Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story Filming Locations, Cast, Plot

Hallmark is back on the field with another NFL crossover film, and this time, the spotlight has moved to Western New York. Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story brings a mix of Christmas warmth, small-town charm, and Buffalo football spirit to the screen.

Starring Holland Roden and Matthew Daddario, the movie celebrates hometown pride, lifelong friendship, and the magic of the holidays – with a big dose of Bills Mafia energy.

After the huge success of Hallmark’s first NFL collaboration, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, it was only natural for the network to continue the series with one of the most passionate fanbases in football. And Buffalo welcomed the cast and crew with open arms.

Where Was Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story Filmed?

Buffalo, New York

The entire production was filmed in and around Buffalo, bringing the city’s winter vibe, fan culture, and community warmth straight to the screen. The movie uses real Buffalo streets, local shops, and Christmas-decorated neighborhoods to capture the true feel of a Western New York holiday season.

Filming began in May, just weeks before the Bills were set to start summer training. Production kicked off at one of the most iconic locations in the city – Highmark Stadium – giving fans a rare look at the home of the Buffalo Bills during the off-season.

Highmark Stadium

Highmark Stadium served as the central filming location during the early days of production. The crew shot scenes inside the tunnel, around the field, and in select stadium areas that fans normally don’t get to see.

The atmosphere on set was electric. Even though no real game was happening, the energy was similar to game day – thanks to the cast, crew, and Bills Mafia excitement.

One of the biggest highlights was the appearance of Bills Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, who filmed a special cameo. Several current players also appear in the film, making this one of Hallmark’s most authentic football-themed productions yet.

Orchard Park, New York

Located about 15 miles southeast of Buffalo, Orchard Park is one of the most important real-world settings featured in Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. The suburban town is famously home to the Buffalo Bills – and the film embraces this identity wholeheartedly.

East Aurora, New York

East Aurora played a major role as the movie’s holiday backdrop. The town’s Main Street, decorated storefronts, and cheerful winter atmosphere became essential shooting spots.

Filming took place in Downtown East Aurora. Main Street (where fake snow was blasted to recreate a winter setting). Local shops dressed for the holidays. The town later hosted the official premiere with a full red-carpet celebration, complete with golf carts, Christmas décor, and thousands of fans lining the streets.

Additional Buffalo-Area Locations

While Highmark Stadium and East Aurora are the key stars, several other Buffalo neighborhoods and streets appear throughout the movie. The production kept everything close to the city, allowing Buffalo’s natural charm and architecture to shine through. Christmas on Every Page and Christmas of Giving were also shot around the same location.

Behind the Scenes

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story was filmed during late spring and early summer, with the production working closely with the Buffalo Bills, the NFL, Skydance Sports, and Hallmark Media.

The cast praised Buffalo for its hospitality:

Holland Roden described the experience as feeling like she was in a “cinematic parade.” Matthew Daddario, starring in his first Hallmark movie, talked about the professional crew, smooth production, and the warmth of the Bills fanbase.

Cameos include:

  • Jim Kelly
  • Thurman Thomas
  • Andre Reed
  • Steve Tasker
  • Scott Norwood
  • Dawson Knox
  • Dion Dawkins
  • Damar Hamlin
  • DeWayne Carter
  • Ray Davis
  • Reid Ferguson
  • Joshua Palmer
  • Head Coach Sean McDermott
  • Play-by-play announcer Chris Brown

The mix of actors and real NFL talent makes this collaboration one of Hallmark’s most ambitious holiday productions.

What is Holiday Touchdown movie about?

The story centers on Morgan Quinn (Holland Roden), who returns to her hometown of Buffalo after finishing medical school. She takes a job as a pediatrician at the local children’s hospital and moves back into her familiar neighborhood.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story movie filming in New York
Courtsey of Hallmark

Being home brings her back into the orbit of her family, her community, and her childhood best friend, Gabe DeLuca (Matthew Daddario). Gabe is now part of the team helping build the new Buffalo Bills stadium, and the two slowly rediscover their long-buried feelings.

The film focuses on friendship turning into love, the meaning of home, the warmth of family traditions, and Buffalo spirit during the holidays. Football loyalty, neighborhood Christmas decorations, and small-town holiday magic play a major role in shaping their journey.

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story Cast

  • Holland Roden as Morgan Quinn
  • Matthew Daddario as Gabe DeLuca
  • Tracy Pollan
  • Caroline Aaron
  • Steve Schirripa
  • Patti Murin

Where to stream Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story?

Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story premieres on Nov 22, 2025 on the Hallmark Channel inside the United States.

After the broadcast, it will be available to stream on the Hallmark Movies Now app and on Hallmark’s official website (depending on your region).

Holiday Touchdown movie will re-air on the following dates:

  • Nov 23 at 10/9c
  • Nov 26 at 8/7c
  • Nov 29 at 10/9c
  • Dec 2 at 8/7c
  • Dec 6 at 6/5c
  • Dec 10 at 10/9c
  • Dec 20 at 2/1c
  • Dec 25 at 8a/7c
  • Dec 30 at 8/7c
Paul Fogarty

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