As Virgin River fans impatiently count down the months until Season 7 premieres next spring, one of the show’s most beloved stars is gifting audiences an early holiday treat.

Benjamin Hollingsworth, celebrated for his layered and emotionally charged performance as bad-boy-turned-hero Brady, is lighting up the big screen in a brand-new Christmas romance: The Christmas Ring.

And while viewers might be missing the drama of Jack’s Bar, the chaos of Charmaine’s love life, or the sweeping romance of Mel and Jack, Hollingsworth’s new holiday film promises a rich,

heartfelt story filled with nostalgia, healing, and a love that comes when you least expect it.

A Holiday Romance Rooted in Loss and Hope

In The Christmas Ring, Hollingsworth steps into the role of Ben Miller, a quiet, introspective antiques dealer whose life has been shaped by grief. Opposite him is Jana Kramer as Vanessa Mayfield, a military widow on a deeply personal mission: tracking down a missing family heirloom that belonged to her late husband.

What begins as a simple inquiry soon blossoms into something far more meaningful. Vanessa and Ben, two people still nursing the wounds of love lost, find themselves drawn together by shared pain—and a glimmer of something new.

“Vanessa and Ben have an immediate connection,” Hollingsworth says. “They’re both widowed, so they understand each other in a unique way. The story is really about navigating that second chance at love—how to open your heart again. Setting it at Christmas makes it both comforting and emotionally challenging.”

The film artfully blends modern romance with a warm thread of nostalgia. Flashbacks reveal the storied past of the ring itself and how it made its way into Ben’s shop decades later, thanks to his father—played by the legendary Kelsey Grammer. The intergenerational storytelling gives the movie an emotional richness that elevates it beyond the usual holiday fare.

From Print to Screen: A Tale Reimagined

The film is an adaptation of the latest novel by beloved inspirational author Karen Kingsbury, who co-wrote the screenplay with her son and director, Tyler Russell. Their collaboration ensures the film retains the heart and authenticity of the original story while allowing the cinematic version to stand on its own.

Working from a book, Hollingsworth says, is a privilege he doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s like having a road map,” he explains. “You walk into the project with the backstory, the emotional beats, the character history all laid out. It lets you dive deeper, faster.”

Christmas in… Nashville’s Scorching Heat

Though The Christmas Ring is set in the charming southern landscapes of Georgia, it was filmed in the unlikely location of Nashville, Tennessee, during one of the hottest summers the city has ever experienced. With temperatures soaring close to 37°C, filming a Christmas movie quickly became an exercise in endurance.

“It’s not much fun wearing scarves, gloves, and toques in that heat,” Hollingsworth laughs. “Makeup crews were constantly toweling me down so sweat wouldn’t roll across my face.”

Despite the sweltering conditions, the cast and crew poured themselves into recreating an authentic holiday aesthetic. The result? A festive world so convincing that audiences will never guess how much sunscreen was involved behind the scenes.

Holiday Magic at Home: Traditions That Matter

For Hollingsworth, starring in Christmas films isn’t just a career milestone—it’s an extension of a lifetime of traditions. The actor grew up in a home where the holidays were sacred, and he and his wife, Nila Myers, now share those same warm traditions with their three children.

“We cut down our own tree every year,” he says. “We decorate it with ornaments that mean something. We sing carols—my terrible singing voice included—and we leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.”

Some of his fondest childhood memories involve his father turning their home into a winter wonderland. One year, he even created sleigh marks on the roof.

“He probably had too much eggnog that year,” Hollingsworth jokes.

Virgin River: A Career Cornerstone

While Hollingsworth is proud of his growing catalog of Christmas movies—films he hopes his children will one day share with their children—he says Virgin River remains one of the most meaningful chapters of his career.

Now officially crowned Netflix’s longest-running scripted original, the hit drama continues to deepen its characters, broaden its world, and captivate millions with its blend of romance, suspense, and heartfelt community storytelling.

Season 7 is set to arrive on Netflix next spring, and Hollingsworth has already confirmed that Season 8 will begin filming in Vancouver in spring 2026, marking yet another milestone for the franchise.

Reflecting on Brady’s arc, he says:

“I always played him as a lost soul with some good inside. By Season 7, he’s come full circle—you really see him doubling down on making good choices, even when they’re the hardest ones.”

Given the emotional twists awaiting Brady—including financial trouble, rekindled relationships, and personal redemption—fans can expect a powerful performance ahead.

No holiday article would be complete without hearing a star’s favorite festive picks. Hollingsworth shared his top five—each chosen for its emotional impact, nostalgia, and rewatchability.

1. Love Actually

“You can’t beat it. Chaos, charm, and heart—every storyline hooks you. It’s like cinematic eggnog: you know you’ve had enough, but you keep sipping.”

2. The Holiday

“The snow, the cottages, Jude Law being unfairly attractive—it’s the perfect cozy escape. I relate to his character: the guy who tries to stay cool but ends up being the emotional one.”

3. The Christmas Ring

“A shameless plug, but it’s got Kelsey Grammer, romance, mystery—and me. It’s a story about love and redemption. Plus, it’s in theatres. Great for a Christmas movie date night.”

4. Elf

“Will Ferrell screaming ‘Santa!’ in yellow tights is peak holiday joy. Impossible to watch without smiling. I try to channel that same energy with my kids—minus the tights.”

5. Klaus

“A beautifully animated film that sneaks up on you emotionally. I put it on for my kids and stayed up watching it alone with a glass of wine, pretending I wasn’t crying. Classic dad move.”

A Season of Warmth Ahead

While fans may be missing Virgin River during the wait for Season 7, Benjamin Hollingsworth has ensured there’s still holiday joy to savor. The Christmas Ring blends emotional depth with the cozy, magical warmth that audiences crave at this time of year—a perfect companion as the countdown to spring begins.

For now, viewers can enjoy this new chapter in Hollingsworth’s career while eagerly anticipating Brady’s next move in Virgin River. And with Seasons 7 and 8 officially on the way, the story of one of Netflix’s most beloved shows is far from over.

If you’d like this rewritten into a shorter, more dramatic, more humorous, or more magazine-style format, just tell me!