merriest Christmas Town Contest
Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash (Unsplash)
ORLANDO, Fla. – Winter Garden is Florida’s only representative among the 25 finalists in Hallmark Channel’s 2026 Merriest Christmas Town Contest.
The Central Florida city was recognized for its historic downtown, holiday celebrations, sparkling lights and community traditions. Hallmark described downtown Winter Garden as feeling like a “real-life Christmas village” during the holiday season.
The winner will be selected after public voting and judging based on community spirit, holiday traditions, charm and goodwill. Voting officially closed on Sept. 4, with one vote allowed per day for eligible voters.
Now, the results are being tallied, and Hallmark’s official rules state they will be revealed on Oct. 31.
Top 25 finalist towns
Ashland, Oregon
Bemidji, Minnesota
Berlin, Maryland
Boerne, Texas
Cape May, New Jersey
Carlinville, Illinois
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Chatham, Massachusetts
Collierville, Tennessee
Conway, South Carolina
Corning, New York
Cullman, Alabama
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Hanover, Pennsylvania
Leavenworth, Washington
Lewisburg, West Virginia
Marlborough, Connecticut
Neenah, Wisconsin
North Conway, New Hampshire
Papillion, Nebraska
Parkville, Missouri
Placerville, California
Portsmouth, Ohio
Winter Garden, Florida
Versailles, Kentucky
The winning town will also receive the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a Hallmark movie.
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Anthony Talcott
Anthony, a graduate of the University of Florida, joined ClickOrlando.com in April 2022.