Get ready for some festive time travel! Hallmark Channel's highly anticipated holiday romance, A Newport Christmas, is set to whisk you away with a unique story starring Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown. Premiering as part of the beloved Countdown to Christmas event, this film promises a heartwarming journey across centuries, proving that love truly knows no bounds—or time!
TL;DR: Quick Facts About This Must-Watch Holiday Movie Premiering Soon- Premiere Alert: A Newport Christmas debuts Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Hallmark Channel.
- Star-Studded Time Jump: Ginna Claire Mason plays Ella, a spirited 1905 socialite who unexpectedly lands in 2025, where she meets charming local historian Nick, played by Wes Brown.
- A Unique Holiday Story: This film stands out with its magical time-travel premise, blending history, fantasy, and a dash of sci-fi into a heartwarming Christmas romance about finding where you truly belong.
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Prepare for a Festive Journey Through Time with Ella's Extraordinary Wish from 1905
Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas is in full swing, and among its glittering lineup, A Newport Christmas shines bright with a truly enchanting premise. Imagine being a charitable and spirited socialite in 1905 Newport, facing the prospect of an arranged marriage, and making a heartfelt wish on a comet under the night sky. Next thing you know, you've sailed 120 years into the future! That's exactly what happens to Ella, played by the talented Ginna Claire Mason, in this captivating holiday film.
Ella's dream isn't about attending lavish balls or securing a high-society match; she's got a big heart and a vision. She dreams of using her family's fortune to establish a foundation, dedicated to helping others in her community. But when she learns her father intends to arrange her engagement to a man she's never even met, to be announced at the upcoming Christmas Eve ball, she needs a moment to clear her head. She takes her schooner out for a nighttime sail, and as a comet flashes across the sky, she makes a wish for a different life. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down as she finds herself face-to-face with Nick (played by Hallmark fan-favorite Wes Brown), a sailor and local historian who insists the boat she's on is his! It’s a classic fish-out-of-water tale, but with a festive, time-bending twist!
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Navigating the Modern World and Unraveling a Surprising and Critical Legacy
As Ella grapples with the bewildering advances of 2025—think smartphones, fast cars, and the internet—Nick becomes her unlikely, and often perplexed, guide. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, genuine curiosity, and a growing affection, making their connection feel organic and delightful. It’s not just about her adjusting to technology; it’s about her seeing how her actions and aspirations from 1905 have, or haven't, shaped the future. This unexpected glimpse into her potential legacy in modern Newport makes her question everything, especially as she and Nick grow closer and develop real feelings for each other.
The core of the story revolves around a crucial dilemma: the longer Ella stays in 2025, the more she risks altering the history and legacy she was meant to build in her own time. What happens to the foundation she dreamed of starting? What about the Newport she left behind, and the course of its history? Her absence threatens to erase her impact. Together, Ella and Nick must figure out a way for her to return, plotting a course back through time. But the surprises waiting for her back in 1905 are even more astonishing than her initial journey to the future, promising a truly satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.
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Meet the Dynamic Duo: Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown Bring Magical Chemistry to the Screen
The undeniable chemistry between leading stars Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown is a significant highlight of A Newport Christmas. Hallmark enthusiasts will instantly recognize Wes Brown from his impressive roster of beloved roles in popular network films like Christmas at Graceland, Love Under the Stars, and Sweet Pecan Summer. Ginna Claire Mason, who recently wrapped a multi-year run as the effervescent Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked, brings a fresh, vibrant, and utterly charming energy to her portrayal of Ella.
Both actors were visibly thrilled by the movie's unique, time-traveling script. Ginna Claire Mason shared with Southern Living that the story is a "magical mix of history, fantasy and sci-fi," admitting that simply reading the script "sort of blew her mind!" Wes Brown echoed this excitement, stating that it felt "very special" to be given the honor of bringing such a distinct time-travel narrative to life for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. He admired the filmmaking process, saying it was a "blast seeing words on a page, get put into orbit with the comet, literally and figuratively," making it a very special movie to make.
The co-stars, who have been friends for years, credit their existing bond for the "natural and fun" energy they share on screen. Mason couldn't help but gush about Brown, affectionately calling him "the dreamiest scene partner ever" and praising his grounded, honest performance. She noted how gracefully he navigated reacting to Ella’s "wild antics and questions" as she adjusted to the future. This real-life friendship undoubtedly adds a layer of comfort, authenticity, and delightful spark to their charming on-screen romance, making their connection feel genuinely timeless.
"With time travel, you can go in so many different directions, but I feel like the special effects are their own character… I think it’s sort of risky, edge of your seat, sort of storytelling. It was so exciting to be part of it."
– Ginna Claire Mason on the unique appeal of A Newport Christmas
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Behind the Camera: Bringing Both 1905 and 2025 Newport to Life on the Big Screen
While the enchanting story of A Newport Christmas is firmly set in the picturesque locale of Newport, Rhode Island, the magic of filmmaking often requires a bit of creative geography! The majority of the movie was actually filmed over an intensive six-week period in early 2025 across various stunning locations in Western New York. These included towns like Akron, Youngstown, and even inside the impressive Buffalo FilmWorks, all artfully doubling for Newport’s historical and modern backdrops.
However, true Newport aficionados and Rhode Island natives will be delighted to know that one iconic Newport location did make it into the final cut: the historic Bowen's Wharf. Scenes here were captured on April 7, featuring local extras and, of course, plenty of festive Christmas decorations to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Bowen's Wharf, often affectionately dubbed the "anchor of the Newport waterfront," provided an authentic, picturesque touch of Rhode Island charm to the film, showcasing its vibrant atmosphere filled with boutiques, restaurants, and undeniable historical significance.
The production team, under the direction of Dustin Rikert and writer Joie Botkin, went to great lengths to ensure historical accuracy, especially for the 1905 scenes. For instance, Ella's period-appropriate schooner was no ordinary prop; it was a carefully constructed replica of an 1885 fishing boat called "No Man’s Land," meticulously restored by the Buffalo Maritime Center. This incredible attention to detail, from period costumes and set designs to the historically accurate vessel, helps to truly immerse viewers in both Ella’s past and her dazzling, yet bewildering, journey into the future. The visual experience promises to be as rich and engaging as the heartwarming story itself.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Watching 'A Newport Christmas' When It Premieres
Mark your calendars and set your reminders! A Newport Christmas premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. But don't fret if you happen to miss the initial broadcast or prefer to stream at your leisure—there are plenty of convenient ways to catch this festive flick!
Catching the Holiday Magic in the United States: Your Streaming Options
- Hallmark Channel: This is your primary destination for the premiere broadcast of A Newport Christmas. Make sure your cable or satellite package includes it!
- Hallmark+: For those who prefer on-demand viewing, the movie will be available to stream the very next day after its linear premiere. A subscription to Hallmark+ typically costs $7.99/month or $79.99/year, and they often offer a tempting 7-day free trial to new subscribers. Plus, subscribers get perks like monthly coupons and special gifts for annual members!
- Live TV Streaming Services: For cord-cutters eager to keep up with all the Countdown to Christmas action, several excellent streaming platforms include the Hallmark Channel in their packages:
- Philo: Considered one of the most affordable traditional cable alternatives, Philo offers over 70 top-rated TV channels, including Hallmark, for just $33/month after a 7-day free trial.
- Fubo: A popular live TV streaming service that offers users over 100 live TV channels through its base package, including Hallmark, and helpful features like unlimited DVR. Plans start at $84.99/month after its free trial.
- DirecTV: A leading streaming platform that offers a plethora of live TV channels and tailor-made genre packs. Plans start at $86.99/month after a 5-day free trial.
