Hallmark's Believe in Christmas sweeps the viewer off into a quaint holiday wonderland known as Christmasland. The film is based on Anne-Marie Meyer's 2022 novel Christmasland.
Directed by Christie Will Wolf, the romance-fantasy film is the story of Beatrice Thompson's sojourn into a magical town with her best friend. In Christmasland she meets a man named Ethan Crane and rediscovers romance and hope.
Believe in Christmasland was filmed in Mahone Bay in Canada.
Filming location of Believe in Christmas: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
The main filming location for Believe in Christmas is Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia, Canada. This quaint town, famous for its scenic waterfront and historic architecture, was a perfect fit for the fictional Christmasland. The film's principal photography started on April 29, 2024, and ended on May 17, 2024.
Mahone Bay's main street plays a big role in the movie, with the most iconic locations being the Pearl Shop (Seamist Studio) and Jo-Ann's Deli Market and Bake Shop.
The production company made use of real businesses as backgrounds, which made Believe in Christmas look more realistic. Some scenes show horse-drawn carriages running on snowy streets with the town's historic buildings in view to evoke the old-world charm of Christmasland.
Notable filming spots in Mahone Bay
Seamist Studio (Pearl Shop): This red facade shop is located at 504A Main Street and is featured in several scenes.
Jo-Ann's Deli Market and Bake Shop: Located at 9 Edgewater Street, this deli has been in business since 1986. In the movie, its festive decor includes a bright red sleigh at the entrance.
Old Station Cafe: This cozy spot on 3 Edgewater Street is another key location, often appearing in scenes filled with holiday cheer.
The production benefited greatly from local support. Residents of Mahone Bay volunteered as extras, dressed in festive attire, and helped transform the town into a Christmas wonderland.
Behind-the-Scenes highlights of Believe in Christmas
Director Christie Will Wolf often posted updates about the film's shoot on Instagram. In a post, she shared photos of the cast and crew working behind the scenes and wrote, “We sure had fun making it”. She added:
“Collaborating once again with the exceptional (Meghan Ory) and a top-notch crew!”
John Reardon, who played Ethan and was also the executive producer, spoke about how the locals in Mahone Bay operated with the film crew. As per The Cinemaholic, Reardon said some businesses on the main street even stayed closed for two days to aid the filming.
Meet the cast of Believe in Christmas
Featuring real-life couple Meghan Ory and John Reardon, this movie offers true on-screen chemistry between Beatrice and Ethan. Ory comes from productions such as Once Upon a Time and Chesapeake Shores. Reardon is recognized for his work in Hudson & Rex and Van Helsing.
The supporting cast includes Lindura as Emilia Rhodes, Kevin Hanchard as Porter Bryant, and Cathy Jones as Carol Crane.
This Hallmark film is a must-watch holiday pick, thanks to its lovable performances and cozy visuals that capture the essence of the festive season.