For weeks after Netflix’s festive rom-com My Secret Santa lit up screens around the world, one question echoed across fan forums, comment sections, and social media feeds:

Was that really Alexandra Breckenridge singing? The Virgin River star, beloved for her soulful portrayal of Mel Monroe, delivered one of the holiday season’s most memorable finales when her character,

Taylor Jacobson, leapt onto a stage, guitar in hand, and ripped through a high-energy rendition of Chuck Berry’s Christmas classic, “Run Rudolph Run.” The moment was electric—unexpected,

joyful, and brimming with rock-and-roll confidence. For many viewers, it instantly became the emotional high point of the film. Now, Breckenridge has finally set the record straight—and the truth is just as fascinating as the scene itself.

A Finale That Stole the Spotlight

My Secret Santa builds steadily toward its musical climax. Throughout the film, Taylor Jacobson is portrayed as a woman who has learned to keep parts of herself hidden—her vulnerability, her passion, and yes, her musical side. As the story unfolds, Taylor navigates romantic uncertainty, personal doubt, and the lingering fear of stepping fully into the spotlight, both emotionally and creatively.

By the time the final act arrives, the stage performance is more than a festive flourish. It is Taylor’s declaration of self-belief. When she grabs the guitar and launches into “Run Rudolph Run,” it symbolizes her decision to stop playing it safe and start living out loud. The crowd cheers, the energy surges, and the film lands its emotional punch with confidence.

Viewers were quick to praise the scene—not only for its infectious holiday spirit, but for Breckenridge’s commanding presence. Her performance felt authentic, raw, and exhilarating. Many fans assumed they were hearing the actress’s own voice, applauding what sounded like a surprisingly powerful rock vocal.

The Truth Behind the Vocals

In an interview with Us Weekly, Alexandra Breckenridge finally addressed the speculation—and delivered a candid confession.

“It’s not my voice,” she revealed, laughing off the persistent rumors.

While some fans may have been surprised, Breckenridge’s honesty only deepened appreciation for the moment. She explained that she nearly sang the song herself, but the idea filled her with far more fear than she expected.

“I was more scared of singing than playing Santa Claus,” she admitted, referencing the pressures of performing such an iconic, high-energy song on camera.

The production ultimately decided to use a professional vocal double for the track, pairing those powerhouse vocals with Breckenridge’s impressively convincing lip-syncing. The result was seamless—so much so that even seasoned viewers struggled to tell the difference.

The Guitar? That Part Was Real

While the vocals weren’t hers, Breckenridge was quick to clarify one important detail: the guitar playing was absolutely real.

The actress dusted off her musical skills for the role, drawing on experience from her younger years. She practiced extensively to ensure her hand movements, posture, and rhythm were authentic, knowing that sharp-eyed viewers would notice even the smallest inconsistencies.

That commitment, however, came at a cost—especially given the brutal filming conditions.

Freezing Temperatures and Frozen Fingers

The musical finale was shot in Kamloops, British Columbia, during frigid winter conditions. While the scene radiates warmth and holiday cheer on screen, behind the scenes it was anything but cozy.

Breckenridge described the experience as physically punishing, particularly for her hands.

“The song is shockingly hard,” she explained, noting the intense hand stretches required to play it correctly. “I could barely move my fingers.”

The cold exacerbated every challenge. Between takes, her hands stiffened, her fingers struggled to respond, and she joked that she was dangerously close to frostbite.

“I think I almost got frostbite,” she said, half-laughing, half-wincing at the memory.

Despite the discomfort, Breckenridge pushed through, determined to deliver a performance that felt genuine. Every strum seen on screen reflects that effort—and her willingness to endure physical strain in service of the character.

A Scene That Carried the Whole Film

Beyond the technical challenges, Breckenridge admitted the musical finale carried immense emotional weight for her as an actress.

She described herself as a “nervous wreck” in the days leading up to filming the scene. Unlike quieter, dialogue-driven moments, this performance required her to command attention in a way that left no room for subtlety.

“This moment was very important,” she said. “Not just to my performance, but to the movie as a whole.”

And she’s right. The scene is the culmination of Taylor Jacobson’s journey—a turning point where personal growth, romance, and self-expression collide. If it didn’t land, the film’s emotional payoff would falter.

Instead, it soars.

Why Fans Still Feel the Magic

Even with the vocal reveal, fans continue to celebrate the moment—not as a trick, but as a testament to movie-making craft. Film performances are rarely the work of one person alone, and My Secret Santa’s finale is a perfect example of collaboration done right.

Breckenridge’s physical performance, emotional commitment, and convincing musicianship blend seamlessly with the vocals of a professional singer. The result is a scene that feels honest, exhilarating, and deeply satisfying.

In many ways, the revelation has only enhanced the appreciation for Breckenridge’s work. Pulling off such a convincing performance under pressure, in freezing conditions, while battling nerves, is no small feat.

From Virgin River to Holiday Heroine

For fans of Virgin River, Breckenridge’s turn in My Secret Santa offered a refreshing contrast to Mel Monroe’s quieter emotional intensity. Taylor Jacobson is bolder, louder, and more impulsive—and the final musical moment cements her as a classic holiday rom-com heroine.

It’s a reminder of Breckenridge’s versatility as an actress, capable of anchoring heartfelt drama and delivering festive escapism with equal sincerity.

So while the vocals may not have been hers, the heart of the performance undoubtedly was.

And as viewers continue to replay that unforgettable finale—guitar blazing, Rudolph running, and Christmas spirit soaring—one thing is certain: Alexandra Breckenridge made the moment unforgettable, exactly as it was meant to be.