These productions not only offer consistent work opportunities in some of Ontario’s most beautiful locations but also serve as a way for creatives to hone their craft and advance their careers.
“Millions of people watch these magical tales – something that can be very rewarding, says 1st Assistant Director Alan Goluboff. “They provide escape and enjoyment in a world that is, oftentimes, very dark. At this time of year, families are together, and these films are something they can all watch and enjoy.”
Check out our curated list of 12 new and classic DGC Ontario holiday films you can watch right now, and hear from some of the Directors, Production Designers, Location Managers and more behind these festive flicks about why they’re such a vital part of Ontario’s creative production community.
- Hot Frosty
In this 2024 romantic comedy currently topping Netflix’s Top Ten charts and TikTok reels worldwide, widow Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert) discovers a magical scarf that brings a snowman, Jack (Schitt’s Creek’s Dustin Milligan), to life. As Jack’s innocence helps Kathy heal from her loss, they form a deep bond. However, their newfound connection faces a poignant challenge as Jack’s existence is tied to the fleeting winter season. Hot Frosty was filmed in Brockville, Ottawa, and Pakenham, with key scenes shot on Court House Avenue in Brockville, with the Keystorm Pub transformed into “Kathy’s Kafé.
“Working on Hot Frosty was memorable, as I was encouraged to break traditional Holiday movie rules and was allowed more personal creative input,” said Director Jerry Ciccoritti. “They had the resources to allow Jerry to bring something unique to it,” adds 1st Assistant Director Alan Goluboff. “Netflix gave him more room to take risks regarding content and creativity, which made it a more imaginative project.”
- Christmas in the Spotlight
Inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s real-life relationship and filmed in and around Toronto, Christmas in the Spotlight follows Bowyn, a popular singer who develops an unexpected romance with Drew, a professional football player. As their feelings grow, they soon face mounting pressure from the press, the paparazzi, fans, and even their families.
“Holiday films connect with audiences across generations and cultures, making it rewarding to know the work will touch so many hearts worldwide,” says Christmas in the Spotlight Production Designer Amir Kiani. “Plus, creating a snowy holiday atmosphere, even in the middle of summer, feels like bringing a bit of magic into everyday life. It’s fun to enter a festive world no matter the time of year.”
Christmas in the Spotlight Post Production Supervisor Dale Sheldrake also reflected on his history with holiday films: “The holiday film One Magic Christmas was my first DGC job. At that time, it was the largest Post Sound crew in our history, and it was for Disney! I was taken under the wings of the Sound Editors and trained so well that within a year, I was promoted. It’s wonderful because that movie is broadcast somewhere every year to remind me how far my career evolved.”
Watch Christmas in the Spotlight on the Lifetime Channel and CTV.
- Under the Christmas Tree
Director Lisa Rose Snow on the set of Under the Christmas Tree
This Lifetime holiday film features Alma (Elise Bauman) and Charlie (Tattiawna Jones), whose encounter over a coveted Christmas tree sparks unexpected romantic feelings, leading to a heartwarming journey of love and self-discovery during the festive season. Under the Christmas Tree, shot in Ottawa, was the first Lifetime holiday film to star two women in a romantic relationship.
“Holiday films bring a lot of joy and comfort to audiences, and it’s always exciting to work on something with a dedicated fanbase,” says Under the Christmas Tree Director and DGC Ontario Directors Caucus Rep Lisa Rose Snow. “These productions create opportunities for many creatives and often allow people to grow their skills and broaden their experience, creating a more dynamic and skillful workforce.”
Making Under the Christmas Tree was a magical experience for Lisa: “It feels very special to have been a part of a holiday film that was boundary-breaking for my 2SLGBTQ+ community. I made a few forever friends on this production, and my life is brighter for it.”
Watch Under the Christmas Tree on Crave.
- The Christmas Setup
Director Pat Mills on set with the cast of The Christmas Setup
Filmed in Ottawa and Almonte, The Christmas Setup follows Hugo, who returns home for the holidays. His mother (played by Fran Drescher) plays matchmaker by reintroducing him to his high school crush, Patrick. As they reconnect, Hugo faces a career decision that could impact their budding relationship.
“The Christmas Setup was the first queer Xmas TV movie. Even when the script played by the rules (save the train station!), we all felt like we were doing something a little bit special,” says The Christmas Setup Director Pat Mills. “While they seem comforting, these shoots are harder than they look. There’s limited time, money and resources. The only way to pull them off is with a great crew, which, in my experience, Ontario definitely provides. That’s magic, isn’t it? Happy holidays! Drink lots of water!”
Watch The Christmas Setup on Crave.
- Designing Christmas
Stella and Pablo co-host a home renovation show. As they work together on a special holiday episode, their on-screen chemistry leads to off-screen romantic tensions, challenging their professional relationship. Designing Christmas was filmed in Ottawa and featured the beautiful Pinehurst Manor in Almonte.
