The Hallmark Channel’s latest Christmas movie, Christmas Island takes us on a scenic tour of the beautiful Canadian maritime provinces.
Directed by David Weaver, the Hallmark romance movie follows a commercial pilot Kate Gabriel, who is leading a private jet to Switzerland but, she is forced to land on an Australian island owing to heavy thunderstorms.
Things become even more complicated when air traffic controller, Oliver MacLeod announces that all flights have been cancelled for a week due to bad weather conditions.
Where was Christmas Island filmed?
The Hallmark Channel original movie ‘Christmas Island’ was filmed in various locations across Nova Scotia, Canada during summer 2023.
Known for its charming coastal towns, lighthouses, and natural beauty, Nova Scotia provided the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming Christmas film.
Principal photography began on Aug 14 and wrapped on Sep 1, 2023 under the working title ‘Love on Christmas Island’ across different locations in Nova Scotia, as per Actra Maritime Records.
The production team traveled to the south shore community of Lunenburg, the iconic Peggy’s Cove, Canada’s east coast hub of Halifax, and the coastal town Stonehurst to capture the scenes for this Christmas story, according to 101.5 The Hawk, a local news provider.
Lincoln Macneil also posted a photo on his Instagram where he’s talking about his filming experience with Hallmark.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Up the coast, Nova Scotia’s capital Halifax played an important role in the filming of this Christmas movie as well. Kate Drummond posted a candid of her on Instagram while the shooting was ongoing in the same location.
Grand public spaces like the Halifax Public Gardens and the historic Citadel Hill fort provided room for the film crew to capture sweeping shots of Christmas in the city.
Halifax provided an urban backdrop for some scenes in the movie.
The airport interior scenes were taped in Halifax Stanfiled at their US Departures Lounge, the official flight X account tweeted. That reads:
They say, Believe it or not, this festive photo was taken TODAY in our U.S. Departures lounge! ❄️🎄
Parts of downtown Halifax also acted as a backdrop, with Christmas wreaths and lights adorning the Victorian-era buildings.
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Old Town Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful waterfront and well-preserved 18th century British colonial architecture.
The historic streets and charming painted houses of Old Town Lunenburg offered the picture perfect setting for many Island scenes.
Christmas decorations and fake snow dressing added the finishing yuletide touch on location.
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia
Further east along the shoreline, Peggy’s Cove is home to the postcard-famous Peggy’s Point Lighthouse.
Its towering white and red structure provided an unmistakable maritime feel in several sequences of the Island movie.
The huge granite rock formations surrounding the lighthouse also contributed to the film’s seaside scenes.
Stonehurst, Nova Scotia
Stonehurst is a costal town of Canada, located along Nova Scotia’s rugged and breathtaking Eastern Shore.
With its rocky coastline and quaint vacation cottages, it provided an idyllic setting for several pivotal scenes in Christmas Island.
Kate Drummond posted the photograph of the location on her Instagam.
Some Scenes were filmed along the rocky beach and harbor of this tranquil fishing village on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.
Behind the Scenes
By shooting on locations in Nova Scotia, the Island succeeds in portraying the santa island settings as characters immerse themselves in this heartwarming story.
The shooting was done in August 2023, that allowed the production team to capture Nova Scotia in the warmth of late summer. Rachel shared her excitement over social media along with Kate.
The temperate weather and long summer days provided ideal conditions for filming the outdoor locations.
Viewers are transported to the province’s enchanting seaside villages and charming capital city, all dressed up for a picturesque Christmas celebration.
Some of the recent Hallmark christmas movies filmed in Canada includes Everything Christmas, Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, and The Santa Summit.
Cast of Christmas Island
- Rachel Skarsten as Kate Gabriel
- Kate Drummond as Helen Sharpe
- Andrew W. Walker as Oliver MacLeod
- Jefferson Brown asThomas Sharpe
- Peter MacNeill as Jim MacLeod
- Lauren Hammersley as Maggie Hughes
- Britt Loder as Cali Sharpe
- Lincoln MacNeil as Finn Sharpe
- Will Coombs as Shane Hughes
- Anthony L. Jackson as Derrick Murray
- Martina Kelades as Robin Saltz
- Andrew Bigelow as Pilot
- Shelley Thompson as Donna
- Lee J. Campbell as Santa
What is the movie about?
When a snowstorm diverts Kate’s first private flight to Christmas Island, she must team up with an air traffic controller to secure her dream job as the family’s pilot. Along the way, she discovers the magic of Christmas and finds love in the most unexpected place.
How to watch Christmas Island?
The holiday romance movie ‘Christmas Island’ premieres on Nov 11 at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel. The movie will air again on the following dates:
- Nov 16 at 2/1c
- Nov 29 at 4a/3c
- Dec 11 at 12/11c
- Dec 25 at 6/5c
