Jessy Schram Reveals Behind the Scenes Magic of A Suite Holiday Romance
Hallmark Channel’s newest holiday romance, A Suite Holiday Romance, is already making waves among Christmas movie lovers. And it’s not just for its heartwarming story.
The film stars Jessy Schram and Dominic Sherwood and captures the magic of New York City at Christmastime. Oddly enough, it wasn’t filmed there at all.
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In a chat with Decider, Schram revealed the movie was actually shot in Winnipeg. That twist adds a bit of behind-the-scenes charm, honestly.
With taxis, traffic, and a record number of extras, the crew worked hard to recreate Manhattan’s energy. It’s wild how much detail they packed in.
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The Magic of New York—Made in Winnipeg
When you tune in to A Suite Holiday Romance, you’d probably swear you’re seeing the streets of New York. But, as Schram admitted, it’s all Winnipeg.
The team brought in yellow taxis, bustling traffic, and a sea of extras to mimic the Big Apple’s holiday glow. Director Jeff Beesley was determined to nail that New York feeling.
Schram said it worked so well that even she was fooled by some shots. Movie magic, right?
The story unfolds at the fictional Grand Fairbanks Hotel, inspired by the iconic Plaza Hotel. The hotel isn’t just a backdrop—it’s got its own personality, full of nostalgia and holiday sparkle.
The film’s heroine, Sabrina Post (Schram), is a writer who gets swept into the world of a beloved children’s book series about Cordelia, a young girl who roamed the hotel’s halls. It’s a story within a story, mixing whimsy and romance in that classic Hallmark way.
From Fictional Hotels to Real-World Inspiration
Schram admitted that while some might see echoes of Eloise at the Plaza in the Cordelia subplot, her inspiration came from somewhere else. She drew on childhood favorites like The Berenstain Bears and Matilda to capture Sabrina’s curiosity and joy.
This nostalgic touch gave Sabrina’s journey a real sense of authenticity. Anyone who grew up dreaming about magical places will get it.
Schram said she wanted to understand why Sabrina was so enchanted by the Cordelia books and how that shaped her as a writer. That thread grounds the romance in something real, not just holiday fluff.
When Sandwiches Spark Chemistry
You can’t have a Hallmark movie without a memorable meet-cute, and A Suite Holiday Romance delivers. Sabrina meets Ian Turner (Sherwood) at the hotel bar after a sandwich mix-up.
What starts as a silly misunderstanding quickly turns into something more. Schram shared that the chemistry with Sherwood was almost instant—even over Zoom at their first table read.
Sherwood’s charm and comedic timing made their on-screen connection feel easy. Off camera, the cast bonded over rounds of UNO, joking through long filming days.
That camaraderie helped set the movie’s warm, festive tone. It’s the kind of energy you can’t fake.
Building Chemistry Off-Camera
Schram credits the playful environment for making the cast’s chemistry believable. Whether swapping stories or laughing over card games, their off-screen connection added something special.
She described Sherwood as not just charming, but generous—a scene partner who always found ways to lift the moment. Their dynamic gives the movie a spark that Hallmark fans will love.
Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas Continues to Shine
A Suite Holiday Romance is part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas 2025 event, which started in October and runs through December 22. This annual tradition has become a staple for millions of viewers.
There’s a steady stream of new movies, series, and specials. Each weekend brings new premieres, and festive episodes drop on Fridays and Mondays.
Hallmark’s formula—cozy settings, heartfelt performances, and a sprinkle of holiday magic—just works. A Suite Holiday Romance fits right in, balancing humor, nostalgia, and romance in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
With Schram and Sherwood at the center, it’s set to be one of the season’s standouts. At least, that’s the vibe so far.
Why This Film Stands Out
What sets A Suite Holiday Romance apart is its layered storytelling. It’s not just about two people falling in love—it’s about rediscovering imagination and finding beauty in unexpected places.
The Cordelia subplot adds a bit of whimsy, and the Grand Fairbanks Hotel becomes a metaphor for the worlds we make when we let ourselves dream. Schram’s performance is sincere, making Sabrina both introspective and uplifting.
Sherwood’s Ian brings humor and heart, striking a balance that keeps things light but still meaningful. It’s a nice mix, honestly.
Jessy Schram’s Holiday Favorites and What’s Next
Asked about her own favorite Christmas movies, Schram didn’t hesitate—Home Alone is her top pick. Living in Chicago while filming Chicago Med has only made her love John Hughes’ classic more.
She also mentioned Love Actually as another staple. Turns out, even Hallmark stars can’t resist a good romantic Christmas movie.
Outside of Hallmark, Schram shines on NBC’s Chicago Med as Dr. Hannah Asher. As the show heads into its eleventh season, Schram teased that Hannah’s storyline will explore time, identity, and motherhood.
Hannah’s pregnancy brings emotional challenges and moments of self-reflection. Fans will get a deeper look into her journey this season.
Balancing Two Worlds: Hallmark and Chicago Med
It’s rare for an actor to balance the cozy charm of Hallmark with the high-stakes drama of network TV, but Schram pulls it off. She brings empathy and curiosity to both roles, making her performances feel genuine.
As Chicago Med continues, Schram says she’s open to returning for a Suite Holiday Romance sequel. She’s enthusiastic about revisiting Sabrina’s story—there’s more to explore at the Grand Fairbanks, for sure.
Whether it’s another Christmas tale or something different, she’s ready to step back into that world of love and imagination. Here’s hoping we get to see it.
Why Fans Will Fall in Love With A Suite Holiday Romance
At its core, A Suite Holiday Romance is about connection—between people, between past and present, and honestly, between fantasy and reality too.
This film invites you to slow down, soak up the season, and maybe even believe in the magic of unexpected encounters.
It’s got charming leads, a dreamy setting, and a message that feels like classic Hallmark holiday comfort.
- Stunning cinematography that transforms Winnipeg into a wintry version of New York. It’s a bit surreal, but it works.
- Playful chemistry between Schram and Sherwood—nothing forced, just easy and believable.
- A story within a story gives it some literary flair and a surprising amount of depth.
- Holiday nostalgia that’ll probably make you want to grab some cocoa and wrap up in a blanket. I mean, who doesn’t need that?
Schram put it nicely—she hopes viewers feel the same magic the cast felt while filming.
A Suite Holiday Romance premieres on Hallmark Channel on December 13, just in time to sneak a little extra warmth into your holiday routine.
Whether you’re a Hallmark regular or just looking for a cozy escape, this one’s likely to earn a spot on your Christmas watchlist.
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