NEENAH – Neenah has been named one of 25 Official Hallmark Christmas Towns across the country and is competing for the title of Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town of 2026.
The designation followed a nationwide search for communities that reflect holiday traditions, neighborhood charm, goodwill and community connection, according to a community announcement.
Community members nominated Neenah for the recognition. Residents, businesses, organizations and supporters can help the city advance in the competition by voting during Hallmark's community selection period, which runs through Sept. 4.
Participants can cast a vote each day by visiting hallmarkchannel.com and selecting Neenah, Wisconsin, as their favorite Official Hallmark Christmas Town. Eligible participants must be U.S. residents 18 or older and may submit one entry per email address each calendar day.
City officials are encouraging supporters to return each day and invite friends, family members, coworkers and visitors to participate.
"Neenah's strong sense of community, determination to persevere, cherished holiday traditions and the generosity of our residents are qualities that make this recognition especially meaningful," said Neenah Mayor Brian Borchardt. "We invite everyone who loves Neenah to select our city each day and help share our community's Christmas spirit with people across the country."
After the public voting period ends, a panel of judges will evaluate all 25 finalist communities on community spirit, holiday traditions, neighborhood charm and goodwill, according to the announcement.
One town will be selected as Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town of 2026 and will have the opportunity to serve as the filming location for a future Hallmark holiday movie.
The city is also encouraging residents to share information about the contest on social media and help highlight Neenah's holiday traditions.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Neenah vies for title of Hallmark Christmas town. Here's how to vote