The film was shot in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and its surroundings, primarily in the fictional town of Hope Springs, New York. This holiday romantic comedy from Netflix offers a heartwarming story about finding love and magic during the holiday season. The narrative centers on Kathy, a widow still grieving the loss of her husband, whose journey through grief takes an unexpected, whimsical turn when she meets a snowman that magically comes to life thanks to a special scarf. The film captures the holiday spirit through its charming small-town setting and blend of humor and romance, making it a familiar and cozy watch for fans of the holiday genre. It stars Lacey Chabert as Kathy, Dustin Milligan as the magical snowman Jack, and Craig Robinson as the music-loving Sheriff Hunter, exploring themes of loss, healing, and the unexpected ways love can appear.

Filming Locations:

Hope Springs Town Square, New York (fictional town square)

In the Movie

The scene where almost all the action of the film takes place was shot on picturesque Courthouse Avenue in Brockville, which served as the central square of the fictional Hope Springs. This charming town, known for its historic architecture along the St. Lawrence River, provided the perfect backdrop for the festive small-town atmosphere. The avenue effectively created the main setting for various character interactions and community events throughout the film, immersing viewers in the holiday world of Hope Springs.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Courthouse Avenue

Exterior of the Hope Springs Sheriff's Office

In the Movie

The scene where the exterior of the fictional Hope Springs Sheriff's Office was filmed at the law office of Stewart Corbett. Located at 21 Court House Avenue, this building provided an authentic facade for the local law enforcement, effectively grounding the film's narrative in a believable small-town setting. It served as a key visual anchor for Sheriff Hunter's presence and the town's administrative functions.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Stewart Corbett Law Office

Kathy's House and Neighborhood

In the Movie

The scene where Kathy's residence and the surrounding neighborhood were filmed primarily in Almonte, a picturesque small town located along the Canadian Mississippi River. This location provided the essential residential backdrop for the main character, establishing her home life and community context within the narrative. The quaint streets and charming homes authentically contributed to the cozy, small-town atmosphere central to the film's heartwarming holiday theme.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Almonte

Mel and Theo's Store, Reclaimed Rags

In the Movie

The scene where the fictional "Mel and Theo's Store, Reclaimed Rags" was opened, served as a retail location in the film. This store, located directly across from "Kathy's Cafe" on Courthouse Avenue, significantly contributed to the bustling small-town atmosphere of Hope Springs. Although the exact address of the empty store is unknown, its presence was crucial for depicting a lively local shopping district within the fictional community.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Empty store on Courthouse Avenue, across from The Keystorm Pub

Kathy's Cafe

In the Movie

The scene where Jack first tries food was filmed at The Keystorm Pub, which was transformed into "Kathy's Cafe" for the film. The interior of this popular local establishment underwent extensive renovation to authentically recreate a retro diner style, becoming a key location for the development of the relationship between Kathy and Jack. This place served as a memorable backdrop for their early romantic encounters.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at The Keystorm Pub

Alley next to reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel

In the Movie

The scene where Kathy and Jack go shopping before their date and have a playful snowball fight was filmed in the alley next to the reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel in downtown Ottawa. This urban setting, near 101 Queen Street, provided a dynamic and intimate backdrop for the memorable and lighthearted romantic interaction between the two main characters, strengthening their budding relationship amidst the festive atmosphere.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Alley next to reStays Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hope Springs High School

In the Movie

The scene where the fictional Hope Springs High School was shown was filmed at the old Century Public School in the west end of Ottawa. Although the school closed in 2017 due to declining local population, its authentic structure provided a convincing educational setting for the film's plot. This location served as an important backdrop for any school scenes or community events depicted in the film, adding realism to the fictional town.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Century Public School