- Sling: A great alternative to traditional cable, Sling offers a stellar selection of popular TV channels. Plans start at $45.99/month after the first month, with new day, week, and weekend passes starting at $4.99 for more flexible access.
- Prime Video (with Hallmark+ Add-on): If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, you can easily add Hallmark+ to your Prime Video subscription for an additional $7.99/month, streamlining your billing and user experience.
How Our Canadian Viewers Can Enjoy the Christmas Cheer: Accessing the Film in Canada
Good news for our friends up north! A Newport Christmas is also officially available to watch in Canada on November 2, 2025, ensuring no one misses out on this magical holiday tale.
- W Network: This is your go-to channel for the premiere broadcast of A Newport Christmas in Canada. Tune in to catch Ella's incredible journey.
- STACKTV via Amazon Channel: For streaming flexibility, STACKTV offers both live and on-demand viewing options for A Newport Christmas. You can easily access STACKTV through the Amazon Prime Video interface on a wide range of devices, including Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO), streaming devices (Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast), smartphones, tablets, computers (via web browsers), and even gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox latest versions).
- VPNs for Hallmark+ (as an option): For those interested in accessing Hallmark+ directly from Canada, some services like NordVPN are suggested, which allow you to connect to a US-based server and potentially stream content restriction-free (note: always check the terms of service for all platforms when considering the use of VPNs).
A Newport Christmas isn't just another entry in the vast sea of holiday movies; it's a refreshing blend of classic Hallmark charm with an inventive and captivating twist. Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown deliver performances that are both heartfelt and humorous, bringing Ella and Nick's unique, cross-century romance to life with genuine warmth and sparkle. The film's underlying message—that love and belonging can transcend time and place, often found in a person rather than a fixed destination—is particularly poignant and resonates deeply.
As Mason herself highlighted, the movie comes with exciting "stakes" and unexpected "emotional depth," keeping viewers engaged beyond the typical holiday fluff. Brown added that audiences will be on the edge of their seats, guessing where the story will lead, because even if you think you know where it’s headed, you won't know where it truly ends up! With its TV-G rating, it's a perfect family-friendly choice, inviting everyone to dream of possibilities and believe in a love story that spans across centuries. So, grab your coziest blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and prepare to be enchanted by this truly special and innovative addition to Hallmark's beloved holiday lineup!
Frequently Asked Questions About 'A Newport Christmas'Here are some common questions you might have about this exciting new Hallmark movie:
What is A Newport Christmas about? It’s a time-traveling holiday romance about Ella, a charitable 1905 Newport socialite who, after wishing on a comet, finds herself mysteriously transported to 2025. There, she meets local historian Nick and falls in love, but her presence in the future threatens her legacy in the past, forcing her to make a difficult and heartwarming choice about where she truly belongs.
Who are the main stars in A Newport Christmas? The film prominently stars Ginna Claire Mason as Ella and Wes Brown as Nick. The talented supporting cast includes Jon Cesar (Servant), Paige Cummings (Ada), Joseph Dellger (Albert), Evan Alexander Smith (Bill Smith), David O'Donnell (Maxwell Sebastian), and Tracey B. Wilson (Grafton), among others.
Is A Newport Christmas suitable for family viewing? Yes, absolutely! The movie has received a TV-G rating, meaning it is wholesome, family-friendly, and a charming choice for viewers of all ages. It’s perfect for gathering everyone together for a festive family movie night during the holiday season.
Where was A Newport Christmas filmed? While the story is set in Newport, Rhode Island, most of the filming actually took place in various locations across Western New York, specifically in Buffalo, Akron, and Youngstown, in early 2025. However, one authentic and iconic Newport location, Bowen's Wharf, was utilized for specific scenes to capture the true essence of the city.
Sources- Newport Buzz
- al.com
- UpNext
- Just Jared
- EntertainmentNow.com
- The Buffalo News
- Tell-Tale TV