Hallmark’s new original Christmas movie, The Santa Summit transports us to the picturesque Winnipeg Exchange District of Manitoba Province through its filming locations.
Directed by Jeff Beesley from the screenplay of Russell Hainline, the movie follows the story of a young woman named Jordin, who returns home to regroup after a setback and collides with a sweet stranger Liam but quickly lost him in an ocean of santas.
This Hallmark romance film has been produced by Ian Dimerman and executive produced by Jennifer Aspen under Inferno Pictures Inc.
The Santa Summit Filming Locations
The Santa Summit was filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Filming occurred from March 24 to April 14, 2023 allowing viewers to see Winnipeg and Manitoba transformed into a magical wintry wonderland perfect for this Christmas tale.
Erin spotted a group of santas during April 2023 while showing her confusion over the strange weather of Winnipeg. It was April and, what you are seeing in the video is real snow. What the duck?
I know it’s unusual weather for April but did #Winnipeg just skip Spring, Summer & Fall?
— Erin Riediger (@erinriediger) April 6, 2023
One of the first times I’ve seen a Christmas movie filmed here while there is real snow. The Santa Summit Hallmark move now filming. pic.twitter.com/21EaXwgalQ
She was literally surprised to see the unusual weather condition in April 2023, but the presence of real snow has only made the film more authentic for Hallmark fans.
Similarly, executive producer Jennifer Aspen shared her experience on Instagram. She wrote, “officially the coldest day on set of my career.” There she’s talking about April 3 when the WPG exchange district was under winter storm.
Winnipeg Exchange District
Many of the movie’s magical scenes were filmed on location in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, the local Canadian news provider CTV reported.
With its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved early 20th century architecture, the Exchange District provided a picture perfect backdrop for The Santa Summit’s small town Christmas setting.
Many nearby buildings were transformed into charming storefronts to match the Christmas vibe. Even though, some fake snow was used to cover the filming ground, the early winter had already left some real snow behind.
The Exchange District Visitor Centre was transformed into the venue where Santas from around the world gather for the Summit proceedings. The historic Union Bank Tower represents the exterior of the luxurious hotel hosting the Summit.
Specific Exchange District filming sites included Main Street, where Jordin and Liam share a romantic kiss under the mistletoe with the charming Victorian buildings in the background.
Union Bank Tower
The Romanesque Revival style Union Bank Tower, an historic Winnipeg skyscraper, lent its iconic facade to play the part of the luxurious hotel where the Summit takes place.
The Forks
The Forks, located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, also makes appearances with its sparkling skating rink. With its whimsical holiday premise and abundance of Christmas charm, Santa Summit is sure to get viewers in the holiday spirit.
See if you can spot key Winnipeg landmarks like Union Bank Tower, the Exchange District and The Forks when The Santa Summit debuts on Hallmark this Christmas season!
Some of the recent productions that took place in the same Canadian district includes Never Been Chris’d (2023), A Kiss Before Christmas (2021), Hanukkah on Rye (2022), etc
The Santa Summit Cast
Hunter King is best known for her roles as Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless and Chloe Lane on Life in Pieces. She has also appeared in episodes of Hart of Dixie, Glee, and Scream: The Series.
Benjamin Hollingsworth is an American actor who has appeared in a number of television shows, including The Fosters, Code Black, and Virgin River. In The movie, Hollingsworth plays Liam, a mysterious stranger dressed as Santa who bonds with Jordin at the town’s annual holiday celebration.
Other cast members include:
- Amy Groening as Ava
- Stephanie Sy as Stella
- Rodrigo Beilfuss as Freddie
- Matthew Shoup as Student
- Ava Tomé as Student
Plot
Jordin, a young woman who returns home to regroup after some setbacks and attends the town’s annual holiday celebration with friends. There, she bonds with Liam (Hollingsworth), a mysterious stranger dressed as Santa, but doesn’t get his last name before they’re separated in a sea of Santas.
Where to watch The Santa Summit?
The Santa Summit premieres on Nov 5 at 8/7c only on Hallmark Channel. If you have missed the premiere then here are the upcoming showtimes:
- Nov 10 at 10/9c
- Nov 14 at 8/7c
- Nov 19 at 12/11c
- Nov 25 at 2a/1c
- Dec 24 at 6a/5c
- Jan 1, 2024 at 8a/7c
Hallmark channel is included in many cable TV packages, but if you prefer cutting those wires then you can access Hallmark movies via Philo, Frndly TV, Hulu with LiveTV, FUBO, and YouTube TV inside the United States and Canada.
The channel has also partnered with Peacock. So, you can also watch the latest Hallmark movies with a Peaock premium subscription upto 72 hours of original premiere on Hallmark Channel.
