Hallmark’s movie Christmas on Call, directed by Jeff Beesley, is a heartwarming Christmas romance story. The movie is about an emergency room doctor, Hannah Michaels, and an EMT, Wes Sullivan, who meet during Christmastime in Philadelphia. Hannah is new to the city and busy with her work, but Wes shows her around Philadelphia, and their bond grows stronger. The story is made even more special with the joyful Christmas vibes all around.
Where was Christmas on Call filmed?
Although the movie is set in Philadelphia, it was actually filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The filming started on May 8, 2024, and finished on May 29, 2024. Initially, the movie was called First Responders Christmas, and during pre-production, it was also referred to as Evergreen Place. The team worked smoothly together, and many crew members were locals from Winnipeg. The cast especially enjoyed filming dance scenes during the production.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, was used as the main filming location to recreate Philadelphia. Winnipeg is a beautiful city where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. It is famous for its snowy landscapes, which are perfect for Christmas movies. While Winnipeg does not look exactly like Philadelphia, the filmmakers cleverly used some exterior shots of Philadelphia to create the right atmosphere.
Downtown Winnipeg
The production team filmed many outdoor scenes in Downtown Winnipeg. This area has tall buildings and busy streets, which were decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments to create a festive mood. To make the city look like Philadelphia, the crew added fake snow on the streets and made changes like putting up new street signs and using Philadelphia police cars as props.
The Exchange District
The Exchange District in Winnipeg was another important location for filming. This area is famous for its old-style buildings and cobblestone streets, which make it look very charming. The crew decorated these places with Christmas decorations, making the setting look magical. The weather in Winnipeg during the summer was also helpful for the filmmakers, and they used local experts and financial benefits to complete the project smoothly.
Winnipeg is a popular choice for Hallmark Christmas movies. Other holiday films shot here include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Carol for Two, and Twas the Date Before Christmas.
The Amazing Cast of Christmas on Call
The main characters, Hannah and Wes, are played by Sara Canning and Ser’Darius Blain, respectively.
- Sara Canning is a talented actress known for her role as Jenna Sommers in The Vampire Diaries. She has also acted in shows and movies like A Series of Unfortunate Events, War for the Planet of the Apes, and Remedy.
- Ser’Darius Blain is famous for playing Fridge in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level. He has also appeared in American Underdog, The Big Leap, and Hallmark’s Holidazed.
Supporting Cast - The supporting cast includes: Erik Athavale as Sanjay, Reena Jolly as Danielle, Tamara Almeida as Julia, Meagan Brisebois as Kate, Alec Carlos as Scott, Lauren Cochrane as Betsy, and Paul Essiembre as Fire Chief Anderson. Other cast members include Hallmark regular John B. Lowe as Dr. Stanfield, Anjali Sandhu as Sanjay’s Sister, Isla Verot as Emmy, and Chase Winnicky as Officer Smith.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions of Christmas on Call
1: Where was Christmas on Call filmed?
A: The movie was filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Although the story is set in Philadelphia, Winnipeg served as the stand-in location with its charming urban landscapes and snowy Christmas vibes.
2: When was Christmas on Call filmed?
A: Filming took place between May 8, 2024, and May 29, 2024. Despite being filmed in the summer, fake snow and festive decorations helped create the perfect Christmas setting.
3: When is the release date of Christmas on Call?
A: Christmas on Call will premiere on November 22, 2024.
4: Who are the main cast members of Christmas on Call?
A: The lead roles are played by Sara Canning as Hannah Michaels and Ser’Darius Blain as Wes Sullivan. Supporting cast includes Erik Athavale, Reena Jolly, Tamara Almeida, and John B. Lowe.
5: Why was Winnipeg chosen as the filming location?
A: Winnipeg is a popular filming destination for Christmas movies due to its skilled local crew, historic architecture like the Exchange District, and financial incentives. It also has the flexibility to resemble various cities with the right set design and props.