Winter Garden is Florida’s only representative among the 25 finalists in Hallmark Channel’s 2026 Merriest Christmas Town Contest.

The Central Florida city was recognized for its historic downtown, holiday celebrations, sparkling lights and community traditions. Hallmark described downtown Winter Garden as feeling like a “real-life Christmas village” during the holiday season.

The winner will be selected after public voting and judging based on community spirit, holiday traditions, charm and goodwill. Voting is open through Sept. 4, with one vote allowed per day for eligible voters.

Top 25 finalist towns

• Ashland, Oregon
• Bemidji, Minnesota
• Berlin, Maryland
• Boerne, Texas
• Cape May, New Jersey
• Carlinville, Illinois
• Carolina Beach, North Carolina
• Chatham, Massachusetts
• Collierville, Tennessee
• Conway, South Carolina
• Corning, New York
• Cullman, Alabama
• Eureka Springs, Arkansas
• Hanover, Pennsylvania
• Leavenworth, Washington
• Lewisburg, West Virginia
• Marlborough, Connecticut
• Neenah, Wisconsin
• North Conway, New Hampshire
• Papillion, Nebraska
• Parkville, Missouri
• Placerville, California
• Portsmouth, Ohio
• Winter Garden, Florida
• Versailles, Kentucky

The winning town will also receive the opportunity to serve as a filming location for a Hallmark movie.