Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Shines a Light on Autism in 'A World Record Christmas'

K.L. Connie Wang

Thu, November 16, 2023 at 2:23 AM UTC

3 min read

Nikki DeLoach, Lucas Bryant and Aias Dalman

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries shines a light on autism this week in their latest Miracles of Christmas movie. In A World Record Christmas, a family comes together to support their child who has autism as he sets his sights on breaking a Guinness World Record. Here's everything we known about the movie including a Parade exclusive sneak peek!

What is A World Record Christmas about?

In this emotional and heartfelt story, Charlie (Aias Dalman) is a boy with autism who is determined to set a Guinness World Record by stacking 1,400 Jenga blocks. His mother Marissa (Nikki DeLoach) and stepfather Eric (Lucas Bryant) encourage him to reach for his dream and they all celebrate when he gets the good news that he’ll get his chance on Christmas Eve.

With his father mostly absent from his life, Charlie hopes that setting the record will draw him back in. Meanwhile, Marissa and Eric have hit a lull in their relationship and are working at igniting the spark once again.

As Charlie prepares for his record attempt by practicing his Jenga stacking skills, he gets the idea to organize a fundraiser that gives the townspeople an opportunity to donate and decorate Jenga blocks, with the proceeds going to benefit kids with autism. Charlie’s journey to setting the Jenga world record gives them all the chance to learn more not just about themselves, but about what family really means.

Meet the A World Record Christmas cast

Nikki DeLoach<p>Courtesy of Hallmark Media</p> — Nikki DeLoach
Courtesy of Hallmark Media

Nikki DeLoach (Marissa)

Nikki DeLoach has starred in over a dozen films for Hallmark, including the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Love Takes Flight and the holiday movies, A Gift of Peace and Five More Minutes, which is based on a Scotty McCreery song of the same name. DeLoach has also appeared on episodes of 9-1-1, Mad Men and Grey's Anatomy.

Aias Dalman, Lucas Bryant<p>Courtesy of Hallmark Media</p> — Aias Dalman, Lucas Bryant
Courtesy of Hallmark Media

Lucas Bryant (Eric)

Lucas Bryant starred in the Hallmark Channel movie, Country at Heart, with Niall Matter and Jessy Schram. You may also recognize Bryant from SyFy's Haven, where he played Nathan Wournos for five seasons opposite Emily Rose. The show was based on the short story, "The Colorado Kid" by Stephen King.

Aias Dalman<p>Courtesy of Hallmark Media</p> — Aias Dalman
Courtesy of Hallmark Media

Aias Dalman (Charlie)

At 14, young actor Aias Dalman has already racked up an impressive number of credits. The actor who has autism has most recently appeared in House of Chains, When Time Got Louder and Under the Banner of Heaven.

Is A World Record Christmas based on a real story?

A World Record Christmas is inspired by the true story of then-12-year-old Auldin Maxwell, who is on the autism spectrum, and his Guiness World Record-making feat of balancing 1,400 Jenga blocks on top of a single Jenga block back in April 2021.

When does A World Record Christmas premiere?

A World Record Christmas premieres on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

When can I watch A World Record Christmas again?

Don't worry if you miss the premiere of A World Record Christmas, there'll be eight additional opportunities to watch the heartwarming movie.

Saturday, Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. ET
Sunday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. ET
Saturday, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. ET
Thursday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. ET
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. ET
Friday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. ET
Friday, Dec. 22 at 12 a.m. ET