Upamanyu Biswas
Helmed by Norma Bailey, Hallmark’s ‘The Christmas Secret’ follows a down-on-their-luck protagonist, Christine Eisley, who is having a torrid time managing her personal life. As a custody battle rages amidst her recent firing from her job, Christine’s life further worsens when she discovers that the valuable star-shaped locket gifted to her by her father has disappeared from under her eye. However, with Christmas around the corner, she lands a job at a bakery, beginning a new life sparkling with hope and the possibility of a romance with the handsome grandson of a local store couple named Jason. Based on Donna VanLiere’s eponymous novel, the Christmas movie is set in a vibrant and cozy town where the festivities and holiday cheer are as infectious as the family secret Christine is itching to get her hands upon.
Where was The Christmas Secret Filmed?
Although set in the town of Wilsonville, filming for ‘The Christmas Secret’ took place in the British Columbia province, specifically in the cities of Abbotsford, Vancouver, and Langley. British Columbia is widely regarded as a filmmaking haven for its access to diverse locales, which include bustling cityscapes and scenic natural landscapes like dense woodlands, mountains, and rivers. This assortment of views is pivotal in capturing the modern and pristine look of a contemporary environment, either in portraying a high-density metropolis or a quaint, charming local town. In the Norma Bailey directorial, the latter is preferred, showcasing the brilliance of Christmas through an assortment of decorated interiors, exteriors, and community vibes.
Abbotsford, British Columbia
‘The Christmas Secret’ was filmed in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the largest municipality in the region outside metropolitan Vancouver. The city is known for its farm country, marrying the simplicity of agrarian livelihood and tight-knit communities with the complexities of urban life. The blend between the two offers a unique environment, allowing the central themes of warmth and positivity to find their footing through the charming neighborhoods. The team utilized Spruce Collective, a boutique store at 2622 Montrose Avenue, to double up as the fictional Wilson’s Collective, where Christine meets Jason, whose grandparents are the shop owners. It is an essential part of the narrative, mainly as it introduces Christine’s love interest into the mix.
Langley, British Columbia
Another essential filming location for ‘The Christmas Secret’ was the city of Langley in British Columbia, a diverse region that is famed for its prime real estate sites. The area also contains a wide array of eateries that seamlessly fit into the Hallmark film’s world. The production team recorded key scenes at 20504 Fraser Highway for Betty’s Bakery. The address belongs to a permanently closed store, McBurney’s Coffee & Tea House, which may have doubled up as Betty’s Bakery. Additionally, the scenes for Patterson’s Diner were lensed at 20567 Fraser Highway, which belongs to another permanently closed establishment, Shahrazad Restaurant. Some of the city’s notable landmark attractions include the Cascades Casino, the Canadian Museum of Flight, Nicomekl Trail, and Penzer Action Park.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The bustling city of Vancouver, British Columbia, is not just a popular Hallmark movie destination but also a prime production spot for films and shows in general. While the metropolis boasts a diverse population, the same can be said for its locales, which offer versatility and dynamism perfect for any filmmaking venture. Scenes for ‘The Christmas Secret’ were shot in the city’s historical and artistic neighborhoods, providing depth and dimension to its emotional moments. In the past, the city has hosted production on projects like ‘Elf,’ ‘Christmas with the Kranks,’ ‘Happy Howlidays,’ ‘Deck the Halls,’ and ‘Noelle.’
The Christmas Secret Cast
‘The Christmas Secret’ stars Bethany Joy Lenz as a struggling mother of two, Christine Eisley. Lenz is a veteran actress and director with a long list of credits under her name. Her most notable acting work came as Cassie Jollenston in ‘Dexter,’ Keri Allen in ‘Pearson,’ Jenny in ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and Stephanie Malick in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ She also received widespread recognition for her appearance as Haley James Scott in WB’s drama series ‘One Tree Hill.’ She also appears in ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,’ ‘American Gothic,’ ‘Colony,’ ‘Five Star Christmas,’ and ‘A Biltmore Christmas.’
The Christmas movie also features John Reardon as the charming Jason. Reardon is a talented actor who has showcased his versatility through performances like Charles Ross in ‘The Killing,’ Charlie Hudson in ‘Hudson & Rex,’ Blake Laviolette in ‘Arctic Air,’ and Greg Cameron in ‘Continuum.’ He can also be seen in ‘Scary Movie 4,’ ‘Van Helsing,’ ‘Supernatural,’ and ‘Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.’ Other cast members include Susan Hogan as Judy, Michael Hogan as Marshall, Venus Terzo as Patricia Addison, Nicola Cavendish as Betty, Karin Konoval as Mrs. Meredith, and Jaeda Lily Miller as Hayley. The film also stars William Ainscough as Zach, Greyston Holt as Brad, Christine Willes as Gloria, Don Thompson as Rod, Elizabeth Bowen as Rosemary, and Daryl Shuttleworth as Ed.
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