Two Buffalo Natives Help Bring New Hallmark Holiday Film to LifeContinuing the City’s Growing Moment in Festive Pop Culture

Buffalo, NY

Fresh off the excitement surrounding the Buffalo Bills–themed Hallmark movie, Western New York has even more to celebrate: two Buffalo natives played key roles in the creation of Hallmark’s newest holiday release, A Grand Ol Opry Christmas. Director Clare Niederpruem and actress Eliza Hayes Maher, both hailing from Buffalo, have contributed their talents to the film, marking another proud moment for the city in the national spotlight.

While Maher will be celebrating from afar, Clare Niederpruem will return home to Buffalo on Saturday, November 29, 2025, for a special private watch-party honoring the film and her continued creative success.

A Hometown Director on the Rise

Clare Niederpruem has become known for her warm, character-driven filmmaking, directing projects such as Little Women (2018) and Christmas With the Campbells (2022). Her growing body of work spans multiple studios, including Hallmark, and has established her as a distinctive voice in modern holiday storytelling.

Two Local Creatives Making National Impact
Eliza Hayes Maher, who appears as Young Rita in A Grand Ol Opry Christmas, is also a Buffalo native with a career across stage and screen. She was also seen in all three of the fan-favorite Hallmark Haul Out the Holly films, Hidden Gems (2022), and Taking the Reins (2021).

Buffalo’s Creative Momentum
With multiple Buffalo-connected artists making waves in recent Hallmark productions, the city’s influence on holiday entertainment continues to grow. Niederpruem and Maher’s work reinforces Buffalo’s reputation as a place that cultivates strong storytelling, artistic collaboration, and nationally recognized talent.