Netflix’s My Secret Santa arrives wrapped in twinkling lights, cozy romance, and a dash of unexpected music, quickly earning its place among the streamer’s feel-good holiday favorites.

At the heart of the film is Alexandra Breckenridge, beloved by audiences for her long-running role as Mel Monroe on Virgin River. In this festive rom-com, Breckenridge steps into a very different role—Taylor,

a former rock musician whose life takes an unusual turn when she finds herself undercover as Santa Claus. By the time the film reaches its emotional finale, Taylor returns to the stage

for a soulful musical performance that feels like a culmination of her personal journey. The moment is tender, nostalgic, and undeniably moving. For many viewers, one question immediately followed the credits: was that really Alexandra Breckenridge singing?

The answer, as it turns out, is more layered—and more human—than fans might expect.

The Performance That Sparked Curiosity

Taylor’s final musical scene is framed as a moment of reckoning. Once a performer who walked away from the spotlight, she is forced to confront the part of herself she buried along with her dreams. The song plays as a release of long-suppressed emotion, tying together the film’s themes of rediscovery, courage, and second chances.

It’s the kind of scene that feels intensely personal, which is precisely why fans assumed Breckenridge must have lent her own voice to the track. After all, the performance feels authentic, raw, and emotionally grounded.

But in a candid interview with Us Weekly, Breckenridge set the record straight.

“It’s not my voice,” she admitted with a laugh. “I almost sang it, but that scared me more than playing Santa Claus.”

Why Breckenridge Chose Not to Sing

While some actors eagerly seize the opportunity to showcase hidden musical talents, Breckenridge approached the scene with honesty rather than bravado. Singing onscreen, especially in a climactic moment, carries a different kind of vulnerability—one she ultimately decided not to embrace this time.

Her admission resonated with fans precisely because it underscored her commitment to the character rather than her own ego. The performance wasn’t about proving she could sing; it was about telling Taylor’s story in the most effective way possible.

That said, Breckenridge didn’t entirely shy away from the musical challenge.

Yes, She Really Played the Guitar

While the vocals belonged to someone else, the guitar playing was entirely Breckenridge’s. The actress revealed that she felt more comfortable tackling the instrument, thanks to experience playing guitar when she was younger. Still, the task was far from easy.

“It was shockingly hard to play because of the reach,” she joked. “And I have very tiny pinkies.”

The detail might seem small, but it adds another layer of authenticity to the scene. Rather than faking the entire performance, Breckenridge worked diligently to ensure that what viewers saw on screen reflected real effort and skill.

Battling the Cold for Holiday Magic

As with many holiday films, the cozy atmosphere of My Secret Santa was achieved under less-than-cozy conditions. The performance scene was filmed outdoors in freezing temperatures, turning what was already a challenging musical moment into a test of physical endurance.

“I practiced many, many times,” Breckenridge told WTHR News. “But once I got out in that cold, I could barely move my fingers. I think I almost got frostbite.”

The irony wasn’t lost on fans: while the scene radiates warmth and emotional comfort, the reality behind the camera was anything but. Yet that discomfort never shows onscreen—a testament to Breckenridge’s professionalism and dedication.

From Rock Musician to Santa Claus

Beyond the musical reveal, My Secret Santa leans heavily into Breckenridge’s comedic range. Taylor’s undercover Santa storyline adds a whimsical layer to the film, pushing the actress into physical comedy and elaborate costuming that couldn’t be further removed from her Virgin River persona.

Breckenridge embraced the absurdity with enthusiasm, even if the transformation initially startled her.

“The first time they put the pieces on, without the beard and wig, I looked like a witch from Snow White,” she joked in an interview with Swooon.

The comment perfectly captures the film’s playful tone, blending humor with heart in a way that defines the holiday rom-com genre.

A Romance Rooted in Vulnerability

At the center of My Secret Santa is Taylor’s romance with Matthew, played by Ryan Eggold. Their relationship develops gently, shaped by shared vulnerability rather than grand gestures. Matthew sees Taylor not as the woman she used to be or the disguise she’s hiding behind, but as someone still capable of dreaming.

The final musical moment doesn’t just resolve Taylor’s internal conflict—it deepens the romantic arc. It’s a declaration not only of reclaimed passion, but of trust. And while the singing voice may not be Breckenridge’s, the emotional truth of the scene absolutely is.

Why the Truth Makes the Scene Even Better

In an era where audiences often expect actors to do everything themselves, Breckenridge’s transparency feels refreshing. She didn’t pretend to sing. She didn’t oversell her musical ability. Instead, she focused on delivering a performance that served the story.

The result is a scene that works because of collaboration—between actor, musician, director, and crew. It’s a reminder that movie magic is rarely the product of one person alone.

The Heart Was Always Hers

So no, Alexandra Breckenridge didn’t sing in My Secret Santa. But she didn’t need to.

The guitar playing, the emotional weight, the humor, and the vulnerability all came directly from her performance. She embodied Taylor’s journey with sincerity, allowing the character’s growth to shine without distraction.

For fans of Virgin River and holiday romance alike, My Secret Santa offers something special: a story about rediscovering joy, even when fear stands in the way. And while the voice may belong to someone else, the heart of the film unmistakably belongs to Alexandra Breckenridge.