Jonathan Bennett Reveals What Time of Year Is Best to Shoot a Christmas Film — and His Answer Is Surprising! (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jonathan Bennett in December 2022.Photo:Emily Assiran/Getty

Emily Assiran/Getty

Jonathan Bennettis used to getting in theholiday spirityear-round.

The actor, 43, who has starred in numerousChristmas-themed projects — including the recently releasedSeason’s Greetings from Cherry Lane—tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that there is a certain time of year when it is better to shoot a festive film.

“Normally, we shoot our Christmas movies during thesummer,” he says. “So you’re wearing all these heavy clothes, but you’re, like, sweating buckets underneath them. You’re just drenched in sweat under all your fur coats.”

“But this year, I got to do something for the first time ever in my life, which isshoot a Christmas movie at Christmas,” Bennett continues. “So for the first time ever, I was actually in warm clothes, because I needed to be in warm clothes. So that was really fun.”

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Jonathan Bennett with Milana Wan and Vincent Rodriguez III in ‘Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane.'.Jeff Weddell/Hallmark

Jeff Weddell/Hallmark

According to Bennett, shooting a holiday-themed film during one part of the year, as opposed to the other, does stand out, however.

“I’m not going to lie. I kind of like shooting in the summer better,” the star — who will soon be documenting theNew Year’s Eveball drop withSnapchat, and previouslyshared BTS looks at his latest holiday projecton the social media platform — says.

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“I’ve complained about it for so long … [but] actually, it’s much more efficient in the summer. Because in the winter, you’re cold, and the crew moves a little slower, and you move a little slower,” Bennett continues.

“Where in the summer, it’s hot, and I think there’s more vibrancy to everyone on set,” adds theMean Girlsalum.

Jonathan Bennett in ‘Finding Mr. Christmas.'.Kim Nunneley/Hallmark Media

Kim Nunneley/Hallmark Media

Bennett documented himself filming his untitled Christmas film in anInstagram poston Monday, Dec. 16.

“This the season for making movies,” he wrote in his caption.

“For the first time in my life I’m shooting a Christmas movie at actual Christmas time,” he added in text over the seconds-long clip.

source: people.com