Corning Already Looks Like a Hallmark Movie—Now It Could Actually Be One
Could Corning Be the Next Hallmark Christmas Town?
Forget Hollywood. One of the next Hallmark Christmas movies could be filmed in New York—and it could happen in Corning.
Corning has been named one of 25 finalists in Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Towns Contest, and it's the only town in New York State to make the list. Now, it's up to Christmas fans to help get Corning to the top.
Market Street Already Looks Like a Movie
Market Street is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and historic buildings, and when winter arrives, the downtown takes on a completely different look.
Thousands of white lights wrap the trees, storefronts get decked out for the season, and events like the Parade of Lights and Sparkle bring the community together. There's Santa in Centerway Square, horse-drawn carriage rides, and, if Mother Nature cooperates, snow covering the sidewalks.
Basically, it's the kind of place where you wouldn't be surprised if a Hallmark movie camera suddenly appeared around the corner.
Corning Isn't the First New York Town to Get the Hallmark Treatment
New York is no stranger to Hallmark.
Several New York towns and cities have served as backdrops for holiday movies.
READ MORE: 11 Magical New York Towns Perfect for a Hallmark-Style Christmas
Rhinebeck has appeared in more than one Hallmark Christmas movie.
Last Vermont Christmas, released in 2018, was filmed in part on East Market Street in Rhinebeck, even though the story is set in Vermont.
Then there's Christmas Camp, which was filmed in both Rhinebeck and Kingston.
Goshen Got the Full Hallmark Treatment
Goshen in Orange County also got a starring role in One December Night.
The 2021 Hallmark movie, starring Peter Gallagher and Bruce Dern, was filmed entirely in Goshen. The Hudson Valley town became the fictional community of Pineville, and several local businesses and locations were incorporated into the movie.
Hyde Park, Newburgh, Beacon and Albany Made the List Too
Hallmark really leaned into the Hudson Valley for A Holiday Spectacular, which premiered in 2022.
Filming took place around Hyde Park, Newburgh, Beacon, Staatsburg, and Albany, as well as other Hudson Valley locations. The Eveready Diner in Hyde Park even became one of the recognizable filming locations.
The movie follows a woman who puts her wedding plans on hold to pursue her dream of dancing with the Radio City Rockettes.
And Then There's New York City
Of course, we can't forget New York City.
Christmas at the Plaza was filmed at the iconic Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
Could Corning Be Next?
That's what makes Hallmark's current contest so interesting for New York.
Corning is the only New York town among the 25 finalists in Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Towns Contest. And the prize isn't just bragging rights. The winning town could have the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a future Hallmark movie.
READ MORE: Surprising New York Roots of Your Favorite Christmas Traditions
We've already seen Hallmark use Rhinebeck, Goshen, Kingston, Newburgh, Hyde Park, and other New York locations to create that picture-perfect Christmas atmosphere.
So maybe Corning is next.
And There's More Than Just Christmas Lights
The winner isn't simply the town with the most Christmas lights.
After voting ends, Hallmark judges will consider community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm, and goodwill when choosing the winner.
You can vote once per day, and you can vote for Corning every day through 11:59 PM on September 4.
Head over to Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Towns Contest, select Corning, and cast your vote. Then come back and do it again tomorrow.
We might just have to make sure Hallmark knows what we've known all along: Corning already has a little Christmas movie magic.
11 Christmas Towns in New York to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams