Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas has begun and, as TDS’ self-appointed biggest Hallmark movie fan, I’m here to give you the scoop on some of the commonly used filming locations.
How did I figure them out? Some good old fashioned internet sleuthing which, in some cases, also included Google image searches. Read on to see what movies were filmed where—plus, if you’d like to get into the game, I have a location I haven’t identified yet. If you know, feel free to chime in and share your knowledge!
Abbortsford Recreation Center: Ice Experience Arena
2499 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
You’ll recognize this location from movies including (but far from limited to): Three Men & A Baby; It’s Christmas, Eve; A Magical Christmas Village, and Hearts of Winter.
This was one of the toughest for me to crack, but I finally figured out this adorable rink is the Abbotsford Recreation Center (or ARC for short). The ARC has multiple rinks but this one with the pretty background and more natural atmosphere is called the Ice Experience. You can book time here if you’d like to strap on some skates and give it a go. Admission ranges from free to $9.10 depending on your age. Bring your own helmet—they’re required for kids under age 8 and there are only limited numbers available to rent.
Bonus: I’m pretty sure the ARC Main Rink was used in Ice Palace Romance.
Newslands Golf & Country Club
21025 48 Ave, Langley, British Columbia, Canada
This gorgeous glass ballroom is the Newlands Golf & Country Club. It has been featured in movies including Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Make Me a Match, Perfect Match, Perfect Match: Wedding Bells, and Perfect Match (2015) with Danica McKeller.
If you didn’t think this space was gorgeous enough in the movies, a quick look at the photos on the club’s website certainly should convince you. It’s a full service, all-inclusive wedding venue and the photos speak volumes as to how lovely it is even in real life.
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gQnu2RToQ/
Dundurn National Historic Site
610 York Blvd, Hamilton, Ontario
This 40-room Italianate-style villa was built in the 1830s and was featured in A Not So Royal Christmas (2023) with Will Kemp and Brooke D’Orsay. When not being featured as a European castle on TV, it’s open as a historical attraction. You can get a guided tour and your admission will also gain you access to The Hamilton Military Museum.
According to Atlas Of Wonders, some of the interior shots were also filmed at Dundurn, but the ballroom is actually the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Fun fact: Dundurn Castle was also a filming location for Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy” and the movie Crimson Peak (just to name a few).
Picture credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Jt91hrRJL/?img_index=1
Peles Castle, Romania
Aleea Pelesului 2, Sinaia, Romania
I’m positive you recognize this castle as it has been used in many movies—and not just Hallmark ones. Beyond Royal Matchmaker and A Princess For Christmas, Peles Castle was also used in all three Netflix’s Christmas Prince films.
This spectacular castle was built by the first King of Romania starting in 1873. It was inaugurated in 1883 and was used as a summer residence before being enlarged to its current form starting in 1890 until its completion in 1914.
Image credit: Peles National Museum
Foxglove Cottage
Langley, British Columbia
This charming location that has doubled for both France and Vermont (to name only a few) is actually in Langley, British Columbia. It has been featured in Hallmark’s Summer Villa, Wedding Bells, The Wedding Cottage, and Butlers in Love—but it has quite a storied Hollywood history.
Until I started digging, I had no idea this home had also been used in Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and The Age of Adaline. TV shows such as “Riverdale,” “Arrow,” “Supernatural,” and “Once Upon A Time” have also used this filming location, too.
Image credit: IMDB
Starling Lane Vineyard
5271 Old West Sannich Rad, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Who doesn’t love an adorable greenhouse for a wedding? Starling Lane Vineyard’s greenhouse is a delightful setting for a small gathering and it has been used in at least two Hallmark movies: The Wedding Veil Inspiration and The Last Bridesmaid.
Beyond the greenhouse, the vineyard actually has a number of agricultural heritage significant buildings dating from the 19th century that add to the property’s charm.
Downtown Abbotsford
A recent Instagram post by Downtown Abbotsford said it looks like a postcard and honestly, I can’t disagree. Established in 1891, this historical neighborhood is, well, picture perfect. I’m positive this is why it has been chosen so many times to be the backdrop for Hallmark Movies.
Go ahead and Google Spruce Collective at 2622 Montrose Avenue in Downtown Abbotsford and you’ll likely recognize this charming shop. It was “Cutter Springs Men’s Wear” in A Timeless Christmas and “Henie Printing & Gifts” in Christmas Crashers (and see below—it was “Worldly Charm” in A Very Merry Bridesmaid). It’s been a while since I’ve seen Hope At Christmas or Sleigh Bells Ring, but I’d be willing to bet those also feature Downtown Abbotsford.
Another address that might look familiar is the small white building next door to the Spruce Collective at 2626 Montrose Avenue. I’ve spotted this small white building a number of times in Hallmark Movies, including in Truly Madly, Sweetly, where Nikki Deloach’s character inherits half a bakery (and this picture is from A Very Merry Bridesmaid). Sometimes this location has window boxes, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it always looks cute.
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
This filming location is probably one of the most commonly used in Hallmark Christmas movies. Look for it in Christmas Land, Timeless Christmas, Christmas in Evergreen (all), The Sweetest Christmas—just to name a few off the top of my head.
The Burnaby Village Museum was built 53 years ago as a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Province of British Columbia joining Canada. It started as a single street and manor house to illustrate how a small pioneer village may have looked around the turn of the 20th century. The museum has continued to grow and now spans 10 acres and is free to visit (except for special events).
Image credit: IMDB
558 248 Langley, British Columbia
I’ve seen this house in Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses, Coming Home for Christmas, and Marrying Mr. Darcy. It’s a private home and, as you can see, is currently listed for sale for a cool $9,450,000. I found one listing that includes interior pictures in case you’re curious.
Now let’s discuss my mystery location!
Do you know this spot?
I’ve seen this property featured in Season for Family, Christmas Crashers, and Love at First Bark (I’m pretty sure on this one, but I’ll also admit it’s been a while).
You would think with that unique vaulted ceiling, this one would be easy to identify, but the struggle is real—I haven’t been able to figure out (yet). Do you know? If you do, please tell me in the comments!
Finally, although I haven’t figured out the designer yet, I have started to notice a jacket make a repeat appearance in Hallmark movies. It’s a women’s trench coat—available in both mint green and red—that has a very distinctive gold collar detail. So far I’ve noted it’s been in: Noel Next Door (mint green), Never Kiss A Man in a Christmas Sweater (mint green), Christmas at Dollywood (red), and Christmas Crashers (red).
If you love Hallmark movies like I do, don’t miss the FREE bingo cards I make every year. Here are 2023’s (this blog includes links to all the previous ones, too) and 2024’s are coming soon!
