Lifetime’s holiday lineup keeps getting sweeter, and Sweet Holiday Romance (originally titled Christmas, Love and Fudge) is one of those cozy Christmas movies that mixes baking, romance, and small-town charm.
Directed by Danny J. Boyle and written by Michael Musi, Madison Walsh, and Courtney Cilman, the film stars Erin Karpluk and Christopher Russell in a story that’s all about second chances, Christmas magic, and, fudge.
Produced by Reel One Entertainment and CMW Autumn Productions, the movie brings classic Lifetime holiday vibes, from twinkling lights to snow-covered streets, while telling a feel-good love story set during a festive baking competition.
Where was Sweet Holiday Romance filmed?
Lifetime’s Sweet Holiday Romance was filmed in British Columbia, Canada, with most of the production centered in Kelowna. Filming reportedly began in early July 2024 and wrapped up by the end of the same month.
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Most of the shooting was done in and around Kelowna, a city located on the shores of Okanagan Lake in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
The production transformed parts of Kelowna into a festive European-style village, complete with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and charming storefronts that double as bakeries and fudge shops. Streets were dressed with wreaths, garlands, and faux snow to create that classic Christmas look viewers expect from a Lifetime romance.
In the background and establishing shots, viewers may also recognize local landmarks such as Knox Mountain Park, William R. Bennett Bridge, Big White Ski Resort, and the Apple Bowl. These locations help give Paisley its warm, welcoming feel – even if it’s actually a Canadian city standing in for a fictional Christmas town.
British Columbia is a quite famous shooting destination for Lifetime and Hallmark-style holiday movies, thanks to its versatile neighborhoods, cozy town centers, and easy access to studio facilities. Some of the recent holiday films that take place in the same location includes:
Behind The Scenes
Like many Lifetime holiday films, the movie relies on clever set dressing, practical snow effects, and tight-knit locations to sell the illusion of a snowy December – even though filming took place in the summer.
Cast of Sweet Holiday Romance
The heart of Sweet Holiday Romance lies in the chemistry between its two leads, Erin Karpluk and Christopher Russell, supported by a strong ensemble cast.
Erin Karpluk as Amanda
Erin Karpluk stars as Amanda, a world-famous pastry chef who fears her career is losing momentum. Determined to prove herself, Amanda sets her sights on winning the Chicago Christmas Market’s Christmas Cookie Competition.
Karpluk is best known for her role as Erica Strange in Being Erica. She has also appeared in A Million Little Things, Holly Hobbie, Upload, Rabbit Hole, and Slasher. Her Lifetime and TV movie credits include Three Wiser Men and a Boy, All My Husband’s Wives, and Deadly Deed: A Fixer Upper Mystery. Fun fact: Erin has also worked behind the scenes as an executive producer on the miniseries Riftworld Chronicles.
Christopher Russell as Simon
Christopher Russell plays Simon, a businessman who runs The Little Shop of Fudge – but ironically has no idea how to make fudge. As Amanda’s partner (and eventual love interest), Simon brings charm, warmth, and a bit of humor to the story.
Russell is widely recognized for roles in Star Trek: Discovery, Supernatural, UnREAL, Land of the Dead, and Day of the Dead. He’s also a familiar face in holiday and romance films such as A Dash of Christmas, A Costa Rican Wedding, and When Hope Calls.
Supporting cast includes:
- Janet Anderson as Jackie, Simon’s aunt and the owner of The Little Shop of Fudge
- Ashley Alexander as Diana
- Dalias Blake as Levin
- Brian McCune as Jake
- Toby Marks as Tanya
- Edward Lafferty as Barrie
- Jacqueline Marie as KT Cinnamon
- Wayne Corbeil as a Customer
- Laurie Robb as a Baking Contestant
What is Sweet Holiday Romance About?
Sweet Holiday Romance follows Amanda, a celebrated pastry chef who worries that her once-bright career is slowly fading. To reclaim her spotlight, she enters the Chicago Christmas Market’s Christmas Cookie Competition, hoping to earn the title of Queen of Christmas Cookies.
In search of inspiration, Amanda returns to her hometown of Paisley, where she teams up with Simon, the nephew of Jackie, who owns the beloved Little Shop of Fudge. The problem? Jackie’s famous fudge recipe is missing – and Simon doesn’t know the first thing about making fudge.
Where to Watch Sweet Holiday Romance?
Sweet Holiday Romance premiered on 19 Dec at 8/7c Lifetime Channel on as part of the network’s 2025 holiday movie lineup. After its television debut, the film will also be available to stream on Lifetime’s official website and app.
If you’re a fan of baking-themed romances, small-town Christmas stories, and classic Lifetime holiday vibes, this one is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
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