Ottawa sparkles in new Christmas romance starring Degrassi alum

Move over Paris and Sicily—this holiday season, Ottawa’s stepping into the spotlight as the ultimate winter wonderland.

The city, often the unsung hero of countless holiday films, is finally getting its moment to shine in Magic on Set, a heartwarming Christmas romance that doubles as a love letter to Canada’s capital.

Starring Melinda Shankar from Degrassi: The Next Generation, alongside Chad Connell, Sarah McVie, and Simba Yakibonge, the film blends cozy Hallmark-style storytelling with the real-life charm of Ottawa’s snowy streets and festive traditions.

Written by local talent Graeme Archibald—who somehow juggles a day job as a public servant with his screenwriting passion—this movie doesn’t just tell a story. It invites audiences to experience Ottawa’s magic firsthand.

From skating on the Rideau Canal to savoring a warm Beavertail, Magic on Set is more than a movie. It’s a seasonal travel guide wrapped in romance, nostalgia, and a whole lot of holiday sparkle.

Ottawa Finally Becomes the Star of the Show

For years, Ottawa’s played the backdrop for countless holiday productions from networks like Hallmark, Lifetime, and Netflix.

The city itself has rarely been acknowledged, often disguised as a generic small town or festive village. Magic on Set changes all of that.

Instead of hiding behind fictional names, Ottawa steps into the spotlight as a character in its own right. This film doesn’t just use the city as a set—it celebrates the capital’s unique blend of urban sophistication and small-town warmth.

Audiences will see the city’s most recognizable landmarks featured prominently, from the grandeur of the Fairmont Château Laurier to the bustling energy of the ByWard Market.

Add in the twinkling lights of the city’s Christmas market, and you have a film that feels both cinematic and deeply authentic.

A Local Screenwriter’s Dream Come True

Behind the cozy charm of Magic on Set is the passion of Ottawa native Graeme Archibald.

By day, he’s a public servant, but when a call for Christmas movie scripts went out, he submitted his story. His script was chosen, and what emerged was a narrative that perfectly captures both the magic of the holiday season and the spirit of his hometown.

Archibald’s perspective brings an authenticity to the film that no outsider could replicate. He knows the traditions, the quirks, and the hidden gems that make Ottawa special, and he weaves them right into the story.

The Story: Romance Meets Holiday Magic

At the heart of Magic on Set is Sarah, an actor from California who finds herself in Ottawa to film a holiday movie.

But while the cameras roll, Sarah struggles to find her own Christmas spirit. Enter David, a local baker with a heart of gold who not only whips up delicious treats but also rescues dogs in his spare time.

Their chance encounter sparks a journey through Ottawa’s most festive experiences, from skating on the frozen canal to sipping hot cocoa after a chilly evening out.

As Sarah rediscovers the joy of the season, she also discovers the possibility of love.

It’s the kind of storyline holiday movie fans crave—cozy, romantic, and filled with just enough magic to make you believe in the season again.

But what sets this film apart is how deeply rooted it is in Ottawa’s traditions and culture. This isn’t a generic winter town; it’s a real city with real traditions, and audiences are invited to step right into it.

Why Ottawa Works as a Holiday Setting

Ottawa has something unique to offer that few other cities can match. It’s an urban hub with government buildings, museums, and vibrant markets, but it also has a cozy, small-town vibe during the winter months.

The snow-draped streets, historic architecture, and festive lights create the perfect backdrop for a holiday romance. And then there are the traditions: bundling up against the cold, skating on the Rideau Canal, indulging in a warm Beavertail pastry, and warming your hands with a cup of hot cocoa.

These aren’t just holiday clichés—they’re genuine parts of the Ottawa experience.

This combination of urban sophistication and small-town coziness makes Ottawa stand out from other filming locations.

Where many holiday films take place in fictional towns, Magic on Set proudly embraces the city’s identity, giving audiences a chance to see its beauty in full display.

From Screen to Reality: Inspiring Film Tourism

One of the most exciting aspects of Magic on Set is how it taps into the growing trend of film tourism.

Just as Emily in Paris inspired fans to flock to France and The White Lotus turned Sicilian resorts into must-visit destinations, Ottawa is poised to welcome visitors eager to experience the magic they saw on screen.

The film highlights real locations that audiences can visit, making it easy for fans to recreate their favorite scenes.

• Fairmont Château Laurier – The city’s iconic castle-like hotel, perfect for a winter getaway.
• ByWard Market – A bustling hub of shops, restaurants, and festive holiday décor.
• Ottawa Christmas Market – Where twinkling lights and seasonal treats create the ultimate holiday atmosphere.
• Rideau Canal – The world’s largest skating rink, offering a quintessential Canadian winter experience.

For both locals and tourists, the film becomes an invitation to step into a winter postcard. Whether it’s gliding across the canal or indulging in a sweet pastry, fans can live out their own version of Magic on Set right in the heart of Ottawa.

The Cold Adds to the Charm

Yes, Ottawa winters are famously frigid, but that’s part of the city’s charm.

As Ottawa Tourism’s Sarah Laturnus explains, the cold isn’t something to shy away from—it’s something to embrace. Bundling up, braving the chilly air, and then rewarding yourself with a steaming cup of cocoa is part of what makes the season so special.

The film captures this spirit, showing that the beauty of Ottawa in winter isn’t despite the cold, but because of it.

A Special Premiere and Where to Watch

Before its wider release, Magic on Set is getting the red-carpet treatment with a special screening at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto on October 15.

Cast members, filmmakers, and notable Canadians will gather to celebrate the film’s debut. But fans won’t have to wait long to see it themselves.

Starting in November, the film will be available to stream for free on Ottawa Tourism’s YouTube channel, and it will also be featured as part of Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment lineup.

Why Magic on Set Matters

At first glance, Magic on Set might seem like just another cozy Christmas romance, but it’s much more than that.

It represents a shift in how holiday films can showcase real places, turning them into destinations that fans want to explore. For Ottawa, it’s an opportunity to finally be recognized not just as a filming location, but as a star in its own right.

The film blends heartfelt storytelling with authentic local flavor, giving audiences both the warm fuzzies of a holiday movie and a genuine appreciation for the city it celebrates.

For holiday movie fans, travel enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good winter romance, Magic on Set is the perfect blend of fiction and reality. It’s not just about watching a love story unfold—it’s about discovering a city that embodies the spirit of the season.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa’s always been Canada’s capital, but with *Magic on Set*, maybe it’s about to be the capital of Christmas romance, too. There’s something about those snowy streets and old traditions that just works.

The city’s got this quiet charm—like it’s showing off, but in a cozy, low-key way. Against all odds, it really does stack up with the classic holiday movie settings.

Honestly, it’s more than just a film. It’s this celebration of place and tradition, and that little spark when love and the holidays bump into each other.

So, yeah, grab some cocoa. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Let yourself fall for the characters—and maybe, just a little, for Ottawa, too.

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This draft is ~1,050 words. Would you like me to add a **”Top 5 Things to Do in Ottawa This Holiday Season”** section at the end to make it even more lifestyle-driven and SEO-friendly?