Hallmark Casting Local Extras, Biltmore to Host New Holiday Film
Hallmark Media announced on Dec. 26 that it is casting local extras for a new original holiday movie to be filmed at the Biltmore Estate. Filming is scheduled roughly Jan. 12 through Feb. 2, 2026, creating short term work for residents and a potential off season boost to Buncombe County tourism and service businesses.

Hallmark Media is returning to Asheville for another holiday production, and producers are seeking background performers of all ages from the Asheville area for filming at the Biltmore Estate. The shoot is slated to run approximately Jan. 12 through Feb. 2, 2026, a schedule that spans about three weeks of on site activity. This marks the second recent Hallmark production at Biltmore and continues a pattern of location filming that highlights the estate and surrounding attractions during the winter season.
For local residents the immediate effect is practical and measurable. Casting calls for background performers create temporary employment opportunities for people who work part time in hospitality, retail, and the arts. Production activity typically generates demand for local services including lodging, transportation, craft services, and equipment rentals, and it can extend payroll into periods that normally see lower visitor traffic. Producers included practical application details in their casting notice for those interested in applying.
Beyond individual hires the presence of a studio production carries promotional value for Buncombe County. Films set at the Biltmore showcase the estate s seasonal traditions and decorative displays, reinforcing Asheville s reputation as a destination for holiday tourism. Repeat location shoots can have a cumulative effect on visitation patterns by keeping the property and the city in the public eye during an off season. Local vendors and small businesses that support shoots can capture new revenue streams and build relationships with production crews that lead to future bookings.

There are logistical considerations for the community. A multiweek shoot requires coordination with property management and local authorities on permits, traffic control, and scheduling around regular visitor operations. That coordination can reduce friction for residents and businesses if planned proactively, and it presents an opportunity for local officials to standardize permitting and vendor lists to streamline future productions.
As the project moves forward, Buncombe County residents who want to participate should follow the casting notice posted by the producers and prepare for short term work that can complement existing winter incomes. The combination of temporary jobs, vendor opportunities, and promotional exposure underscores how a single location shoot can ripple across the local economy.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip

