REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw
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Hallmark's "Love You Like Christmas" Fictional Location & QUIZ!!

Starring:  Bonnie Somerville and Brennan Elliott

Released:  2016

Summary:  A busy executive with no time for love or the holidays is forced on a detour to a Christmas-loving town, where she may find what she's been missing.

Image:  Crown Media

Has Hallmark Ever Featured YOUR City?

Hallmark movies typically feature someone from the big city finding themselves in a small town where they find love and the true meaning of Christmas.

The mostly American cities where these stories come to life are often shot on location in various parts of Canada, but have you ever found yourself saying, "I live near that town!" 

The "big cities" one of our leads strays from often include New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Nashville--some of you might call these places home.  What about you small town folk--have you ever seen your area fictionalized by Hallmark?  

Although it's a 2016 release, I just watched Love You Like Christmas for the first time during Hallmark's Christmas in July 2020 celebration.  The setting is Ohio--my state!  Hallmark doesn't just make a passing reference to Ohio, however, but they even show a map so the viewer can see where "Christmas Valley" is located. 

Hallmark puts "Christmas Valley" in place of Walnut Creek, Ohio.

FYI--Christmas Valley is not a real Ohio town.  On Hallmark's map, it's nestled between Sugarcreek and Charm, towns that do exist.  Hallmark substitutes Christmas Valley in place of Walnut Creek, Ohio, which is part of Ohio's Amish Country--my old stomping grounds!

Fun Fact:  Sugarcreek, Ohio, features the world's largest cuckoo clock!
 
If you want to travel to a place that encapsulates small town cozy, like Hallmark does in every movie, then plan a trip to Ohio's Amish country.  Between "Christmas Valley" and Berlin is Ohio's largest, year-round Christmas store, 'Tis the Season.  It's my happy place!

Ohio's year-round Christmas shop is a stop you don't want to miss when in the heart of Amish country.

Have you ever watched a Hallmark movie and realized the fictional location is your home town?  If so, share the name of the movie and your town in the comment section!


Love You Like Christmas Available in Book Form or DVD

If you love this movie, you can own the DVD or savor more details by reading the book based on the movie.  

     

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If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, you will love our Facebook group!  Join us for fun facts, trivia, polls, quizzes, schedules, Hallmark news, and contests.  Find us here:


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