Hallmark Channel’s heartwarming holiday movie, “My Christmas Family Tree,” debuted on Saturday, November 13, bringing festive cheer to viewers. Starring Aimee Teegarden, Andrew Walker, and James Tupper, the movie quickly became a holiday favorite. Let’s delve into the details of where this Christmas movie magic was created and introduce you to the talented cast that brings the story to life.
Filming in the Scenic Landscapes of Canada
“My Christmas Family Tree” was filmed against the picturesque backdrop of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Director Jason Bourque announced the wrap of shooting on September 16 on Instagram, revealing that filming had commenced in August. The Vancouver region, known for its stunning natural beauty and film-friendly infrastructure, provided the perfect setting for this Christmas tale.
Director Jason Bourque shares a post about wrapping up filming for My Christmas Family Tree in Vancouver, showcasing the beautiful location.
Cast member Georgia Mae Orchard also shared a photo on Instagram confirming Vancouver as their filming location, tagging her on-screen father, James Tupper, in the post. Even amidst filming a snowy Christmas movie, the cast and crew experienced warmer temperatures. Bourque humorously shared a post about retreating to his air-conditioned trailer during a 26 degrees Celsius day while filming a “snowy Christmas tree farm scene.” Andrew Walker playfully responded, highlighting the contrast between the summer weather and the winter theme of the movie.
Andrew Walker shared insights into his character’s emotional depth in an interview. He revealed the effort he put into understanding his role, particularly the experience of loss his character endures. Walker created a backstory for his character, emphasizing the sentimental value of a watch to connect with the character’s grief and journey.
Meet the Stars of “My Christmas Family Tree”
The movie centers around Vanessa, who, after taking a Family Tree DNA test, discovers a family she was unaware of. This revelation sends her on a journey to meet them during Christmas. Let’s introduce the cast who embody these characters:
Aimee Teegarden as Vanessa
Aimee Teegarden takes on the lead role of Vanessa. A seasoned actress, Teegarden is well-known for her role as Julie Taylor in the beloved series “Friday Night Lights,” spanning 76 episodes. Her diverse portfolio includes appearances in “The Rookie,” “A New Year’s Resolution,” and “Once Upon a Christmas Miracle,” showcasing her versatility in both drama and holiday-themed productions. Other notable credits include roles in “The Ranch,” “Notorious,” “Star-Crossed,” and “90210.”
Beyond acting, a quote attributed to Teegarden on IMDb reflects her personal philosophy: “Whatever you do, be happy with you. Don’t conform. You are who you are, and you shouldn’t change that for anybody.” Adding a fun personal touch, her dog Gizmo even has an Instagram account, offering fans a glimpse into her life off-screen.
Andrew Walker as Kristopher
Andrew Walker portrays Kristopher in “My Christmas Family Tree.” A Hallmark Channel regular, Walker has become a familiar face in holiday movies. His extensive Hallmark filmography includes titles like “The 27-Hour Day,” “Christmas Tree Lane,” “Sweet Autumn,” “Christmas on My Mind,” and “Merry & Bright.” His range extends beyond holiday films, with credits in “God Bless the Broken Road,” “Love in Design,” and appearances in series like “When Calls the Heart” and “Against the Wall.”
Andrew Walker smiles warmly, representing his role as Kristopher in My Christmas Family Tree and his established presence in Hallmark movies.
Walker’s dedication to his roles is evident in his approach to character development, as seen in his preparation for “My Christmas Family Tree” by creating a detailed backstory and using personal items to deepen his connection with the character.
James Tupper as Richard
James Tupper plays Richard in the movie. With a career spanning television and film, Tupper is recognized for his roles in “Big Little Lies” as Nathan Carlson and “Revenge” as David Clarke. Hallmark audiences may recognize him from the “Emma Fielding Mysteries” series. His diverse acting experience includes roles in “The Hardy Boys,” “A Million Little Things,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Men in Trees,” showcasing his ability to portray a wide range of characters.
Tupper brings his experience and depth to the role of Richard, adding to the film’s compelling family dynamic.
Ava Telek as Caitlin
Ava Telek embodies the character Caitlin in “My Christmas Family Tree.” Telek has appeared in other holiday films, including “Finding Santa” and “Christmas She Wrote,” making her another familiar face in the genre. She also has credits in series like “Riverdale,” “Rogue,” and “The Magicians,” demonstrating her versatility across different genres.
Telek’s experience in holiday movies and television adds to the ensemble cast’s charm and talent.
Georgia Mae Orchard as Emilia
Georgia Mae Orchard plays Emilia, marking her first credited role on IMDb. “My Christmas Family Tree” serves as Orchard’s debut, offering a fresh face to Hallmark audiences. Her Instagram posts from the set reveal her enthusiasm and connection with the cast, particularly James Tupper, who plays her on-screen father.
Though new to IMDb credits, Orchard’s performance as Emilia adds to the heartwarming family dynamic at the heart of the movie.
Supporting Cast:
The movie also features a talented supporting cast including: Mike Carpenter, Kendall Cross, Colby McClendon, Lisa Paxton, Aadila Dosani, Kapila Rego, Monique Helbig, VG Winter, Aiden Wang, Allan Wang, Nyha Huang Breitkreuz, Ranon Lucas, John Perrotta, Marcie Nestman, Robert Egger, Brenda Bauder, and Cruiser the dog as Mickey.
A Heartwarming Holiday Story
“My Christmas Family Tree” offers viewers a touching story about family discovery and the spirit of Christmas. With its charming cast and beautiful Vancouver setting, the movie provides a perfect dose of holiday warmth. For fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and those looking for a feel-good story, “My Christmas Family Tree” is a delightful addition to the holiday movie lineup.
