The latest Hallmark holiday movie “Rescuing Christmas” takes us through the port city of the North Shore through its captivating storyline and filming locations.
Set for release this holiday season, the movie tells the story of a woman named Erin who wants to get rid of Christmas, but ultimately, she ends up falling in love with it, and the reason should be quite obvious, a handsome gentleman.
Directed by Emily Moss Wilson from the script of Jim Head and Sarah Montana, the holiday film is produced by Rachel Leigh Cook under MarVista Entertainment, Mandy June Turpin Productions, and Hallmark Channel.
Where was Rescuing Christmas filmed?
Rescuing Christmas was filmed in Duluth, Minnesota during spring 2023. Principal photography began in April 2023 and wrapped on May 22, 2023 in a variety of locations, including Lincoln Park, Bayfront Festival Park, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
The crew also filmed at several local businesses, such as Dovetail Cafe and Marketplace, Frost River Trading Co., and OMC Smokehouse. Director Emily shared a black & white clapperboard picture, after wrapping the film.
According to producer Mandy June Turpin, Duluth’s wintry landscape and holiday charm make it the perfect backdrop for filming. The cast and crew totaled about 150 people, with most of the supporting actors sourced locally.
Mandy shared a bts pic during the filming of Rescuing Christmas in May 2022.
Turpin also noted that in addition to its natural beauty, Duluth offers attractive economic incentives for filming crews through initiatives like the City Production Incentive Program.
Several of Duluth’s most iconic and historic sites hosted filming, fully decorated and filled with extras to emulate festive neighborhoods and holiday markets.
Duluth’s Bayfront Park was doubled as the town square, according to Quick Country.
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum was temporarily transformed into “North Pole Depot,” with the museum’s William A.
Crooks steam engine dressed up as a miniature Polar Express. Bayfront Festival Park, situated along the shores of Lake Superior, doubled as “Santa’s Lakeside Workshop.”
Local Businesses Shine on Screen
The production crew also filmed on location at several beloved Duluth small businesses, including outfitter Frost River Trading Co., cozy eatery Dovetail Café and Marketplace, and barbecue joint OMC Smokehouse.
Spotlighting these community staples adds authentic hometown holiday charm. Extras filled the shops, doubling as patrons and townspeople.
Downtown Duluth
In addition to small businesses, Duluth’s downtown district plays a key role through filming at landmarks like the Historic Union Depot train station.
Neighborhood scenes were captured in the Lincoln Park district along Superior Street, including apartment interiors in one of the area’s converted warehouses.
Over 40 Minnesota-based actors snagged supporting roles.
From snow-lined streets to evergreen forests, Duluth’s icy landscapes in early spring capture the essence of the holidays.
While most of the Christmas movies were shot in Canada like Mistletoe Match and Christmas with a Kiss, Rescuing Christmas come out as a special movie filmed in Minnesota, United States.
Who’s in the cast of Rescuing Christmas?
Rachel Leigh Cook as Erin
Erin is the main character of the film, who is determined to avoid Christmas altogether but, as she spends time in the charming town of Duluth, she begins to rediscover the joy of the season. That role is portrayed by Rachael Leigh Cook, who is well-known for her roles in films such as “She’s All That” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
Sam Page as Sam
Sam is a resident of Duluth and the man who helps Erin to rediscover the joy of Christmas in the rescuing Christmas movie. The role is played by Sam Page, who has starred in a number of Hallmark movies, including “The Christmas List” and “A Godwink Christmas.”
Patrick O’Brien as Chuck
Erin’s ex-boyfriend, Chuck is a successful businessman who is determined to win Erin back. Chuck is played by Patrick O’Brien, who is known for his roles in films such as “High School Musical: The Series” and “The Fosters.”
Bailey Stender as Debbie
Erin’s sister, Debbie is a happily married woman with two children. That role is played by Bailey Stender. The actress has appeared in a number of Hallmark movies, including “A Very Merry Mix-Up” and “A Merry Little Meet Cute.”
Other cast members of Rescuing Christmas include:
- Amy Jo Schmidt as Elf Council Member (as Amy Schmidt)
- Greta Oglesby as aGeneral Counsel
- T. Mychael Rambo T. as Santa
- Mika Bella Flanagan as Olivia
- Christina Goltare as Town Square Shopper
- Gwen Ruhoff as Elf Council member
- Jim Cunningham as Lou
- Ahmed Mawas as Archie
- Davan Scott as Tree Ceremony Attendee- B.G.
- Chase Marcotte as Jonah
- Sarah Agnew as Mayor
- Kathryn Fumie as Maria
- Mike Flaherty as Town Square shopper / spectator
- Rod Kasai as Taylor
- Tyler Kimber as Santa’s Elf
- Laura Judson as Santa’s elf
- Jake Lieder Jas Radio Intern
- Melinda Kordich as Diana
- Ashley Luoma as Town Square Shopper
- Julie Goulette as Coffee Shop Patron / Town Square Shopper
- Lucretia Stillwater Lucretia Stillwater … Angry Woman in Jail
- Chris Russ as Background
- Emilio Medinas as Santa’s Elf
- Bradley C. Daniels as Background
- Kevin Elvine as Background
Where to watch Rescuing Christmas?
The Rescuing Christmas movie is set to premiere on Dec 7, 2023 exclusively on Hallmark Movies Now. It will also become available on Peacock upto 72 hours from the original premiere of the movie inside the United States.
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