‘Tis the Season for Setups is a 2026 holiday romance comedy movie from Hallmark Media. It is directed by Jeff Beesley and written by Elena Zaretsky.
The main cast includes Amanda Schull, Victor Webster, Barbara Niven, Verity Marks and John B. Lowe, with Cherrel Bergen and Zachary Cox in supporting roles.
Lexi is a hyper-organised single mum and party planner. She is hired to run the holiday party at a ski resort, and she brings her free-spirited mother June and her teenage daughter Piper along. She clashes right away with Ridge, the ski instructor and son of the lodge owner. When they notice a spark between June and Ridge’s dad, Dan, they call a truce and try to set their parents up.
The movie premiered on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel, as the first film of the 17th Countdown to Christmas. It was on Hallmark+ the next day, and it runs about 84 minutes.
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When and Where Was ‘Tis the Season for Setups Filmed?
| Film Name | ‘Tis the Season for Setups |
|---|---|
| Genres | Romance, Comedy, Holiday |
| Filming Locations | Banff, Alberta, Canada (reported) |
| Filming Dates | spring 2026, reported |
| Cinematography by | Paul Suderman |
| Release Date | October 16, 2026 |
The movie was filmed in Canada, and a news feature says the snowy backdrop includes Banff, Alberta, Canada. Paul Suderman handled the cinematography, and this film is reportedly filmed in spring 2026.
📍Banff, Alberta
This is the only location we could confirm from a news source. A Niagara Frontier Publications feature says the movie was filmed against a Christmas backdrop that includes snowy Banff. Banff sits in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. In the story, Lexi and Ridge work at a mountain ski resort that is called Suncreek in one summary. We could not confirm which ski hill, lodge or street stands in for it. Our Canada page lists more films shot across the country.
Visiting: Banff is inside Banff National Park, so please check Parks Canada’s pass rules and winter road conditions before you travel. It is best not to assume that any particular lodge was used.
A few unofficial listings name Winnipeg, Whistler and other places in British Columbia. They disagree with each other, and we found no Hallmark or news source for them, so we are not treating them as confirmed. We will add any new location as soon as it is confirmed. If you like Hallmark movies shot in Canada, our guides to Mr. & Mrs. Christmas and A Knight to Remember are good next reads.
‘Tis the Season for Setups Behind the Scenes
To make your search for ‘Tis the Season for Setups filming even more interesting, here is what the cast has shared so far. Amanda Schull told Niagara Frontier Publications that she and Barbara Niven spent hours in the car together going to and from set. Victor Webster brought his dog Nova to work every day, so she became an honorary member of the cast. Barbara Niven also posted a behind-the-scenes video from the set.
Fun fact: Schull said kissing Webster while he was wearing skis was a challenge, because he is so tall. For another Hallmark romantic comedy, take a look at Nothing But Love.
We will add more cast and crew Instagram posts and set photos here as soon as they are shared.
Is There Any Trailer Available for ‘Tis the Season for Setups?
Yes. Hallmark released a trailer for the movie before its October 16 premiere. It shows Lexi and Ridge on the slopes, and you can watch it on Hallmark’s official social channels.
In the US, it premiered on Hallmark Channel and is on Hallmark+. Hallmark movies repeat through the Countdown to Christmas season, so please check the schedule for re-air times. In Canada, it premiered on W Network at 8pm ET/PT on October 16, according to Reelgood, and it can be streamed on STACKTV.
FAQs
Q1: Where was ‘Tis the Season for Setups filmed?
A1: It was filmed in Canada. A news feature says the backdrop includes snowy Banff, Alberta. We could not confirm the exact ski resort.
Q2: When was ‘Tis the Season for Setups filmed?
A2: We could not confirm exact dates. Some listings point to spring 2026.
Q3: Is the ski resort in ‘Tis the Season for Setups real?
A3: We could not confirm which real resort was used. The resort in the story is fictional.
Q4: Who is in the cast of ‘Tis the Season for Setups?
A4: Amanda Schull plays Lexi and Victor Webster plays Ridge. Barbara Niven, Verity Marks and John B. Lowe also star.
Q5: Who directed ‘Tis the Season for Setups?
A5: Jeff Beesley directed it, from a script by Elena Zaretsky.
Q6: Where can I watch ‘Tis the Season for Setups?
A6: It aired on Hallmark Channel in the US and is on Hallmark+. In Canada, it aired on W Network.
‘Tis the Season for Setups was filmed in Canada, with Banff named as the snowy backdrop.
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