Hallmark’s Biltmore Christmas Sequel Brings Back Time Travel and Jonathan Frakes

A Christmas story with time travel

In A Biltmore Christmas, screenwriter Lucy visits the historic Biltmore Estate while preparing to remake a 1940s Christmas movie. Her tour guide, Winston, is played by Jonathan Frakes.

A magical hourglass sends Lucy to 1947, where she encounters the original film’s studio head, played by Robert Picardo. Frakes is known for playing Commander William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, while Picardo played the holographic doctor on Star Trek: Voyager.

Frakes sees a family connection

Frakes told CinemaBlend that Christmas was not a major subject for Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, whom he described as an atheist. He said Roddenberry’s views helped explain why the two franchises had not crossed paths earlier.

Frakes also argued that the franchises share an emphasis on family. He said Star Trek’s crews were families, while Hallmark stories often focus on family relationships.

Sequel set for December 5

Hallmark is set to release A Grand Biltmore Christmas on December 5, as part of its 2026 Countdown to Christmas. Frakes will return, but Picardo will not. The sequel is expected to bring back both time travel and Christmas magic. Hallmark’s 2026 schedule includes 34 new holiday films, adding to a catalog of more than 300.