Hallmark’s latest Countdown to Christmas film, “Christmas on Duty,” airs Saturday, November 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Janel Parrish and Parker Young. Read on to learn all about where the movie was filmed and see behind-the-scenes stories.
‘Christmas on Duty’ Was Filmed in Utah
“Christmas on Duty” was filmed on location in Utah in March, including in Midway, South Salt Lake City, and Heber City.
In a public Facebook group for Hallmark fans, one group member shared behind-the-scenes photos of the movie being filmed in Midway, Utah. She happened upon the filming on March 31 and wrote: “I asked about the faux snow, which was soapy foam used for firefighting. Very interesting!!”
(In an interview with Movieguide, Parrish noted that some other scenes did have real snow. She said it was “the first time I’ve ever filmed a Christmas movie where there was actually real snow, that was pretty magical. There’s a scene where we’re outside and it’s full snowing and that’s real snow. And I remember looking at Parker and being like, ‘This is wild. I can’t believe this is our job.'”)
In the photos shared in the Hallmark Facebook group, you can see a Kringle’s Toy Store, Christmas decorations, along with a photo of Parrish in a military uniform talking on her phone.
In an Instagram post, Parrish said they filmed some scenes “in the mountains of Utah.” She shared other behind-the-scenes pictures and videos in her post.
Parrish told Movieguide in an interview that she “fell in love with Utah” while filming.
“I fell in love with Utah itself and the nature and I fell in love with the people… Our crew were just some of the kindest people,” she said.
Aleta Myles, who also stars in the movie, wrote on Instagram, “Because my dad loved @hallmarkchannel movies, being a part of this felt kismet. I’d catch him watching something, sit down ‘just for a minute,’ and before I knew it, I’d watched the whole thing with him. 😅 I love Christmas and the holiday season, so being part of spreading a little Christmas magic feels extra special. Also, working with @jakevanwagoner and seeing him and the crew in their element was like, ‘oh, so y’all can do anything… Noice!!'”
Some Scenes Were Filmed at an American Legion Post in Salt Lake City
According to an article posted on American Legion’s website, some of the movie’s scenes were filmed just before Easter at the American Legion Post 112 in South Salt Lake City, Utah.
Post 112 played the role of a fictional post used in the movie’s storyline.
Executive producer Ryan Murphy told the American Legion, “The cast, crew and members of the American Legion post in Salt Lake had a terrific time filming on location, using the authentic space and involving actual members.”
Pete Floor, manager of Post 112, told the American Legion: “I’m very proud our post is going to be featured as a representation of The American Legion. And I love that it’s a story about the military.”
Parker Young told the American Legion that he has numerous friends who have served in the military, including as SEALs, and he strived to represent them as authentically as possible in his lead role.
Some Scenes Were Filmed at Wigglish Toys & Games in Heber City, Utah
Wigglish Toys & Games in Heber City, Utah, posted on Instagram that some scenes were filmed on location at the toy store.
The social media account wrote, “We had a little Hollywood magic right here in Heber! Hallmark filmed part of their new movie [Christmas On Duty] right inside Wigglish last summer — and we couldn’t be more excited to see our toy store on screen! PREMIERES Saturday November 1 8/7c. Streams the next day on Hallmark+. Keep an eye out for familiar shelves and a few of your favorite toys making their movie debut!”
Antonio Charity, who stars in the movie as Col. Clarkin, shared some behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram as well.
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis for “Christmas on Duty” reads: “Blair and Josh have been bitter rivals ever since they trained together at The Basic School in Quantico, where they were both at the top of the class, competing to be number one. After graduation, Blair got Josh’s dream job, and they haven’t spoken since. Three years later, their paths cross unexpectedly at the base holiday party, where the two get into an argument and cause a scene. As punishment, Blair and Josh are both assigned to Christmas Duty, where they’ll work through the Yuletide together…for 24 hours straight. They plan to stay away from each other, but when a snowstorm prevents all the Christmas presents from being delivered to base, they are forced to team up for a special mission…to save Christmas.”
Parker Young stars as Josh. He was the co-lead of “The United States of AI” for two years and had a recurring role on “9-1-1 Lonestar,” according to his Hallmark bio. He’s also known for roles on “Imposters,” “Enlisted,” “Suburgatory,” “Twenties,” and “Going Dutch.”
Janel Parrish stars as Blair. Her many credits include “Les Miserables,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Perfectionists,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “Christmas is Cancelled” by Lionsgate, and more. Hallmark fans know her for numerous movies like “Sugarplummed,” “Never Been Chris’d,” “Haunted Wedding,” “Family History Mysteries,” “Coyote Creek Christmas,” and more.
Also starring in the movie, according to IMDb, are:
- Theo Turner (Tate)
- Bruce Brockett (Marine Lieutenant)
- Antonio D. Charity (Col. Clarkin)
- John Forker (Parade watcher)
- Tina Gallo (Lori Cannon)
- Stephanie Howell (Wife shopkeeper)
- Peter Jacobson (Richard Birch)
- Adam Johnson (Warehouse worker)
- Ezra Moreland (Fred)
- Rocky Myers (Captain Peters)
- Aleta Myles (Zoe Butler)
- Teresa Norvick (Donna)
- Scott Reeves (Cliff Cannon)
- M. Serrano (USAA Rep)
- Kinsey Simpkins (Marine)
- Melanie Stone (Amanda Cannon)
Not impressed with this movie!
She looked like she stepped out of Vogue in the.military. It was just a mess. No thanks!
Absolutely loved it. Everyone did a great job. Great, cute story. Reminded me of my military days and marrying a military man!!
Thanks Cast/Crew & Hallmark!