Christmas in spring: Mahone Bay, N.S., gets festive for a new Hallmark film
Mahone Bay's streets are lined with Christmas decor and there's snow on the ground as local actors descend on the picturesque town.
The town along Nova Scotia's South Shore is getting into the Christmas spirit extra early this year, playing as a backdrop to a new Hallmark movie.
"This movie is called 'Christmas Land' and it is about a town that is devoted to Christmas and we're shooting in Mahone Bay where the town is devoted to Christmas," said actor Meghan Ory.
Each year, Mahone Bay hosts a community-wide celebration called "Father Christmas," where the town is dressed in holiday style, twinkling lights and Christmas spirit is felt throughout.
"When we came to ask about filming here, we said, 'Would you have any interest in decorating the streets?' And they said, 'Well, we can do it with our Christmas decorations,'" said actor John Reardon.
"Christmas Land" stars and is produced by Halifax-based actors, as well as real-life married couple, Meghan Ory and John Reardon.
"Coming here and then having all this support from the community... I think the whole town is in background today, background performers," said Reardon.
Local Tracey Nolan dresses up in a candy cane-inspired outfit during "Father Christmas" each year.
She says she was eager to get involved in the movie-making.
"They had a volunteer page put up on Facebook for people in the town to come in and volunteer to be extras, background," said Nolan.
Chris Acker owns a convenience store in Mahone Bay. His business is one of many decked out for the movie.
"I think it's good for the community to get involved," said Acker.
"Christmas Land" will be available for viewing this holiday season.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.