From bigwigs to big stars, Hallmark Channel royalty partied the night away on August 5, 2026, to celebrate the network’s 25th birthday.
Following several days of press events in New York, beloved Hallmark actors, network execs, and filmmakers behind some of Hallmark’s biggest hits boarded a two-hour sunset cruise on the Hudson River for drinks, dancing, and tons of star-studded selfies.
Inside Hallmark Channel’s Star-Studded Birthday Cruise, From Drinks to Dancing
GettyBefore the boat set sail, Hallmark stars and execs grabbed group photos in front of a custom purple and white Hallmark Channel 25th Birthday sign, all looking gorgeous and happy to be together for the celebration.
GettyIn one candid shot, Jonathan Bennett and Andrew Walker snapped a photo of B.J. Britt, Holly Robinson Peete, Tyler Hynes, and Heather Hemmens.
GettyInside the cabin of Classic Harbor Lines’ Manhattan III, with a cascade of purple and silver balloons across the ceiling, guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a tiered birthday cake covered in sprinkles, and toasted Hallmark Channel’s success over the last quarter-century with signature drinks.
A photo from Getty revealed that guests got to sip their choice of three special cocktails — the Birthday Bash Smash with bourbon, cider, ginger ale and lemon; the Ooh La La’Spritz with Aperol, club soda, orange juice, and champagne; or the French 25 with limoncello, vodka and champagne.
GettySinger-songwriter Áine Deane performed her original song “This is the Moment,” commissioned by Hallmark Channel as its birthday anthem, per a press release. Andie MacDowell and popular Hallmark director Maclain Nelson had a blast dancing, and a video posted to Hallmark’s Instagram Stories even showed him lifting the legendary actress and spinning her around.
Hallmark Channel Stars Had a Blast Getting Birthday Selfies Together
As the cruise sailed past the Statue of Liberty, the stars on board posed for photos and huddled up for lots of epic selfies. Over the years, many of the stars have become dear friends as they’ve co-starred in movies and attended fan events like the Hallmark Christmas Cruises and Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City.
In one of our favorite photos captured by Getty, Tyler Hynes could be seen taking a selfie with Lacey Chabert, B.J. Britt, and Rachel Boston, while Victor Webster was snapping a pic of someone else. Meanwhile, Jonathan Bennett and his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, could be seen in the background posing for another photo.
GettyAnd of course we love a mini cast reunion! Two beloved Hallmark trios snapped photos together aboard the cruise — “The Groomsmen” stars BJ Britt, Jonathan Bennett, and Tyler Hynes, and “The Wedding Veil” stars Alison Sweeney, Lacey Chabert, and Autumn Reeser.
GettyWhen the cruise returned to shore, guests received macarons and gift bags as they disembarked, greeted by a four-piece New Orleans jazz band to send them on their way. What was in the gift bags? Items from Chabert’s Hallmark collection of homewares and decor, of course!
