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This Kansas City suburb prepares for its spotlight in Hallmark Chiefs Christmas movie

Christmas decorations were installed on the historic Independence Square as the city prepares to host filming of the new Chiefs Hallmark holiday movie.
Christmas decorations were installed on the historic Independence Square as the city prepares to host filming of the new Chiefs Hallmark holiday movie. Courtesy Independence Square Association

People might have wondered why crews have been hanging red bows from streetlights and Christmas lights around the historic Independence Square.

The city is preparing to host movie crews shooting the upcoming Hallmark Chiefs Christmas movie.

Holiday FX, a Kansas City company that installs commercial holiday decorations, has been busy decking the halls on the Square.

Holiday FX of Kansas City decorated the square for Christmas in July.
Holiday FX of Kansas City decorated the square for Christmas in July. Courtesy Independence Square Association

The Chiefs, Hallmark, the NFL and Skydance Sports are producing a Hallmark Channel movie called “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.”

The movie will be shot over the next few weeks at various locations around Kansas City, including GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Independence Square.

The film will star Hallmark Channel favorite Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley Jr.

This isn’t the first time the Chiefs have shined a holiday light on Independence. The square and several of its merchants starred in a promotional video the team made ahead of this year’s playoffs that looked like a trailer for a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Hynes starred in that video, too, called “Falling for Football.”

Other than a shot of Arrowhead at the end, the entire trailer was made on or within a few blocks of the square and included cameos by several familiar faces, including Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Tech N9ne, Donna Kelce and Melissa Etheridge.

It’s Chrismas in July on the historic Independence Square.
It’s Chrismas in July on the historic Independence Square. Courtesy Independence Square Association

Merchants who loaned their buildings to that one-day shoot were fascinated to watch the process, which they’re ready to experience again.

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Lisa Gutierrez
The Kansas City Star
Lisa Gutierrez has been a reporter for The Kansas City Star since 2000. She learned journalism at the University of Kansas, her alma mater. She writes about pop culture, local celebrities, trends and life in the metro through its people. Oh, and dogs. You can reach her at lgutierrez@kcstar.com or follow her on Twitter - @LisaGinKC.
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