On December 22, 2025; yes, literally days before Christmas, Great American Family decided we weren’t quite festive enough yet. The network dropped a holiday announcement that immediately sent fans into full “already planning Christmas a year from now” mode. A brand-new original film, “An Ozark Mountain Christmas,” is officially on the way for Great American Christmas 2026, and it brings back a pairing viewers clearly can’t get enough of: Brianna Cohen (“A Royal Christmas Manor”) and Jonathan Stoddard (“Crossroad Springs”).
The announcement arrived via Instagram, and let’s be real, the timing was peak holiday chaos in the best way. The caption read, “We are excited to announce our partnership with the City of Branson, Missouri, and Silver Dollar City to produce an original Christmas film, ‘An Ozark Mountain Christmas’, starring Brianna Cohen and Jonathan Stoddard as part of Great American Christmas 2026!🎄✨” That was all it took. Fans showed up immediately, festive emojis and all.
This Reunion Wasn’t Really Random
Cohen and Stoddard teaming up again feels very intentional; and fans noticed. The two previously appeared together in Lifetime’s “Sisters on the Run” and “Secret Love Triangle” back in 2023. They later reunited for UPtv’s 2025 holiday movie, “Saving the Christmas Ranch.”
So when Great American Family confirmed they were bringing the duo back together once more, it felt less like a surprise and more like a “we knew this was coming” moment.
The comment section turned into a holiday hype thread almost instantly. One fan wrote, “Road trip! Branson has been on my list ❤️🙌,” while another shared, “This sounds awesome! I really enjoyed the Christmas movie these two already did together. Looking forward to another one!!” Others kept it short and sweet with “I can’t wait.”
Then there was the comment that basically summed up the collective excitement: “This is great news! You got Jonathan and Brianna both who can sing. Maybe we can get a Christmas musical? My excitement just keeps growing with all these announcements! Let’s Go!🎄😁” Honestly? The enthusiasm checks out.
Even Great American Family staple Danica McKellar jumped into the comments with a cheerful, “So fun!!” When fellow network favorites are celebrating too, it feels like a very good sign.
What ‘An Ozark Mountain Christmas’ is Bringing to the Table
According to a press release, the film will “stream exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, with linear and live-feed premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+.” Translation: no scrambling; fans will have multiple ways to watch this Christmas movie once the 2026 holiday season hits.
As for the story, it leans right into the kind of cozy, reflective storytelling that Great American Family audiences love. The synopsis reads:
“In ‘An Ozark Mountain Christmas,’ a driven young designer (Cohen), at a professional crossroads, returns home to the Ozarks for Christmas at her sister’s urging. There, she reconnects with her family’s legacy of craftsmanship, rediscovers a quieter faith, and begins to reevaluate her priorities. With the help of Paul (Stoddard), she finds renewed purpose through work rooted in care, community, and tradition.”
Yep, you read that right; so much “merry” is happening in this one. It seems like we’re getting heart, growth, and plenty of small-town Christmas charm.
Branson, MO Gets a Little Extra Christmas
There’s also a real-world holiday perk tied to the production. The same press release confirms that “Silver Dollar City also plays a central role” with its “renowned ‘An Old Time Christmas festival” included, plus “the City of Branson will extend its holiday light displays into January to support production.”
So for fans nearby (or those suddenly eyeing a winter getaway) Christmas in Branson is sticking around a little longer.
Sure, Christmas 2026 is still a ways off, and one fan perfectly captured that mood with “Wow I can’t wait for that 2026 Christmas movie. It’s already not Christmas yet for 2025.” But announcing the film on December 22 a year early feels very on brand. It gave fans one more reason to smile during the holidays… and something festive to look forward to long after the ornaments come down.
