Hallmark Announces New Film For This Year’s Countdown To Christmas That Will Take Us Straight To Santa’s Village

It may only be March but for our pals at Hallmark Channel, the holidays are a year round business. In February, when our ornaments were barely back in their boxes, they announced their first title for the 2024 lineup for Countdown to Christmas, Santa Tell Me, which will reunite When Calls the Heart stars Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing. 

Now we have news of the second movie for this year’s highly anticipated holiday offerings and they are pulling out all the stops on this one. Hallmark is taking us straight to Santa’s Village. 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) is currently in production filming in Iceland and Finland. And yes, this includes filming at the world-famous Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle located in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Per a press release from Hallmark, here is the official synopsis for The Finnish Line:

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.

Samantha DiPippo, SVP of Development and Programing for Hallmark Media said, “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. Along the way viewers will get to 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.”   

We do not yet have a premiere date but will update you once we do. All signs point to the 15th Annual Countdown to Christmas being the best one yet.