Hallmark’s holiday lineup gets a warm, musical twist with Oy to the World!, a festive romance drama directed by Paula Elle and written by Rick Garman. Blending Christmas cheer with Hanukkah traditions, the movie leans heavily on its setting to tell a story about faith, family, and finding harmony where rivalry once lived.
Starring Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein, Oy to the World! uses its small-town backdrop not just as decoration, but as a key part of the narrative – where a church, a synagogue, and two former high school rivals are forced to come together during the most meaningful time of the year.
Oy to the World Filming Locations
Oy to the World! was filmed entirely in British Columbia, Canada, with most of the production taking place in the city of Kelowna. According to reports, filming began in late July 2025 and wrapped up by mid-August 2025, giving the Hallmark team several weeks to capture both intimate indoor moments and charming town exteriors.
Unlike some Hallmark productions that rely heavily on studio builds, Oy to the World! appears to have used mostly real locations, allowing the setting to feel grounded and authentic.
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna, located along the shores of Okanagan Lake, served as the primary filming hub for the movie. Known for its scenic waterfront, orchards, and welcoming neighborhoods, the city has become a familiar favorite for Hallmark productions – and for good reason.
The crew filmed at the Okanagan Jewish Community Centre, located within the Beth Shalom Congregation at 102 Snowsell Road North. This real-life community space was transformed to stand in for Temple Beth Am, the synagogue at the heart of the film’s story.
Members of the local Jewish community also participated as extras, adding authenticity to the scenes centered around choir rehearsals and holiday gatherings.
Residents of Kelowna also spotted the production around Ellis Street and Doyle Avenue in early August 2025. These downtown areas likely doubled for the fictional town of Pine Bend, giving the movie its cozy, walkable holiday-town feel.
To create the signature Hallmark Christmas atmosphere, the creative team likely made use of Kelowna’s broader landscape – including snowy hills and spots like Waterfront Park at 1200 Water Street.
This isn’t Hallmark’s first visit to Kelowna, the city has previously hosted productions such as Raise a Glass to Love, Our Holiday Story, Checkin’ It Twice, and The Christmas Cup. With its flexible locations and film-friendly environment, Kelowna continues to be one of Hallmark’s go-to Canadian filming destinations.
Oy to the World! Cast
The movie features a strong ensemble cast led by familiar Hallmark faces and seasoned performers.
Brooke D’Orsay as Nikki Roberts
Brooke D’Orsay headlines the film as Nikki Roberts, the youth choir director at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. Nikki is organized, responsible, and deeply rooted in her community – but she’s also carrying unresolved wounds from her past, including a long-abandoned love for singing.
D’Orsay is a Hallmark veteran, best known for movies like Miss Christmas, A Dickens of a Holiday!, Beverly Hills Wedding, and A Fabled Holiday. Outside Hallmark, she’s appeared in popular series such as Two and a Half Men, Drop Dead Diva, and Royal Pains. Her warm screen presence makes her a natural fit for a story built on connection and healing.
Jake Epstein as Jake Cohen
Jake Epstein stars as Jake Cohen, Nikki’s childhood friend turned musical rival. Now living in New York and chasing success as a musician, Jake is called back home after an emergency at his family’s synagogue.
Epstein is widely recognized for his role as Craig Manning on Degrassi: The Next Generation. His television résumé also includes Suits, Designated Survivor, The Umbrella Academy, and The Hardy Boys. A trained singer and stage actor, Epstein brings real musical credibility to the role, which plays a big part in the film’s emotional arc.
David Julian Hirsh as Rabbi Levi Cohen
David Julian Hirsh appears as Rabbi Levi Cohen, Jake’s father and a guiding figure in the community. Calm, thoughtful, and quietly humorous, Rabbi Cohen helps bridge the gap between tradition and change.
Hirsh is known for roles in Weeds, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Leap Years. Oy to the World! marks his first collaboration with Hallmark.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast includes Haven Gin as Sela, Juliette Hawk as Young Nikki, Ryder Miller as Young Jake, and Shaye Quinn as Cynthia Roberts. They’re joined by Curtis Lovell, Marika Siewert, Samaya Stark, and Wayne Corbeil, all of whom help bring Pine Bend’s interfaith community to life.
What is the movie in Oy To The World About?
Oy to the World! is a holiday romance about cooperation, compassion, and second chances.
Nikki Roberts runs the youth choir at her father’s Episcopal church, living a predictable life shaped by responsibility and routine. Her world is turned upside down when a burst pipe floods the neighboring synagogue, Temple Beth Am, just a few weeks before Hanukkah. With the synagogue temporarily unusable, Nikki’s church opens its doors to the Jewish congregation.
Threre comes Jake Cohen – the synagogue’s substitute choir director and Nikki’s former high school rival. Their shared history is filled with competition, unresolved feelings, and musical one-upmanship. Now forced to work together, they must prepare a joint holiday program as Hanukkah and Christmas overlap on the same night – a rare and symbolic moment.
As rehearsals turn into friendly rivalry, then reluctant teamwork, Nikki and Jake begin to rediscover their shared love of music. Along the way, the film explores broader themes of interfaith understanding, cultural traditions, and what it truly means to be a community during the holidays.
Inspired by the idea that many classic Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers, the movie celebrates shared cultural history without losing sight of individual traditions – a message that feels especially timely.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Paula Elle, the Jewish special film was crafted with sensitivity toward both Christmas and Hanukkah traditions. Writer Rick Garman leaned into the musical aspect of the story, allowing song and performance to act as bridges between characters rather than simple background elements.
The film’s approach echoes the spirit behind productions like “OY! to the World – Christmas with a Twist!”, which highlight how holiday music often transcends religious boundaries. While the Hallmark movie is fictional, it shares the same inclusive philosophy: honoring differences while finding joy in what unites people.
By filming in real community spaces and involving local participants, the production avoided feeling staged or artificial. Instead, it feels lived-in – like a small town genuinely coming together for the holidays.
When does Oy to the World! premiere?
Oy to the World! premieres on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and on W Network inside Canada. The movie will be available to stream the following day on Hallmark+. Moreover, the the film will re-air on:
- Dec 16 at 10/9c
- Dec 20 at 11/10c
- Dec 26 at 8/7c
- Jan 2 at 8a/7c
With Hanukkah and Christmas overlapping this year, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Whether you’re tuning in for the romance, the music, or the message, Oy to the World! is set to be one of Hallmark’s most meaningful holiday releases of the season.
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