Emilie Ullerup Breaks Hallmark Tradition With ‘A Danish Christmas’: Filming in Copenhagen, Family Cameos, and Real Hygge

Emilie Ullerup has redefined holiday television authenticity by taking Hallmark Channel cameras directly to her native Denmark for A Danish Christmas, stepping into both the lead role and the executive producer chair.

Instead of relying on seasonal production shortcuts, the Chesapeake Shores alum insisted on capturing Copenhagen in the middle of winter to showcase genuine Danish culture.

The result is her most personal screen project yet, filled with real-life family cameos, local landmarks, and a deep dive into the cultural concept of hygge.

Why ‘A Danish Christmas’ Broke the Standard Hallmark Formula

A widespread misconception among holiday movie viewers is that snowy seasonal films are always shot on snow-covered backlots during the actual holidays. In reality, the vast majority of holiday cable movies film in Canadian hubs during the heat of mid-summer, relying on artificial snow and digital post-production tricks.

Ullerup deliberately broke that industry pattern.

She fought to secure an authentic winter shoot directly inside Copenhagen during December, ensuring real seasonal energy was baked into every exterior scene.

“After all, how often do you get the chance to make a Danish Christmas movie? You simply can’t recreate the magic of Christmas in Copenhagen.”

Serving as an executive producer allowed Ullerup to protect the cultural details of her homeland throughout production.

Bringing True ‘Hygge’ to American Screens

At the center of the film is the Danish tradition of hygge, an elusive cultural concept centered around warmth, comfort, and cozy contentment.

“Hygge is difficult to explain because it’s more of a feeling, and that’s exactly what I wanted audiences to experience.”

To keep the project grounded in genuine connection, Ullerup recruited several of her own relatives to appear directly on screen:

• Her Mother and Sister: Spotted in seasonal background scenes across the city.
• Her Nephew: Included in holiday gathering moments.
• Her Cousin: Plays Marie’s corporate boss during the movie’s opening sequence.

The Story Behind the Copenhagen Romance

In the film, Ullerup stars as Marie, a Chicago hotel tech executive who travels back to Copenhagen to spend the holidays with family and lend a hand at the Andersen Inn.

Chaos begins when guest Ryan Miller, played by Corey Sevier, checks into the property. A case of mistaken identity convinces Marie that Ryan is an influential travel writer.

Facing the reality that her mother plans to sell the inn after the New Year, Marie scrambles to revive an old holiday tour itinerary once run by her late father. Her goal is simple: secure a glowing review that could save the family property.

A string of lighthearted festive fiascos follows as Marie attempts to manufacture the perfect Danish holiday experience. When the real travel journalist finally turns up, Marie discovers that genuine connection cannot be forced on an itinerary.

💬 Emilie Ullerup showed how stepping behind the camera can transform a classic holiday romance into a rich cultural tribute.

✨ Between the genuine Copenhagen landmarks and personal family cameos, the project brings rare authenticity to seasonal cable television.

📱 Drop your thoughts in the comments below: Did you spot all of Emilie Ullerup’s family cameos during the film?

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