Hallmark Channel Films First Christmas Movie on Location at Santa’s Village in the Arctic Circle with “The Finnish Line”

An arctic adventure awaits as Hallmark Channel takes viewers on an incredible dog sled ride throughout Iceland and Finland with a stop at the world-famous Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle located in Rovaniemi, Finland. Hallmark Channel announces its second original holiday movie for 2024 with The Finnish Line, starring Kim Matula (Checkin’ It Twice, The Bold and the Beautiful), Beau Mirchoff (Hidden Gems, Good Trouble), and Nichole Sakura (Superstore, Ghosts). This year viewers can expect to see all-new movies in several locations around the world as Countdown to Christmas reaches a major milestone with its 15th anniversary.

“We can’t wait to take our viewers to Finland who will fall in love with a story about perseverance and family tradition, while also falling in love with a beautiful team of sled dogs,” said Samantha DiPippo, SVP of development and Programming, Hallmark Media. “Along the way viewers will get so experience Santa’s hometown, giving everyone an inside look at where all the magic happens year-round at Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle.”

Inspired by her father’s acclaimed legacy in dog sled racing, Anya (Matula) decides to follow in his footsteps. After his passing, she heads to Finland to participate in the 40th annual Joulurauha race, her father’s final race where he fell short of the victory. Following an injury to her lead dog during the qualifying race, Anya finds herself partnered with a new canine companion owned by journalist and former racer Cole, (Mirchoff) who aims to pen a story about her journey. Struggling to build trust with her new dog and facing her father’s rival, Monty, (Páll Sigþór Pálsson, Mr. Murphy) Anya must navigate many challenges as she strives to win the race.

The Finnish Line is from Hallmark Media. Andrew Gernhard is the executive producer and Molly Mayeux, Búi Baldvinsson and Arnar Knútsson serve as producers, along with line producer Thora Margrétardóttir. Dustin Rikert directs from a script by Talia Gonzalez & John Bellina, Nicole Drespel.

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