Hallmark Unveils Oy to the World a 2025 Hanukkah Romance

Hallmark’s back this holiday season with another sparkling, snow-dusted romance — but this time, there’s a little more *oy* than usual. The network’s 2025 Hanukkah offering, *Oy to the World*, promises to blend twinkling Christmas lights with the glow of a menorah in a heartwarming interfaith romance.

Starring Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein, the film centers on a church and a synagogue forced to share space during the holidays. That setup leads to plenty of tension, teamwork, and, naturally, love.

Some fans are rolling their eyes at the punny title. Others are genuinely curious to see how Hallmark handles this delicate dance between two faiths — and whether it can deliver a story that’s both festive and respectful.

With Hanukkah approaching, viewers are already buzzing about whether this movie will bring *more joy than oy*.

The Plot That Mixes Latkes and Fruitcake

At the center of *Oy to the World* is an *enemies-to-lovers* story — one of Hallmark’s favorite formulas, now with an interfaith twist. Brooke D’Orsay plays Nikki Roberts, a bright and determined youth choir director at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church.

Across the street, Jake Epstein steps into the role of Jake Cohen, the substitute choir director at Temple Beth Am. Once high school rivals, the two are forced to collaborate when a burst water line at the synagogue leaves its congregation temporarily homeless.

St. Joseph’s opens its doors, setting the stage for a joint Hanukkah and Christmas Eve celebration — a rare overlap that sparks both chaos and connection. As Nikki and Jake work to unite their choirs, they’re also tasked with leading a fundraising effort to help repair the temple.

What starts as a reluctant partnership soon turns into something deeper. They discover that collaboration, compassion, and a few well-placed harmonies can bridge even the widest divides.

The film’s logline teases that on their *big night*, the pair will find a way to bring people together through the power of song — and, of course, open their hearts to each other in the process.

Classic Hallmark With a Twist

Let’s be honest — no one watches a Hallmark movie expecting a plot twist worthy of Hitchcock. What keeps fans coming back is the comforting predictability: the small-town charm, the snowflakes falling at just the right moment, and the inevitable kiss under the twinkle lights.

*Oy to the World* doesn’t stray far from that formula, but it adds a meaningful layer by exploring how two faith communities can come together. Love, music, and shared humanity really do transcend differences — even when those differences involve latkes versus fruitcake.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and Fresh Chemistry

Brooke D’Orsay, known for her work in Hallmark favorites and romantic comedies, brings her signature warmth and wit to Nikki. She’s a woman trying to balance faith, community, and a growing affection for her old rival.

Jake Epstein, beloved for his roles in *Degrassi: The Next Generation* and *Suits*, is perfectly cast as the charming yet grounded Jake Cohen. Their chemistry looks to be both playful and heartfelt — the kind of dynamic that makes Hallmark fans swoon.

The supporting cast reportedly includes members of the local Jewish community in Kelowna, British Columbia, where the film was shot. Scenes were even filmed at the Okanagan Jewish Community Centre/Beth Shalom Synagogue, adding authenticity to the production.

And yes, there’s even a *very good-looking, salt-and-pepper-bearded rabbi* making an appearance. Apparently, we’re living in the *Hot Rabbi Golden Age* of television.

Behind the Scenes: A Canadian Snow Globe

Like most Hallmark productions, *Oy to the World* was filmed in Canada, where small towns and cozy community centers double as idyllic holiday backdrops. The choice to film at a real synagogue and involve local extras from the Jewish community gives the movie a more genuine feel than some past attempts at Hanukkah representation.

This attention to detail matters — especially when depicting religious traditions that often get overshadowed by Christmas glitz.

Why the Title Has Everyone Kvetching

Let’s talk about that title. *Oy to the World.* It’s clever, sure — but it’s also a little cringey.

As Kveller’s Lior Zaltzman pointed out, it’s a Christmas pun masquerading as a Hanukkah one, and for some viewers, that feels like a missed opportunity. Hanukkah deserves its own spotlight, not just a remix of a Christmas carol.

Still, the play on words captures the movie’s interfaith theme, and maybe that’s the point: bringing two worlds together, even through a groan-worthy pun. And if we’re being honest, Hallmark thrives on cheese.

The titles are supposed to make you roll your eyes and smile at the same time. It’s part of the charm — and *Oy to the World* fits that mold perfectly.

So while the pun might make some viewers mutter *oy vey*, others will be setting their DVRs faster than you can spin a dreidel.

Representation Matters — Even When It’s Corny

For Jewish viewers, Hallmark’s growing interest in Hanukkah stories is significant. In recent years, films like *Hanukkah on Rye* and *Eight Gifts of Hanukkah* have shown that there’s a real appetite for Jewish-centered romances.

Yet, as Zaltzman notes, it’s a little disappointing that *Oy to the World* appears to be the network’s only Hanukkah movie this year. Still, progress is progress — and if this interfaith story draws new audiences and sparks more inclusive storytelling, that’s something worth celebrating.

The Music: Can Hallmark Nail the Hanukkah Soundtrack?

One of the most intriguing aspects of *Oy to the World* is its musical foundation. Since both main characters are choir directors, the film naturally leans into song as a unifying force.

Fans are already speculating about which tunes might make the cut. Will we hear traditional Hanukkah melodies like *Sevivon Sov Sov Sov* or *Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages)*?

Maybe the joyful *Hanukkah O Hanukkah* or the children’s classic *I Have a Little Dreidel*? There’s even hope for a Ladino favorite like *Ocho Kandelikas* or something modern like Matisyahu’s *Miracle*.

Of course, licensing music isn’t cheap — so while we probably won’t get Adam Sandler’s *The Chanukah Song*, fans can dream. Still, the idea of hearing authentic Hanukkah music in a Hallmark film feels like a small but meaningful win.

It’s a chance for Jewish culture to shine alongside the usual Christmas carols, reminding audiences that the holiday season is richer when it includes everyone’s traditions.

When and Where to Watch

Mark your calendars — *Oy to the World* premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, December 14, at 8 p.m. ET, coinciding with the first night of Hanukkah. It’s a rare alignment of the Jewish and Christian holiday calendars, making it the perfect time for a story about shared celebrations.

Whether you’re lighting candles, trimming a tree, or just curling up with hot cocoa and a blanket, this movie promises to deliver the kind of cozy, heartwarming escapism that Hallmark does best.

Final Thoughts: More Joy Than Oy?

*Oy to the World* isn’t out to reinvent the Hallmark formula. Honestly, it doesn’t really have to.

What you get here is a warm, inclusive, and just a little bit goofy story. It’s about people connecting across faiths and finding common ground, which feels kind of refreshing.

Love stories don’t need to stick to just one tradition, do they? Sometimes the best part of the season is coming together—even if that means sharing a sanctuary or just some awkward laughs.

Alright, the title might make you roll your eyes. And sure, you’ll probably see the plot coming from a mile away, like a snowflake floating into the middle of a Hallmark town square.

But if you want a movie that blends menorahs and mistletoe, and actually tries to say something about unity—well, *Oy to the World* could be that unexpected holiday pick this year.