It’s been a few years since actor Jesse Metcalfe made a Christmas movie, so his ability to get into the holiday spirit anytime, any place, may be a tad rusty. Many Hallmark stars have grown accustomed to sweating through their festive film shoots in the middle of summer, but Metcalfe told EntertainmentNow over the weekend that he had to get out of sunny L.A. to get into the Christmas spirit.
From December 12 – 14, 2025, the “Desperate Housewives” alum attended Christmas Con in New Jersey, where thousands of holiday rom-com fans gather each year to meet each other and their favorite stars. Metcalfe told EntertainmentNow on the red carpet that before the event, he and his girlfriend, real estate agent Helene Immel, enjoyed a romantic getaway in New York City to get into the holiday spirit.
Jesse Metcalfe Took His Girlfriend Ice Skating in New York
Metcalfe, who was part of the “Chesapeake Shores” cast and has appeared in “classic Hallmark holiday movies like 2019’s “Christmas Under the Stars” and 2017’s “Christmas Next Door,” told EntertainmentNow that Christmas is by far his favorite holiday — especially when he finds a way to get into the Christmas spirit a little early.
“The thing about living in Los Angeles is that sometimes it’s hard to get into the (holiday) spirit because we don’t have the seasons,” he admitted. “It sort of feels like people don’t even celebrate Christmas.”
Metcalfe knew just where to go to find that holiday spirit. He and Immel jetted off to New York for some romantic outings in Manhattan before driving to New Jersey for Christmas Con, he said.
The “Martha’s Vineyard Mysteries” star told EntertainmentNow, “I spent some time at Rockefeller Center, I went skating with my girlfriend, we went to the top of the Rock. And that really got me in the spirit. Saw the (Rockefeller) tree. So that was a lot of fun. But yeah, I’m a big Christmas guy. Big Christmas guy.”
Jesse Metcalfe Treasures Having a Girlfriend Who Doesn’t Work in the Entertainment Industry
GettyMetcalfe, who’s had brief but high-profile romances over the years with the likes of “90210” alum Tori Spelling and “Vanderpump Rules” star Scheana Shay, started dating Immel in 2023, per People.
He told the outlet in 2024, “It’s always a good balance for someone in this crazy business to date someone outside of the entertainment industry.”
In March, he reiterated that to TooFab, saying “for a head case like me it’s great” being with someone who has a normal job and lifestyle, laughing, “I need all the support I can get.” He noted that it’s good to be with someone who’s “not tormented by this crazy industry that we’re in.”
“So, when I come home to her, I know that she’s going to comfort me, support me, she’s going to have some words of encouragement,” he said. “She’s that kind of girl.”
