Hallmark’s Twas the Date Before Christmas Filming Locations and Cast Details

Hallmark Channel’s ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas filmed entirely in Toronto, Ontario, between February 20 and March 11, 2024. The romantic comedy follows Jessie (Amy Groening), who convinces Bryan (Robert Buckley), a man she met on a dating app, to pose as her boyfriend during her family’s Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics. The film opened Hallmark’s 15th annual Countdown to Christmas on October 18, 2024, at 8 p.m. Eastern, airing on Hallmark Channel in the United States and on Canada’s W Network.

Director Bradley Walsh, whose prior Hallmark credits include Catch Me If You Claus (2023), worked from a screenplay by Ramona Barckert, whose prior Hallmark credits include For the Love of Grace (2008). Production company Cineflix Productions oversaw the 84-minute production. During principal photography the film was listed under the working title Blind Date Christmas.

Where Was ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas Filmed?

Toronto, Ontario is the sole filming location. Properties throughout the city served as both the interior setting for Chamberlain family gatherings and the outdoor venue for the holiday competition sequences that run through the film’s second act.

What the Crew Experienced on Set in Toronto

Amy Groening described the atmosphere on set in entertainment coverage of the film, calling the three-week shoot “a delightful summer camp for adults” and pointing to the crew’s collective energy as a standout element of the production. Her December 21 birthday gave the Christmas-themed project a personal dimension: she described herself in press materials as “a Christmas baby” who “actually really love[s] Christmas.” She also noted that the cold Toronto winter made wearing heavy holiday wardrobe feel appropriate rather than uncomfortable.

‘Twas the Date Before Christmas Cast

Robert Buckley as Bryan. Amy Groening as Jessie. Patrice Goodman as Shelly, Jessie’s best friend, whose small candle shop becomes a complicating factor when Bryan’s business dealings with the property surface. Mimi Kuzyk as Aunt Lilly. Sean Cullen as Marcus, Jessie’s stepdad. Karen Waddell as Laura, Jessie’s mother. James Millington as Grandpop. Christopher Jacot as Andrew. Peter Bou-Ghannam as Devi. Fabio Ricci as Xavier. Darryl Hinds as Keegan. Ava Arrindell as Haley.

Robert Buckley and Amy Groening: The Lead Actors

Robert Buckley was born on May 2, 1981, in Claremont, California. He earned an economics degree from the University of California San Diego before moving into acting. His television credits include Clay Evans in the CW drama One Tree Hill (seasons 7-9, 2009-2012) and Major Lilywhite in the CW series iZombie (2015-2019). On Hallmark Channel, Buckley wrote the story for and starred in The Christmas House (2020), which was the network’s first movie to feature a prominent LGBTQ couple; he also produced the 2021 sequel, The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls.

Amy Groening is a Canadian actor from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her screen career spans horror, drama, and romantic comedy. Prior Hallmark credits include The Santa Summit (2023), Miracle in Bethlehem, PA, and a supporting role in We Wish You a Married Christmas (2022). Beyond Hallmark, she appeared in the Atlantic Canadian drama Bone Cage (2020), which earned her a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2021 ceremony. For her work in ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas, Groening received a second nomination: Best Lead Performer in a TV Movie at the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards.

Ramona Barckert wrote the screenplay. Her prior Hallmark credits include For the Love of Grace (2008).

Hallmark released 32 new movies across its 2024 Countdown to Christmas season; the Canadian screen awards body singled out one performance from that volume for recognition in a competitive category.