The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with Hallmark Channel’s beloved Countdown to Christmas? For years, cable subscribers have enjoyed the network’s heartwarming holiday movies and specials, but what about those who have cut the cord or never had cable in the first place? Fear not, dear readers, for we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore all the ways you can watch Countdown to Christmas without cable, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of holiday cheer.
The Rise of Cord-Cutting and the Need for Alternative Viewing Options
In recent years, the trend of cord-cutting has been on the rise, with more and more people abandoning traditional cable and satellite TV in favor of streaming services and online viewing options. According to a report by eMarketer, the number of cord-cutters in the US rose by 18.1% in 2020, with an estimated 43.9 million adults abandoning traditional TV. This shift in viewing habits has led to a growing demand for alternative ways to access popular content, including Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas.
Streaming Services to the Rescue!
Fortunately, there are several streaming services that offer Hallmark Channel, making it possible to watch Countdown to Christmas without cable. Here are some popular options:
Philo
Philo is a relatively new streaming service that has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable pricing and wide range of channels, including Hallmark Channel. With Philo, you can watch Countdown to Christmas live or on-demand, and the service is available on a variety of devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more. Philo offers a 7-day free trial, and after that, it’s just $20 per month.
Sling TV
Sling TV is another popular streaming service that offers Hallmark Channel as part of its channel lineup. With Sling TV, you can watch Countdown to Christmas live or on-demand, and the service is available on a range of devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more. Sling TV offers a variety of packages, with prices starting at $25 per month.
AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now is a streaming service that offers a range of channels, including Hallmark Channel. With AT&T TV Now, you can watch Countdown to Christmas live or on-demand, and the service is available on a variety of devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more. AT&T TV Now offers a 7-day free trial, and after that, prices start at $50 per month.
Free Trials and Promotions: A Smart Way to Watch Countdown to Christmas
If you’re not ready to commit to a monthly subscription, many streaming services offer free trials that can be used to watch Countdown to Christmas. Here’s how you can take advantage of these promotions:
Sign up for a free trial
Most streaming services offer a free trial period, which can range from 7 days to a month. During this time, you can watch Countdown to Christmas for free. Simply sign up for the service, watch your favorite holiday movies and specials, and then cancel before the trial period ends.
Take advantage of promotional pricing
Some streaming services offer promotional pricing for new subscribers. For example, Philo occasionally offers a discounted rate for new customers. Keep an eye on the service’s website or social media pages to catch these promotions.
Antenna: A Budget-Friendly Option for Watching Countdown to Christmas
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for watching Countdown to Christmas, consider investing in an antenna. Hallmark Channel is a broadcast network, which means it’s available over-the-air in many areas. With an antenna, you can pick up the Hallmark Channel signal for free, allowing you to watch Countdown to Christmas without any monthly subscription fees.
How to choose the right antenna
When selecting an antenna, consider the following factors:
Range
Look for an antenna with a range of at least 50 miles to ensure you can pick up the Hallmark Channel signal.
Channels
Make sure the antenna can receive a range of channels, including broadcast networks like Hallmark Channel.
Indoor or outdoor
Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor antenna. Indoor antennas are more convenient, but outdoor antennas tend to offer better reception.
TV Antenna Installation Tips
If you decide to go the antenna route, here are some installation tips to ensure you get the best reception:
Positioning is key
Experiment with different antenna positions to find the one that offers the best reception.
Avoid obstacles
Keep the antenna away from obstacles like walls, furniture, and other electronic devices.
Check for signal strength
Use a signal strength meter or a TV tuning app to check the signal strength and adjust the antenna accordingly.
Watching Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark Channel Website and App
Believe it or not, you can also watch Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark Channel website and app. While the selection of holiday movies and specials may be limited compared to the TV channel, you can still access a range of content, including exclusive digital originals.
Hallmark Channel Website
The Hallmark Channel website offers a range of holiday content, including videos, recipes, and crafts. You can also watch a limited selection of holiday movies and specials for free.
