The Hallmark Channel is set to launch a new emotional holiday movie, A Keller Christmas Vacation, this November. The film stars Jonathan Bennett and Brandon Routh as part of a dysfunctional family embarking on a European river cruise. Inspired by Bennett’s late father’s tradition of “forced family fun,” the movie blends heartfelt emotion with Hallmark’s signature humor and warmth.
Family, Fun, and Festive Bonds
Directed by a Hallmark veteran team, A Keller Christmas Vacation centers around the Keller family, whose annual “togetherness trips” often lead to chaos and connection. Siblings played by Bennett, Routh, and Eden Sher reluctantly join their parents for a riverboat holiday, mirroring Bennett’s real-life family experiences.
Bennett’s father, Dr. David Bennett, organized similar yearly houseboat trips to bring the family closer. The film’s storyline closely follows this idea — turning uncomfortable family traditions into opportunities for love, laughter, and healing.
A Personal Story for Jonathan Bennett
Bennett, who also served as executive producer, described the project as a deeply personal journey. He told EntertainmentNow that recreating his father’s “forced family fun” concept on screen was both emotional and cathartic.
“My dad used to say, ‘You can’t escape family when you’re stuck on a boat.’ Hearing those words again during filming — it felt like he was right there,” Bennett shared.
The actor revealed that a powerful moment came when co-star Brandon Routh delivered a line echoing his late father’s favorite saying. It served as a touching tribute that turned filming into an act of remembrance.
Blending Humor with Heart
The movie balances comedy with heartfelt family themes — showing how even dysfunctional relationships can lead to meaningful connection. Bennett compared the Kellers to the Griswolds from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, promising both laughter and tears.
Early viewers described A Keller Christmas Vacation as “a perfect mix of humor and heart.” The Hallmark production captures the charm of European Christmas markets while exploring the universal struggle of family bonding during the holidays.
Premiere Date and Hallmark’s Holiday Lineup
A Keller Christmas Vacation is part of Hallmark’s 2025 “Countdown to Christmas” slate, premiering later this November across all major Hallmark streaming and broadcast platforms. The film continues the network’s tradition of offering festive stories with real emotional depth.
Bennett hopes the film will inspire viewers to cherish imperfect family moments — and maybe start their own “forced family fun” traditions.
Sources
EntertainmentNow
Hallmark Channel Press Release
iNews Entertainment Desk