“I love Christmas, so when I’m working on these films, which are often shot in the spring and summer, I get to experience a little bit of those holiday vibes during other parts of the year,” says Desiging Christmas Picture Editor Gloria Tong. “What made Designing Christmas extra special is that it had an HGTV aspect, which I was excited about because I’m a big fan of home reno shows. Also, Director Pat Mills and EP Danielle Von Zerneck were incredible to work with, especially during the chaotic time of COVID.”
Watch Designing Christmas on Crave.
- 24 Karat Christmas
When unlucky-in-love jewelry designer Trish accidentally sends a set of Christmas wedding bands off with the wrong person, she and charming best man, Booker, must work together to track them down and get them to the wedding on Christmas Eve. 24 Karat Christmas was filmed in the downtown Ottawa area and Ottawa east.
“Ontario is a magical place to film these holiday films because we have so much diverse talent in front of and behind the camera. It covers different looks from urban to country for any story you want to tell,” says 24 Karat Christmas Director Winnifred Jong. “I enjoy working on holiday films because the end product is something I can share watching with my entire family. I particularly like working on holiday films with diverse casts, like 24 Karat Christmas.
Watch 24 Karat Christmas on OWN starting December 21.
- The Christmas Chronicles
In this modern holiday classic shot in Toronto and starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce plan to capture Santa on camera but end up joining him on an unexpected adventure. Their journey helps them rediscover the spirit of Christmas and the importance of family.
“One of the things I love about these films is they bring holiday joy more than once a year,” says Production Manager Jessica Cheung. “It was a great experience working with 26th Street Pictures. Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe are the team behind Home Alone – a holiday classic!”
Watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix.
- Flipping For Christmas
In this house flip-themed holiday film shot in Hamilton, it’s almost Christmas when busy realtor Abigail agrees to help her sister with the simple flip of a recently inherited home. Unfortunately, co-beneficiary Bo has other plans in mind.
“The scenery and the small towns in Ontario are cozy, but the real holiday magic is the people working on it. The Locations, Design, and Sets teams can take a quaint street corner and turn it into a wild Christmas extravaganza,” says Set PA/Assistant Location Manager and Production Manager for Flipping For Christmas, Josh Ary. “It’d be impossible without all the talented people we work with.”
Watch Flipping For Christmas on Amazon Prime Video.
- One Delicious Christmas
Abby, who inherits the Haven Restaurant and Inn, is unable to manage both sides of the business, so she teams up with hot-shot chef Preston to shake up the Christmas menu and secure investment from a top restaurant mogul (played by Bobby Flay). One Delicious Christmas was filmed in Ottawa’s Byward Market, also known as a culinary hub.
“These shorter productions are an excellent opportunity for up-and-comers to get on set and earn their stripes,” says One Delicious Christmas 1st AD Shawna Steele, who also directed the holiday film An Ice Palace Romance. “They’re great for networking, reel-building, and growth. Ontario attracts these kinds of projects for many financial reasons, but we are also flush with beautiful small towns and excellent professional crews.”
Watch One Delicious Christmas on Crave.
- Let It Snow
Starring Mad Men’s Kiernan Shipka, Let it Snow follows several high school students after a snowstorm hits their small town on Christmas Eve. Amidst the unexpected weather, friendships and romances blossom, affecting their friendships, love lives, and futures.
“On Let it Snow, we needed a moving train for a sequence in the movie,” remembers Location Manager and DGC Ontario Locations Caucus Rep Marty Dejczak about shooting the film in Brantford, Toronto and Millbrook. “We had settled on the York-Durham Heritage Railway, which normally is not in use in the winter. Unfortunately, there was a cold snap just before we were scheduled to shoot the train sequence, and the train wouldn’t start. What to do? We sent the rigging grips to build a tent around the locomotive, installed heaters in the tent and prayed. After many hours, the engine was warm enough, and the train started!” True holiday magic.
- The Knight Before Christmas
Medieval knight Sir Cole is magically transported to present-day Ohio, where he meets Brooke (High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens), a disillusioned science teacher. As Brooke helps him navigate the modern world, they develop a romantic connection that defies time.
“One memorable experience on The Knight Before Christmas was working at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge,” says Location Manager Peter Bobras. “The site was closed for the winter, and we reopened sections of the village and decorated it to the nines. Ontario offers so much in terms of its varied looks, from small towns to big cities, that you can play as anywhere you like. And the important part in all of this is how film-friendly and welcoming these various communities are.”
Watch The Knight Before Christmas on Netflix.
- All I Didn’t Want For Christmas
In this VH1 holiday film shot in Ottawa, Precious’ Gabourey Sidibe stars as Emily Harris, who drunkenly writes a letter to Santa in a bid to make this Christmas not suck for once. Fortunately, and unfortunately, her wine-soaked wishes start to come true, but she doesn’t remember most of what she wished for.
“People really enjoy watching holiday films. Like, REALLY enjoy them!” jokes All I Didn’t Want For Christmas Sound Editor Ryan Eligh. “I know some people look forward to these films all year. And knowing that the films can illicit the same feelings of magic, wonder, and fun for viewers that I feel working on the means something to me.”
Watch All I Didn’t Want For Christmas on Amazon Prime Video.
Follow along on our Instagram account as we spotlight one film from the list per day in the leadup to the holidays!
