The 5 Unexpected Secrets Behind 'A Paris Christmas Waltz' That Made It A Holiday Hit
Released in late 2023, but continuing to trend on streaming platforms into the 2024/2025 holiday season, A Paris Christmas Waltz has cemented its place as a modern Christmas classic. This Great American Family original movie, starring Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison, delivers the perfect blend of Parisian romance, festive charm, and impressive ballroom dancing that viewers crave during the winter months. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to its heart, but also to the incredible, often-overlooked effort that went into its production, including a surprising European location twist.
The movie follows Emma Harris, a woman at a crossroads in her life who finds inspiration and a new passion after a chance encounter with Leo Monroe, a professional dancer. Their journey, set against the backdrop of the City of Lights during Christmas, is a delightful exploration of second chances and the magic of the holiday season. Below, we dive into the most fascinating details and behind-the-scenes secrets that truly define this beloved holiday film.
The Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team Biography
The success of A Paris Christmas Waltz lies largely with its talented ensemble, led by two familiar faces of television and musical theater. The film was a significant addition to the Great American Family lineup, bringing together a creative team known for delivering heartwarming, family-friendly content.
- Jen Lilley (as Emma Harris): A prolific actress in the world of romantic and holiday television movies, Lilley is known for her roles on daytime soap operas like Days of Our Lives and her extensive work with networks like Great American Family. Her character, Emma Harris, is portrayed as a woman who finds joy and confidence through the power of dance.
- Matthew Morrison (as Leo Monroe): Best known globally for his iconic role as Will Schuester, the show choir director on the Fox musical series Glee, Morrison is a seasoned Broadway and screen actor, singer, and dancer. His professional background made him a natural fit for the role of Leo Monroe, a professional dancer who guides Emma.
- Paul Freeman (as Henry): A British actor with a long career, Freeman is recognizable from films like Raiders of the Lost Ark. He brings a comforting, veteran presence to the supporting cast.
- Jade Ewen (as Giselle): A British singer and actress, Ewen is known for her time in the girl group Sugababes and for representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest.
- Director/Writers: The film was helmed by the experienced husband-and-wife team of Michael Damian (Director/Co-Writer) and Janeen Damian (Co-Writer). Michael Damian is also known for his acting career, particularly on The Young and the Restless, and the couple has a track record of successful romantic comedies.
The Surprising Two-City Filming Secret: Paris and Bucharest
One of the most captivating elements of A Paris Christmas Waltz is its stunning visual backdrop, which flawlessly captures the romantic, festive atmosphere of Paris. The movie features breathtaking shots of iconic Parisian landmarks, leading many viewers to assume the entire production was shot in the French capital.
The Magic of Paris, France
Yes, much of the movie was indeed filmed on location in Paris, France, utilizing the city’s natural beauty and iconic architecture.
The production captured cinematic scenes at instantly recognizable spots, including:
- The majestic Louvre Museum.
- The world-famous Eiffel Tower, often seen sparkling at night.
- The historic Place de la Concorde.
- The picturesque Tuileries Garden.
These locations provide the essential "City of Lights" Christmas ambiance, making the film feel like a true European holiday escape.
The Hidden Heart in Bucharest, Romania
However, the real behind-the-scenes secret is that the production was not confined to France. A significant portion of the film, including much of the interior work and, crucially, the rigorous dance preparations, took place in Bucharest, Romania.
This dual-location strategy is common for large-scale productions, using the authentic exterior beauty of a famous city while leveraging the production facilities and cost-effectiveness of another European hub like Bucharest.
The two lead stars, Jen Lilley (Emma Harris) and Matthew Morrison (Leo Monroe), spent two straight weeks practicing their complex ballroom dancing steps in Bucharest, Romania, before filming officially began.
The Intensive Dance Training and Musical Score
Unlike many holiday movies that rely on simple choreographed movements, A Paris Christmas Waltz is built around the central theme of ballroom dancing, requiring a high level of performance from its leads. This focus on authentic dance is a major reason for its positive reception and topical authority.
Matthew Morrison's *Glee* Advantage
While Matthew Morrison (Leo Monroe) is a celebrated dancer from his time on Broadway and Glee, co-star Jen Lilley (Emma Harris) was not a professional dancer.
To ensure the dancing was believable and captivating, both actors dedicated themselves to intensive dance training. The two weeks of practice in Bucharest allowed them to master the intricate steps required for the titular waltz and other routines.
The dedication paid off, as their chemistry and skill on the dance floor—culminating in the beautiful Christmas waltz—are highlights of the film, adding a layer of authenticity beyond the typical made-for-TV movie.
The Rhythmic Heart of the Soundtrack
A dance-centric film requires an equally compelling musical score. The original soundtrack for A Paris Christmas Waltz was composed by the talented Nathan Lanier.
His work ensures the music not only complements the romantic Parisian setting but also drives the emotional arc of the dance sequences. The soundtrack features a blend of classical motifs and festive tunes that perfectly capture the holiday spirit.
A notable piece featured in the film is a rendition of the "Skaters Waltz," with songwriting and composition credits shared by Larry Weir, Michael Parnell, and Tom Weir.
Legacy and Why It Continues to Trend
Despite being released in 2023, A Paris Christmas Waltz remains a highly searched and streamed title, proving its longevity beyond a single holiday season.
The film premiered on Great American Pure Flix (formerly Pure Flix) on October 17, 2023, and later found a massive new audience when it became available on Netflix in November, often featuring prominently in the platform’s holiday movie lineup.
A Formula That Works
Critics and viewers agree that the movie is a "straightforward, formulaic film" that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel.
Instead, it focuses on delivering a clean, light-hearted, and emotionally satisfying story. This predictable comfort is exactly what the target audience for Christmas movies desires: a guaranteed feel-good experience. The combination of a beloved cast, the aspirational setting of Paris, and the beautiful ballroom dancing makes it a perfect, low-stakes holiday indulgence.
The film’s success highlights the power of the "Christmas Waltz" genre, where the grand final dance is a metaphor for the characters finally finding their perfect rhythm in life and love.
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