The holidays are here, and Hallmark is back with another festive treat to warm our hearts this season. Directed by Jason Bourque and written by Joie Botkin, Our Holiday Story is a romantic comedy that premieres as part of Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas 2024 lineup.
With an enchanting storyline that bridges past and present, the movie invites viewers to discover the magic of fate, missed connections, and the power of love – all within the cozy glow of the holiday season. The film is produced by Gilles Laplante, with Howard Braunstein and Angela Mancuso as executive producers.
Our Holiday Story Filming Locations
The production team chose the beautiful province of British Columbia for the shooting of Our Holiday Story movie. Most of the scenes were filmed in Kelowna and Summerland city of British Columbia, Canada.
According to reports, filming for the movie began on August 16, 2024 and wrapped after three weeks on September 6, 2024 inside the same province. The crew faced several challenges during the shooting. It was really challenging, the director said in a recent talk.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Located in the central Okanagan Valley, Kelowna offered the ideal backdrop for this touching Christmas story. Filming took place all throughout the city, with local businesses and residences decked with holiday decorations to really feel festive.
As the crew modeled winter sequences, the team had to deal with unanticipated weather changes even though main filming started on August 16, 2024 The cast wore their winter clothes to capture the Christmas mood even with the mild August temperatures.
When a violent storm struck the region on August 28, the team faced a major disturbance of the weather. Strong gusts and heavy rain destroyed electricity lines and dropped temperatures, therefore momentarily stopping manufacturing.
Lead actress Nikki DeLoach said she was grateful for the crew’s commitment as they surmounted difficulties. Filming started again the following day, and the team could keep capturing the fun and friendliness of Christmas in Kelowna thanks to the clear sky.
Summerlands, British Columbia
The beautiful train scenes shot at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland give Our Holiday Story some seasonal charm. This heritage railway, which is at 18404 Bathville Road, is well-known for its restored 1912 steam locomotive, the 3716, which gives the film an old-world appeal. The ancient railway transports viewers back in time to a more sentimental period, hence the Christmas-themed train ride became a remarkable scene for the protagonists of the story.
Year-round train rides and themed activities provided by the Kettle Valley Steam Railway let both residents and guests to enjoy a little of history among breathtaking mountain scenery. This site complemented the warmth of Hallmark’s seasonal storytelling, therefore improving the holiday environment for Our Holiday Story.
Known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and mild climate, British Columbia has become a popular filming location for many Hallmark movies including A Christmas Carousel, Branching Out, Legend of the Lost Locket, Blind Date Book Club, A Lifelong Love, etc.
Every holiday story is set in a beautiful, snow-covered environment, and most of those settings are recreated inside Canadian provinces, the same goes with this festive movie. A Carol for Two is another recent Hallmark film that was shot in Canada.
What Is Our Holiday Story About?
The film follows a loving married couple, Dave and Nell Ammer, played by Warren Christie and Nikki DeLoach, who welcome a special guest for the holidays: their daughter Joanna’s boyfriend, Chris Eiker (Gavin Langelo). When Chris visits for the holidays, he finds himself immersed in the remarkable story of how Dave and Nell first met.
Through this heartfelt retelling, the film offers a glimpse into the unique circumstances that repeatedly brought them together and separated them over the years, all while kindling the warmth and magic of the holiday season.
Our Holiday Story beautifully intertwines the present-day interactions of the family with flashbacks to the fateful moments that defined Dave and Nell’s relationship.
As they recount the near-misses and unexpected encounters that ultimately led them to each other, Chris finds himself learning valuable lessons about love, honesty, and communication – lessons that might just help him take the next step with Joanna.
Meet the cast of Our Holiday Story
Nikki DeLoach plays the role of Nell, a woman whose road to love was dotted with numerous turns around. The Hallmark actress is well-known for her roles in Love & Other Drugs and Gunfighter’s Moon, presents a multifarious and captivating woman who tells the enchanting story of discovering her real love.
