The 5-Year Christmas Party, a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie, first premiered on Sunday, October 27, at 8 pm EST.
Starring Katie Findlay and Jordan Fisher, this romantic holiday tale is a mix of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas. The movie is available to stream on Prime Video and Hallmark Movies, making it easily accessible for fans eager to dive into its festive charm.
The plot of the film revolves around two former theater school rivals, Alice and Max, who find themselves working together at a bustling Chicago catering company’s Christmas parties over five years.
Filmed entirely in Metro Vancouver, The 5-Year Christmas Party showcases diverse and picturesque backdrops that embody the warmth and festivity of Christmas. Martini Town, a New York-themed backlot in Aldergrove, British Columbia, is one of the film's shooting locations.
Filming locations of The 5-Year Christmas Party
Martini Town in Aldergrove, British Columbia
A significant portion of The 5-Year Christmas Party was filmed in Martini Town, a New York-themed backlot located on a 16-acre property in Aldergrove, British Columbia.
This adaptable site boasts unique facades ranging from a movie theater with a lit marquee to a coffee shop, an urban alley, a Brownstone Street modeled after New York, and a small town square. Especially highlighted in the film, Angelina's Grocery accentuated the beauty of this area.
Metro Vancouver and Burnaby
Burnaby played a significant role in the filming of The 5-Year Christmas Party, which was primarily shot in Metro Vancouver. Burnaby, which is renowned for its diverse film-making landscapes, offers well-equipped studio spaces, urban streetscapes, and scenic parks.
The production team's utilization of artificial snow, festive decor, and cozy lighting to replicate wintry backdrops further enriched the holiday ambiance.
Hallmark's connection to Vancouver
Vancouver's appeal as a filming location for Hallmark movies is derived from its capacity to transform into a variety of cityscapes, including a bustling metropolis and a charming small town.
This adaptability, in conjunction with seasoned local crews and favorable financial incentives, is the preferred venue for holiday-themed productions. Sarah Done, the film's location manager, selected and established the sites to guarantee flawless shooting conditions.
About the plot
The 5-Year Christmas Party follows Alice and Max, two former theater school rivals, who reconnect each holiday season while working at a Chicago catering company’s annual Christmas parties.
Over five years, their chemistry grows amidst laughter, banter, and occasional disagreements. However, timing always seems to thwart romance. As the production announces its final season, Alice and Max must confront their feelings, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion that embodies the holiday spirit.
Production and direction
The 5-Year Christmas Party's principal photography took place in April 2024, with the team completing the project within 20 days—typical for Hallmark productions.
Director Peter Benson praised the cast, particularly Katie Findlay and Jordan Fisher, for their dedication and on-screen chemistry, which became pivotal to the film’s success.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on The 5-Year Christmas Party and similar projects as the year progresses. The movie is currently streaming exclusively on Hallmark and Prime Video.