Hallmark’s new movie “Oy to the World!” premieres on Sunday, December 14 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The film stars Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein. Read on to learn all about where it was filmed and see behind-the-scenes cast stories.
‘Oy to the World!’ Was Filmed in Canada in the Summer
“Oy to the World!” was filmed in Canada, primarily in the Kelowna, British Columbia region, according to UBCP/ACTRA. It was filmed in late July through mid August 2025.
Locals in Kelowna posted about the filming in a Reddit discussion. One person commented that they “saw them filming at the Jewish Community Center in Glenmore.”
According to KVeller.com, some scenes were filmed at the Okanagan Jewish Community Centre/Beth Shalom Synagogue in Kelowna.
“This one is funnnnn,” D’Orsay wrote on Instagram when she posted about her new movie.
Kyla O’Donovan, the music supervisor for the movie, posted on Instagram about her experience.
She wrote, in part: “Hadn’t worked on a Christmas🎄project in quite some time. And in this case, it was a Christmas ✝️ and! Hanukkah 🕎 movie. Always good to see an interfaith project. Super cute feel good movie, with some strong leads/ cast. Music packed.”
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads, “When water lines break at Temple Beth Am, it leaves its members in need of a place to celebrate Hanukkah. Across the street, St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church is quick to open its doors and offer shared space for the holidays. With the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve falling on the same day this year – something that rarely happens – the reverend and rabbi choose to offer a joint service for their congregations. But that means Nikki Roberts (D’Orsay), St. Joseph’s youth choir director, must team up with Jake Cohen (Epstein), the substitute youth choir director from Temple Beth Am, and put on a single music program. These two are old high school rivals and together, they’re ready to compete for the top prize. That’s not helping matters at a time when partnership matters most. To lead a successful fundraising effort for the temple, Nikki and Jake have to put aside their differences and learn how to work together. In doing so, they discover teamwork can move mountains and open hearts, including their own. On their big night, Nikki and Jake find a way to unite people through the power of song and prove that coming together is the best way for everyone to celebrate the holiday season.”
Brooke D’Orsay stars as Nikki. She’s known among Hallmark fans for delightful movies like “A Not So Royal Christmas,” “A Fabled Holiday,” “Wedding of a Lifetime!,” “A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love,” and more.
Jake Epstein stars as Jake. His credits include roles on “Designated Survivor,” “Suits,” “Umbrella Academy,” “Degrassi,” and more. Hallmark fans may know him for “Mistletoe Murders,” “Hearts Around the Table,” “Unwrapping Christmas,” and more.
Also starring, according to IMDb, are:
- Haven Gin (Sela)
- Juliette Hawk (Young Nikki)
- David Julian Hirsh (Rabbi Levi Cohen)
- Curtis Lovell (Dave)
- Ryder Miller (Jack)
- Shaye Quinn (Cynthia Roberts)
- Marika Stewart (Frannie)
- Samaya Stark (June)
- Wayne Corbell (Congregation member)
Paula Elle directed this film, and Rick Garman wrote it.
Loved the movie, the chemistry was fantastic between the two stars. Great singing voices as well.
Very entertaining, and so good to see how the two religions linked together with such respect for one another. Wish the whole world could learn from this union.