Dave Ammer, performed by Warren Christie Warren Christie’s Dave is Nell’s spouse and he tells their love story with gusto. Renowned for her roles in Alphas and Apollo 18, Christie captures the core of a guy who values second chances and the will of fate.
Sydney Scotia acting as Joanna Ammer Sydney Scotia’s vibrant personality provides the Ammers’ daughter Joanna a unique perspective on the movie. Scotia, who starred in I Dare You and This Hits Home, injects a young vigor into the story as she negotiates her own blossoming romance.
Fresh to the dynamics of the family, Gavin Langelo plays Chris Eiker Langelo’s character, Chris, Joanna’s boyfriend, quickly finds himself absorbed in their romance. Well-known for his performances in Cold Copy and Superman & Lois, Langelo plays a young man considering his own romantic life and is eager to pick tips from the seasoned couple.
The supporting cast adds even more appeal to the storyline. Lisa Durupt offers her Hallmark experience from movies including Puppet Killer and Shall We Dance as Chloe Mendez.
Previously cast in Yellowjackets and The Gift of Peace, Princess Davis plays Isidora Michilson, giving the narrative complexity. Brittany Clough as Beth (from Cradle of Deception and The Ice Rink Murders) and Shanna Giannozio as Mary (Checkin’ It Twice, Limetown) round out a cherished cast.
Behind the Magic of Our Holiday Story
As Dave and Nell reminisce about their journey, viewers see how destiny seemed to draw them together over the years, despite the many near-misses that could have kept them apart forever.
This engaging story brings a sense of fate and nostalgia to the romance, appealing to anyone who has ever believed in love at first sight or the idea of “meant to be.” From missed connections to humorous encounters, the film’s storyline masterfully captures the enchantment of Christmas and the power of believing in one’s heart.
Beyond the romantic tale of Dave and Nell, Our Holiday Story also explores the young couple’s journey. Chris, hesitant yet deeply in love with Joanna, struggles to express his feelings. As he listens to the Ammers’ story, he realizes the importance of communication, trust, and seizing opportunities when they present themselves – themes that are especially resonant during the holidays.
This fascinating narrative will appeal to everyone who has ever believed in love at first sight or the idea of “meant to be” since it imbues the relationship with an inevitable and nostalgic quality. From lost ties to funny exchanges, the story of the movie captures the enchantment of Christmas and the power of believing in oneself.
Our Holiday Story explores the road the young couple follows in addition to their romance narrative. Reluctant but really in love with Joanna, Chris struggles to express his feelings. Hearing the Ammers’ experience helps him to see the need of trust, communication, and seizing opportunities—themes especially pertinent during the holidays.
Where to watch Our Holiday Story?
Our Holiday Story will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 2 at 8 p.m. ET. This date is included in Hallmark’s eagerly awaited Countdown to Christmas 2024 calendar, an annual event providing a range of films with a holiday theme to viewers between November and December.
For those unable to watch the movie in person, it will also be shown on Peacock about 72 hours following its premiere. The range of viewing possibilities will help fans not to miss this charming addition to Hallmark’s seasonal collection.
Moreover, the Our Holiday Story movie will re-air on Hallmark Channel inside the US on the following days:
- Nov 3 at 6/5c
- Nov 8 at 10/9c
- Nov 12 at 8/7c
- Nov 19 at 12a/11c
- Nov 28 at 4/3c
- Dec 7 at 10a/9c
- Dec 16 at 8/7c
- Dec 24 at 4/3c
Final Notes
More than a love story, Our Holiday Story reminds us of the happiness, hope, and second chances that define the holiday season. Thanks to the unique mix of romance, family bonds, and holiday cheer, viewers can join a world where fate, love, and a little of Christmas magic are all linked.
The film is a must-watch for everyone looking to add some magic to their holiday season because of its charming cast, breathtaking Vancouver scenery, and engaging story. Regardless of how long you have been a fan of Hallmark or how fresh you are to its appealing world, Our Holiday Story promises to deliver you all the emotions that make holiday romances unique.
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