The holiday season has officially arrived on Netflix, and with it comes a heartwarming story that’s capturing the hearts of audiences around the globe. My Secret Santa,
the latest Christmas romantic comedy starring Alexandra Breckenridge, isn’t just winning fans for its charming performances — it’s also turning heads with its breathtaking winter scenery.
From snow-covered slopes to cozy, fire-lit lodges, this festive film offers a visual feast that perfectly complements its heartwarming story.
For viewers, the magic of My Secret Santa begins with its setting. While the narrative centers on love, surprises, and holiday cheer, it is the striking winter landscapes that elevate the movie into something truly cinematic. Filmed primarily in British Columbia, Canada, the production team selected locations that would bring the story’s snowy, magical aesthetic to life. Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, served as the centerpiece of the film’s alpine world. With its sprawling ski slopes, charming village streets, and picture-perfect lodges, Sun Peaks Resort provided a real-life postcard for audiences to escape into.
From the moment the credits roll, viewers are transported into a world where winter’s beauty is front and center. Alexandra Breckenridge’s character navigates the quaint streets of the resort, braving frosty air and twinkling lights, all while discovering romance and holiday wonder. The filmmakers’ meticulous attention to detail — from the snow-dusted rooftops to the warm, inviting interiors of the lodge — creates an immersive experience that feels both intimate and grand. Every frame is carefully constructed to evoke nostalgia for a classic Christmas season while offering modern storytelling charm.
But the film doesn’t confine itself to the snowy slopes of Sun Peaks alone. Downtown Kamloops provided additional festive backdrops, including bustling streets lined with twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and local shops that exude small-town warmth. These scenes, paired with the resort’s alpine scenery, offer a layered portrayal of a winter wonderland that feels both real and magical. Fans have noted that the seamless blending of these locations enhances the romance and charm of the movie, making each moment feel authentically festive.
It’s no wonder viewers have taken to social media to praise the film’s visual storytelling. Comments and posts across platforms are overwhelmingly positive, with fans calling My Secret Santa “the best Christmas movie this year.” Many highlight how the snow-draped mountains, cozy lodges, and charming streets create the perfect backdrop for the central love story. Alexandra Breckenridge’s warm and engaging performance only amplifies this effect, making the romantic arc feel heartfelt against the wintry setting.
The film’s cinematography plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of the holiday season. Wide-angle shots of the resort’s ski slopes, aerial views of snow-blanketed forests, and intimate close-ups inside fire-lit cabins all work together to immerse viewers in a world where every scene is infused with seasonal magic. The filmmakers clearly understood that Christmas isn’t just about romance and comedy — it’s also about creating an atmosphere that transports audiences into a world of wonder and joy. In that sense, My Secret Santa succeeds brilliantly.
Beyond the visuals, the movie’s story complements the setting perfectly. Breckenridge’s character, navigating love and unexpected surprises during the holiday season, finds herself entangled in a charming tale of romance, secret admirers, and heartfelt revelations. The snowy village and bustling town streets aren’t just pretty scenery; they act as narrative catalysts, shaping her journey and providing the perfect environment for her personal growth and romantic encounters. Every snowy walk, festive party, and cozy lodge conversation is heightened by the authentic winter atmosphere that the filming locations offer.
Fans have also commented on the authenticity and warmth of the locations. Unlike some Christmas movies that rely heavily on studio sets or artificial scenery, My Secret Santa roots its magic in real places. Sun Peaks Resort, with its vibrant village and expansive alpine slopes, brings a sense of realism and scale that enhances the romantic and festive elements of the film. Meanwhile, the streets of downtown Kamloops, adorned with twinkling lights and seasonal decorations, provide an accessible charm that viewers can relate to — a reminder of the cozy holiday spirit many experience each year.
This combination of performance, story, and setting has made My Secret Santa stand out among this year’s holiday releases. Alexandra Breckenridge, already celebrated for her work on Virgin River, delivers a performance that’s both engaging and nuanced. Her charm, emotional depth, and comedic timing perfectly match the film’s festive tone. The scenery around her amplifies every laugh, smile, and tender moment, allowing audiences to feel fully immersed in the seasonal magic.
Moreover, the film’s timing couldn’t be better. Released during the holiday season, My Secret Santa captures the yearning for connection, joy, and warmth that defines Christmas movies. Viewers seeking comfort, romance, and the visual delight of winter landscapes will find all of that — and more — in this Netflix original. The combination of Breckenridge’s magnetic presence and the breathtaking filming locations creates a cinematic experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.
It’s worth noting that the film’s production team clearly understood the importance of choosing locations that could serve as both narrative and visual anchors. Sun Peaks Resort isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Its snowy slopes, cozy lodges, and charming village streets interact with the story, influencing how characters move, interact, and discover romance. Similarly, Kamloops’ downtown brings a festive authenticity that keeps the story grounded while allowing the magic of Christmas to shine through.
Critics and fans alike have praised this careful balance. Reviews highlight how the film “transports viewers to a winter wonderland” and “makes the perfect use of British Columbia’s natural beauty.” Audiences have echoed these sentiments, often noting that the film’s locations make the romantic storyline feel more real, more vibrant, and more emotionally resonant. In short, the scenery elevates the story, creating a holiday experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
As Netflix continues to expand its roster of holiday content, My Secret Santa demonstrates the power of combining a strong lead performance with thoughtfully chosen locations. Alexandra Breckenridge’s portrayal of the lead character, set against the majestic beauty of Sun Peaks Resort and the cozy charm of Kamloops, showcases the kind of immersive storytelling that modern audiences crave. The film isn’t just another Christmas rom-com; it’s a visual and emotional celebration of the season, designed to make viewers feel warmth, nostalgia, and joy all at once.
Ultimately, My Secret Santa stands as a testament to the synergy between talent, story, and setting. Its breathtaking filming locations, carefully chosen to enhance every romantic and comedic beat, create a cinematic world that feels real yet magical. Combined with Breckenridge’s captivating performance, the film has earned its place in viewers’ hearts and on social media as a standout Christmas release.
For fans of holiday films, winter wonderlands, and heartfelt romance, My Secret Santa offers everything you could hope for: dazzling scenery, enchanting performances, and a story that captures the spirit of the season. It’s no surprise that audiences are already calling it “the best Christmas movie this year.” Whether you’re curled up by the fire, sipping hot cocoa, or watching with family, the film’s snowy landscapes and charming village scenes promise to make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
My Secret Santa is streaming now on Netflix, inviting viewers to step into a world where romance, festive cheer, and breathtaking scenery combine to create a holiday experience like no other. With its dreamy locations and Alexandra Breckenridge’s undeniable charm, this film is poised to become a new seasonal classic — one that audiences will return to year after year.