Oy to the World Brings Hanukkah Magic to Hallmark Channel

It’s that time of year again. The Hallmark Channel is decking the halls with snowflakes, cozy flannel, and those heartwarming love stories that make even the grumpiest among us reach for a mug of hot cocoa.

This year, though, there’s a twist. The network is lighting both the menorah and the Christmas tree in Oy to the World!, a holiday special that blends Hanukkah humor with Christmas charm.

Premiering Sunday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m., this film promises a festive mashup of faiths, feelings, and more than a few awkward moments involving a Hanukkah bush. With Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein leading the charge, Hallmark is giving viewers a reason to celebrate the season with a little more chutzpah than usual.

The Setup: When Faiths Collide (in the Nicest Possible Way)

At the heart of Oy to the World! is a classic Hallmark setup: two people from different worlds, forced to work together, sparks flying, and love brewing. But this time, the stakes are higher—and a little more interfaith.

When the water lines at Temple Beth Am burst, the congregation suddenly has nowhere to celebrate Hanukkah. Enter St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, just across the street, whose kindhearted members offer to share their space.

The timing? Couldn’t be more dramatic. The final night of Hanukkah lands right on Christmas Eve, setting the stage for a holiday collision of traditions.

As if that weren’t enough, the two people in charge of pulling off this inter-religious music benefit are St. Joseph’s youth choir director (Brooke D’Orsay) and Temple Beth Am’s substitute youth choir director (Jake Epstein). Cue the romantic tension, nostalgic flashbacks, and a few musical numbers that might just make even the Grinchiest viewer grin.

High School Rivals Turn Holiday Co-Conspirators

Turns out, these two have a past. Once high school rivals—and, of course, secret crushes—they’re now thrown back together in the most Hallmark way possible.

The chemistry between D’Orsay and Epstein is undeniable, even when they’re bickering over menorah placements or debating tinsel versus dreidels. The film leans into their tension with the right amount of awkwardness, making it easy to root for them long before the first snowflake falls.

Expect plenty of will-they-or-won’t-they moments, complete with longing glances and accidental hand touches. There’s even a climactic scene that’s bound to melt more than just candles.

It’s the kind of slow-burn romance that Hallmark fans wait for—and this time, it’s wrapped in both blue-and-white and red-and-green ribbons.

The Cast: Familiar Faces and Fresh Festivities

Brooke D’Orsay is no stranger to Hallmark holiday magic. With credits like A Not So Royal Christmas and A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love, she’s practically the network’s poster child for holiday cheer.

Her ability to balance sincerity with comedic timing gives her character the right mix of warmth and wit. Opposite her, Jake Epstein brings a musical pedigree that raises the bar for Hallmark’s usual fare.

Known for his Broadway turn as Gerry Goffin in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Epstein’s presence means the musical numbers in Oy to the World! are more than just background filler—they’re showstoppers.

Together, D’Orsay and Epstein create a dynamic that feels authentic and endearing. Their banter is sharp, their chemistry is real, and their mission—to unite two communities through song—gives the story a purpose beyond the typical romance.

Supporting Cast and Musical Moments

The leads shine, but the supporting cast brings real charm. From the well-meaning but slightly overzealous church committee to the rabbi with a knack for comedic timing, every character adds a little humor and heart.

The interfaith choir scenes deliver some of the film’s best moments, blending traditional Hanukkah tunes with classic Christmas carols in a way that feels both respectful and refreshingly fun.

• Jake Epstein’s musical background ensures the benefit concert scenes sparkle with genuine talent.
• Brooke D’Orsay’s comedic chops bring levity to even the most sentimental scenes.
• The ensemble cast keeps the story grounded, reminding us that community spirit is the true star of any holiday celebration.

The Humor: Oy, the Laughs!

Hallmark is known for its wholesome humor, but Oy to the World! takes things up a notch with a delightful dose of Jewish wit. From jokes about the Hanukkah bush to confusion over latkes versus fruitcake, the film finds comedy in cultural collisions without ever crossing into cliché.

The humor feels affectionate, not forced, letting both traditions shine. One preview clip shows the duo browsing menorahs in a store that looks suspiciously like HomeGoods, exchanging small talk that’s as cringeworthy as it is adorable.

It’s in these small, relatable moments that Oy to the World! finds its real charm. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously—it’s self-aware, sweetly silly, and tuned to the Hallmark audience’s appetite for feel-good fun.

Balancing Laughter and Love

No Hallmark movie would be complete without a touch of sentimentality. Between the laughs, Oy to the World! explores themes of community, understanding, and the beauty of shared celebration.

The humor never undercuts the message—it actually enhances it. By embracing both the absurd and the heartfelt, the film crafts a story that feels timely, inclusive, and joyfully human.

Why This Movie Matters

In a sea of Christmas-centric programming, Oy to the World! stands out. It’s a reminder that the holidays are richer when everyone’s included.

By weaving Hanukkah traditions into the fabric of a classic Hallmark love story, the film broadens the network’s holiday universe without losing its signature charm.

For viewers who’ve long wished for more representation on the holiday screen, this movie feels like a genuine gift. It’s not just about lighting candles or trimming trees—it’s about finding common ground, even when traditions differ.

When and Where to Watch

Oy to the World! premieres Sunday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. on the Hallmark Channel. Streaming’s available the next day on Hallmark+.

Can’t catch it live? No worries—the network has plenty of encore showings lined up:

• Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 26, at 8 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 2, at 8 a.m.

So grab your cocoa, light the menorah, and settle in for a story that proves love—and laughter—don’t really care about boundaries. Oy to the World! isn’t just another holiday movie; it’s a celebration of connection, community, and the magic that happens when two worlds come together under one twinkling sky.

Final Thoughts: A Hallmark Miracle with a Twist

I’ve covered holiday movies for thirty years now, and honestly, *Oy to the World!* nails that Hallmark vibe—comfort, a dash of romance, and just enough predictability. But there’s a twist this time that feels fresh.

It’s sweet, but not syrupy. The humor lands without trying too hard, and the inclusivity feels genuine, not tacked on. I’d say it’s a solid pick for your holiday queue.

Maybe you’re in it for the romance, or the music, or just the way it brings different traditions together. Either way, you’ll probably finish with a smile.