Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup continues its festive charm with A Keller Christmas Vacation, a heartwarming family drama directed by Maclain Nelson (Christmas on Cherry Lane, The Holiday Stocking). This time, Nelson takes us on a beautiful holiday journey across Europe as the Keller family boards a river cruise that changes their lives forever.
The film stars Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh, and Eden Sher as three siblings reuniting reluctantly for a Christmas cruise – only to rediscover the true spirit of family amid Europe’s most picturesque winter destinations. With snow-dusted streets, glowing markets, and cozy riverboats, this Hallmark holiday movie feels like a postcard come to life.
A Keller Christmas Vacation Filming Locations
Hallmark’s A Keller Christmas Vacation was filmed across Austria and Bulgaria, particularly in Salzburg, Vienna, and Sofia. Principal photography began in August 2025 and wrapped up just a few weeks later.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Before heading to Austria, the crew had a layover in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they shot a few important sequences in the town and at the historical Bankya Mineral Baths spa at the foot of Vitosha Mountain.
This site contributed a more gentle and introspective quality to the narrative, with its soft lighting, gentle waters, and ageless architecture. The film’s more emotionally charged moments were elevated thanks to the site’s geothermal springs and beautiful spa bathing house interiors.
The landscape views together with Sofia’s holiday lighting gave the capital a romantic alpine ambiance, an Austrian treasure that Hallmark fans are certain to love.
Vienna, Austria
The other principle filming location was Vienna, with its romantic glow and musical legacy. Some of the most beautiful scenes were captured in the vicinity of Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus), a breathtaking Neo-Gothic structure that seems designed to fulfill all of the Christmas Tier fantasies.
The crew captured footage in the midst of real Christmas markets at Rathausplatz Square, illuminated with soft golden lighting and adorned with whimsical decorations and the gentle sound of local choirs.
The culture of Vienna, with its joyous spirit and cobble stone streets, added a palpable richness to the film that perfectly balanced its grandeur with that all important sense of familial warmth.
If you have watched Before Sunrise or Christmas in Vienna, you will be familiar with that charming pale gold of Vienna, so romantic, so elegant and so full of love.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, the very pulse of the movie, positioned along the banks of the Salzach River, was a perfect stop on the Keller family’s itinerary.
The film makers transformed a local market square into an idyllic Christmas scene, festooned with twinkling lights and decorations, and surrounded by the charming Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, the Getreidegasse, and the Salzburg Cathedral, bathing in the lights of a snowy Christmas Eve.
Many of the river scenes were reportedly filmed on the real Danube River, giving an authentic cruising experience fully devoid of the tedium of a studio. Salzburg, with its real snow, Christmas markets, and timeless European charm, became a walking Christmas card.
A Keller Christmas Vacation Cast:
- Jonathan Bennett asDylan
- Brandon Routh as Cal
- Eden Sher as Emory
- Anand Desai-Barochia
Behind The Scenes
While most holiday films build their charm on cozy indoor sets, A Keller Christmas Vacation takes the camera out into real Europe. The team actually shot on an operational riverboat, sailing through authentic routes across Austria’s waterways.
The production made extensive use of local European crews and talent, which added cultural authenticity to the project. Both Austrian and Bulgarian film boards supported the movie, taking advantage of regional film incentives and tax rebates that have made Eastern Europe a popular destination for Hollywood and TV productions.
Eden Sher described the filming experience as “a dream come true,” highlighting the friendships formed on set and the magic of filming Christmas scenes on a real riverboat as snow began to fall.
Cast members often shared behind-the-scenes photos featuring snow-dusted streets, glowing Christmas markets, and laughter-filled riverboat dinners.
Where to Watch A Keller Christmas Vacation?
Hallmark’s A Keller Christmas Vacation premieres November 9, 2025, at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel as part of its Countdown to Christmas lineup. The film will also be available to stream the next day on Hallmark Movies Now and through select cable providers’ on-demand platforms.
A Keller Christmas Vacation will re-air on the following dates:
- November 12 at 10/9c
- November 15 at 10/9c
- November 19 at 8/7c
- December 7 at 12/11c
- December 17 at 6/5c
- January 1 at 12a/11c
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