Naman Shrestha
Based on the eponymous novel written by Jenni Bayliss, Hallmark’s ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas’ is a limited holiday romantic comedy series that revolves around a skilled Saville Row textile pattern designer named Kate, who lives next door to his single father, Mac, in the small village of Blexford, England. Separated from his ex-wife, Delilah, Mac is recovering from a bike accident that has restricted his movements for the near future. So, when Kate is not at work, she serves as her divorced father’s caregiver.
In order to bring more love and joy to Kate’s life, her best friend Laura signs her up for the titular matchmaking program without her knowledge. Despite her reluctance, Kate participates in the holiday-themed program and meets a charming man named Richard. Meanwhile, her father begins to open himself up to a widow named Evelyn, with whom he feels comfortable. Soon, the holiday season turns upside down for Kate and Mac when Delilah knocks on the former’s door. The wholesome yet complicated familial storylines unfold in the fictional quaint village of Blexford, which is adorned with Christmas decorations and snow.
Where is Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas Filmed?
Production on ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas’ primarily took place in Ireland, especially in and around Dublin. Minor portions were also reportedly shot in London, England. From what we can tell, principal photography for the limited series got underway in early March 2025 under the working title ‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas’ and continued for a couple of months before seemingly wrapping up by the end of April of the same year. As the premiere date of the series approached, Mae Whitman took to social media and revealed that the production commenced only two months after the birth of her son.
She added, “…The people of Ireland welcomed me so generously and lovingly into their arms that I ended up having what was truly one of the most amazing filming experiences of my entire career. Every single person involved with this show was so talented at their jobs that it allowed us to incorporate fun and laughter and kindness and patience into our every day working ethos which takes real teamwork and a group who sincerely wants what’s best for each other, which to me is the most rare and most treasured thing.”
Dublin, Ireland
The breathtaking landscape of Dublin was utilized to stand in as the fictional town of Blexford, bringing the majority of ‘Twelve Dates Til Christmas’ to life. The shooting of several sequences of the series took place in a quaint village in the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. According to reports, the production team set up camp at the heart of the Irish village and converted its square into a dreamy winter wonderland to tape some scenes. Multiple locales in Dublin and a few surrounding areas were chosen as filming sites to paint the visual canvas of Kate’s world as she navigates the unique matchmaking program.
The vibrant backdrop of The Fair City, comprising cobblestone lanes, buildings with Georgian architecture, cozy pubs, and seasonal decor, offered the team a ready-made festive environment. To create the setting for the many dates the textile pattern designer embarks on around Blexford, the cameras rolled around a skating rink, several eateries, a ballroom-esque hall, and other spots in and around Dublin. With their seasonal sparkle and timeless appeal, the filming locations emerged as a character in their own right.
London, England
The sprawling metropolis of London is renowned across the world for its dazzling Christmas decorations and cheerful holiday spirit. Therefore, the production team decided to make full use of its blend of old-world charm and modern warmth for a few exterior sequences of ‘Twelve Dates Til Christmas.’ Therefore, the cast and crew also visited many iconic landmarks in the capital city of England and the United Kingdom to infuse the show’s setting with its magical glow. Other than this holiday-themed film, London has also hosted the production of ‘Love Actually,’ ‘The Holiday,’ ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary,’ ‘About Time,’ ‘Christmas in Notting Hill,’ ‘One Day,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Maxton Hall – The World Between Us,’ ‘Bridgerton,’ among numerous other films and shows.
Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas Cast Details
Mae Whitman, Nathaniel Parker, and Toby Sandeman bring the holiday narrative of ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas’ to life through their lively and impressive onscreen performances. Mae got her first break in the industry as a voice-over artist for a Tyson Chicken commercial and has served as an executive producer for ‘Below the Belt.’ Nathaniel found his calling at a very young age and began his acting journey with public performances at the National Youth Theatre. As for Toby, he is a multi-talented individual known for earning two gold medals for Great Britain at the European Athletics U23 Championships. He is also a renowned international model, having worked with Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
Mae Whitman as Kate
Mae Whitman portrays Kate, the textile pattern designer who is a devoted daughter, in ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas.’ Many of you might know her as Mary Elizabeth from ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower,’ Maggie Taylor from ‘One Fine Day,’ Bernice Pruitt from ‘Hope Floats,’ and Bianca Piper from ‘The DUFF.’ Over the course of her decades-long acting career, she has also bagged major roles in popular TV shows, such as ‘State of Grace,’ ‘Thief,’ ‘In Treatment,’ ‘Arrested Development,’ ‘Parenthood,’ ‘Good Girls,’ and ‘Up Here.’
Nathaniel Parker as Mac
Nathaniel Parker essays the character of Kate’s wounded and recovering father, Mac, in the Hallmark production. A native of England, he stars in various film and TV projects, including ‘The Haunted Mansion’ as Master Gracey, ‘The Last Duel’ as Sir Robert de Thibouville, ‘Desperate Journey’ as Chef Bossard, ‘An Ideal Husband’ as Lord Chiltern, ‘The Beast Must Die’ as Blount, ‘The Inspector Lynley Mysteries’ as DI Thomas Lynley, and ‘The Vineyard’ as Edward Claydon.
Toby Sandeman as Richard
In the holiday film, Toby Sandeman steps into the role of Richard, the handsome love interest of Kate. Widely recognized for his portrayals of Sebastian in ‘The Royals,’ Garret Evans in ‘The Game,’ Marcus Winfield in ‘Running Point,’ and Symphone Bosket in ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan,’ he also stars in ‘New York Undercover’ and ‘She’s Gotta Have It.’
While Julian Morris portrays Callum, Lucy Eaton plays the role of Kate’s best friend, Laura. Meanwhile, Jane Seymour steps into the role of Evelyn, Mac’s love interest, and Mary McDonnell portrays Mac’s ex-wife and Kate’s mother, Delilah. In addition, Eimear Morrissey as Drew, Fiona Browne as Nicola Watkins, Zephani Idoko as Sarah, Carla Foley as Charlotte, Declan Reynolds as Doctor Kendrick, Rodrigo Ternevoy as Beret, and Jake Solari as Charlie, round up the cast of ‘Twelve Dates ‘Til Christmas.’
Read More: Jingle All the Way to Love: Filming Locations and Cast Details
