The Hallmark Channel’s newest Countdown to Christmas movie, “Hanukkah on the Rocks,” premieres on Friday, December 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The movie stars Stacey Farber, Daren Kagasoff and Marc Summers. Read on to learn all about where the movie was filmed and see behind-the-scenes cast moments.
‘Hanukkah on the Rocks’ Was Filmed in Winnipeg, Canada
According to Tourism Winnipeg, “Hanukkah on the Rocks” was filmed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Executive producer Joey Plager told Niverville Citizen about turning a Chinese restaurant in Canada into the fictional deli, Gilbert’s Deli in Chicago, for the movie.
“We’ve taken down all of their décor that suggests that it’s a Chinese restaurant, and instead brought in a lot of elements that show that it looks like a deli with various signs and all of the appropriate food,” Plager shared.
The restaurant in question, Gan’s Kitchen, shared on Instagram to post about the filming.
“Apologies for being closed for a couple of days this week!” the wrote. “We’ve been keeping busy with something super exciting – our restaurant was undergoing a transformation for an upcoming Hallmark movie, Hanukkah on the Rocks! 🎥✨ Can’t wait until the movie airs! Thank you for your understanding and continued support! The restaurant re-opens today.”
The new movie may remind you a bit of the Winnipeg-shot Hanukkah on Rye, which turned the old Winnipeg Free Press café into a busy delicatessen. This time, the action moves away from dueling delis and instead focuses on a corporate lawyer, played by Farber, who suffers a career setback in Chicago.
The “on the rocks” theme ties to the central setting of the film: a bar, filmed at Wee Johnny’s Pub in Winnipeg’s East Exchange District, Niverville Citizen shared. Additional scenes were filmed in and around Niverville.
The Casting Workbook also posted about looking for leads and supporting roles, clarifying that the shooting would start on or about Sept 9, 2024, and end around Sept 29, 2024. They also wrote: “We are committed to diverse, inclusive casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to disability, race and ethnicity, age, color, or national origin. ALL ROLES BELOW ARE OPEN TO ARTISTS OF ANY RACE. Please approach dialogue with Standard American English.”
Actor Marc Summers posted a picture on Instagram, writing: “Broadcaster Ben Aron said he can’t wait to see the first movie I ever starred in! It’s Dec 13 on Hallmark. Hanukkah on the Rocks! Be there”
Meet the Cast
Hallmark’s synopsis reads:
One week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory finds herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the career she’s dedicated years to. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles. Her search leads her to Rocky’s, an Old Town bar, where she encounters Jay, a charming doctor from Florida, his grandfather Sam and a cast of quirky regulars who make her rethink everything. Torn between keeping her job loss a secret and embracing a newfound sense of belonging, Tory ends up bartending at Rocky’s, transforming it into the vibrant “Hanukkah on the Rocks” celebration. Through festive food, drinks, and games, she revitalizes the bar, bonds with Jay, and finds the courage to pursue her true calling. As Tory navigates the holiday, she learns that sometimes a detour can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be, lighting the way to a future filled with joy, romance, and self-discovery.
Stacey Farber is Tory. According to her bio, she’s well known for her role on “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” She’s also recently been on “Virgin River” and “Superman & Lois.” Her other credits include “UnREAL,” “Chicago Justice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Saving Hope,” and more. She was also in the Hallmark film “Butlers in Love” and “A Season for Family.”
Daren Kagasoff is Jay. He’s known for “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” along with “Delirium,” “The Village,” “Devotion,” and more.
Also starring in the movie, according to IMDb, are:
- Marc Summers
- Marina Stephenson Kerr
- Lauren Cochrane
- Sharon Bajer
- Dan De Jaeger
- Cora Matheson
- Verity Marks
- Braden Blair
- Dutchess Cayetano
- Carolina Campos
- Felix Montgomery
- Derek Kun
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Where Was ‘Hanukkah on the Rocks’ Filmed? See Cast Stories & Locations