Kumari Shreya
Directed by Jake Helgren, GAF’s ‘My Best Friend’s Christmas,’ AKA ‘Christmas Sweethearts,’ is a romantic comedy movie about a young woman named Ashley. After returning home for Christmas, she learns that her cousin Bella is engaged to Grant, her high school sweetheart. Still not over her feelings for him, Ashley is devastated, though she does not want to ruin her cousin’s happiness. When she discloses her dilemma to her best friend, Liam, the latter decides to crash the family’s holiday celebrations and pretend to be her boyfriend.
However, what starts as a ruse to deflect attention soon becomes something far more real than the two friends had expected. With its captivating backdrops and a heartwarming storyline, the rom-com has gained much attention from viewers. Naturally, fans of the Christmas movie are eager to know where all its breathtaking scenes were shot. Well, we are here to explore the same and more!
My Best Friend’s Christmas Filming Locations
‘My Best Friend’s Christmas’ was filmed in California, specifically in Idyllwild and Los Angeles. The movie’s principal photography began under the name ‘Crashing Christmas’ in February 2019 and was wrapped up in the first half of March of the same year. Now, let’s explore these locations in a bit more detail.
Idyllwild, California
‘My Best Friend’s Christmas’ was primarily lensed in Idyllwild, a small town in the San Jacinto mountains. It served as the central shooting spot mainly due to the abundant snow in the area. Given that most of the movie is set in a small town, Idllywild ‘s picturesque backdrops helped create the perfect atmosphere for the story. The beautiful backdrops and the breathtaking views in this mountainous town bolstered the movie’s visual side by a significant amount.
Actor Colton Little, who essays the role of Liam, has fond memories of filming in Idyllwind thanks to the town’s beauty and the friendly nature of the cast and crew. During the production, cast members stayed in beautiful mountain cabins where they would unwind after working for the day and often enjoyed card games, wine, and dance parties. Interestingly, Colton had to share a room with Tanner Novlan, who plays Grant and formed a great friendship with him.
Idllywind’s charm, especially during the early months of a year, is hard to resist for anyone. Filmmakers take advantage of the snowy landscapes to create a magical Christmas environment that one cannot help but fall in love with. Over the years, the town has hosted the production of many beloved movies like ‘The Wrecking Crew’ and ‘A Merry Christmas Match.’
Los Angeles, California
Additional portions of ‘My Best Friend’s Christmas’ were taped in Los Angeles, California’s largest city and the second-most populous one in the US. As the heart of the western entertainment industry, it has long been a production hotspot for movies and TV shows. Los Angeles and its surroundings are home to several well-known filming studios that provide state-of-the-art facilities. Some hit movies shot in the City of Angels include ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story‘ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’
My Best Friend’s Christmas Cast
Actress Breanne Hill plays Ashley Seever in ‘My Best Friend’s Christmas.’ The actress is well-known for her work in ‘The Nature of Romance’ and ‘Deadly Assistant.’ As mentioned, the talented Colton Little acts as Liam Marsh, Ashley’s friend. Little has essayed notable roles in ‘Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem‘ and ‘The Victorians.’ Moreover, Tanner Novlan stars in the GAF rom-com as Grant Hines; the actor has gained recognition for his performances in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and ‘Roswell, New Mexico.’
Other cast members include Masiela Lusha (Bella Vega), Beth Broderick (Sheila Seever), Trevor Eve (Winston Seever), and Autumn Federici (Gwen). Furthermore, Josh Cowdery (Martin), Sophia Stephens (Deborah), John D. Hickman (Vinnie the DJ Santa), and Leslie Stratton (Katrina) appear in pivotal roles.
Read More: Where was GAF’s Love at the Christmas Contest Filmed? Who is in the Cast?
