Papillion’s holiday charm is getting national attention, having been selected as one of 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns. But that’s just the beginning, as now Papillion is in the running to be named Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town of 2026 and everyone who has made the lights of Papillion a part of their own family tradition can help that become a reality!
The winning community will have the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.
Papillion’s nomination highlighted its annual Winter Wonderland celebration, a community tradition held in downtown Papillion the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since 2009, the Papillion Community Foundation and City of Papillion Parks Department have helped transform downtown into a festive holiday destination filled with Christmas lights and community spirit.
“The number one thing we hear each holiday season from visitors to Papillion is, ‘Wow, I feel like I'm in a Hallmark movie,’” Mayor David Black said.
For those who have attended Winter Wonderland, that’s the exact feeling. The community band plays Christmas music leading up to the countdown for the town lighting ceremony, when the mayor and local children flip the giant switch on stage as the community celebrates and takes in the display of lights around them. It is truly a Hallmark moment.
Now, the community can help make that Hallmark connection even more special. Voting is open through Sept. 4, and supporters can vote for Papillion once each day.
Vote for Papillion: https://merriestchristmastownscontest.hallmarkchannel.com/vote/20