Girls Gone Hallmark is a twice-weekly Hallmark review podcast. Today, Megan and Wendy, review the Lacey Chabert sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up." With its excellent ensemble cast and razor-sharp dialogue, could this sequel sleigh the first movie? Download and listen now!

About Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up

Director - Maclain Nelson - His 14 directing credits include this year’s "A Heidelberg Holiday" and of course the OG "Haul Out the Holly."

Writer - Chris Sey  - With only 6 credits, Christopher has only written one previous Hallmark movie, "You’re Bacon Me Crazy." He was not the writer on the first "Haul out the Holly."

Christopher Sey’s incredible efforts during the pandemic. While researching him, I learned that his wife is an ER doc at a hospital in Los Angeles. Along with some friends, he founded a non-profit called DINE ONE ONE that not only provided meals for healthcare workers, but also supported local restaurants. 

"Haul out the Holly: Lit Up" was filmed in Utah in September 2023.

Lacey Chabert (Emily) - With 175 acting credits it’s safe to say Lacey is more than just the queen of Christmas. She also appeared in "A Merry Scottish Christmas" and "The Dancing Detective" this year in addition to reprising her role as Gretchen Werner’s in a Walmart Black Friday commercial.

Wes Brown (Jared) His 48 acting credits include a ton of Hallmark, but believe it or not we’ve only reviewed two of his movies here on GGH. Wes dropped his Christmas Jazz album this year titled "My Kind of Christmas."

Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned) - Stephen wins the prize for most acting credits of an Actor Appearing on Hallmark, if such a prize exists, with 290 credits. What hasn’t he been in? He was a series regular on "The Goldbergs," "One Day at a Time," "Californication," "Silicon Valley" and "Heroes" and we’re glad to have him on Hallmark.

Related Podcast Episode: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews the original "Haul Out the Holly" from 2022.

Melissa Peterman (Pamela) Melissa always lights up the screen in any role among her 36 acting credits. She appeared in "Baby Daddy" on Netflix and of course her role as Barbara Jean on "Reba" is iconic. 

Ellen Travolta (Mary Louise) - yes, that Travolta! She has 52 acting credits and appeared in series like "Charles in Charge" and "Joani loves Chachi." In addition to reprising her role as Mary Louise on "Haul Out the Holly," she’s reprising a 30 year old role on "General Hospital" as Gloria Cerullo coming up soon.

Jennifer Aspen (Jane Johnson). She has 84 acting credits including 44 episodes as Daphne in the series "Party of Five" (with Lacey Chabert).

Seth Morris (Joe Johnson). He doesn’t have as many acting credits as Stephen Tobolowsky, but with 138 the dude has been in some stuff. Including, "The Big Leap" (a FOX one-season series), HBO’s "Veep," Netflix’s "Love," "The Good Place," "Parks and Rec," "The League" and so much more. 

We got a quick cameo from Eric Mabius who plays Allan, Pamela’s husband.

Who Was in Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up?

Peter Jacobson (Albert)

Laura Wardle (Belinda)

Kenneth Cummins (Jimmy Johnson)

Eliza Hayes Maher (Jessica)

Carrie Morgan (Gail)

Walter Platz (Bob)

Lila

Clark (Nicole)

Charlotte Kay Witt (Helen)