Hallmark Channel App
The Hallmark Channel app is available on a range of devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more. With the app, you can watch a range of holiday content, including live TV, on-demand movies and specials, and exclusive digital originals.
Conclusion
Watching Countdown to Christmas without cable is easier than you think! With a range of streaming services, free trials, and promotional pricing, there’s never been a better time to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you choose Philo, Sling TV, AT&T TV Now, or an antenna, you can enjoy Hallmark Channel’s beloved holiday movies and specials without breaking the bank. So grab some hot cocoa, cozy up on the couch, and get ready to deck the halls with Countdown to Christmas!
What is Countdown to Christmas?
Countdown to Christmas is Hallmark Channel’s annual holiday programming event, which features a marathon of original Christmas movies, specials, and episodes of popular Hallmark shows. The event typically starts in late October and continues through Christmas Day, providing viewers with a festive and feel-good holiday experience.
In addition to its original movies, Countdown to Christmas also includes special episodes of popular Hallmark shows, holiday-themed vignettes, and classic Christmas films. The event has become a beloved holiday tradition for many viewers, who look forward to it as a way to get into the holiday spirit.
Do I need cable to watch Countdown to Christmas?
No, you don’t need cable to watch Countdown to Christmas. While Hallmark Channel is a traditional cable network, there are several ways to stream its content without a traditional cable subscription. Many popular streaming services, including Sling TV, Philo, and fuboTV, offer Hallmark Channel as part of their channel lineups.
You can also watch Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark Channel app, which is available on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Additionally, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, a sister network of Hallmark Channel, also airs some of the Countdown to Christmas content, and can be streamed through many of the same services.
What devices can I use to stream Countdown to Christmas?
You can stream Countdown to Christmas on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. As long as you have a stable internet connection and a compatible device, you can watch your favorite Hallmark holiday content from anywhere.
Some specific devices that support Hallmark Channel streaming include iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung smart TVs, and Xbox One consoles. You can also stream Countdown to Christmas on your computer through the Hallmark Channel website or through a streaming service’s website.
Can I watch Countdown to Christmas for free?
While there are no completely free options to watch Countdown to Christmas live, there are some affordable options that can help you save money. Many streaming services offer free trials, which can give you access to Hallmark Channel and Countdown to Christmas for a limited time.
Additionally, some streaming services, like Philo, offer affordable monthly subscription plans that include Hallmark Channel. You can also consider purchasing a digital antenna, which can allow you to pick up over-the-air signals and watch local channels, including Hallmark Channel, for free.
Can I record Countdown to Christmas content to watch later?
Yes, many streaming services that offer Hallmark Channel allow you to record Countdown to Christmas content to watch later. This feature is often referred to as “cloud DVR” or “digital video recorder,” and it allows you to record shows and movies to a virtual storage space, which can be accessed through the streaming service’s app or website.
Once you’ve recorded a show or movie, you can watch it at any time, even if it’s no longer airing live. This can be especially helpful if you’re busy during the holidays and can’t watch your favorite shows or movies in real-time.
Are there any additional features or perks to watching Countdown to Christmas without cable?
Yes, there are several additional features and perks to watching Countdown to Christmas without cable. For one, many streaming services offer on-demand access to Hallmark Channel content, which means you can watch shows and movies at any time, rather than being limited to a traditional broadcast schedule.
Additionally, some streaming services offer exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or interviews with the casts of Hallmark Channel shows. You may also have access to customized viewing options, such as the ability to create profiles or set parental controls.
Can I watch Countdown to Christmas internationally?
Unfortunately, Hallmark Channel is primarily available in the United States and Canada, which means that international viewers may not have direct access to Countdown to Christmas content. However, some streaming services, like Sling TV, offer international programming packages that may include Hallmark Channel or other channels that air Countdown to Christmas content.
Additionally, some services, like VPNs (virtual private networks), can help you access geo-restricted content, including Hallmark Channel and Countdown to Christmas. However, be sure to check the streaming service’s terms of use and any applicable laws in your country before attempting to access restricted content.