Hallmark Channel’s new original holiday film Haul out the Holly Lit Up takes us through the snow-capped mountains and charming small towns of Utah with its shooting locations. The small towns of UT provided the perfect backdrop for the shooting of the rom-com film.
The 2022 film starred Kristoffer Polaha and Eliza Hayes Maher in the main roles and in 2023, holiday sweeetheart Lacey Chabert is taking over the lead role with Wes Brown as Emily and Jared, two familiar persons planning to celebrate their holidays together.
Maclain Nelson has directed Haul out the Holly Lit Up from the screenplay of Christopher Sey, and the film is produced by David M Wulf, executive produced by Alexandre Coscas, and Michael R Goldtein under Basset Hound Distribution. The movie premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Nov 25, 2023 as a sequel to the original film, that premiered on Nov 26, 2022.
Where was Haul out the Holly Lit Up filmed?
Haul out the Holly Lit Up was filmed around the Cottonwood Heights neighborhood of Salt Lake County, according to Utah Film Commission. The crew spent over three weeks filming in the Cottonwood Heights area in September 2023.
Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Located just south of Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights is known for its beautiful residential neighborhoods tucked up against the Wasatch Mountains.
Several scenes feature the homes around the Brighton Place, Shelley Drive, and Golden Hills Avenue area decked out in bright Christmas lights and decorations. The charming streetscapes lined with snow became the fictional neighborhood where the movie’s lead characters reside.
Production crew also filmed scenes in the historic Union Fort Area and the quaint Old Town Cottonwood shopping district along Fort Union Boulevard. The movie features several local businesses dressed up for the holidays with twinkling lights and Christmas garlands.
Some other Hallmark productions that were done in Utah are: Christmas Made to Order and Christmas Under Wraps while Christmas in Notting Hill was actually done in Ireland.
Behind the Scenes
Jennifer Caspen shared a bts pic on her Instagram with fellow co-star Morris to reveal the her next door neighbor in the movie. Moreover, Caspen has revealed that she will be seen dancing for the first time in this holiday movie. Wohoooo!!!
Caspen always speaks her heart out. She shared some thoughts about other co-stars of Haul out the Holly Lit Up movie in an Instagram reel on Nov 15.
Melissa Peterman posted some heartwarming bts pics on the Evergreen street with Ellen Travolta on her Instagram. She wrote a long paragraph in the caption discussing how fun it was to shoot with everyone, especially her favorite star Ellen, she couldn’t stop herself from praising her more.
Cast of Haul out the Holly: Lit Up Hallmark
Haul out the Holly Lit Up main cast is as follows:
Lacey Chabert as Emily
Chabert is a Hallmark Channel favorite, who has starred in numerous Hallmark films, including “A Merry Scottish Christmas,” “Haul Out the Holly,” and “The Wedding Veil.” She is also known for her roles in the “Party of Five” television series and the “Mean Girls” film franchise.
Wes Brown as Jared
Brown is another familiar face for Hallmark fans, who has appeared in various holiday films such as, Check Inn to Christmas, Under The Autumn Moon, Every Time a Bell Rings, etc. He has also had guest starring roles in shows like “CSI: Miami,” “NCIS,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Twin Peaks,” and “90210.”
Melissa Peterman as Pamela
Melissa Peterman is a veteran actress with a long list of television and film credits. She is perhaps best known for her role as Barbara Jean on the sitcom “Reba.” She has also appeared in Hallmark Channel movies such as “Christmas in Harmony” and “A Merry Little Meet Cute.”
Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned
Stephen Tobolowsky is an actor with over 200 film and television credits to his name. He is known for his roles in films such as “Groundhog Day,” “Mississippi Burning,” and “The Goldbergs.” Also, he has appeared in Hallmark Channel movies such as “Christmas in Evergreen” and “A Christmas Miracle.”
Peter Jacobson as Albert Melrose
Jacobson is a writer, actor, and producer. He is best known for his role as Burton “Gus” Guster on the USA Network detective drama series “Psych.” He has also appeared in Hallmark Channel movies such as “Christmas with the Andersons” and “A Christmas Homecoming.”
Jennifer Aspen
Aspen is an actress with a long list of television and film credits. She is known for her roles in soap operas such as “One Life to Live,” “The Santa Summit” and “As the World Turns.” She has also appeared in Hallmark Channel movies such as “Christmas in Evergreen” and “A Christmas Miracle.”
Ellen Travolta as Mary Louise
Ellen is the essence of Haul out the Holly Lit Up movie. She is a veteran actress with a long list of television and film credits, including roles in “Happy Days,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” and “NCIS.” She is also the sister of actor John Travolta.
Other cast members of the movie includes:
- Eliza Hayes Maher as Jess
- Seth Morris
- Walter Platz as Bob
- Ernest Marsh as Christmas Vendor
Haul out the Holly Lit Up Plot
Emily and Jareed are super excited to celebrate the holidays together as a couple this year. As they finish their preparation on the Evergreen Lane, there starts a rivalry between them and the new couple that has recently shifted.
Where to watch Haul out the Holly Lit Up?
Haul out the Holly Lit Up is set to premiere on Nov 25 at 8/7 only on Hallmark Channel inside the United States. The movie will also air on the following dates:
- Nov 26 at 10/9c
- Dec 1 at 6/5c
- Dec 9 at 6/5c
- Dec 14 at 6a/5c
- Dec 17 at 2/1c
- Dec 20 at 8/7c
- Dec 25 at 4/3c
- Dec 31 at 10/9c
