Chatham In The Running To Be Hallmark ‘Merriest Christmas Town’

CHATHAM – The town is in the running to be this year’s Hallmark Channel’s “Merriest Christmas Town in America.”

 Chatham is one of 25 finalists in the nationwide contest. The grand prize winning community will earn the title of “Merriest Christmas Town In America” and could be featured in an original Hallmark Channel movie. Runners-up will be declared “Official Hallmark Christmas Towns” and receive an official “Hallmark Christmas Town” digital seal for promoting free events.

The public can choose their favorite from among the 25 finalists by voting online; participants can cast one vote per person per day through the Sept. 4 deadline. While community participation through online voting is an important part of the contest, according to the Hallmark website, the finalist will be selected by a panel of judges based on criteria that includes community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm and goodwill.

The aim of the contest is to celebrate communities that “embody the warmth, connection, holiday traditions and spirit of generosity associated with the Hallmark Christmas experience,” according to a press release from the town. “Chatham’s selection recognizes that there is something particularly special about our community during the holiday season.”

The Chatham nomination was spearheaded by Shanna Nealy, the town’s communications manager and community engagement coordinator. In an email, she wrote that she saw the nomination as an opportunity “to celebrate all the pieces and parts of the community that work and fit together so well.” The town, the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, merchants and residents all work together in the town’s annual holiday celebration, she noted.

 The nomination highlights several Chatham holiday traditions, such as Santa arriving at the fish pier on a Coast Guard boat, the annual town tree lighting, Christmas by the Sea weekend, the Coast Guard wreath raising at the lighthouse, toy drives by the police and fire departments and other holiday events, including Chatham Bars Inn’s Christmas decorations and activities.

 Highlighting the holiday events is an opportunity to demonstrate that Chatham is more than just a summer resort town, Nealy wrote, and has an “active and engaged year-round community.” Along with the opportunity to have a Hallmark Channel movie filmed here, winning the contest would help broaden the way the town is perceived, she wrote.

 Material to bolster Chatham’s case to be declared the “Merriest Christmas Town in America” was submitted by the town staff, Chatham Bars Inn, the chamber of commerce and merchants association, and Amy Tagliaferri.

 Only two other New England towns — Marlborough, Conn. and North Conway, N.H. — are included among the 25 finalists. 

To vote in the online poll, visit merriestchristmastowncontest.hallmarkchannel.com.