‘Tis the Season for Setups on Hallmark Channel – Release Date, Cast and How to Watch the Countdown to Christmas 2026 Movie

‘Tis the Season for Setups is the first movie in the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas 2026 celebration. The movie features Amanda Schull, Victor Webster and Barbara Niven.

In addition to Countdown to Christmas 2026, you can check out this year’s Christmas in July lineup, streaming now on Hallmark Plus: Love Under the Mistletoe, Christmas Under Construction, O Little Christmas Market, Snowbound for the Holidays. You’ll also be able to catch Christmas at Sea season 2.

Here’s what you need to know about ‘Tis the Season for Setups.

What is ‘Tis the Season for Setups about?

Here’s the synopsis from Hallmark Channel:

“Hyper organized single mom and party planner Lexi (Schull), her free-spirited mother June (Niven) and teen daughter Piper (Verity Marks) are set to spend Christmas at a local ski resort after Lexi is hired to organize their annual holiday party.  Upon arrival she immediately butts heads with Ridge (Webster), the ski instructor and son of the lodge’s owner, Dan (John B. Lowe).  Despite not getting along from the get-go, Lexi and Ridge notice a spark between June and Dan and decide to set them up.  Lexi and Ridge create a multitude of festive excursions – and excuses – to bring them together but thanks to creative machinations by June and Dan these outings keep turning into foursomes.  In the days leading up to the Christmas party Lexi and Ridge’s attempt to pair up their parents brings them closer together and their merry matchmaking ends in surprising results.”

Who is in it?

‘Tis the Season for Setups features Amanda Schull (Suits, 12 Monkeys) as Lexi, Victor Webster (The Wedding Veil Legacy, Days of Our Lives) as Ridge and Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores, USS Christmas) as June. The movie also features Verity Marks and John B. Lowe.

How to watch ‘Tis the Season for Setups

‘Tis the Season for Setups premieres Friday, October 16, at 8pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. The movie will be available to stream the following day on Hallmark Plus.

Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery are included in many cable TV packages. You can also access Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery via Philo, Sling TV, Frndly TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV and Fubo. Hallmark Plus is a standalone streaming service that requires its own subscription; new movies and series are available to stream on the platform day after they air.

Watch ‘Tis the Season for Setups trailer

The preview and sneak peek haven’t been released yet, but as soon as they’re available we’ll have them for you right here.

Which of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 movies are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments!