Hallmark’s latest holiday film Christmas with the Singhs takes us through the charming festive settings of Canada through its filming locations. Yes, like most Hallmark films, the movie takes place in Canada.
Directed by Panta Mosleh from the scripts of Emily Ting, the movie follows Asha Singh, a dedicated hospital worker, and Jake O’Brien, her high school classmate turned fiancé, as they navigate the joys and challenges of blending their contrasting family traditions during Christmas.
The family Christmas movie is produced by Richard Greenhalgh, with Ben C. Silverman, Alexandre Coscas, Michael R. Goldstein, and Aidan Heatley as executive producers under Timeless Pictures and Hallmark Media Productions.
Where Was Christmas with the Singhs Filmed?
Christmas with the Singhs was filmed across Vancouver, Burnaby, and Abbotsford inside the Canadian province of British Columbia Principal photography for the movie commenced on August 26, 2024, and wrapped after three weeks of filming on September 16, 2024.
Burnaby, British Columbia
The movie was primarily filmed in Burnaby, British Columbia, a scenic suburb of Vancouver, known for its vibrant cityscapes and natural beauty. Burnaby, just a short 30-minute drive from Vancouver, provides the ideal backdrop for the Singh and Parker families’ holiday celebrations. The same decorations were used in the shooting of An Easter Bloom and the Legend of the Lost Locket.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Often referred to as the Hollywood of the North, Vancouver’s cinematic charm and diverse cultural landscape made it the perfect backdrop for this Hallmark Christmas tale. Confessions of a Christmas Letter is another Hallmark film that was shot at the same place.
Abbotsford, British Columbia
Some of the scenes were also shot in Abbotsford, another stunning locale approximately 45 minutes from Burnaby.
Abbotsford’s festive town vibe makes it a favorite for Hallmark productions, offering an authentic holiday atmosphere with twinkling lights, quaint streets, and snow-dusted landscapes. Christmas at the Golden Dragon and Long Lost Christmas are some of the recent productions that took place in Abbotsford.
Together, these locations create the perfect canvas for a tale that intertwines cultural differences and shared festive joy.
Behind the Scenes
Christmas with the Singhs is directed by Panta Mosleh, a filmmaker passionate about authentic representation. Mosleh took to Instagram to share her gratitude toward Hallmark for pushing diverse narratives.
“Thank you for pushing diverse stories that represent us BIPOC folks and ensuring the representation is accurate,” she wrote.
Her message highlighted the importance of stories that blend cultural uniqueness with universal themes of love and family.
The story itself is inspired by the experiences of writer Patricia Isaac, making it a deeply personal yet relatable narrative. Through her lens, the movie crafts a love story that bridges two distinct cultures and celebrates the beauty of both.
A Fresh Take on Hallmark Romance
Benjamin Hollingsworth, who stars as Jake Parker, describes Christmas with the Singhs as a comedic departure from Hallmark’s typical romantic formulas.
“This really is a comedy,” Hollingsworth shared in an interview. “It’s basically Meet the Parents with a Hindu father instead of Robert De Niro. There’s this merging of cultures and a really fun dynamic of understanding and embracing your partner’s traditions.”
The story movies around Asha Singh (played by Anuja Joshi), a dedicated doctor juggling her family’s traditional expectations with her blossoming romance with Jake. Their first Christmas as an engaged couple is anything but ordinary as the two navigate family clashes, cultural traditions, and the highs and lows of blending their worlds.
The Plot
According to Hallmark’s synopsis:
For Asha Singh, Christmas is a cherished family tradition. However, her plans are ruined when she’s stuck working at the hospital during the holidays. Enter Jake Parker, her high school classmate, who reappears unexpectedly in her life. After a sweet romance, Jake proposes.
The couple’s first Christmas together becomes a comedic roller coaster when they visit their families, discovering their starkly different traditions. Between Christmas lights, samosas, and spirited debates, the couple must learn to balance cultural expectations and love.
It’s a heartwarming story of growth, family bonds, and the joy of discovering shared values amid differences.
Christmas with the Singhs Cast
Anuja Joshi brings Asha Singh to life with her magnetic charm. Known for her role in The Resident, Joshi is no stranger to playing multidimensional characters. Her acting credits also include the Hindi series Hello Mini and Broken but Beautiful, showcasing her versatility.
Benjamin Hollingsworth, famous for his role in Virgin River, plays Jake Parker, Asha’s endearing and slightly overwhelmed fiancé. His comedic timing and heartfelt portrayal add depth to the narrative.
Other notable cast members include:
- Manoj Sood as Samuel Singh, Asha’s traditional yet comedic father.
- Michele Scarabelli as Molly Parker, Jake’s warm and supportive mother.
- Adiv Sharma as Michael, the scene-stealing child actor bringing a touch of youthful exuberance.
Supporting characters such as Nimet Kanji, Rami Kahlon, and Daylin Willis add layers of humor and authenticity, making the movie a delightful ensemble effort.
The Magic of Diverse Storytelling
One of the most significant aspects of Christmas with the Singhs is its celebration of diversity. Mosleh and the Hallmark team have crafted a story that resonates with audiences who are eager to see more representation in holiday movies. From vibrant Indian traditions to classic Christmas festivities, the movie beautifully intertwines two worlds.
As Mosleh shared: “I am the luckiest person in the world to have worked with such talented individuals. They portrayed the characters beautifully, and I can’t wait for the audience to enjoy this lovely movie.”
How to Watch Christmas with the Singhs
You can catch Christmas with the Singhs on Friday, November 15, at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel. For Canadian audiences, tune in on the W Network to enjoy this holiday treat.
Additional showtimes include:
- Saturday, November 16 at 6/5c
- Sunday, November 24 at 2/1c
- Wednesday, November 27 at 10/9c
- Thursday, December 5 at 2/1c
- Saturday, December 14 at 2a/1c
- Thursday, December 19 at 8a/7c
- Wednesday, December 25 at 2a/1c
Why Watch Christmas with the Singhs?
Hallmark’s Christmas with the Singhs is not just another holiday movie—it’s a celebration of love, family, and the beauty of embracing differences. With its comedic flair, heartfelt moments, and vibrant cultural representation, this film is sure to leave you smiling long after the credits roll. Don’t miss this magical holiday experience!
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